May-June Devotional Journal 2013

2013DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

1 MAy - 30 JUNE

RedeemedforgloRy

Meet an iRResistible GodLive an iRResistible Life

Be an iRResistible church

RedeemedforgloRy

Meet an iRResistible GodLive an iRResistible Life

Be an iRResistible church

RedeemedforgloRy

contents

Foreword By Senior Pastors 8

Guide To Using This Devotional Journal 10

Morning Prayer 12

Calendar (May-June 2013) 14

May Devotion

May 1, Wednesday: Work Is Worship 16

May 2, Thursday: Home-making Is Holy 18

May 3, Friday: What Does God Say Of Me? (1) 20

May 4, Saturday: What Does God Say Of Me? (2) 22

May 5, Sunday: Review, Reflect and Response 24

May 6, Monday: What Does God Say Of Me? (3) 26

May 7, Tuesday: The Heart Of The Matter (1) 28

May 8, Wednesday: The Heart Of The Matter (2) 30

May 9, Thursday: Divine Secrecy 32

May 10, Friday: What We Cannot See 34

May 11, Saturday: What We Cannot Know 36

May 13, Monday: How God’s Word Works 40

May 14, Tuesday: God Has Already Said 42

May 15, Wednesday: Saved From Serving To Serving 44

May 16, Thursday: Honour Of Serving Jesus 46

May 17, Friday: Honour For Serving Jesus 48

May 18, Saturday: The Nile Or The Lord? 50

May 20, Monday: How Sin Works 54

May 21, Tuesday: Mercy In Wrath 56

May 22, Wednesday: God’s Incredible Mercy! 58

May 23, Thursday: Mocking God’s Mercy 60

May 24, Friday: If God Is For Us 62

May 25, Saturday: Worship God Rightly 64

May 27, Monday: Why Fight To Lose? 68

May 28, Tuesday: Do You See The Cross? 70

May 29, Wednesday: Be Anxious About Tomorrow 72

May 30, Thursday: Hope For A Humble Heart 74

May 31, Friday: Perils Of A Proud Heart 76

contents

Foreword By Senior Pastors 8

Guide To Using This Devotional Journal 10

Morning Prayer 12

Calendar (May-June 2013) 14

May Devotion

May 1, Wednesday: Work Is Worship 16

May 2, Thursday: Home-making Is Holy 18

May 3, Friday: What Does God Say Of Me? (1) 20

May 4, Saturday: What Does God Say Of Me? (2) 22

May 6, Monday: What Does God Say Of Me? (3) 26

May 7, Tuesday: The Heart Of The Matter (1) 28

May 8, Wednesday: The Heart Of The Matter (2) 30

May 9, Thursday: Divine Secrecy 32

May 10, Friday: What We Cannot See 34

May 11, Saturday: What We Cannot Know 36

May 13, Monday: How God’s Word Works 40

May 14, Tuesday: God Has Already Said 42

May 15, Wednesday: Saved From Serving To Serving 44

May 16, Thursday: Honour Of Serving Jesus 46

May 17, Friday: Honour For Serving Jesus 48

May 18, Saturday: The Nile Or The Lord? 50

May 20, Monday: How Sin Works 54

May 21, Tuesday: Mercy In Wrath 56

May 22, Wednesday: God’s Incredible Mercy! 58

May 23, Thursday: Mocking God’s Mercy 60

May 24, Friday: If God Is For Us 62

May 25, Saturday: Worship God Rightly 64

May 27, Monday: Why Fight To Lose? 68

May 28, Tuesday: Do You See The Cross? 70

May 29, Wednesday: Be Anxious About Tomorrow 72

May 30, Thursday: Hope For A Humble Heart 74

May 31, Friday: Perils Of A Proud Heart 76

contentsJune Devotion

June 1, Saturday: When God Keeps Repeating Himself 78

June 2, Sunday: Review, Reflect and Response 80

June 3, Monday: God Won’t Change His Mind 82

June 4, Tuesday: God Does Change His Mind 84

June 5, Wednesday: How God Works 86

June 6, Thursday: That You May Know God 88

June 7, Friday: What Is Knowing God? 90

June 8, Saturday: Do I Desire To Know God? 92

June 10, Monday: God Making Himself Known 96

June 11, Tuesday: To Know Him And To Make Him Known (1) 98

June 12, Wednesday: To Know Him And To Make Him Known (2) 100

June 13, Thursday: I Have Allowed You To Remain 102

June 14, Friday: Weak And Foolish God 104

June 15, Saturday: What God Cares For Most 106

June 17, Monday: Amazing Grace! 110

June 18, Tuesday: Do Not Say In Your Heart 112

June 19, Wednesday: Have The Canaanites Heard The Gospel? 114

June 20, Thursday: Rahab The Harlot 116

June 21, Friday: I Have Sinned 118

June 22, Saturday: Sensitivity To Sin 120

June 24, Monday: When We Walk In The Light 124

June 25, Tuesday: How Long? 126

June 26, Wednesday: Don’t You Realize? 128

June 27, Thursday: What The Locusts Have Eaten 130

June 28, Friday: Two Kinds Of Darkness 132

June 29, Saturday: After All, He Is Lord! 134

Worship Songs 138

contentsJune Devotion

June 1, Saturday: When God Keeps Repeating Himself 78

June 3, Monday: God Won’t Change His Mind 82

June 4, Tuesday: God Does Change His Mind 84

June 5, Wednesday: How God Works 86

June 6, Thursday: That You May Know God 88

June 7, Friday: What Is Knowing God? 90

June 8, Saturday: Do I Desire To Know God? 92

June 10, Monday: God Making Himself Known 96

June 11, Tuesday: To Know Him And To Make Him Known (1) 98

June 12, Wednesday: To Know Him And To Make Him Known (2) 100

June 13, Thursday: I Have Allowed You To Remain 102

June 14, Friday: Weak And Foolish God 104

June 15, Saturday: What God Cares For Most 106

June 17, Monday: Amazing Grace! 110

June 18, Tuesday: Do Not Say In Your Heart 112

June 19, Wednesday: Have The Canaanites Heard The Gospel? 114

June 20, Thursday: Rahab The Harlot 116

June 21, Friday: I Have Sinned 118

June 22, Saturday: Sensitivity To Sin 120

June 24, Monday: When We Walk In The Light 124

June 25, Tuesday: How Long? 126

June 26, Wednesday: Don’t You Realize? 128

June 27, Thursday: What The Locusts Have Eaten 130

June 28, Friday: Two Kinds Of Darkness 132

June 29, Saturday: After All, He Is Lord! 134

Worship Songs 138

FoReWoRD BY senIoR PAstoRs

At the annual listening retreat in September last year, we distinctively heard the passionate call of God for His people to walk in intimacy with Him. There is nothing radical about this invitation. Since the Garden of Eden, God has not stopped issuing this call for us to walk closely with Him. It’s the modern man who has often worked God out of the equation and subtracted Him from our daily lives. Hence in 2013, one of the primary expressions of our redeemed life is to meet the irresistible God through our in-house devotional.

We will not only walk through the book of Exodus as our devotional but we will also include 35 days of the Lent season to prepare us for Good Friday and Easter. Other important topics will be included to enhance our spiritual intimacy with God.

The Book of Exodus is the overarching frame for this daily devotional.

Exodus is about meeting with God. Israel reached the foot of Mount Sinai after leaving Egypt. There, God renewed His covenant made with Abraham, with Israel as a nation (Ex 19). The covenant renewal took place when “Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God… at the foot of the mountain” (Ex 19:17). God stated very clearly His purpose for redeeming Israel — “They shall know that I am the LORD their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them” (Ex 29:46).

MEET THE IRRESISTIBLE GOD!

The God whom we shall meet in Exodus is an irresistible God. Throughout the whole Exodus narrative, the people of God faced various situations and obstacles en-route the Promised Land. But God proves Himself as the great Redeemer! He is the irresistible God — “There is no one like Me in all the earth”. (Ex 9:14)

Exodus is all about meeting this irresistible God. What was true of Israel as a covenant people is also true of us today as the New Covenant people of God.

May you meet and experience the irresistible God this year, and find Him too irresistible not to follow!

Ps Tony and Ps Kay Kiong

Exodus is all about meeting this

irresistible God. What was true of Israel as a covenant people is

also true of us today as the New Covenant

people of God.

FoReWoRD BY senIoR PAstoRs

At the annual listening retreat in September last year, we distinctively heard the passionate call of God for His people to walk in intimacy with Him. There is nothing radical about this invitation. Since the Garden of Eden, God has not stopped issuing this call for us to walk closely with Him. It’s the modern man who has often worked God out of the equation and subtracted Him from our daily lives. Hence in 2013, one of the primary expressions of our redeemed life is to meet the irresistible God through our in-house devotional.

We will not only walk through the book of Exodus as our devotional but we will also include 35 days of the Lent season to prepare us for Good Friday and Easter. Other important topics will be included to enhance our spiritual intimacy with God.

The Book of Exodus is the overarching frame for this daily devotional.

Exodus is about meeting with God. Israel reached the foot of Mount Sinai after leaving Egypt. There, God renewed His covenant made with Abraham, with Israel as a nation (Ex 19). The covenant renewal took place when “Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God… at the foot of the mountain” (Ex 19:17). God stated very clearly His purpose for redeeming Israel — “They shall know that I am the LORD their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them” (Ex 29:46).

MEET THE IRRESISTIBLE GOD!

The God whom we shall meet in Exodus is an irresistible God. Throughout the whole Exodus narrative, the people of God faced various situations and obstacles en-route the Promised Land. But God proves Himself as the great Redeemer! He is the irresistible God — “There is no one like Me in all the earth”. (Ex 9:14)

Exodus is all about meeting this irresistible God. What was true of Israel as a covenant people is also true of us today as the New Covenant people of God.

May you meet and experience the irresistible God this year, and find Him too irresistible not to follow!

Ps Tony and Ps Kay Kiong

Exodus is all about meeting this

irresistible God. What was true of Israel as a covenant people is

also true of us today as the New Covenant

people of God.

GUIDe to UsInG

Select a fixed time (preferably mornings before you begin the rest of your day) and a quiet place where you can be alone and undisturbed.

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

Offer a prayer to God as you prepare to listen to His word. (A sample prayer you can use is the morning prayer by John Stott found on the next page)

Prepare your heart in God s presence

this devotional journal

2Allow God to S.O.A.P. you with His Word and Spirit

Scripture1 — take your time to meditate on the Scripture passage for the day. Pause and mull over words and phrases that stand out for you.

Observation — jot down significant insights and reflections from the passage you have read. Use the guiding questions provided.

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 response to God in prayer using the suggested prayer for the day.

1 All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New American Standard Version of the bible (NASB).

Worship God with a song or hymn. (Refer to the list of worship songs provided)

Each daily devotional entry is divided into four parts:

GUIDe to UsInG

Select a fixed time (preferably mornings before you begin the rest of your day) and a quiet place where you can be alone and undisturbed.

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

Offer a prayer to God as you prepare to listen to His word. (A sample prayer you can use is the morning prayer by John Stott found on the next page)

Prepare your heart in God s presence

this devotional journal

2Allow God to S.O.A.P. you with His Word and Spirit

Scripture1 — take your time to meditate on the Scripture passage for the day. Pause and mull over words and phrases that stand out for you.

Observation — jot down significant insights and reflections from the passage you have read. Use the guiding questions provided.

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 response to God in prayer using the suggested prayer for the day.

1 All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New American Standard Version of the bible (NASB).

Worship God with a song or hymn. (Refer to the list of worship songs provided)

Each daily devotional entry is divided into four parts:

MoRnInG PRAYeR by John Stott Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live this

day in Your presence and please You more and more. Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow You. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day, You will fill me with Yourself and cause Your fruit to ripen in my life—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three persons in one God, have mercy upon me. Amen.

Heavenly Father, I worship You as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.Lord Jesus, I worship You, Saviour and Lord of the world. Holy Spirit, I worship You, Sanctifier of the people of God.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

good morning heavenly father,

good morning lord jesus,

good morning holy spirit

Blessed Lord, who has caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning—Grant that we may in such wisdom hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer

PRAyER BEfORE OPENING THE BIBLE

MoRnInG PRAYeR by John Stott Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live this

day in Your presence and please You more and more. Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow You. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day, You will fill me with Yourself and cause Your fruit to ripen in my life—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three persons in one God, have mercy upon me. Amen.

Heavenly Father, I worship You as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.Lord Jesus, I worship You, Saviour and Lord of the world. Holy Spirit, I worship You, Sanctifier of the people of God.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

good morning heavenly father,

good morning lord jesus,

good morning holy spirit

Blessed Lord, who has caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning—Grant that we may in such wisdom hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer

PRAyER BEfORE OPENING THE BIBLE

Father’s DaySilent RetreatSilent Retreat Silent Retreat

SP Face Time 2 Youth Sunday

CG Bible GuideSeries 6

M T W T F S S

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

CG Bible Guide Series 5

CG Men’s Summit 1 GDOP

Labour Day

CG Women’s GLOW 1 Mother’s Day

GDCVesak Day

GDC Leader’s Advance

GDC GDC

Prayer & Praise

M T W T F S S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

MAy 2013

cALenDARJUNE 2013

Ownership Events (The Non-Negotiables)

Father’s DaySilent RetreatSilent Retreat Silent Retreat

SP Face Time 2 Youth Sunday

CG Bible GuideSeries 6

M T W T F S S

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

CG Men’s Summit 1 GDOP

Labour Day

CG Women’s GLOW 1 Mother’s Day

GDCVesak Day

GDC Leader’s Advance

GDC GDC

Prayer & Praise

M T W T F S S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

MAy 2013

cALenDARJUNE 2013

Ownership Events (The Non-Negotiables)

May 1,

Wednesday Work Is Worship 2013

OBSERVATION

What are some principles for work that you can derive from Genesis 2:5

and Proverbs 3:9–10?

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 2:5, 15; Proverbs 3:9–10Man was created to work—to “work” and “keep” the ground in the Garden of Eden (Ge 2:15). “Work is a gift, not a punishment for sin. Even before the fall, humanity had duties to perform.”1

Two Hebrew words in Ge 2:15 define work theologically. Abad for “work” is commonly used in a religious sense of serving and worshipping God (Jos 24:14–15; Nu 3:7–8). Shamar for “keep” is commonly used for observing religious commands and duties (Ge 17:9; Lev 18:5).2 “Man’s life in the Garden was to be characterised by worship and obedience; he was a priest, not merely a worker and keeper of the Garden.”3 As such, we are to view our work and workplace as God’s placement (“He took the man and put him”) in God’s presence (“into the Garden of Eden”) where we can have fellowship with God4 (Ge 3:8), for the purpose of worshipping God in obedience (“to work and to keep”).

APPLICATION

How would I apply these principles to make my work as worship to God?

PRAYER

Creator King, You have created human beings with a calling—the calling to work, and to work as worship to You. I trust in You that whatever I do and wherever I am in my work, it is You who have placed me there. Each day, I will consecrate my work to You. Grant me and increase in me the consciousness of fellowship with You and worship to You as I work. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

1 Bruce K. Waltke, Genesis: A Commentary, (Zondervan, 2001), 872 Gordon J. Wenham, Genesis 1-15, Word Biblical Commentary (Word Books, 1987), 673 John H. Sailhamer, Genesis, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, (Zondervan, 1990), 454 John H. Sailhamer, 45

May 1,

Wednesday Work Is Worship 2013

OBSERVATION

What are some principles for work that you can derive from Genesis 2:5

and Proverbs 3:9–10?

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 2:5, 15; Proverbs 3:9–10Man was created to work—to “work” and “keep” the ground in the Garden of Eden (Ge 2:15). “Work is a gift, not a punishment for sin. Even before the fall, humanity had duties to perform.”1

Two Hebrew words in Ge 2:15 define work theologically. Abad for “work” is commonly used in a religious sense of serving and worshipping God (Jos 24:14–15; Nu 3:7–8). Shamar for “keep” is commonly used for observing religious commands and duties (Ge 17:9; Lev 18:5).2 “Man’s life in the Garden was to be characterised by worship and obedience; he was a priest, not merely a worker and keeper of the Garden.”3 As such, we are to view our work and workplace as God’s placement (“He took the man and put him”) in God’s presence (“into the Garden of Eden”) where we can have fellowship with God4 (Ge 3:8), for the purpose of worshipping God in obedience (“to work and to keep”).

APPLICATION

How would I apply these principles to make my work as worship to God?

PRAYER

Creator King, You have created human beings with a calling—the calling to work, and to work as worship to You. I trust in You that whatever I do and wherever I am in my work, it is You who have placed me there. Each day, I will consecrate my work to You. Grant me and increase in me the consciousness of fellowship with You and worship to You as I work. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

1 Bruce K. Waltke, Genesis: A Commentary, (Zondervan, 2001), 872 Gordon J. Wenham, Genesis 1-15, Word Biblical Commentary (Word Books, 1987), 673 John H. Sailhamer, Genesis, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, (Zondervan, 1990), 454 John H. Sailhamer, 45

May 2,

Thursday Home-making Is Holy 2013

OBSERVATION

What are some significant characteristics of the godly home-maker with

a career (she’s a business woman) portrayed in Proverbs 31:10–31?

SCRIPTURE

Titus 2:4–5; Proverbs 31:10–31Colleen Evans was a high–powered woman: a pastor’s wife, board member of World Vision, chairperson of the Billy Graham Crusade committee for Billy Graham’s evangelistic crusade in Washington DC, a writer and a lecturer. Once she asked Mother Teresa at a luncheon in Washington DC, “What can I do to help the world?” Mother Teresa asked if she was married and had children. When she said “yes”, Mother Teresa’s reply was, “My dear, go home and love your husband and love your children.” Home-making (full-time or with a career) is a woman’s expression of loving her husband and children—“to love their husbands, to love their children… good managers of the household” (Tit 2:4–5, NRSV). Home-making is sacred—it is God’s idea. It is special—it is God’s call for women only (husbands, at best, can only be great supporters!). It is significant—it is a certain way God has chosen to bless the home.

APPLICATION

How would I celebrate (as wife, husband, or a single person in God’s community) the contributions of home-makers which in turn, build the church and the people of God?

PRAYER

Lord, You created humans male and female in marriage, out of which families and homes are formed.5 I bless You for setting apart women for the sacred, special and significant gift of home-making. Help them to see it as Your call and not a chore. Grant them Your grace to manage their households with a deep sense of Your presence. I pray that their husbands and children will always appreciate and support them in this God-given grace. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

5 Genesis 1:27-28

May 2,

Thursday Home-making Is Holy 2013

OBSERVATION

What are some significant characteristics of the godly home-maker with

a career (she’s a business woman) portrayed in Proverbs 31:10–31?

SCRIPTURE

Titus 2:4–5; Proverbs 31:10–31Colleen Evans was a high–powered woman: a pastor’s wife, board member of World Vision, chairperson of the Billy Graham Crusade committee for Billy Graham’s evangelistic crusade in Washington DC, a writer and a lecturer. Once she asked Mother Teresa at a luncheon in Washington DC, “What can I do to help the world?” Mother Teresa asked if she was married and had children. When she said “yes”, Mother Teresa’s reply was, “My dear, go home and love your husband and love your children.” Home-making (full-time or with a career) is a woman’s expression of loving her husband and children—“to love their husbands, to love their children… good managers of the household” (Tit 2:4–5, NRSV). Home-making is sacred—it is God’s idea. It is special—it is God’s call for women only (husbands, at best, can only be great supporters!). It is significant—it is a certain way God has chosen to bless the home.

APPLICATION

How would I celebrate (as wife, husband, or a single person in God’s community) the contributions of home-makers which in turn, build the church and the people of God?

PRAYER

Lord, You created humans male and female in marriage, out of which families and homes are formed.5 I bless You for setting apart women for the sacred, special and significant gift of home-making. Help them to see it as Your call and not a chore. Grant them Your grace to manage their households with a deep sense of Your presence. I pray that their husbands and children will always appreciate and support them in this God-given grace. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

5 Genesis 1:27-28

May 3,

friday What Does God say of Me?(1) 2013

OBSERVATION

What did God say of Job, and what happened after that? Job 1:6–22

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 7:14; Genesis 6:22–7:1; Job 1:6–22What does God say of Pharaoh before He brings the first of the ten plagues on Egypt? “Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn” (Ex 7:14). What does the same God, in a different setting, say of Noah? “You alone have I seen to be righteous before Me” (Ge 7:1). One was a negative word and the other a positive one. God spoke well of Noah because of his obedience at a time when “everyone on earth was corrupt” (Ge 6:12, 22; 7:5, 9, 16). What does God say of me? Very often, we are so concerned with what man says of us. We crave for man’s compliments, and are crushed by man’s criticism. But which really matters? What man says or what God says? Only what God says is absolutely true. We can know what man says of us. But, can we know what God says of us? God says much of Himself and us in Scripture. God’s Word functions like a mirror (Jas 1:23–25). We can look at ourselves in light of Scripture and know what God wants to say of us. Look at it intently and carefully (v 25). Ask yourself what happens to you after you have walked away from the mirror?

APPLICATION

What would I like God to say of me, and how does that affect the way I live my life?

PRAYER

Holy Father, You alone are absolutely true and perfectly righteous. Only what You say is the ultimate reality and what really matters. Keep me humble when humans praise me, and guard me from allowing human criticism to destroy me. Grant me Your grace and strength to live my life in a way that is worthy of You, that I may hear You say to me, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”6

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

6 Matthew 25:21

May 3,

friday What Does God say of Me?(1) 2013

OBSERVATION

What did God say of Job, and what happened after that? Job 1:6–22

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 7:14; Genesis 6:22–7:1; Job 1:6–22What does God say of Pharaoh before He brings the first of the ten plagues on Egypt? “Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn” (Ex 7:14). What does the same God, in a different setting, say of Noah? “You alone have I seen to be righteous before Me” (Ge 7:1). One was a negative word and the other a positive one. God spoke well of Noah because of his obedience at a time when “everyone on earth was corrupt” (Ge 6:12, 22; 7:5, 9, 16). What does God say of me? Very often, we are so concerned with what man says of us. We crave for man’s compliments, and are crushed by man’s criticism. But which really matters? What man says or what God says? Only what God says is absolutely true. We can know what man says of us. But, can we know what God says of us? God says much of Himself and us in Scripture. God’s Word functions like a mirror (Jas 1:23–25). We can look at ourselves in light of Scripture and know what God wants to say of us. Look at it intently and carefully (v 25). Ask yourself what happens to you after you have walked away from the mirror?

APPLICATION

What would I like God to say of me, and how does that affect the way I live my life?

PRAYER

Holy Father, You alone are absolutely true and perfectly righteous. Only what You say is the ultimate reality and what really matters. Keep me humble when humans praise me, and guard me from allowing human criticism to destroy me. Grant me Your grace and strength to live my life in a way that is worthy of You, that I may hear You say to me, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”6

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

6 Matthew 25:21

May 4,

Saturday What Does God say of Me?(2) 2013

OBSERVATION

What does God say of Noah in Scripture despite his failure (Eze 14:13–

14, 19–20; Heb 11:7)?

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 9:1, 12–23; Ezekiel 14:13–14, 19–20; Hebrews 11:7After the flood, Noah planted a vineyard, made wine from its fruit, and drank it (Ge 9:20–21). Sadly, the righteous and blameless Noah (Ge 6:9) succumbed to drink and exposed himself while sleeping. It happened when Noah had a covenant relationship with God (Ge 9:12–17), with God’s blessing on him (Ge 9:1). His exposing himself occasioned his younger son’s sin (v 22). His older sons saw it necessary to cover their father’s nakedness, “a precaution Noah did not take” (v 23).7

Wine can bring joy, when drunk in moderation; moral laxity and sorrow, when drunk in excess8 (cf. Pr 20:1). God’s Word concludes Noah’s story in Genesis with his shameful act. This is what God says of Noah here. But, what does God say of Noah sometime in the future? Despite his failure (recorded!), God still speaks well of him (Ezek 14:13–14, 19–20; Heb 11:7). What hope of grace!

APPLICATION

How can Noah’s experience encourage me when I fail God?

PRAYER

Sovereign God, You do whatever You please9 for Your glory. On the one hand, I know in Your Word that You can still be pleased with me even when I fail You greatly. For You, the God of mercy and grace, recognise that I am not perfect. On the other hand, I dare not be presumptuous. Help me to always have a broken and contrite heart before You, which You do not despise.10

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

7 Bruce K. Waltke, 1488 Bruce K. Waltke, 148

9 Psalm 115:310 Psalm 51:17

22 2323

May 4,

Saturday What Does God say of Me?(2) 2013

OBSERVATION

What does God say of Noah in Scripture despite his failure (Eze 14:13–

14, 19–20; Heb 11:7)?

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 9:1, 12–23; Ezekiel 14:13–14, 19–20; Hebrews 11:7After the flood, Noah planted a vineyard, made wine from its fruit, and drank it (Ge 9:20–21). Sadly, the righteous and blameless Noah (Ge 6:9) succumbed to drink and exposed himself while sleeping. It happened when Noah had a covenant relationship with God (Ge 9:12–17), with God’s blessing on him (Ge 9:1). His exposing himself occasioned his younger son’s sin (v 22). His older sons saw it necessary to cover their father’s nakedness, “a precaution Noah did not take” (v 23).7

Wine can bring joy, when drunk in moderation; moral laxity and sorrow, when drunk in excess8 (cf. Pr 20:1). God’s Word concludes Noah’s story in Genesis with his shameful act. This is what God says of Noah here. But, what does God say of Noah sometime in the future? Despite his failure (recorded!), God still speaks well of him (Ezek 14:13–14, 19–20; Heb 11:7). What hope of grace!

APPLICATION

How can Noah’s experience encourage me when I fail God?

PRAYER

Sovereign God, You do whatever You please9 for Your glory. On the one hand, I know in Your Word that You can still be pleased with me even when I fail You greatly. For You, the God of mercy and grace, recognise that I am not perfect. On the other hand, I dare not be presumptuous. Help me to always have a broken and contrite heart before You, which You do not despise.10

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

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Pray for self:

7 Bruce K. Waltke, 1488 Bruce K. Waltke, 148

9 Psalm 115:310 Psalm 51:17

22 2323

2013May 5,

Sunday

1. REVIEW — look back at your past week using the Examen (modified)

a. What was my high point?

b. What was my low point?

c. What gave me life?

d. What drained me?

e. How was the Spirit of God at work?

2. REFLECT — What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light

of what has happened?

3. RESPONSE

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

b. Journal your prayer

2013May 5,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

May 6,

Monday What Does God say of Me?(3) 2013

OBSERVATION

What does Jesus say of Peter? (Lk 22:31–34)

SCRIPTURE

Numbers 12:1–8; 20:8–12; Luke 22:31–34Miriam and Aaron challenged their brother’s leadership (Nu 12:1–2). Moses kept quiet; but God heard it and vindicated His servant. What does God say of Moses? Moses was incomparably humble (v 3); fully faithful to God (v 7); God speaks to him directly, a privilege given to no one else (v 6–8). But eight chapters later in Numbers, Moses committed a very grave sin against God; so grave that God disqualified him from entering the Promised Land. He struck the rock, when God instructed him to speak to it, to provide water for the thirsty Israelites (20:8–12). The act itself does not indicate the gravity of the sin. But what God says about it reveals its seriousness before Him. God viewed Moses’ sin as unbelief, irreverence (Nu 20:12), rebellion (Nu 27:14), and unfaithfulness (Dt 32:51). As a result of his sin, Moses was only able to see the Promised Land from afar. Is this God’s last word about Moses? No! Moses was with the Messiah during His transfiguration in the Promised Land! (Mt 17:2–3).

APPLICATION

If I am Peter, and Jesus says the same words to me, how will I respond?

PRAYER

Lord, how can You still bestow special blessings on one despite his sins of unbelief, irreverence, rebellion, and unfaithfulness? What mysterious divine mercy and grace! I thank You for such a redemptive hope. Keep me from taking Your mercy and grace for granted. Hold my hand to walk with You faithfully. When I fall, do not let go of my hand; but lift me up to continue to walk with You. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

May 6,

Monday What Does God say of Me?(3) 2013

OBSERVATION

What does Jesus say of Peter? (Lk 22:31–34)

SCRIPTURE

Numbers 12:1–8; 20:8–12; Luke 22:31–34Miriam and Aaron challenged their brother’s leadership (Nu 12:1–2). Moses kept quiet; but God heard it and vindicated His servant. What does God say of Moses? Moses was incomparably humble (v 3); fully faithful to God (v 7); God speaks to him directly, a privilege given to no one else (v 6–8). But eight chapters later in Numbers, Moses committed a very grave sin against God; so grave that God disqualified him from entering the Promised Land. He struck the rock, when God instructed him to speak to it, to provide water for the thirsty Israelites (20:8–12). The act itself does not indicate the gravity of the sin. But what God says about it reveals its seriousness before Him. God viewed Moses’ sin as unbelief, irreverence (Nu 20:12), rebellion (Nu 27:14), and unfaithfulness (Dt 32:51). As a result of his sin, Moses was only able to see the Promised Land from afar. Is this God’s last word about Moses? No! Moses was with the Messiah during His transfiguration in the Promised Land! (Mt 17:2–3).

APPLICATION

If I am Peter, and Jesus says the same words to me, how will I respond?

PRAYER

Lord, how can You still bestow special blessings on one despite his sins of unbelief, irreverence, rebellion, and unfaithfulness? What mysterious divine mercy and grace! I thank You for such a redemptive hope. Keep me from taking Your mercy and grace for granted. Hold my hand to walk with You faithfully. When I fall, do not let go of my hand; but lift me up to continue to walk with You. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

May 7,

Tuesday the Heart of the Matter (1) 2013

OBSERVATION

What does Hezekiah’s experience teach us about the heart (2 Chronicles

31:20–21; 32:24–26, 31)?

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 16:1–13; 2 Chronicles 31:20–21; 32:24–26, 31Every sin of Pharaoh flowed out of his “heart”—a “stubborn” heart (Ex 7:14). Should God send any of us to anoint the new king to replace King Saul—a man after His own heart (1 Sa 13:14), chances are we will do what Samuel did—look at the externals (1 Sa 16:6). This is how we tend to look at others; and more frequently, at ourselves. We gravitate towards appearances, abilities, achievements; viewing them as important. We gratify ourselves with our associations with others, the ‘who’s who’ we know; and we crave for the applause of humans. We feel great that we have certain “anointing from God.” God looks at the heart (v 7)—something humans cannot do. It is an arena that belongs to God alone. God never misses the right heart. God’s chosen king was not even amongst the candidates standing for election (v 10–12). To God, the heart of the matter is the heart. On our part, we can only bring our hearts, bow our hearts, and bare our hearts before the Throne of Grace, seeking God’s grace and mercy (Heb 4:15–16).

APPLICATION

What is one thing I need to do concerning my heart?

PRAYER

All–knowing God, not a day goes by that I can never sin against You. Even to the best of my knowledge, with honesty and humility, I may think I walk rightly with You; yet there may be sins in the deepest depths of my heart that I cannot see. Thus, I can never have a heart that is totally pure before You. How I need so much of Your forgiveness and cleansing of my sins everyday! Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

May 7,

Tuesday the Heart of the Matter (1) 2013

OBSERVATION

What does Hezekiah’s experience teach us about the heart (2 Chronicles

31:20–21; 32:24–26, 31)?

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 16:1–13; 2 Chronicles 31:20–21; 32:24–26, 31Every sin of Pharaoh flowed out of his “heart”—a “stubborn” heart (Ex 7:14). Should God send any of us to anoint the new king to replace King Saul—a man after His own heart (1 Sa 13:14), chances are we will do what Samuel did—look at the externals (1 Sa 16:6). This is how we tend to look at others; and more frequently, at ourselves. We gravitate towards appearances, abilities, achievements; viewing them as important. We gratify ourselves with our associations with others, the ‘who’s who’ we know; and we crave for the applause of humans. We feel great that we have certain “anointing from God.” God looks at the heart (v 7)—something humans cannot do. It is an arena that belongs to God alone. God never misses the right heart. God’s chosen king was not even amongst the candidates standing for election (v 10–12). To God, the heart of the matter is the heart. On our part, we can only bring our hearts, bow our hearts, and bare our hearts before the Throne of Grace, seeking God’s grace and mercy (Heb 4:15–16).

APPLICATION

What is one thing I need to do concerning my heart?

PRAYER

All–knowing God, not a day goes by that I can never sin against You. Even to the best of my knowledge, with honesty and humility, I may think I walk rightly with You; yet there may be sins in the deepest depths of my heart that I cannot see. Thus, I can never have a heart that is totally pure before You. How I need so much of Your forgiveness and cleansing of my sins everyday! Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

May 8,

Wednesday the Heart of the Matter (2) 2013

OBSERVATION

What can you learn from the heart of King Amaziah? (2 Ch 25:1–2)

SCRIPTURE

1 Kings 11:1–8; 2 Chronicles 25:1–2The narrator of 1–2 Kings is very subtle in writing the story of King Solomon (1 Ki 1–11). Many of us think that Solomon’s falling away from God is found only in 1 Ki 11:1–8. When did Solomon begin to backslide? It began early in his reign when he married “Pharaoh’s daughter” (1 Ki 3:1). The narrator tells us what caused Solomon’s backsliding—he “loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh” (1 Ki 11:1). Only Pharaoh’s daughter is mentioned specifically as an individual amongst the “many foreign women.” And the narrator mentions her four times in the eleven chapters (3:1; 7:8; 9:24; 11:1); as though he is reminding his readers about her as they read Solomon’s story. The seed of backsliding was planted in his heart; and slowly and gradually, his “heart” became “not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father” (1 Ki 11:4, 6). Oh how we need to constantly guard our heart before the Throne of Grace (Pr 4:23; Heb 4:15–16)!

APPLICATION

How can I guard my heart from becoming like King Amaziah’s?

PRAYER

O God, the human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?11

Even when I do what is right before You, my heart can still be wrong before You. You search all hearts and examine secret motives.12 I can only ask You to help me to have a right heart before You. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

11 Jeremiah 17:912 Jeremiah 17:10

May 8,

Wednesday the Heart of the Matter (2) 2013

OBSERVATION

What can you learn from the heart of King Amaziah? (2 Ch 25:1–2)

SCRIPTURE

1 Kings 11:1–8; 2 Chronicles 25:1–2The narrator of 1–2 Kings is very subtle in writing the story of King Solomon (1 Ki 1–11). Many of us think that Solomon’s falling away from God is found only in 1 Ki 11:1–8. When did Solomon begin to backslide? It began early in his reign when he married “Pharaoh’s daughter” (1 Ki 3:1). The narrator tells us what caused Solomon’s backsliding—he “loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh” (1 Ki 11:1). Only Pharaoh’s daughter is mentioned specifically as an individual amongst the “many foreign women.” And the narrator mentions her four times in the eleven chapters (3:1; 7:8; 9:24; 11:1); as though he is reminding his readers about her as they read Solomon’s story. The seed of backsliding was planted in his heart; and slowly and gradually, his “heart” became “not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father” (1 Ki 11:4, 6). Oh how we need to constantly guard our heart before the Throne of Grace (Pr 4:23; Heb 4:15–16)!

APPLICATION

How can I guard my heart from becoming like King Amaziah’s?

PRAYER

O God, the human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?11

Even when I do what is right before You, my heart can still be wrong before You. You search all hearts and examine secret motives.12 I can only ask You to help me to have a right heart before You. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

11 Jeremiah 17:912 Jeremiah 17:10

May 9,

Thursday Divine secrecy 2013

OBSERVATION

What does Jesus say about those who seek to be noticed and honoured

by humans in their good deeds (Mt 6:1–8)?

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 6:1–8Jesus warns of the futility of seeking human notice and honour in what I do, what I have, what I am—“Beware” (v 1). “Beware” by being certain that this can happen to me. “Beware” by being careful that it does not happen to me. “Beware” by being conscious of it when it happens to me. What can help us to be careful and alert is to live in a four–layered divine secrecy illustrated in the practice of prayer (v 6). The first layer is “go into your inner room”. The second is “close your door”. I may be praying in my inner room, but still keep the door open; so that perchance, some humans will pass by and see how spiritual I am. The third layer is the object of prayer—God. And what kind of God? “Your Father who is in secret.” If God is in secret, how much more must I pray to Him in secret. The fourth layer of divine secrecy is “your Father sees in secret”.

APPLICATION

Do I seek to be noticed and honoured by humans in what I do? What would I do to guard against this?

PRAYER

Lord, I confess that it is so easy for me to desire to be noticed and honoured by humans for the good things and God-things that I do; and to act quietly with the intention of showing others how godly I am. Guard me from such ungodly folly. Even when I desire not to have that desire, it is present somewhere deep inside my heart. But Lord, You know my heart. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

May 9,

Thursday Divine secrecy 2013

OBSERVATION

What does Jesus say about those who seek to be noticed and honoured

by humans in their good deeds (Mt 6:1–8)?

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 6:1–8Jesus warns of the futility of seeking human notice and honour in what I do, what I have, what I am—“Beware” (v 1). “Beware” by being certain that this can happen to me. “Beware” by being careful that it does not happen to me. “Beware” by being conscious of it when it happens to me. What can help us to be careful and alert is to live in a four–layered divine secrecy illustrated in the practice of prayer (v 6). The first layer is “go into your inner room”. The second is “close your door”. I may be praying in my inner room, but still keep the door open; so that perchance, some humans will pass by and see how spiritual I am. The third layer is the object of prayer—God. And what kind of God? “Your Father who is in secret.” If God is in secret, how much more must I pray to Him in secret. The fourth layer of divine secrecy is “your Father sees in secret”.

APPLICATION

Do I seek to be noticed and honoured by humans in what I do? What would I do to guard against this?

PRAYER

Lord, I confess that it is so easy for me to desire to be noticed and honoured by humans for the good things and God-things that I do; and to act quietly with the intention of showing others how godly I am. Guard me from such ungodly folly. Even when I desire not to have that desire, it is present somewhere deep inside my heart. But Lord, You know my heart. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

May 10,

friday

OBSERVATION

What other lessons can you learn from this short but powerful story?

SCRIPTURE

Mark 12:41–44People were putting money into the treasury of the temple. There were two contrasting sets of givers—“many rich people” versus “a poor widow” (v 41); and two pairs of contrasting giving—“putting in larger sums” of money versus “two small copper coins, which amount to one cent” (v 42); “they all put in out of their surplus” versus “she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, and all she had to live on” (v 44). Here are two ultimate realities that matter. One is what Jesus sees—He was “observing how the people were putting money in the treasury” (v 41). The one cent the widow gave had absolutely no economic value and made no difference at all in light of the great sum contributed. Only God alone is able to see that the poor widow contributed the most. We can easily see a $1,000,000 cheque in a church building fund; get excited over it and praise God for it; but we can never see the one-cent given by a poor widow in our midst.

APPLICATION

How does the spirituality of the poor widow challenge me in my walk with God?

PRAYER

Lord, while You want me to see as You see, there are many things that You know I can never see; and You don’t expect me to. Keep me from being quick and easy to think and speak well of what is visibly great and grand. Above all, hide me from wanting and seeking it. Remind me in Your mercy, that what is true and real is what You see. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

What We cannot see

May 10,

friday

OBSERVATION

What other lessons can you learn from this short but powerful story?

SCRIPTURE

Mark 12:41–44People were putting money into the treasury of the temple. There were two contrasting sets of givers—“many rich people” versus “a poor widow” (v 41); and two pairs of contrasting giving—“putting in larger sums” of money versus “two small copper coins, which amount to one cent” (v 42); “they all put in out of their surplus” versus “she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, and all she had to live on” (v 44). Here are two ultimate realities that matter. One is what Jesus sees—He was “observing how the people were putting money in the treasury” (v 41). The one cent the widow gave had absolutely no economic value and made no difference at all in light of the great sum contributed. Only God alone is able to see that the poor widow contributed the most. We can easily see a $1,000,000 cheque in a church building fund; get excited over it and praise God for it; but we can never see the one-cent given by a poor widow in our midst.

APPLICATION

How does the spirituality of the poor widow challenge me in my walk with God?

PRAYER

Lord, while You want me to see as You see, there are many things that You know I can never see; and You don’t expect me to. Keep me from being quick and easy to think and speak well of what is visibly great and grand. Above all, hide me from wanting and seeking it. Remind me in Your mercy, that what is true and real is what You see. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

What We cannot see

May 11,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

How does Paul live his life (1 Co 4:1–5)?

SCRIPTURE

Mark 12:41–44; 1 Corinthians 4:1–5The story reveals two realities that matter—ultimate realities. One is what Jesus sees (v 41); the other is what Jesus says—“Truly I say to you, this widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury” (v 43). What is little in human eyes can be great in God’s eyes. What is great before man can be little before God. God is the God of great reversal. God is the God of the one cent! There will be God-pleasing things in our lives that God sees that He does not tell us; but He sets up something significant for His purposes to His glory. God put this widow’s story in Scripture so that many lives for many generations to come may be impacted and influenced profoundly. This is the legacy that God has built for her. She did not know it. God did not tell her. She never intentionally sought to leave behind a legacy and neither do we know her name.

APPLICATION

How can I be like Paul in how he lives his life?

PRAYER

God of majesty and humility, indeed, the great things that I do, even when done in Your name, may be nothing in ultimate reality. The ‘godly’ life I live may be emptiness before You. What humans applaud me for may not be what You applaud. What futility and folly it is, when human accolades are given to me while Heaven is silent! In Your mercy, guard my heart, O God of majesty and humility. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

What We cannot Know

May 11,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

How does Paul live his life (1 Co 4:1–5)?

SCRIPTURE

Mark 12:41–44; 1 Corinthians 4:1–5The story reveals two realities that matter—ultimate realities. One is what Jesus sees (v 41); the other is what Jesus says—“Truly I say to you, this widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury” (v 43). What is little in human eyes can be great in God’s eyes. What is great before man can be little before God. God is the God of great reversal. God is the God of the one cent! There will be God-pleasing things in our lives that God sees that He does not tell us; but He sets up something significant for His purposes to His glory. God put this widow’s story in Scripture so that many lives for many generations to come may be impacted and influenced profoundly. This is the legacy that God has built for her. She did not know it. God did not tell her. She never intentionally sought to leave behind a legacy and neither do we know her name.

APPLICATION

How can I be like Paul in how he lives his life?

PRAYER

God of majesty and humility, indeed, the great things that I do, even when done in Your name, may be nothing in ultimate reality. The ‘godly’ life I live may be emptiness before You. What humans applaud me for may not be what You applaud. What futility and folly it is, when human accolades are given to me while Heaven is silent! In Your mercy, guard my heart, O God of majesty and humility. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

What We cannot Know

2013May 12,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

2013May 12,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

May 13,

Monday

OBSERVATION

What does Isaiah 55:8–11 teach us about the Word of God?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 7:16–23; Isaiah 55:8–11“Let My people go that they may worship Me” (Ex 7:16). God speaks this word. Everything in the narrative about the ten plagues are built around this word of God. God allows His word to have no immediate effect and His word appears to be nothing unusual since the Egyptian magicians can do the same (v 22). God allows powerful people to obstruct the fulfillment of His word—Pharaoh “did not listen” (v 22). At best, at this point, there is only a partial fulfillment of God’s Word. The Nile was turned to blood (v 20, 21) but the ultimate objective for Pharaoh to release Israel was not achieved. However, God continues to speak (Ex 8:1, 20; 9:1, 13; 10:3). So, wait and watch with confidence and patience for the fulfillment of God’s word; and with obedience in what we are to do (v 20). “People are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field… The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isa 40:6, 8)

APPLICATION

How does the way God’s Word works affect me with regards to living by God’s Word?

PRAYER

God, You are not a man, so You do not lie. You are not human, so You do not change Your mind. Have You ever spoken and failed to act? Have You ever promised and not carried it through?13 When You have spoken or promised, in Your sovereign freedom and supreme wisdom, You choose when to and how to accomplish Your Word. Great is Your faithfulness! Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

How God’s Word Works

13 Numbers 23:19

May 13,

Monday

OBSERVATION

What does Isaiah 55:8–11 teach us about the Word of God?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 7:16–23; Isaiah 55:8–11“Let My people go that they may worship Me” (Ex 7:16). God speaks this word. Everything in the narrative about the ten plagues are built around this word of God. God allows His word to have no immediate effect and His word appears to be nothing unusual since the Egyptian magicians can do the same (v 22). God allows powerful people to obstruct the fulfillment of His word—Pharaoh “did not listen” (v 22). At best, at this point, there is only a partial fulfillment of God’s Word. The Nile was turned to blood (v 20, 21) but the ultimate objective for Pharaoh to release Israel was not achieved. However, God continues to speak (Ex 8:1, 20; 9:1, 13; 10:3). So, wait and watch with confidence and patience for the fulfillment of God’s word; and with obedience in what we are to do (v 20). “People are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field… The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isa 40:6, 8)

APPLICATION

How does the way God’s Word works affect me with regards to living by God’s Word?

PRAYER

God, You are not a man, so You do not lie. You are not human, so You do not change Your mind. Have You ever spoken and failed to act? Have You ever promised and not carried it through?13 When You have spoken or promised, in Your sovereign freedom and supreme wisdom, You choose when to and how to accomplish Your Word. Great is Your faithfulness! Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

How God’s Word Works

13 Numbers 23:19

May 14,

Tuesday

OBSERVATION

Why does Jesus tell us in advance what will happen before His Second

Coming? (Matthew 24:23–26; 42–44)

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 7:22; Matthew 24:23–26; 42–44Pharaoh’s heart was hardened and he did not listen “as the LORD had said” (Ex 7:22; see also 7:14; 8:15, 19; 9:12, 35). When God sent Moses on the divine mission, He told him in advance of Pharaoh’s stubborn refusal to release Israel. But, these God did not tell Moses: How many signs and wonders would there be? What were these signs and wonders? How long would it be before Pharaoh stopped resisting God’s word? Moses was to anchor in and adhere to what God had already said to him, and faithfully follow Him one step at a time. There are many things God has already said in Scripture—who He is, His purposes, His promises, what He expects of us, what He has done, what He does, what He will do, how He works, and so forth. In situations when the truth of God’s Word is challenged, we ought to remain steadfastly and continue faithfully in His Word. God is ever faithful and “it is impossible for God to lie” (Heb 6:18).

APPLICATION

What does it mean to me to know what God has already said in His Word?

PRAYER

Lord, You have spoken and will continue to speak Your word in Scripture. Help me not to neglect Your Word. Help me not to ignore Your Word. Help me not to forget Your Word. You have decreed that I live by the bread of life from heaven—Your living Word. There’s no other way. Grant me Your grace to faithfully assimilate, align to, abide in, and anchor in Your Word. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

God Has Already said

May 14,

Tuesday

OBSERVATION

Why does Jesus tell us in advance what will happen before His Second

Coming? (Matthew 24:23–26; 42–44)

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 7:22; Matthew 24:23–26; 42–44Pharaoh’s heart was hardened and he did not listen “as the LORD had said” (Ex 7:22; see also 7:14; 8:15, 19; 9:12, 35). When God sent Moses on the divine mission, He told him in advance of Pharaoh’s stubborn refusal to release Israel. But, these God did not tell Moses: How many signs and wonders would there be? What were these signs and wonders? How long would it be before Pharaoh stopped resisting God’s word? Moses was to anchor in and adhere to what God had already said to him, and faithfully follow Him one step at a time. There are many things God has already said in Scripture—who He is, His purposes, His promises, what He expects of us, what He has done, what He does, what He will do, how He works, and so forth. In situations when the truth of God’s Word is challenged, we ought to remain steadfastly and continue faithfully in His Word. God is ever faithful and “it is impossible for God to lie” (Heb 6:18).

APPLICATION

What does it mean to me to know what God has already said in His Word?

PRAYER

Lord, You have spoken and will continue to speak Your word in Scripture. Help me not to neglect Your Word. Help me not to ignore Your Word. Help me not to forget Your Word. You have decreed that I live by the bread of life from heaven—Your living Word. There’s no other way. Grant me Your grace to faithfully assimilate, align to, abide in, and anchor in Your Word. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

God Has Already said

May 15,

Wednesday

OBSERVATION

What does Galatians 5:13–15 say about freedom in Christ?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 7:16; Galatians 5:13–15“Let My people go that they may serve Me” (7:16). This purpose statement is repeated six times in Exodus (8:1, 20; 9:1, 13; 10:1); and together with other variants a total of 23 times. “This needs to be etched indelibly upon our minds. ‘Let My people go’—not so that they may be free from a master, but ‘that they may serve.’”14 The Hebrew word for serving Pharaoh (Ex 1:13) is the same word used for serving/worshipping God (Ex 4:23; 7:16). God sets us free from one master—an evil master, sin (Egypt), to serve another master—the best master, God Himself. God sets us free from one service to another. We are always slaves, serving someone or something. Even when we think we are masters of our own lives, in reality, we are slaves to our own sinful selves. Serving ourselves is no better than serving sin. True freedom is serving God in Christ. If you are not serving God, are you truly free?

APPLICATION

What is an area in my life that I need to live out in the freedom in Christ?

PRAYER

Servant Lord, I am created to serve You. I am redeemed to serve You. I serve You because You first served me. For You came to earth, not to be served, but to serve others, and to give Your life as a ransom for many.15

How can it be that when You return in Your power and glory, You will serve those who are faithful to You!16 How can I not serve You, Lord? Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

saved From serving to serving

14 Maxie D. Dunnam, Exodus, The Preacher’s Commentary (Nelson, 1987), 12115 Mark 10:4516 Luke 12:37

May 15,

Wednesday

OBSERVATION

What does Galatians 5:13–15 say about freedom in Christ?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 7:16; Galatians 5:13–15“Let My people go that they may serve Me” (7:16). This purpose statement is repeated six times in Exodus (8:1, 20; 9:1, 13; 10:1); and together with other variants a total of 23 times. “This needs to be etched indelibly upon our minds. ‘Let My people go’—not so that they may be free from a master, but ‘that they may serve.’”14 The Hebrew word for serving Pharaoh (Ex 1:13) is the same word used for serving/worshipping God (Ex 4:23; 7:16). God sets us free from one master—an evil master, sin (Egypt), to serve another master—the best master, God Himself. God sets us free from one service to another. We are always slaves, serving someone or something. Even when we think we are masters of our own lives, in reality, we are slaves to our own sinful selves. Serving ourselves is no better than serving sin. True freedom is serving God in Christ. If you are not serving God, are you truly free?

APPLICATION

What is an area in my life that I need to live out in the freedom in Christ?

PRAYER

Servant Lord, I am created to serve You. I am redeemed to serve You. I serve You because You first served me. For You came to earth, not to be served, but to serve others, and to give Your life as a ransom for many.15

How can it be that when You return in Your power and glory, You will serve those who are faithful to You!16 How can I not serve You, Lord? Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

saved From serving to serving

14 Maxie D. Dunnam, Exodus, The Preacher’s Commentary (Nelson, 1987), 12115 Mark 10:4516 Luke 12:37

May 16,

Thursday

OBSERVATION

What does Jesus teach about serving God in Luke 17:7–10?

SCRIPTURE

John 12:23–28; Luke 17:7–10“If anyone serves Me” (John 12:26): Jesus isn’t saying “It’s alright if you serve Me or don’t.” He is saying that it is an honour to serve Him. Serving Jesus begins by knowing who Jesus is. How can we serve one whom we do not know? Jesus is worthy to be served; but no one is worthy to serve Him. When we know who Jesus is, we realise that He is most worthy to be served. Serving Jesus is a privilege of grace from God. We cannot serve Jesus, unless He extends to us the privilege of grace. To serve Jesus means to live under His lordship— “follow Me” (v 26), and to walk in fellowship with Him—“where I am, there My servant will be also” (v 26). When we don’t serve Jesus, we deem Him unworthy to be served. It is a high honour of divine grace when God calls one “My servant”—“My servant Abraham” (Ge 26:24); “My servant Moses” (Nu 12:7); “My servant David” (2 Sa 3:18). Have you received from God the privilege of grace to serve Him? Can God call you “My servant”?

APPLICATION

What should be my perspective and posture in serving God?

PRAYER

Master, I cannot serve You if You do not call me and choose me to serve You. It is a great and high honour to serve You. But who is worthy to serve You and to be addressed by You as “My servant”? It is by Your grace and mercy that You have redeemed me and make me worthy in Christ to serve You. My service is acceptable to You only through Christ.17 Thank You for this glorious grace! Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Honour of serving Jesus

17 1 Peter 2:5

May 16,

Thursday

OBSERVATION

What does Jesus teach about serving God in Luke 17:7–10?

SCRIPTURE

John 12:23–28; Luke 17:7–10“If anyone serves Me” (John 12:26): Jesus isn’t saying “It’s alright if you serve Me or don’t.” He is saying that it is an honour to serve Him. Serving Jesus begins by knowing who Jesus is. How can we serve one whom we do not know? Jesus is worthy to be served; but no one is worthy to serve Him. When we know who Jesus is, we realise that He is most worthy to be served. Serving Jesus is a privilege of grace from God. We cannot serve Jesus, unless He extends to us the privilege of grace. To serve Jesus means to live under His lordship— “follow Me” (v 26), and to walk in fellowship with Him—“where I am, there My servant will be also” (v 26). When we don’t serve Jesus, we deem Him unworthy to be served. It is a high honour of divine grace when God calls one “My servant”—“My servant Abraham” (Ge 26:24); “My servant Moses” (Nu 12:7); “My servant David” (2 Sa 3:18). Have you received from God the privilege of grace to serve Him? Can God call you “My servant”?

APPLICATION

What should be my perspective and posture in serving God?

PRAYER

Master, I cannot serve You if You do not call me and choose me to serve You. It is a great and high honour to serve You. But who is worthy to serve You and to be addressed by You as “My servant”? It is by Your grace and mercy that You have redeemed me and make me worthy in Christ to serve You. My service is acceptable to You only through Christ.17 Thank You for this glorious grace! Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Honour of serving Jesus

17 1 Peter 2:5

May 17,

friday

OBSERVATION

How does John the Baptist view his ministry (John 3:22–30)?

SCRIPTURE

John 12:23–28; John 3:22–30God will honour those who serve Jesus (John 12:26). There is a double honour in serving Jesus. Jesus gives us the honour to serve Him, and God will honour those who serve His Son. How will God honour the servants of Jesus? When will God honour His servants? We don’t know. God doesn’t tell us. We just focus on serving the Lord. But, is God’s honour for His servants something like “the Son of Man to be glorified” (v 23)? If it is, God’s honour of His servants would include the cross; for in John, the glory of God is manifested on the cross (v 27–28)—and in that glory, Jesus is glorified. Jesus is glorified by glorifying God. When God honours us, and we know it, let us seek to glorify Him in that honour. God’s honour of us is to be filled with His glory. When God honours us, let us present that honour to Him in worship, like the twenty–four elders who “cast their crowns before the throne” (Rev 4:9–10).

APPLICATION

How would I view my ministry?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, You came to earth for one purpose: to glorify Your Father.18 You glorified Him by being a servant; even to the point of suffering a criminal’s death on a cross, in humble obedience to Him. Your Father exalted You with the highest honour, that every knee bow to You, and every tongue confess “Jesus Christ is Lord.” Yet, even in Your exaltation, it is to the glory of God the Father!19 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Honour For serving Jesus

18 John 17:419 Philippians 2:6-11

May 17,

friday

OBSERVATION

How does John the Baptist view his ministry (John 3:22–30)?

SCRIPTURE

John 12:23–28; John 3:22–30God will honour those who serve Jesus (John 12:26). There is a double honour in serving Jesus. Jesus gives us the honour to serve Him, and God will honour those who serve His Son. How will God honour the servants of Jesus? When will God honour His servants? We don’t know. God doesn’t tell us. We just focus on serving the Lord. But, is God’s honour for His servants something like “the Son of Man to be glorified” (v 23)? If it is, God’s honour of His servants would include the cross; for in John, the glory of God is manifested on the cross (v 27–28)—and in that glory, Jesus is glorified. Jesus is glorified by glorifying God. When God honours us, and we know it, let us seek to glorify Him in that honour. God’s honour of us is to be filled with His glory. When God honours us, let us present that honour to Him in worship, like the twenty–four elders who “cast their crowns before the throne” (Rev 4:9–10).

APPLICATION

How would I view my ministry?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, You came to earth for one purpose: to glorify Your Father.18 You glorified Him by being a servant; even to the point of suffering a criminal’s death on a cross, in humble obedience to Him. Your Father exalted You with the highest honour, that every knee bow to You, and every tongue confess “Jesus Christ is Lord.” Yet, even in Your exaltation, it is to the glory of God the Father!19 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Honour For serving Jesus

18 John 17:419 Philippians 2:6-11

May 18,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

In Isaiah 30:1–5, God was speaking to His people under King

Hezekiah’s reign, who formed an alliance with Egypt to counter the

threat of Assyria, the superpower at that time.25 What is God’s rebuke

to His people for their alliance with Egypt?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 7:17–21; Isaiah 30:1–5God could not have commenced at a more critical point20 in afflicting Egypt with plagues: the Nile—turning it into blood (Ex 7:17). The Nile was worshipped as a god, and was “the life–support system of Egypt.”21 The extent of the plague (v 19) and the effects (v 18, 21) were devastating; as the Nile was “the source of almost all ponds and irrigation canals in Egypt”22 and fish was “a most important food.”23 The bloody Nile “will no longer bring security and prosperity to Egypt;” it had instead become “the cause of Egypt’s destruction.”24 God’s purpose for the plague was “that you may know that I am the LORD” (v 19). The Nile represents the world that brings security and prosperity. God is God enough to easily and effortlessly destroy the Nile of today. How futile and foolish it is to delight in and depend on today’s Nile for our needs and wants! Hear the voice, “Know that I am the Lord,” and ask yourself—“Where is my heart drawn to—the Nile or the Lord?”

APPLICATION

What is an “Egypt” that I rely on and trust in in my life? What changes do I need to make in my life in this aspect?

PRAYER

Lord, if the godly Hezekiah fell into the temptation of trusting in worldly powers and security, how vulnerable I am to such temptations, too! You know it’s very challenging to live in a world surrounded by many people, including God’s people, living by worldly values and ways. Guard my heart from being seduced and pressurised to conform to the world; for I want to trust in You alone. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

the nile or the Lord?

20 Victor P. Hamilton, Exodus: An Exegetical Commentary (Baker, 2011), 12421 Victor P. Hamilton, 12422 Alan Cole, Exodus, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (IVP, 1973), 9023 Alan Cole, 9024 Peter Enns, Exodus, The NIV Application Commentary (Zondervan, 2000), 20025 Barry Webb, The Message of Isaiah, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 1996), 127

May 18,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

In Isaiah 30:1–5, God was speaking to His people under King

Hezekiah’s reign, who formed an alliance with Egypt to counter the

threat of Assyria, the superpower at that time.25 What is God’s rebuke

to His people for their alliance with Egypt?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 7:17–21; Isaiah 30:1–5God could not have commenced at a more critical point20 in afflicting Egypt with plagues: the Nile—turning it into blood (Ex 7:17). The Nile was worshipped as a god, and was “the life–support system of Egypt.”21 The extent of the plague (v 19) and the effects (v 18, 21) were devastating; as the Nile was “the source of almost all ponds and irrigation canals in Egypt”22 and fish was “a most important food.”23 The bloody Nile “will no longer bring security and prosperity to Egypt;” it had instead become “the cause of Egypt’s destruction.”24 God’s purpose for the plague was “that you may know that I am the LORD” (v 19). The Nile represents the world that brings security and prosperity. God is God enough to easily and effortlessly destroy the Nile of today. How futile and foolish it is to delight in and depend on today’s Nile for our needs and wants! Hear the voice, “Know that I am the Lord,” and ask yourself—“Where is my heart drawn to—the Nile or the Lord?”

APPLICATION

What is an “Egypt” that I rely on and trust in in my life? What changes do I need to make in my life in this aspect?

PRAYER

Lord, if the godly Hezekiah fell into the temptation of trusting in worldly powers and security, how vulnerable I am to such temptations, too! You know it’s very challenging to live in a world surrounded by many people, including God’s people, living by worldly values and ways. Guard my heart from being seduced and pressurised to conform to the world; for I want to trust in You alone. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

the nile or the Lord?

20 Victor P. Hamilton, Exodus: An Exegetical Commentary (Baker, 2011), 12421 Victor P. Hamilton, 12422 Alan Cole, Exodus, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (IVP, 1973), 9023 Alan Cole, 9024 Peter Enns, Exodus, The NIV Application Commentary (Zondervan, 2000), 20025 Barry Webb, The Message of Isaiah, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 1996), 127

2013May 19,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

2013May 19,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

May 20,

Monday

OBSERVATION

2 Samuel 11:2–17—David was “a man after God’s heart” (1 Sa 13:13–

14; 1 Ki 11:4; Ac 13:22). There was quite a lapse between the time

David committed adultery and murder. What does this story of David

teach us about sin?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 7:20–25; 2 Samuel 11:2–17“Seven days passed after the LORD had struck the Nile” (Ex 7:25). The waters “throughout all the land of Egypt” were so foul that they could not be drunk; and many, many fish, so precious and important for food, were floating on the waters everywhere (v 21). But the situation didn’t bother Pharaoh a bit; he had no concern for it at all (v 23) for “seven days.” Pharaoh put up with the horrible condition of his nation; which was the result of his sin against God. Similarly, it is possible for us when we sin, to simply put up with the sin and our troubled conscience—ignoring, rationalising, and denying it. We can do this for “seven days”—that is, over a period of time. Like Pharaoh, we can turn away, without any concern especially when these are sins that give us pleasure. This is very dangerous! We cannot let a day go by without much application of 1 John 1:9 because “we all stumble in many ways” (Jas 3:2).

APPLICATION

Are there sins in my life that I ignore, deny or rationalise away? What action do I need to take to deal with them?

PRAYER

Lord, if the man after Your heart fell into sins that destroy lives, I dare not say that this will not happen to me. Give me a tender heart that is sensitive to the Holy Spirit when He convicts me of my sins. When You convict me of my sins, Your intent is not to condemn me, but to cleanse me. Help me to be honest and humble before You concerning my sins. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

How sin Works

May 20,

Monday

OBSERVATION

2 Samuel 11:2–17—David was “a man after God’s heart” (1 Sa 13:13–

14; 1 Ki 11:4; Ac 13:22). There was quite a lapse between the time

David committed adultery and murder. What does this story of David

teach us about sin?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 7:20–25; 2 Samuel 11:2–17“Seven days passed after the LORD had struck the Nile” (Ex 7:25). The waters “throughout all the land of Egypt” were so foul that they could not be drunk; and many, many fish, so precious and important for food, were floating on the waters everywhere (v 21). But the situation didn’t bother Pharaoh a bit; he had no concern for it at all (v 23) for “seven days.” Pharaoh put up with the horrible condition of his nation; which was the result of his sin against God. Similarly, it is possible for us when we sin, to simply put up with the sin and our troubled conscience—ignoring, rationalising, and denying it. We can do this for “seven days”—that is, over a period of time. Like Pharaoh, we can turn away, without any concern especially when these are sins that give us pleasure. This is very dangerous! We cannot let a day go by without much application of 1 John 1:9 because “we all stumble in many ways” (Jas 3:2).

APPLICATION

Are there sins in my life that I ignore, deny or rationalise away? What action do I need to take to deal with them?

PRAYER

Lord, if the man after Your heart fell into sins that destroy lives, I dare not say that this will not happen to me. Give me a tender heart that is sensitive to the Holy Spirit when He convicts me of my sins. When You convict me of my sins, Your intent is not to condemn me, but to cleanse me. Help me to be honest and humble before You concerning my sins. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

How sin Works

May 21,

Tuesday

OBSERVATION

What does 1 Corinthians 11:26–32 teach us about God’s judgment of

His people?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 8:1–15; 1 Corinthians 11:26–32God warned Pharaoh that if he refused to release His people, “I will smite your whole territory with frogs” (Ex 8:2–4). Obviously, Pharaoh refused; for God smote Egypt with frogs (v 5–6). But when God “covered the land of Egypt” with frogs, Pharaoh asked Moses to intercede for him to God to “remove the frogs,” and he would release the Israelites (v 8). In response, God performed two acts of mercy towards Pharaoh. Firstly, through Moses, God gave Pharaoh the “honour” (“Be pleased to command me,” ESV) to state the time for removing the frogs (v 9). God let Pharaoh have that “honour,” even though it belongs to Him (contrasts Ex 9:5). Secondly, God granted Pharaoh his request (v 12–13) despite knowing that he would not repent (v 15). God’s mercy is Him withholding from us what we deserve—judgment. God is a God who “in wrath remember(s) mercy” (Hab 3:2). The greatest demonstration of this is—Jesus suffered God’s wrath on the cross on behalf of sinners (Ro 5:9).

APPLICATION

How would I relate with God, as revealed in 1 Cor 11:26–32, regarding my sins?

PRAYER

Holy God, Your wrath is a manifestation of Your holiness. What a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God,26

a consuming fire!27 Pardon me for lacking conviction and not knowing Your holiness in a real way. Graciously grant me to know Your holiness; so that I can have a deep sense of awe, when I worship You, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts.”28 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Mercy In Wrath

26 Hebrews 10:3127 Hebrews 12:2928 Isaiah 6:3

May 21,

Tuesday

OBSERVATION

What does 1 Corinthians 11:26–32 teach us about God’s judgment of

His people?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 8:1–15; 1 Corinthians 11:26–32God warned Pharaoh that if he refused to release His people, “I will smite your whole territory with frogs” (Ex 8:2–4). Obviously, Pharaoh refused; for God smote Egypt with frogs (v 5–6). But when God “covered the land of Egypt” with frogs, Pharaoh asked Moses to intercede for him to God to “remove the frogs,” and he would release the Israelites (v 8). In response, God performed two acts of mercy towards Pharaoh. Firstly, through Moses, God gave Pharaoh the “honour” (“Be pleased to command me,” ESV) to state the time for removing the frogs (v 9). God let Pharaoh have that “honour,” even though it belongs to Him (contrasts Ex 9:5). Secondly, God granted Pharaoh his request (v 12–13) despite knowing that he would not repent (v 15). God’s mercy is Him withholding from us what we deserve—judgment. God is a God who “in wrath remember(s) mercy” (Hab 3:2). The greatest demonstration of this is—Jesus suffered God’s wrath on the cross on behalf of sinners (Ro 5:9).

APPLICATION

How would I relate with God, as revealed in 1 Cor 11:26–32, regarding my sins?

PRAYER

Holy God, Your wrath is a manifestation of Your holiness. What a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God,26

a consuming fire!27 Pardon me for lacking conviction and not knowing Your holiness in a real way. Graciously grant me to know Your holiness; so that I can have a deep sense of awe, when I worship You, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts.”28 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Mercy In Wrath

26 Hebrews 10:3127 Hebrews 12:2928 Isaiah 6:3

May 22,

Wednesday

OBSERVATION

How does God show His mercy toward David in 2 Samuel 24:1–16?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 8:20–32; 2 Samuel 24:1–16Despite the gnats God sent on Egypt, Pharaoh continued to refuse to let Israel go (Ex 8:16–19). Then God smote Egypt with swarms of insects and “the land was laid waste” (8:24). In desperation, Pharaoh was “willing” to release Israel thrice, but each time with a proposed compromise; which Moses duly rejected (v 25–28). Pharaoh was not sincere about releasing Israel; and if anything, he would want it done his way. Yet, he had the cheek to make request for God (second time; cf. 8:8) to remove the insects (v 28b). God granted his request again (v 29–31). God is so incredibly merciful! Appreciate God’s mercy with humility and gratitude. Guard against abusing God’s mercy—taking Him for granted, with presumptuousness. But can God’s mercy really be abused? Absolutely not! God knows our hearts (cf. John 2:23–25).

APPLICATION

How would God’s mercy affect how I live my life?

PRAYER

Father of mercies,29 it’s Your mercy that You saved me.30 It’s Your mercy that You forgive me of my many sins.31 It’s Your mercy that You cleanse and heal me.32 It’s Your mercy that I dedicate my life to You as worship to You.33 It’s Your mercy that I serve You.34 Everything I am, I have, and I do in Christ is Your mercy. How frequently I need to pray, “Lord, have mercy on me!” It’s a prayer You will always answer. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

God’s Incredible Mercy!

29 2 Corinthians 1:330 Ephesians 2:4-531 Luke 1:77-7832 Luke 17:13-1433 Romans 12:134 2 Corinthians 4:1

May 22,

Wednesday

OBSERVATION

How does God show His mercy toward David in 2 Samuel 24:1–16?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 8:20–32; 2 Samuel 24:1–16Despite the gnats God sent on Egypt, Pharaoh continued to refuse to let Israel go (Ex 8:16–19). Then God smote Egypt with swarms of insects and “the land was laid waste” (8:24). In desperation, Pharaoh was “willing” to release Israel thrice, but each time with a proposed compromise; which Moses duly rejected (v 25–28). Pharaoh was not sincere about releasing Israel; and if anything, he would want it done his way. Yet, he had the cheek to make request for God (second time; cf. 8:8) to remove the insects (v 28b). God granted his request again (v 29–31). God is so incredibly merciful! Appreciate God’s mercy with humility and gratitude. Guard against abusing God’s mercy—taking Him for granted, with presumptuousness. But can God’s mercy really be abused? Absolutely not! God knows our hearts (cf. John 2:23–25).

APPLICATION

How would God’s mercy affect how I live my life?

PRAYER

Father of mercies,29 it’s Your mercy that You saved me.30 It’s Your mercy that You forgive me of my many sins.31 It’s Your mercy that You cleanse and heal me.32 It’s Your mercy that I dedicate my life to You as worship to You.33 It’s Your mercy that I serve You.34 Everything I am, I have, and I do in Christ is Your mercy. How frequently I need to pray, “Lord, have mercy on me!” It’s a prayer You will always answer. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

God’s Incredible Mercy!

29 2 Corinthians 1:330 Ephesians 2:4-531 Luke 1:77-7832 Luke 17:13-1433 Romans 12:134 2 Corinthians 4:1

May 23,

Thursday

OBSERVATION

What does Judges 2:11–19 tell us about God and God’s people?

SCRIPTURE

Revelation 9:18–21; 16:8–9, 17–21; Judges 2:11–19In Revelation, Jesus gives John visions of God’s threefold judgment on the wicked world. The threefold judgment intensifies progressively. God’s judgment is always redemptive because He is merciful. John shows how human rebellion also intensifies progressively in response to God’s redemptive judgment. At first, “they did not repent” of their wickedness (Rev 9:18–21). Human rebellion progresses to not only “they did not repent” but also “blaspheme the name of God” (Rev 16:8–9). It reaches a climax where John describes rebellious humans as blaspheming God (Rev 16:17–21) and stops mentioning “they did not repent” as before. It is at this point God declares that His redemptive judgment is over—“It is done” (Rev 16:17). Rebellious humans mock God’s mercy persistently. What remains is only God’s retributive judgment. Can this also happen to me? “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall” (1 Co 10:12, NLT).

APPLICATION

What are some spiritual dangers that I need to guard against?

PRAYER

My sins, Lord, are dulling my conscience. I get used to evil very quickly; a little self–indulgence here, a small unfaithfulness there, an unwise action farther on, and my vision becomes obscured. I no longer see stumbling blocks, I no longer see other people on my road. Lord, I beseech You, keep me young in my efforts; spare me the bondage of habit, which lulls to sleep and kills. Amen. (Michael Quoist)

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Mocking God’s Mercy

May 23,

Thursday

OBSERVATION

What does Judges 2:11–19 tell us about God and God’s people?

SCRIPTURE

Revelation 9:18–21; 16:8–9, 17–21; Judges 2:11–19In Revelation, Jesus gives John visions of God’s threefold judgment on the wicked world. The threefold judgment intensifies progressively. God’s judgment is always redemptive because He is merciful. John shows how human rebellion also intensifies progressively in response to God’s redemptive judgment. At first, “they did not repent” of their wickedness (Rev 9:18–21). Human rebellion progresses to not only “they did not repent” but also “blaspheme the name of God” (Rev 16:8–9). It reaches a climax where John describes rebellious humans as blaspheming God (Rev 16:17–21) and stops mentioning “they did not repent” as before. It is at this point God declares that His redemptive judgment is over—“It is done” (Rev 16:17). Rebellious humans mock God’s mercy persistently. What remains is only God’s retributive judgment. Can this also happen to me? “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall” (1 Co 10:12, NLT).

APPLICATION

What are some spiritual dangers that I need to guard against?

PRAYER

My sins, Lord, are dulling my conscience. I get used to evil very quickly; a little self–indulgence here, a small unfaithfulness there, an unwise action farther on, and my vision becomes obscured. I no longer see stumbling blocks, I no longer see other people on my road. Lord, I beseech You, keep me young in my efforts; spare me the bondage of habit, which lulls to sleep and kills. Amen. (Michael Quoist)

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Mocking God’s Mercy

May 24,

friday

OBSERVATION

What does it mean that God is for His people according to Romans

8:31–39?

SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 10:23–27; Romans 8:31–39In smiting Egypt with the plague of insects, God “will put a division between My people and your people” (Ex 8:23). God was for His people and against Pharaoh’s people. Centuries later, God used the Assyrians to oppress His covenant people “with rod and club as the Egyptians did long ago” (Isa 10:24, NLT) – as His judgment on them for their covenant unfaithfulness. Yet in His judgment God comforts His people: “Do not be afraid” (v 24) – because “in a little while My anger against you will end, and then My anger will rise up to destroy them [Assyrians]” (v 25, NLT). This is God’s covenant faithfulness. God would destroy the Assyrians as “when the LORD’s staff was raised to drown the Egyptian army in the sea” (v 26). God reminded His people of the exodus; so that in suffering His judgment, they remember His covenant faithfulness and find hope in it. Even when God is against His people, He is still for them. God can also be for His people by being against them when necessary.

APPLICATION

How does the truth that God is for me shape my perspective and attitude in living my life?

PRAYER

I give thanks to You, O Lord; for although You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. Therefore I will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.35 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

If God Is For Us

35 Isaiah 12:1-3

May 24,

friday

OBSERVATION

What does it mean that God is for His people according to Romans

8:31–39?

SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 10:23–27; Romans 8:31–39In smiting Egypt with the plague of insects, God “will put a division between My people and your people” (Ex 8:23). God was for His people and against Pharaoh’s people. Centuries later, God used the Assyrians to oppress His covenant people “with rod and club as the Egyptians did long ago” (Isa 10:24, NLT) – as His judgment on them for their covenant unfaithfulness. Yet in His judgment God comforts His people: “Do not be afraid” (v 24) – because “in a little while My anger against you will end, and then My anger will rise up to destroy them [Assyrians]” (v 25, NLT). This is God’s covenant faithfulness. God would destroy the Assyrians as “when the LORD’s staff was raised to drown the Egyptian army in the sea” (v 26). God reminded His people of the exodus; so that in suffering His judgment, they remember His covenant faithfulness and find hope in it. Even when God is against His people, He is still for them. God can also be for His people by being against them when necessary.

APPLICATION

How does the truth that God is for me shape my perspective and attitude in living my life?

PRAYER

I give thanks to You, O Lord; for although You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. Therefore I will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.35 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

If God Is For Us

35 Isaiah 12:1-3

May 25,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

What does Isaiah 1:2–3, 10–17 teach us about worshipping

God rightly?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 8:24–28; Isaiah 1:2–3, 10–17In Moses’ encounter with Pharaoh during the plague of insects, the focus was on worship to God (Ex 8:24–28). The expression, “sacrifice to the LORD our God” and its variants, is repeated four times in the text. Pharaoh called Moses to make a compromise as a condition for releasing Israel: worship God “within the land” (v 25). But Israel was to worship God in “the wilderness” (v 27). Moses replied Pharaoh firmly with a no–go in three ways: “It is not right to do so” (v 26), “we must go a three-day journey”, “as He commands us” (v 27). We must worship God rightly. Spiritual worship, genuine worship, cannot be tied to set forms and formulas; but “the sacrifice of a humble, contrite, grateful and adoring spirit”36 (Ps 51:16–17, 19). “Material things could at best be the vehicle of true worship but could never belong to its essence. Sincere heart-devotion, whenever and wherever found, is indispensable if men and women would present to God worship which He can accept.”37

APPLICATION

How is my worship to God? What are some things that I need to do concerning my worship to God?

PRAYER

Gracious Heavenly Father, Source of every blessing, Giver of every good gift, I worship and adore You and bless Your holy name. I praise You for the revelation of Yourself in the Lord Jesus Christ and every glimpse I have of Your nature. May my love and worship of You so fill my life. I praise You for the everyday blessing I receive from You, that I may be a blessing to others. Amen.38

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Worship God Rightly

36 F. F. Bruce, The Gospel of John (Eerdmans, 1983), 11137 F. F. Bruce, 11138 Adapted from a prayer in The Mothers’ Union Anthology of Public Prayers

May 25,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

What does Isaiah 1:2–3, 10–17 teach us about worshipping

God rightly?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 8:24–28; Isaiah 1:2–3, 10–17In Moses’ encounter with Pharaoh during the plague of insects, the focus was on worship to God (Ex 8:24–28). The expression, “sacrifice to the LORD our God” and its variants, is repeated four times in the text. Pharaoh called Moses to make a compromise as a condition for releasing Israel: worship God “within the land” (v 25). But Israel was to worship God in “the wilderness” (v 27). Moses replied Pharaoh firmly with a no–go in three ways: “It is not right to do so” (v 26), “we must go a three-day journey”, “as He commands us” (v 27). We must worship God rightly. Spiritual worship, genuine worship, cannot be tied to set forms and formulas; but “the sacrifice of a humble, contrite, grateful and adoring spirit”36 (Ps 51:16–17, 19). “Material things could at best be the vehicle of true worship but could never belong to its essence. Sincere heart-devotion, whenever and wherever found, is indispensable if men and women would present to God worship which He can accept.”37

APPLICATION

How is my worship to God? What are some things that I need to do concerning my worship to God?

PRAYER

Gracious Heavenly Father, Source of every blessing, Giver of every good gift, I worship and adore You and bless Your holy name. I praise You for the revelation of Yourself in the Lord Jesus Christ and every glimpse I have of Your nature. May my love and worship of You so fill my life. I praise You for the everyday blessing I receive from You, that I may be a blessing to others. Amen.38

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Worship God Rightly

36 F. F. Bruce, The Gospel of John (Eerdmans, 1983), 11137 F. F. Bruce, 11138 Adapted from a prayer in The Mothers’ Union Anthology of Public Prayers

2013May 26,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

2013May 26,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

May 27,

Monday

OBSERVATION

What does Psalm 2 say about fighting against God?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 7:11–12, 22–24; 8:7–8, 17–18; Psalm 2When God performed the first three signs of His power, “the magicians of Egypt did the same with their secret arts” (Ex 7:11, 22; 8:7). It appeared that after three rounds, it was a draw between God and Pharaoh. But the reality was not so. Round One: “Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staff” (7:12); round Two: the Egyptians “could not drink of the water of the Nile” (7:24); round Three: Pharaoh “entreated the LORD” (8:8). The magicians could not do the same in Round Four. It is futile to fight God. Do we fight God? We do when we do not yield ourselves to His lordship, insisting on going our own way (spoken or unspoken). God may allow us to succeed but only momentarily. Remember that we humans are like grass, and our beauty, glory, power and success like flowers. We wither and fade when the breath of God blows upon us (Isa 40:6–7). God is GOD. The Lord is LORD. Why fight to lose?

APPLICATION

Am I fighting God in certain areas of my life? What are they and what will I do about them?

PRAYER

Faithful God, You are my God. You have redeemed me in Christ, and I belong to You. You are with me and for me. Anyone who opposes me for Your sake opposes You. But, keep me from becoming a friend of the world, and make myself an enemy of God.39 I surrender to You areas of my life that I want my way; lest I find myself fighting You. Help me in this. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Why Fight to Lose?

39 James 4:4

May 27,

Monday

OBSERVATION

What does Psalm 2 say about fighting against God?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 7:11–12, 22–24; 8:7–8, 17–18; Psalm 2When God performed the first three signs of His power, “the magicians of Egypt did the same with their secret arts” (Ex 7:11, 22; 8:7). It appeared that after three rounds, it was a draw between God and Pharaoh. But the reality was not so. Round One: “Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staff” (7:12); round Two: the Egyptians “could not drink of the water of the Nile” (7:24); round Three: Pharaoh “entreated the LORD” (8:8). The magicians could not do the same in Round Four. It is futile to fight God. Do we fight God? We do when we do not yield ourselves to His lordship, insisting on going our own way (spoken or unspoken). God may allow us to succeed but only momentarily. Remember that we humans are like grass, and our beauty, glory, power and success like flowers. We wither and fade when the breath of God blows upon us (Isa 40:6–7). God is GOD. The Lord is LORD. Why fight to lose?

APPLICATION

Am I fighting God in certain areas of my life? What are they and what will I do about them?

PRAYER

Faithful God, You are my God. You have redeemed me in Christ, and I belong to You. You are with me and for me. Anyone who opposes me for Your sake opposes You. But, keep me from becoming a friend of the world, and make myself an enemy of God.39 I surrender to You areas of my life that I want my way; lest I find myself fighting You. Help me in this. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Why Fight to Lose?

39 James 4:4

May 28,

Tuesday

OBSERVATION

How does God want us to view the cross of discipleship He calls us to

(Revelation 2:8–11)?

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 2 with Acts 4:24–28; Revelation 2:8–11The most powerful earthlings fight against God, wanting to have their own sovereign freedom (Ps 2:1–3). But God laughs and scoffs at them for their foolish and futile attempts (v 4). Psalm 2 reveals God, in His total absolute sovereign power, having an easy clean sweep over human powers. But, do you see the cross in Psalm 2? How did the earthly kings and rulers fight against God and His anointed (v 2)? The New Testament reveals that “gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed” were “both Herod and Pilate, along with the Gentiles” (Acts 4:25–27, citing Ps 2:1–2). These opposed God by crucifying God’s Anointed. God in Jesus was crucified by His enemies. This is how God wins. The cross is God’s conquest and God’s crown. God is sovereign through suffering. God lords over His enemies by “losing” to them. God shows His power by being “powerless” in His enemies’ hand. This is God’s glory!

APPLICATION

What perspective and/or attitude do I need to embrace toward the cross of discipleship?

PRAYER

Lamb of God, You have called me to follow You in a world of beasts. In the world of beasts, the way to counter beasts is to be a beast—and to be a stronger one at that. But You have shown that the way to overcome beasts is to be a lamb like You. This is the way of God: a lamb is mightier than a beast. The Lamb of God whom I follow as a lamb is the King of kings and Lord of lords!40 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Do You see the cross?

40 Revelation 17:13-14

May 28,

Tuesday

OBSERVATION

How does God want us to view the cross of discipleship He calls us to

(Revelation 2:8–11)?

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 2 with Acts 4:24–28; Revelation 2:8–11The most powerful earthlings fight against God, wanting to have their own sovereign freedom (Ps 2:1–3). But God laughs and scoffs at them for their foolish and futile attempts (v 4). Psalm 2 reveals God, in His total absolute sovereign power, having an easy clean sweep over human powers. But, do you see the cross in Psalm 2? How did the earthly kings and rulers fight against God and His anointed (v 2)? The New Testament reveals that “gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed” were “both Herod and Pilate, along with the Gentiles” (Acts 4:25–27, citing Ps 2:1–2). These opposed God by crucifying God’s Anointed. God in Jesus was crucified by His enemies. This is how God wins. The cross is God’s conquest and God’s crown. God is sovereign through suffering. God lords over His enemies by “losing” to them. God shows His power by being “powerless” in His enemies’ hand. This is God’s glory!

APPLICATION

What perspective and/or attitude do I need to embrace toward the cross of discipleship?

PRAYER

Lamb of God, You have called me to follow You in a world of beasts. In the world of beasts, the way to counter beasts is to be a beast—and to be a stronger one at that. But You have shown that the way to overcome beasts is to be a lamb like You. This is the way of God: a lamb is mightier than a beast. The Lamb of God whom I follow as a lamb is the King of kings and Lord of lords!40 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Do You see the cross?

40 Revelation 17:13-14

May 29,

Wednesday

OBSERVATION

What can you learn about our sins, God’s forgiveness, and God’s

judgment in 2 Kings 23:24–27; 24:1–4?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:1–7; 2 Kings 23:24–27; 24:1–4God warned Pharaoh, “If you continue to hold them and refuse to let them go, the hand of the LORD will strike all your livestock… with a deadly plague” (Ex 9:2–3). God “set a definite time” to bring His judgment on Egypt—“Tomorrow” (v 5). It is God’s mercy and grace that His judgment is not today, but ‘tomorrow’. If ‘tomorrow’ is God’s judgment, it means today is God’s mercy and grace. We tend to be anxious about the wrong kind of tomorrow – our life, our needs, our future, our plans (Mt 6:25; Jas 4:13–15). So, Jesus commands us, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow” (Mt 6:34). But there is a tomorrow that we should be anxious about—the tomorrow of God’s judgment, of Jesus’ return, of entering into eternity. When tomorrow comes, we may realise that it’s too late; and regret that we did not seize the ‘today’ of God’s mercy and grace. How am I living my life today?

APPLICATION

How do I look at sin and what does it mean to me in my walk with God?

PRAYER

Lord, You have called me to follow You daily.40 You have said, “Today if you hear My voice, do not harden your heart.”41 When I sin against You today, I want to deal with my sins before You today, not tomorrow. If I ignore my sins in my heart, there will be a barrier in my fellowship with You.42 I want to come clean with You today, that I may continually live in Your presence. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Be Anxious About tomorrow

40 Luke 9:2341 Hebrews 3:7-842 Psalm 66:18

May 29,

Wednesday

OBSERVATION

What can you learn about our sins, God’s forgiveness, and God’s

judgment in 2 Kings 23:24–27; 24:1–4?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:1–7; 2 Kings 23:24–27; 24:1–4God warned Pharaoh, “If you continue to hold them and refuse to let them go, the hand of the LORD will strike all your livestock… with a deadly plague” (Ex 9:2–3). God “set a definite time” to bring His judgment on Egypt—“Tomorrow” (v 5). It is God’s mercy and grace that His judgment is not today, but ‘tomorrow’. If ‘tomorrow’ is God’s judgment, it means today is God’s mercy and grace. We tend to be anxious about the wrong kind of tomorrow – our life, our needs, our future, our plans (Mt 6:25; Jas 4:13–15). So, Jesus commands us, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow” (Mt 6:34). But there is a tomorrow that we should be anxious about—the tomorrow of God’s judgment, of Jesus’ return, of entering into eternity. When tomorrow comes, we may realise that it’s too late; and regret that we did not seize the ‘today’ of God’s mercy and grace. How am I living my life today?

APPLICATION

How do I look at sin and what does it mean to me in my walk with God?

PRAYER

Lord, You have called me to follow You daily.40 You have said, “Today if you hear My voice, do not harden your heart.”41 When I sin against You today, I want to deal with my sins before You today, not tomorrow. If I ignore my sins in my heart, there will be a barrier in my fellowship with You.42 I want to come clean with You today, that I may continually live in Your presence. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Be Anxious About tomorrow

40 Luke 9:2341 Hebrews 3:7-842 Psalm 66:18

May 30,

Thursday

OBSERVATION

What can you discover about God in Jeremiah 33:1–9?

SCRIPTURE

2 Chronicles 33:1–13, 18–19; Jeremiah 33:1–91–2 Kings and 1–2 Chronicles present two contrasting pictures of King Manasseh. 1–2 Kings was written for God’s people in exile in Babylon, presenting Manasseh’s apostasy as the peak of Israel’s centuries of covenant unfaithfulness—a point where there will be no forgiveness before judgment (2 Ki 24:1–4; 25:21b). 1–2 Chronicles was written for God’s people after the exile (2 Ch 36:22–23). Judgment is over, and there is forgiveness (cf. Isa 40:1–2). The key is to humble oneself before God (2 Ch 7:14)—a recurring motif in the book. Manasseh is the model of hope for a humble heart. Among all the characters that were humble before God, only Manasseh is described as “humbled himself greatly” (2 Ch 33:12). Manasseh, the most wicked king in 1–2 Kings, is the humblest in 1–2 Chronicles. However, hope for a humble heart is possible only because it is hope from the forgiving God (Mic 7:18), however great our sins may be.

APPLICATION

How would I feel and what should I do when I sin against God seriously?

PRAYER

From the depths of despair, O Lord, I cry out to You. If You keep a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But You offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear You.43 Have mercy on me, O God, because of Your unfailing love. Because of Your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.44 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Hope For A Humble Heart

43 Psalm 130:1, 3-444 Psalm 51:1-2

May 30,

Thursday

OBSERVATION

What can you discover about God in Jeremiah 33:1–9?

SCRIPTURE

2 Chronicles 33:1–13, 18–19; Jeremiah 33:1–91–2 Kings and 1–2 Chronicles present two contrasting pictures of King Manasseh. 1–2 Kings was written for God’s people in exile in Babylon, presenting Manasseh’s apostasy as the peak of Israel’s centuries of covenant unfaithfulness—a point where there will be no forgiveness before judgment (2 Ki 24:1–4; 25:21b). 1–2 Chronicles was written for God’s people after the exile (2 Ch 36:22–23). Judgment is over, and there is forgiveness (cf. Isa 40:1–2). The key is to humble oneself before God (2 Ch 7:14)—a recurring motif in the book. Manasseh is the model of hope for a humble heart. Among all the characters that were humble before God, only Manasseh is described as “humbled himself greatly” (2 Ch 33:12). Manasseh, the most wicked king in 1–2 Kings, is the humblest in 1–2 Chronicles. However, hope for a humble heart is possible only because it is hope from the forgiving God (Mic 7:18), however great our sins may be.

APPLICATION

How would I feel and what should I do when I sin against God seriously?

PRAYER

From the depths of despair, O Lord, I cry out to You. If You keep a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But You offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear You.43 Have mercy on me, O God, because of Your unfailing love. Because of Your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.44 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Hope For A Humble Heart

43 Psalm 130:1, 3-444 Psalm 51:1-2

May 31,

friday

OBSERVATION

What does Deuteronomy 8:6–14 teach about pride in God’s people?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:13–14; Deuteronomy 8:6–14“I will send all My plagues to your very heart” (Ex 9:14, NKJV). It is only here, the seventh plague on Egypt, that the object of God’s judgment is Pharaoh’s “heart;” and to his “heart” God will send “all” His plagues. The “full blast of the ensuing plagues would penetrate directly at Pharaoh’s ‘heart.’ The ‘heart’ does not signify ‘his person,’ but rather his inner being, nature, and seared conscience”45

– the very centre of a person. Pharaoh’s “heart” is mentioned because every of his responses to God came out of his “hardened heart.” The hardened heart is a haughty heart. Pride can be in what we suppose, what we say, what we show, what we seek regarding the ‘self’ in us. It is to our peril that we do not see our pride. The safeguard is to recognise that a day will come when “the pride of man will be humbled” and “the LORD alone will be exalted in that day” (Isa 2:17). Exaltation belongs to “the LORD alone.” Dare we exalt ourselves!

APPLICATION

What are some areas in my life where I sense pride is present? What does that mean to me?

PRAYER

Suffer46 me, O Lord, never to think that I have knowledge enough to need no teaching, wisdom enough to need no correction, talents enough to need no progress, humility enough to need no repentance, devotion enough to need no quickening, strength sufficient without Your Spirit; lest standing still, I fall back for evermore. Amen. (Eric Milner–White, 1816–1897)

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Perils of A Proud Heart

45 Walter C. Kaiser, Exodus, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Zondervan, 1990), vol. 2, 36146 Suffer – an old word meaning “to allow something”

May 31,

friday

OBSERVATION

What does Deuteronomy 8:6–14 teach about pride in God’s people?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:13–14; Deuteronomy 8:6–14“I will send all My plagues to your very heart” (Ex 9:14, NKJV). It is only here, the seventh plague on Egypt, that the object of God’s judgment is Pharaoh’s “heart;” and to his “heart” God will send “all” His plagues. The “full blast of the ensuing plagues would penetrate directly at Pharaoh’s ‘heart.’ The ‘heart’ does not signify ‘his person,’ but rather his inner being, nature, and seared conscience”45

– the very centre of a person. Pharaoh’s “heart” is mentioned because every of his responses to God came out of his “hardened heart.” The hardened heart is a haughty heart. Pride can be in what we suppose, what we say, what we show, what we seek regarding the ‘self’ in us. It is to our peril that we do not see our pride. The safeguard is to recognise that a day will come when “the pride of man will be humbled” and “the LORD alone will be exalted in that day” (Isa 2:17). Exaltation belongs to “the LORD alone.” Dare we exalt ourselves!

APPLICATION

What are some areas in my life where I sense pride is present? What does that mean to me?

PRAYER

Suffer46 me, O Lord, never to think that I have knowledge enough to need no teaching, wisdom enough to need no correction, talents enough to need no progress, humility enough to need no repentance, devotion enough to need no quickening, strength sufficient without Your Spirit; lest standing still, I fall back for evermore. Amen. (Eric Milner–White, 1816–1897)

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

Perils of A Proud Heart

45 Walter C. Kaiser, Exodus, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Zondervan, 1990), vol. 2, 36146 Suffer – an old word meaning “to allow something”

June 1,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

How many times is the refrain “His steadfast love endures forever”

(NRSV) repeated in Psalm 136? What is the significance of

the refrain?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:13; Psalm 136God is about to unleash the seventh plague on Egypt; and He says to Pharaoh, “Let My people go that they may serve Me” (Ex 9:13). This is the fifth of six times that God repeats this command (7:14; 8:1, 20; 9:1; 10:3). Why does God keep repeating Himself? These words are meant for Israel, as much as for Pharaoh. Israel needs to be reminded of the reason and purpose behind the plagues: God saves them to serve Him who saves them. This is a critical necessity for Israel; because their last response to God’s word was a refusal to listen (6:9). God has not given up on them for their shortcomings but He keeps pursuing them. Since then, God has not spoken to Israel directly but indirectly through His acts. Divine repetition opens our ears to God’s voice; sharpens our understanding of God and the things of God; kindles and rekindles faith; forms and deepens convictions as well as shakes us up from our spiritual slumber and forgetfulness. The danger, however, is that familiarity breeds contempt.

When God Keeps Repeating Himself

APPLICATION

What does God’s repetition of “His steadfast love endures forever” mean to me personally?

PRAYER

Covenant Lord, You sent Your prophets again and again to speak to Your people;1 because they have rebelled against You again and again. My heart trembles with fear for myself that I, too, may become like them. I’m no better than them. I’m as prone to sin as they were. Do not forsake me. Do not cease speaking to me. Help me to be faithful to You for Your steadfast love endures forever. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

1 Jeremiah 25:3-4

June 1,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

How many times is the refrain “His steadfast love endures forever”

(NRSV) repeated in Psalm 136? What is the significance of

the refrain?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:13; Psalm 136God is about to unleash the seventh plague on Egypt; and He says to Pharaoh, “Let My people go that they may serve Me” (Ex 9:13). This is the fifth of six times that God repeats this command (7:14; 8:1, 20; 9:1; 10:3). Why does God keep repeating Himself? These words are meant for Israel, as much as for Pharaoh. Israel needs to be reminded of the reason and purpose behind the plagues: God saves them to serve Him who saves them. This is a critical necessity for Israel; because their last response to God’s word was a refusal to listen (6:9). God has not given up on them for their shortcomings but He keeps pursuing them. Since then, God has not spoken to Israel directly but indirectly through His acts. Divine repetition opens our ears to God’s voice; sharpens our understanding of God and the things of God; kindles and rekindles faith; forms and deepens convictions as well as shakes us up from our spiritual slumber and forgetfulness. The danger, however, is that familiarity breeds contempt.

When God Keeps Repeating Himself

APPLICATION

What does God’s repetition of “His steadfast love endures forever” mean to me personally?

PRAYER

Covenant Lord, You sent Your prophets again and again to speak to Your people;1 because they have rebelled against You again and again. My heart trembles with fear for myself that I, too, may become like them. I’m no better than them. I’m as prone to sin as they were. Do not forsake me. Do not cease speaking to me. Help me to be faithful to You for Your steadfast love endures forever. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

1 Jeremiah 25:3-4

2013June 2,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

2013June 2,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

June 3,

Monday

OBSERVATION

What characterises the word of God and His will in Psalm 33:6-11?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:13; Psalm 33:6-11“Let My people go that they may serve Me” (Ex 9:13): God repeats the same words to Pharaoh for the fifth time. Why? His word has not been obeyed. His will has not been accomplished. God’s people must leave Egypt; Pharaoh must release them and Israel must worship God. God may allow resistance to His word; but He will not change His mind. There are two sides to God not changing His mind. One is that God will fulfill His promises of blessing. This gives us hope in God. The other is that God insists on judging His people (cf. 2 Ki 24:1–4). This helps us to fear God. But, when God won’t change His mind about judging His people, it is for their wellbeing. Should God spare the rod with us, it means He hates us and desires our death (Pr 13:24; 19:18). Thus, it is good that God does not change His mind to judge us.

God Won’t change His Mind

APPLICATION

How does the character of God’s Word affect how I live my life?

PRAYER

Faithful God, how I need to understand and remember that You are not only faithful in Your promise of blessing; but also in Your promise of judging Your people, when we continue to live in sin against You. Yet, in judging Your people, You are disciplining us to purify us, not punishing us to destroy us. I thank You that in Your judgment there is restoration. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

June 3,

Monday

OBSERVATION

What characterises the word of God and His will in Psalm 33:6-11?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:13; Psalm 33:6-11“Let My people go that they may serve Me” (Ex 9:13): God repeats the same words to Pharaoh for the fifth time. Why? His word has not been obeyed. His will has not been accomplished. God’s people must leave Egypt; Pharaoh must release them and Israel must worship God. God may allow resistance to His word; but He will not change His mind. There are two sides to God not changing His mind. One is that God will fulfill His promises of blessing. This gives us hope in God. The other is that God insists on judging His people (cf. 2 Ki 24:1–4). This helps us to fear God. But, when God won’t change His mind about judging His people, it is for their wellbeing. Should God spare the rod with us, it means He hates us and desires our death (Pr 13:24; 19:18). Thus, it is good that God does not change His mind to judge us.

God Won’t change His Mind

APPLICATION

How does the character of God’s Word affect how I live my life?

PRAYER

Faithful God, how I need to understand and remember that You are not only faithful in Your promise of blessing; but also in Your promise of judging Your people, when we continue to live in sin against You. Yet, in judging Your people, You are disciplining us to purify us, not punishing us to destroy us. I thank You that in Your judgment there is restoration. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

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June 4,

Tuesday

OBSERVATION

What can you observe about God in Jonah 3:5–4:2?

SCRIPTURE

Amos 7:1-9; Jonah 3:5 – 4:3The God who won’t change His mind is also the God who does change His mind. There is no divine self-contradiction. When God wanted to send a plague of locusts on Israel for breaking His covenant, Amos interceded for Israel. God changed His mind—“It shall not be” (Amos 7:1-3). When Israel did not repent, God planned to punish Israel with judgment by fire. Amos interceded again; and God changed His mind again—“This too shall not be done” (v 4-6). God won’t change His mind because He is faithful. When God does change His mind, it is because He is merciful; not unfaithful. God is always faithful and merciful. He is never one and not the other, at any time. When Israel persisted in their covenant unfaithfulness despite God showing them mercy, God says, “I will spare them no longer” (v 7-8). Yet, at the end, God says, “Nevertheless, I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob” (Amos 9:8). Whether God changes or won’t change His mind, He is still the covenant-keeping God!

APPLICATION

How would I walk with a God who won’t and also does change His mind?

PRAYER

Holy and righteous God, You are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.2 For You take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, who deserve Your just judgment.3 Your “mercy triumphs over judgment”4. Teach and help me to relate rightly to You. Amen.

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2 Jonah 4:23 Ezekiel 33:114 James 2:13

God Does change His Mind

June 4,

Tuesday

OBSERVATION

What can you observe about God in Jonah 3:5–4:2?

SCRIPTURE

Amos 7:1-9; Jonah 3:5 – 4:3The God who won’t change His mind is also the God who does change His mind. There is no divine self-contradiction. When God wanted to send a plague of locusts on Israel for breaking His covenant, Amos interceded for Israel. God changed His mind—“It shall not be” (Amos 7:1-3). When Israel did not repent, God planned to punish Israel with judgment by fire. Amos interceded again; and God changed His mind again—“This too shall not be done” (v 4-6). God won’t change His mind because He is faithful. When God does change His mind, it is because He is merciful; not unfaithful. God is always faithful and merciful. He is never one and not the other, at any time. When Israel persisted in their covenant unfaithfulness despite God showing them mercy, God says, “I will spare them no longer” (v 7-8). Yet, at the end, God says, “Nevertheless, I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob” (Amos 9:8). Whether God changes or won’t change His mind, He is still the covenant-keeping God!

APPLICATION

How would I walk with a God who won’t and also does change His mind?

PRAYER

Holy and righteous God, You are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.2 For You take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, who deserve Your just judgment.3 Your “mercy triumphs over judgment”4. Teach and help me to relate rightly to You. Amen.

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2 Jonah 4:23 Ezekiel 33:114 James 2:13

God Does change His Mind

June 5,

Wednesday

OBSERVATION

What does Isaiah 50:10 tell us about the nature of discipleship?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:14; Isaiah 50:10God does at certain times (“For this time”), does certain things (“I will send on you all My plagues”), in certain ways (“all My plagues”), for certain purposes (“so that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth”, Ex 9:14). This can happen in an individual’s life, a family, a church, a nation and the world. God may tell us about it right from the start. He may tell us along the way, or only at the end. Or, He may never tell us, even when we can sense that He is at work. Whichever it may be, on our part, we do what we should and can do. Walk with God faithfully. Watch for God alertly. Wait on God patiently. Worship God submissively. We can act in these God-centered ways, when the Word of God dwells richly in our hearts (Col 3:16). God is light (1 Jn 1:5) and His Word is light (Ps 119:105). With God “even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You” (Ps 139:12, NIV).

APPLICATION

How will I walk with God in the darkness of discipleship?

PRAYER

Most High God, Your thoughts are nothing like my thoughts, and Your ways are far beyond anything I could imagine. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so Your ways are higher than my ways and Your thoughts higher than my thoughts.5 I worship You, sovereign and wise God. Blessed be Your high and holy name! Amen.

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5 Isaiah 55:8-9

How God Works

June 5,

Wednesday

OBSERVATION

What does Isaiah 50:10 tell us about the nature of discipleship?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:14; Isaiah 50:10God does at certain times (“For this time”), does certain things (“I will send on you all My plagues”), in certain ways (“all My plagues”), for certain purposes (“so that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth”, Ex 9:14). This can happen in an individual’s life, a family, a church, a nation and the world. God may tell us about it right from the start. He may tell us along the way, or only at the end. Or, He may never tell us, even when we can sense that He is at work. Whichever it may be, on our part, we do what we should and can do. Walk with God faithfully. Watch for God alertly. Wait on God patiently. Worship God submissively. We can act in these God-centered ways, when the Word of God dwells richly in our hearts (Col 3:16). God is light (1 Jn 1:5) and His Word is light (Ps 119:105). With God “even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You” (Ps 139:12, NIV).

APPLICATION

How will I walk with God in the darkness of discipleship?

PRAYER

Most High God, Your thoughts are nothing like my thoughts, and Your ways are far beyond anything I could imagine. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so Your ways are higher than my ways and Your thoughts higher than my thoughts.5 I worship You, sovereign and wise God. Blessed be Your high and holy name! Amen.

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5 Isaiah 55:8-9

How God Works

June 6,

Thursday

OBSERVATION

What does God say about knowing Him in Jeremiah 9:23-24?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:14; Jeremiah 9:23-24Purpose statements like “so that you may know” who God is, are found at various points of the narrative revolving around the plagues (Ex 7:5, 17; 8:22; 9:14, 29; 10:2; cf. 9:16). This is not God’s purpose for Pharaoh and Egypt only; but also for His people, Israel and us today. In Exodus, knowing God as a purpose is first addressed to Israel (Ex 6:7). Knowing God is central in biblical faith and is to be our life purpose. A Christian is basically “whoever has the Son of God has eternal life” (1 John 5:11-12). Jesus defines eternal life as “to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ” (John 17:3). As such, we may reread John 3:16 theologically—“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but that they may know God.” Jesus died on the cross for our sins in order that we may know God. Is knowing God central in my life?

APPLICATION

What is one change in my life I want to make that I may know God a little more?

PRAYER

God, who is Love, You have graciously redeemed me through the blood of Christ that I can be in Your holy presence to know You. Help me to appreciate with wonder and gratitude that passionate desire of Yours towards me. Grant me this deep cry in my heart, “Lord, I want to know You! I want to know You more!” Amen.

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2013that You May Know God

June 6,

Thursday

OBSERVATION

What does God say about knowing Him in Jeremiah 9:23-24?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:14; Jeremiah 9:23-24Purpose statements like “so that you may know” who God is, are found at various points of the narrative revolving around the plagues (Ex 7:5, 17; 8:22; 9:14, 29; 10:2; cf. 9:16). This is not God’s purpose for Pharaoh and Egypt only; but also for His people, Israel and us today. In Exodus, knowing God as a purpose is first addressed to Israel (Ex 6:7). Knowing God is central in biblical faith and is to be our life purpose. A Christian is basically “whoever has the Son of God has eternal life” (1 John 5:11-12). Jesus defines eternal life as “to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ” (John 17:3). As such, we may reread John 3:16 theologically—“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but that they may know God.” Jesus died on the cross for our sins in order that we may know God. Is knowing God central in my life?

APPLICATION

What is one change in my life I want to make that I may know God a little more?

PRAYER

God, who is Love, You have graciously redeemed me through the blood of Christ that I can be in Your holy presence to know You. Help me to appreciate with wonder and gratitude that passionate desire of Yours towards me. Grant me this deep cry in my heart, “Lord, I want to know You! I want to know You more!” Amen.

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2013that You May Know God

June 7,

friday

OBSERVATION

What is knowing Christ like in Philippians 3:7-8?

SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 1:12; Philippians 3:7-8“Knowing God” may be defined as believing who God is and that belief affects my life. It is as Paul testifies, “I know whom I have believed” (2 Ti 1:12). I believe that God loves me; but do I still hold fast to that belief in the most painful times of my life? I believe that God is faithful; but do I still stand fast in that belief in the most perplexing moments of my life? 2 Timothy 1:12 portrays a person who knows God. Paul is facing adversity—“I also suffer these things.” His attitude in his adversity is “I am not ashamed.” Such an attitude amid adversity is possible because of his anchor—“I know whom I have believed.” His anchor of knowing God gives him the assurance of his security in life—“I am convinced that is He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him.” God’s anchor that gives assurance builds in Paul an adherence to God’s will for his life “until that day”. What about you? Do you know whom you have believed?

APPLICATION

What is one aspect of knowing Christ in Paul’s experience (Php 3:7-8) that I want to live out in my discipleship?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, can I say that I know and am convinced of the infinite value of knowing You personally, that I consider everything as worthless? Can I say that for Your sake I discard everything, counting it all as garbage, so that I can gain Christ? Honestly, I can’t. But I do want to have such passion for You. Gracious Lord, grant me that desire to want You. Amen.

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2013What Is Knowing God?

June 7,

friday

OBSERVATION

What is knowing Christ like in Philippians 3:7-8?

SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 1:12; Philippians 3:7-8“Knowing God” may be defined as believing who God is and that belief affects my life. It is as Paul testifies, “I know whom I have believed” (2 Ti 1:12). I believe that God loves me; but do I still hold fast to that belief in the most painful times of my life? I believe that God is faithful; but do I still stand fast in that belief in the most perplexing moments of my life? 2 Timothy 1:12 portrays a person who knows God. Paul is facing adversity—“I also suffer these things.” His attitude in his adversity is “I am not ashamed.” Such an attitude amid adversity is possible because of his anchor—“I know whom I have believed.” His anchor of knowing God gives him the assurance of his security in life—“I am convinced that is He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him.” God’s anchor that gives assurance builds in Paul an adherence to God’s will for his life “until that day”. What about you? Do you know whom you have believed?

APPLICATION

What is one aspect of knowing Christ in Paul’s experience (Php 3:7-8) that I want to live out in my discipleship?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, can I say that I know and am convinced of the infinite value of knowing You personally, that I consider everything as worthless? Can I say that for Your sake I discard everything, counting it all as garbage, so that I can gain Christ? Honestly, I can’t. But I do want to have such passion for You. Gracious Lord, grant me that desire to want You. Amen.

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2013What Is Knowing God?

June 8,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

How does the palmist describe his experience of desiring God in

Psalm 63:1-5?

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 63:1-5For the late A. W. Tozer, who wrote “The Knowledge of the Holy” and “The Pursuit of God,” knowing God was the purpose, priority, passion and pursuit of his life. This is a man who had drawn so close to God, and yet felt like he was far away. He had grown so deep, and yet considered himself to be so shallow. “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 ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee: I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, ‘Rise up, My love, My fair one, and come away.’ Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

APPLICATION

How is my desire for God? What change(s) do I want to make in desiring God?

PRAYER

Reflect on and pray A. W. Tozer’s prayer.

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2013Do I Desire to Know God?

June 8,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

How does the palmist describe his experience of desiring God in

Psalm 63:1-5?

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 63:1-5For the late A. W. Tozer, who wrote “The Knowledge of the Holy” and “The Pursuit of God,” knowing God was the purpose, priority, passion and pursuit of his life. This is a man who had drawn so close to God, and yet felt like he was far away. He had grown so deep, and yet considered himself to be so shallow. “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 ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee: I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, ‘Rise up, My love, My fair one, and come away.’ Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

APPLICATION

How is my desire for God? What change(s) do I want to make in desiring God?

PRAYER

Reflect on and pray A. W. Tozer’s prayer.

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2013Do I Desire to Know God?

2013June 9,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

2013June 9,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

June 10,

Monday

OBSERVATION

How does God reveal Himself according to Psalm 19:1-4a?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:16; Psalm 19:1-4aGod makes Himself known to Pharaoh and Egypt by “demonstrating My power” and “declaring My name” (Ex 9:16). God has called His people to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8); but fundamentally and ultimately it is God Himself who makes Himself known. Without this fundamental divine act, our effort of witnessing for God will be incomplete and futile. We cannot make God known without God Himself making Himself known. It means that in our witness for God, this fundamental divine act is present, whether we sense it or not. When God speaks or shows Himself to humans, there is always a response—reception or rejection. The presence of this fundamental divine act does not necessarily guarantee reception; nor does rejection indicate the absence of the act. Without us as His witnesses, God Himself is continually speaking and showing “His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature” in His creation (Ro 1:20).

APPLICATION

How does God’s revelation of Himself (Psalm 19:1-4a) help me in knowing Him?

PRAYER

Glorious Creator, all creation speaks of great mysteries, inviting me to respond with wonder and awe. But too often I fail to answer or react. My eyes refuse to see, my ears are deaf, and my heart has grown hard and cold. I take all for granted and fail to wonder. I have lost the freshness of each new day, to see You and Your glory manifested in Your creation, and worship You. Lord, open my eyes to see, my ears to hear and my heart to feel.6 Amen.

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6 Adapted from David Adam, Music of the Heart: New Palms in the Celtic Tradition (SPCK, 2004), 22

God Making Himself Known

June 10,

Monday

OBSERVATION

How does God reveal Himself according to Psalm 19:1-4a?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:16; Psalm 19:1-4aGod makes Himself known to Pharaoh and Egypt by “demonstrating My power” and “declaring My name” (Ex 9:16). God has called His people to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8); but fundamentally and ultimately it is God Himself who makes Himself known. Without this fundamental divine act, our effort of witnessing for God will be incomplete and futile. We cannot make God known without God Himself making Himself known. It means that in our witness for God, this fundamental divine act is present, whether we sense it or not. When God speaks or shows Himself to humans, there is always a response—reception or rejection. The presence of this fundamental divine act does not necessarily guarantee reception; nor does rejection indicate the absence of the act. Without us as His witnesses, God Himself is continually speaking and showing “His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature” in His creation (Ro 1:20).

APPLICATION

How does God’s revelation of Himself (Psalm 19:1-4a) help me in knowing Him?

PRAYER

Glorious Creator, all creation speaks of great mysteries, inviting me to respond with wonder and awe. But too often I fail to answer or react. My eyes refuse to see, my ears are deaf, and my heart has grown hard and cold. I take all for granted and fail to wonder. I have lost the freshness of each new day, to see You and Your glory manifested in Your creation, and worship You. Lord, open my eyes to see, my ears to hear and my heart to feel.6 Amen.

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6 Adapted from David Adam, Music of the Heart: New Palms in the Celtic Tradition (SPCK, 2004), 22

God Making Himself Known

June 11,

Tuesday

OBSERVATION

How are we to know God and to make Him known to the world according to John 13:34-35?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:14-16; John 13:34-35What God wants Pharaoh to know of Him (Ex 9:14), He also wants for Israel (cf. Ex 6:7). God intends for His power and His name to be proclaimed “to all the earth” through Israel. God’s redemptive blessing upon Israel is based on the Abrahamic covenant (Ex 2:24), with the purpose of blessing the nations (Ge 12:3). Israel is to know their God and to make Him known. We cannot make God known when we do not know God. We make God known to the world through our life in Christ—a life of knowing God (John 17:3). The world sees that we are real, not phoney or pretentious, in our actions and attitudes. The world sees that we are righteous, doing what is right and departing from evil. The world sees that we are redeemed. They see that we have shortcomings in every way, just like them. We admit our shortcomings; but they know we can find forgiveness in God. And however righteous we are, they don’t sense us saying, “I’m holier than you.”

APPLICATION

Do people around me see something different in me that testifies to the reality of God? What would it mean to me, if they do see or don’t?

PRAYER

Father of lights,7 empower me through the Holy Spirit to live a clean and innocent life; that together with other children of God; we may shine like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.8 O that people around me will see Jesus of Nazareth, His righteousness and His redemption in me, a fragile clay jar containing the great treasure.9 Amen.

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7 James 1:178 Philippians 2:159 2 Corinthians 4:7

to Know Him And to Make Him Known (1)

June 11,

Tuesday

OBSERVATION

How are we to know God and to make Him known to the world according to John 13:34-35?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:14-16; John 13:34-35What God wants Pharaoh to know of Him (Ex 9:14), He also wants for Israel (cf. Ex 6:7). God intends for His power and His name to be proclaimed “to all the earth” through Israel. God’s redemptive blessing upon Israel is based on the Abrahamic covenant (Ex 2:24), with the purpose of blessing the nations (Ge 12:3). Israel is to know their God and to make Him known. We cannot make God known when we do not know God. We make God known to the world through our life in Christ—a life of knowing God (John 17:3). The world sees that we are real, not phoney or pretentious, in our actions and attitudes. The world sees that we are righteous, doing what is right and departing from evil. The world sees that we are redeemed. They see that we have shortcomings in every way, just like them. We admit our shortcomings; but they know we can find forgiveness in God. And however righteous we are, they don’t sense us saying, “I’m holier than you.”

APPLICATION

Do people around me see something different in me that testifies to the reality of God? What would it mean to me, if they do see or don’t?

PRAYER

Father of lights,7 empower me through the Holy Spirit to live a clean and innocent life; that together with other children of God; we may shine like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.8 O that people around me will see Jesus of Nazareth, His righteousness and His redemption in me, a fragile clay jar containing the great treasure.9 Amen.

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7 James 1:178 Philippians 2:159 2 Corinthians 4:7

100 101

June 12,

Wednesday

OBSERVATION

How does the Early Church know God and make Him known to

the world according to Acts 2:41-47?

SCRIPTURE

Acts 2:41-47We make God known through our link with the world. God created human beings in His image to be personal and relational. We relate with pre-believers redemptively, living out our redeemed life in Christ. The relationship continues and grows even when they don’t become believers. We make God known to the world through our love. We first love one another as God’s people, and impact the world (John 13:34-35). The self-centered “dog-eat-dog” world sees our unity, the fruit of love (John 17:20-21). Out of this love in Christ we love the people of the world by caring, sharing, helping and serving them. We make God known to the world through our lips—proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, the power of God to salvation through faith (Ro 1:16). Theologically, to make God known is essentially God making Himself known.

APPLICATION

How can I contribute to the church to be an effective witness as a community to the world?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, You will build Your Church; thus, Your Church will never die.10 Stir up the spirits of Your people11 that we will be faithful in building up the Church, the Body of Christ; and continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of the Son of God that we will be mature in the Lord, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.12 Amen.

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10 Matthew 16:1811 Ezra 1:512 Ephesians 4:12-13

100 101

June 12,

Wednesday

OBSERVATION

How does the Early Church know God and make Him known to

the world according to Acts 2:41-47?

SCRIPTURE

Acts 2:41-47We make God known through our link with the world. God created human beings in His image to be personal and relational. We relate with pre-believers redemptively, living out our redeemed life in Christ. The relationship continues and grows even when they don’t become believers. We make God known to the world through our love. We first love one another as God’s people, and impact the world (John 13:34-35). The self-centered “dog-eat-dog” world sees our unity, the fruit of love (John 17:20-21). Out of this love in Christ we love the people of the world by caring, sharing, helping and serving them. We make God known to the world through our lips—proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, the power of God to salvation through faith (Ro 1:16). Theologically, to make God known is essentially God making Himself known.

APPLICATION

How can I contribute to the church to be an effective witness as a community to the world?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, You will build Your Church; thus, Your Church will never die.10 Stir up the spirits of Your people11 that we will be faithful in building up the Church, the Body of Christ; and continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of the Son of God that we will be mature in the Lord, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.12 Amen.

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10 Matthew 16:1811 Ezra 1:512 Ephesians 4:12-13

100 101

102 103

June 13,

Thursday

OBSERVATION

What does Paul realise about his imprisonment for the sake of

the Lord in Philippians 1:12-18?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:16-17; Philippians 1:12-18By now, after six plagues, God would have wiped Pharaoh off the face of the earth (Ex 9:15); but God says to him, “I have allowed you to remain” (v 16a). “God’s purpose in the Exodus has worldwide implications. There is more at work here than simply liberating a band of oppressed slaves from Egypt. Pharaoh is, unfortunately for him, involved in something far larger than he understands or has planned for.”13 When evil power prevails mightily, and exalts itself arrogantly at the expense of God’s people (v 17), the reality is that the evil power is a mere pawn and puppet in God’s sovereign hand, fulfilling His purposes (v 16b; cf. Pr 21:1). We may ask in pain and perplexity, “How has God demonstrated His power and declared His name?” It is His divine prerogative to do so according to His timing and manner. Meanwhile, be like Paul, who sees himself, not as a prisoner of Caesar, but “the prisoner of the Lord” (Eph 4:1).

APPLICATION

How should I respond when power and authority above me makes life difficult for me?

PRAYER

God who reigns forever,14 You are able and will deliver Your faithful people from the lions in the den.15 Help me to be a servant of the living God, to serve You constantly; even if it means being thrown into the lions’ den;16 and You, in Your wisdom and love, do not deliver me.17 I ask only that people around me find me faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.18 Grant me Your all-sufficient grace!19 Amen.

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13 Peter Enns, Exodus, The NIV Application Commentary (Zondervan, 2000), 22114 Daniel 4:315 Daniel 3:1716 Daniel 6:10, 20

I Have Allowed You to Remain

17 Daniel 3:1818 Daniel 6:419 2 Corinthians 12:9

102 103

June 13,

Thursday

OBSERVATION

What does Paul realise about his imprisonment for the sake of

the Lord in Philippians 1:12-18?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:16-17; Philippians 1:12-18By now, after six plagues, God would have wiped Pharaoh off the face of the earth (Ex 9:15); but God says to him, “I have allowed you to remain” (v 16a). “God’s purpose in the Exodus has worldwide implications. There is more at work here than simply liberating a band of oppressed slaves from Egypt. Pharaoh is, unfortunately for him, involved in something far larger than he understands or has planned for.”13 When evil power prevails mightily, and exalts itself arrogantly at the expense of God’s people (v 17), the reality is that the evil power is a mere pawn and puppet in God’s sovereign hand, fulfilling His purposes (v 16b; cf. Pr 21:1). We may ask in pain and perplexity, “How has God demonstrated His power and declared His name?” It is His divine prerogative to do so according to His timing and manner. Meanwhile, be like Paul, who sees himself, not as a prisoner of Caesar, but “the prisoner of the Lord” (Eph 4:1).

APPLICATION

How should I respond when power and authority above me makes life difficult for me?

PRAYER

God who reigns forever,14 You are able and will deliver Your faithful people from the lions in the den.15 Help me to be a servant of the living God, to serve You constantly; even if it means being thrown into the lions’ den;16 and You, in Your wisdom and love, do not deliver me.17 I ask only that people around me find me faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.18 Grant me Your all-sufficient grace!19 Amen.

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13 Peter Enns, Exodus, The NIV Application Commentary (Zondervan, 2000), 22114 Daniel 4:315 Daniel 3:1716 Daniel 6:10, 20

I Have Allowed You to Remain

17 Daniel 3:1818 Daniel 6:419 2 Corinthians 12:9

102 103

104 105

June 14,

friday

OBSERVATION

What does 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 say about wisdom and power?

SCRIPTURE

1 Corinthians 1:18-25Perhaps, when we study God’s attributes in theology, we should include “foolishness of God” and “weakness of God” (1 Co 1:25). This is what God says of Himself in His Word. God’s definitive revelation of Himself is “Christ crucified” (v 23). This kind of God is weak and foolish to the world. What matters in the world are security, prosperity, victory and glory. The world acquires these by its wisdom (I know how) and its power (I can do). Biblical faith may be defined by two words, “Follow Me” (Mt 4:19). To follow Jesus is to walk the pathway of His cross—a way of living that runs against the grain of the world. It means to let the world have the upper hand, and view us as weak and foolish. But the cross is the true wisdom and power. What do I want—the world’s wisdom and power, or God’s? If God’s, then be ready to be weak and foolish to the world!

APPLICATION

How do I relate to the wisdom and power of the world I live with as Jesus’ follower?

PRAYER

God of great reversal, You delight to choose a nobody to the world to become a somebody in Christ. If it’s Your will for me to be lowly in the world, fulfill Your purposes to Your glory. If You choose to exalt me in the world, fulfill Your purposes for Your honour. Whether You call me to be small or great in the world, it’s enough for me to know that it’s a gift from You. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

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Pray for self:

2013Weak And Foolish God

104 105

June 14,

friday

OBSERVATION

What does 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 say about wisdom and power?

SCRIPTURE

1 Corinthians 1:18-25Perhaps, when we study God’s attributes in theology, we should include “foolishness of God” and “weakness of God” (1 Co 1:25). This is what God says of Himself in His Word. God’s definitive revelation of Himself is “Christ crucified” (v 23). This kind of God is weak and foolish to the world. What matters in the world are security, prosperity, victory and glory. The world acquires these by its wisdom (I know how) and its power (I can do). Biblical faith may be defined by two words, “Follow Me” (Mt 4:19). To follow Jesus is to walk the pathway of His cross—a way of living that runs against the grain of the world. It means to let the world have the upper hand, and view us as weak and foolish. But the cross is the true wisdom and power. What do I want—the world’s wisdom and power, or God’s? If God’s, then be ready to be weak and foolish to the world!

APPLICATION

How do I relate to the wisdom and power of the world I live with as Jesus’ follower?

PRAYER

God of great reversal, You delight to choose a nobody to the world to become a somebody in Christ. If it’s Your will for me to be lowly in the world, fulfill Your purposes to Your glory. If You choose to exalt me in the world, fulfill Your purposes for Your honour. Whether You call me to be small or great in the world, it’s enough for me to know that it’s a gift from You. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

2013Weak And Foolish God

104 105

106 107

June 15,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

What does Ezekiel 33:10-11 reveal about God’s heart?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:18-21; Ezekiel 33:10-11When God’s justice threatens ruin; His mercy at the same time shows a way of escape from it. God not only distinguished between Egyptians and Israelites, but also between some Egyptians and others.20 Loss of property and limb is not inevitable, however menacing the hailstorm may be; but God gives advanced warning to the Egyptians to seek shelter for themselves and for their livestock inside the safety of homes and barns. God wants survivors rather than victims (Ex 9:19-21).21 Even in His righteous judgment, what God cares about most are human lives. God shows what He cares for most through showing ‘what He cares for least’—His beloved Son. On the cross, under the darkest cloud, His Son cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mt 27:45–46). For the sake of what He cares for most, God made abandonment of His Son a necessity.

APPLICATION

How do I fail to view and value certain people as God wants? What change(s) do I need to make?

PRAYER

God my Redeemer, help me to view and value the foreigners in our nation with Your eyes and heart—especially those from weaker and poorer countries. They are created in the image of God, just as I am. Jesus died for them as He did for me. Forgive me of my thoughts, feelings, words, and acts of discomfort and dislike that come from my sense of superiority. Amen.

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20 Matthew Henry, Concise Commentary21 Victor P. Hamilton, Exodus: An Exegetical Commentary (Baker, 2011), 151

What God cares For Most

106 107

June 15,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

What does Ezekiel 33:10-11 reveal about God’s heart?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:18-21; Ezekiel 33:10-11When God’s justice threatens ruin; His mercy at the same time shows a way of escape from it. God not only distinguished between Egyptians and Israelites, but also between some Egyptians and others.20 Loss of property and limb is not inevitable, however menacing the hailstorm may be; but God gives advanced warning to the Egyptians to seek shelter for themselves and for their livestock inside the safety of homes and barns. God wants survivors rather than victims (Ex 9:19-21).21 Even in His righteous judgment, what God cares about most are human lives. God shows what He cares for most through showing ‘what He cares for least’—His beloved Son. On the cross, under the darkest cloud, His Son cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mt 27:45–46). For the sake of what He cares for most, God made abandonment of His Son a necessity.

APPLICATION

How do I fail to view and value certain people as God wants? What change(s) do I need to make?

PRAYER

God my Redeemer, help me to view and value the foreigners in our nation with Your eyes and heart—especially those from weaker and poorer countries. They are created in the image of God, just as I am. Jesus died for them as He did for me. Forgive me of my thoughts, feelings, words, and acts of discomfort and dislike that come from my sense of superiority. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

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Pray for self:

20 Matthew Henry, Concise Commentary21 Victor P. Hamilton, Exodus: An Exegetical Commentary (Baker, 2011), 151

What God cares For Most

106 107

108 109

2013June 16,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

108 109

2013June 16,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

108 109

110 111

June 17,

Monday

OBSERVATION

How is God’s grace displayed in Paul’s life (1 Timothy 1:12-17)?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:22-26; 1 Timothy 1:12-17When God rained on Egypt “a very heavy” and “a very severe” unprecedented hail (Ex 9:18, 24), “only in the land of Goshen, where the sons of Israel were, there was no hail” (v 26). When God sent the plague of insects, He “put a division between My people and your [Pharaoh] people” (8:23). When “a very severe pestilence” struck the Egyptians’ livestock; “there was not even one of the livestock of Israel dead” (9:3, 7). These were what God did for Israel. The last time we heard of Israel doing or saying anything to God was before the plagues occurred—“Moses told the people of Israel what the LORD had said, but they refused to listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery” (Ex 6:9). Israel “refused to listen anymore” to God; but God still provided Israel supernatural protection from the plagues He inflicted on Egypt. To God, Israel was still “My people.” What amazing divine grace!

APPLICATION

What are particular areas in my life at present that I particularly need God’s grace?

PRAYER

What am I a human, that You care for me? A mere breath inspired with the breath of God; made of clay containing the divine love; an earthen vessel, holding great treasure; a limited edition, destined for eternity; frail flesh full of the Almighty. Born of this earth, made for heaven; owning nothing, yet heirs of the kingdom; created out of love and for You eternally.22 Amen.

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2013 Amazing Grace!

22 Adapted from David Adam, 113

110 111

June 17,

Monday

OBSERVATION

How is God’s grace displayed in Paul’s life (1 Timothy 1:12-17)?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 9:22-26; 1 Timothy 1:12-17When God rained on Egypt “a very heavy” and “a very severe” unprecedented hail (Ex 9:18, 24), “only in the land of Goshen, where the sons of Israel were, there was no hail” (v 26). When God sent the plague of insects, He “put a division between My people and your [Pharaoh] people” (8:23). When “a very severe pestilence” struck the Egyptians’ livestock; “there was not even one of the livestock of Israel dead” (9:3, 7). These were what God did for Israel. The last time we heard of Israel doing or saying anything to God was before the plagues occurred—“Moses told the people of Israel what the LORD had said, but they refused to listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery” (Ex 6:9). Israel “refused to listen anymore” to God; but God still provided Israel supernatural protection from the plagues He inflicted on Egypt. To God, Israel was still “My people.” What amazing divine grace!

APPLICATION

What are particular areas in my life at present that I particularly need God’s grace?

PRAYER

What am I a human, that You care for me? A mere breath inspired with the breath of God; made of clay containing the divine love; an earthen vessel, holding great treasure; a limited edition, destined for eternity; frail flesh full of the Almighty. Born of this earth, made for heaven; owning nothing, yet heirs of the kingdom; created out of love and for You eternally.22 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

2013 Amazing Grace!

110 111

112 113

June 18,

Tuesday

OBSERVATION

What does God want Israel to do regarding His blessing them with the

Promised Land (Deuteronomy 9:4-19)?

SCRIPTURE

Deuteronomy 9:4-19“Do not say in your heart, ‘It is because of my righteousness that the LORD has brought me in to occupy this land’” (Dt 9:4). We do often say these words—before God, before people, or inside us. We are saying, “God blesses me because I am righteous.” We don’t quite say it like that. But it is reflected when we say to God, to others, or to ourselves, when certain blessings of God are on others, but not me—“Why not me?” “I’ve done better,” “It’s not fair,” “I deserve it.” Our dissatisfaction and unhappiness reveal our hearts; and are directed at God, spoken or unspoken. God says to Israel, “You are no better than the Canaanites. In My justice, I destroy the Canaanites because they are wicked (v 4b). In My mercy, I do not destroy you even though you have been rebellious against Me (v 7). By My grace, I give you the land as a gift, despite your rebelliousness.” God says the same thing to us.

APPLICATION

How do I perceive myself in regards to God’s blessings on me?

PRAYER

O God, when I encounter the two imposters ‘triumph’ and ‘disaster’, give me good sense to be neither puffed up with pride nor plunged into gloom. Pick me up and put me firmly on the narrow way that leads to freedom, and redeem both my mistakes and my successes in Your abundant mercy.23 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

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2013Do not say In Your Heart

23 Rudyard Kipling, his poem “If – “

112 113

June 18,

Tuesday

OBSERVATION

What does God want Israel to do regarding His blessing them with the

Promised Land (Deuteronomy 9:4-19)?

SCRIPTURE

Deuteronomy 9:4-19“Do not say in your heart, ‘It is because of my righteousness that the LORD has brought me in to occupy this land’” (Dt 9:4). We do often say these words—before God, before people, or inside us. We are saying, “God blesses me because I am righteous.” We don’t quite say it like that. But it is reflected when we say to God, to others, or to ourselves, when certain blessings of God are on others, but not me—“Why not me?” “I’ve done better,” “It’s not fair,” “I deserve it.” Our dissatisfaction and unhappiness reveal our hearts; and are directed at God, spoken or unspoken. God says to Israel, “You are no better than the Canaanites. In My justice, I destroy the Canaanites because they are wicked (v 4b). In My mercy, I do not destroy you even though you have been rebellious against Me (v 7). By My grace, I give you the land as a gift, despite your rebelliousness.” God says the same thing to us.

APPLICATION

How do I perceive myself in regards to God’s blessings on me?

PRAYER

O God, when I encounter the two imposters ‘triumph’ and ‘disaster’, give me good sense to be neither puffed up with pride nor plunged into gloom. Pick me up and put me firmly on the narrow way that leads to freedom, and redeem both my mistakes and my successes in Your abundant mercy.23 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

2013Do not say In Your Heart

23 Rudyard Kipling, his poem “If – “

112 113

114 115

June 19,

Wednesday

OBSERVATION

What happened between God and the sailors who worshipped idols

in Jonah 1:1-16?

SCRIPTURE

Joshua 2:1-13; Jonah 1:1-16God cursed the wicked Canaanites to bless rebellious Israel (Dt 9:4-5). Isn’t God the Judge of the earth who deals justly (Ge 18:25)? Isn’t it that “there is no partiality with God” (Ro 2:11)? But why are there such apparent unjust acts of God? Why is the story of Rahab (Josh 2) included in Joshua? It wasn’t mere coincidence, but divine intention; that the two spies went to Rahab’s house and were protected from being caught (Josh 2:1-7). The theological point of Joshua 2 is that in destroying the Canaanites, God also delivers them. God visited Rahab, a Canaanitess, to save her, her family and relatives. Rahab testified “We have heard” of Israel’s exodus (v 10), and acknowledged that Israel’s God is “God in heaven above and on earth beneath” (v 11). The wickedness of the Canaanites was ripe for total judgment (Ge 15:16); but they had heard the gospel. Rahab was representative of the Canaanites having heard the gospel; and of Canaanites who embraced the God of Israel as their God.

APPLICATION

How does the missionary heart of God grip my heart?

PRAYER

Gather us, Lord, or scatter us; do as Thou deemest right, building us all into one Church: a Church with open doors and large windows, a Church that takes the world seriously, ready to work and to suffer, and even to bleed for it.24 You have said to Your Church, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”25 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

2013Have the canaanites Heard the Gospel?

24 Prayer of Bela Vassady25 John 20:21

114 115

June 19,

Wednesday

OBSERVATION

What happened between God and the sailors who worshipped idols

in Jonah 1:1-16?

SCRIPTURE

Joshua 2:1-13; Jonah 1:1-16God cursed the wicked Canaanites to bless rebellious Israel (Dt 9:4-5). Isn’t God the Judge of the earth who deals justly (Ge 18:25)? Isn’t it that “there is no partiality with God” (Ro 2:11)? But why are there such apparent unjust acts of God? Why is the story of Rahab (Josh 2) included in Joshua? It wasn’t mere coincidence, but divine intention; that the two spies went to Rahab’s house and were protected from being caught (Josh 2:1-7). The theological point of Joshua 2 is that in destroying the Canaanites, God also delivers them. God visited Rahab, a Canaanitess, to save her, her family and relatives. Rahab testified “We have heard” of Israel’s exodus (v 10), and acknowledged that Israel’s God is “God in heaven above and on earth beneath” (v 11). The wickedness of the Canaanites was ripe for total judgment (Ge 15:16); but they had heard the gospel. Rahab was representative of the Canaanites having heard the gospel; and of Canaanites who embraced the God of Israel as their God.

APPLICATION

How does the missionary heart of God grip my heart?

PRAYER

Gather us, Lord, or scatter us; do as Thou deemest right, building us all into one Church: a Church with open doors and large windows, a Church that takes the world seriously, ready to work and to suffer, and even to bleed for it.24 You have said to Your Church, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”25 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

2013Have the canaanites Heard the Gospel?

24 Prayer of Bela Vassady25 John 20:21

114 115

116 117

June 20,

Thursday

OBSERVATION

How else is God glorified in Rahab the harlot? (Hebrews 11:31;

James 2:24-26)

SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 11:31; James 2:24-26Israel’s salvation from slavery in Egypt and possession of the land of Canaan are signs of God fulfilling His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Ex 3:16-17), for the purpose of blessing the nations redemptively (Ge 12:1-3). Canaan was one of those nations. Rahab was a Canaanitess, and a harlot (Josh 2:1), who received this redemptive blessing. More than that, she was blessed with the privilege of being in the genealogical line of King David and Jesus, the Messiah (Mt 1:1, 5-6). But interestingly, the New Testament calls Rahab “Rahab the harlot” (Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25). She was redeemed and no more a harlot. Why does the New Testament call her “Rahab the harlot”? Is it because God wants her to live with her shameful past all her life or is it for “the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved” (Eph 1:6)?

APPLICATION

What are areas in my life I feel ashamed of? What is the God of Rahab the harlot saying to me?

PRAYER

God of Rahab the harlot, there are things in my life that I’ve done wrong, and things done wrongly against me that I feel ashamed of. There are things where I need Your forgiveness and things I struggle to believe You will forgive me for. Jesus my Redeemer, all these I now release into Your hands, pierced by the nails of my sins. I receive Your forgiveness and cleansing through Your blood. Take me into Your embrace of love and grace. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

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Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

2013Rahab the Harlot

116 117

June 20,

Thursday

OBSERVATION

How else is God glorified in Rahab the harlot? (Hebrews 11:31;

James 2:24-26)

SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 11:31; James 2:24-26Israel’s salvation from slavery in Egypt and possession of the land of Canaan are signs of God fulfilling His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Ex 3:16-17), for the purpose of blessing the nations redemptively (Ge 12:1-3). Canaan was one of those nations. Rahab was a Canaanitess, and a harlot (Josh 2:1), who received this redemptive blessing. More than that, she was blessed with the privilege of being in the genealogical line of King David and Jesus, the Messiah (Mt 1:1, 5-6). But interestingly, the New Testament calls Rahab “Rahab the harlot” (Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25). She was redeemed and no more a harlot. Why does the New Testament call her “Rahab the harlot”? Is it because God wants her to live with her shameful past all her life or is it for “the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved” (Eph 1:6)?

APPLICATION

What are areas in my life I feel ashamed of? What is the God of Rahab the harlot saying to me?

PRAYER

God of Rahab the harlot, there are things in my life that I’ve done wrong, and things done wrongly against me that I feel ashamed of. There are things where I need Your forgiveness and things I struggle to believe You will forgive me for. Jesus my Redeemer, all these I now release into Your hands, pierced by the nails of my sins. I receive Your forgiveness and cleansing through Your blood. Take me into Your embrace of love and grace. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

2013Rahab the Harlot

116 117

118 119

June 21,

friday

OBSERVATION

What can you learn from Pharaoh’s “I have sinned” in Exodus 9:27-28,

33-35?

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 15:24-31; 2 Samuel 12:13-14; Exodus 9:27-28, 33-35Saul said to Samuel the prophet, “I have sinned” (1 Sa 15:24). David said to Nathan the prophet, “I have sinned” (2 Sa 12:13). The words of both kings are similar. As consequences for their sins, Saul lost his kingdom forever (1 Sa 15:28-29); David lost his child born out of adultery (2 Sa 12:14); and he was spared of the death penalty (Lev 20:10). His kingdom remained, and he was given a son, Solomon (2 Sa 12:24-25). Whose sin is greater? Saul didn’t kill when he should have (1 Sa 15:3, 8); David killed when he shouldn’t have (2 Sa 11:14-15). God seems to be unjust. When Nathan confronted David of his sins, his response was “I have sinned against the LORD” – only two words in Hebrew; and he said no more. Saul’s response to Samuel’s confrontation consists of 22 words in Hebrew (1 Sa 15:24-25); and he added “I have sinned; but please honour me now” (1 Sa 15:30). This contrast shows two different hearts. God dealt with them according to their hearts.

APPLICATION

How do I say “I have sinned” to God when I sin against Him?

PRAYER

Merciful God, forgive me that I lack a broken spirit and a contrite heart when I confess my sins to You.26 I desperately need and desire a contrite heart. Cleanse me, and create in me a clean heart. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Make me willing to obey You.27 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

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Pray for self:

2013 I Have sinned

26 Psalm 51:1727 Psalm 51:10, 12

118 119

June 21,

friday

OBSERVATION

What can you learn from Pharaoh’s “I have sinned” in Exodus 9:27-28,

33-35?

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 15:24-31; 2 Samuel 12:13-14; Exodus 9:27-28, 33-35Saul said to Samuel the prophet, “I have sinned” (1 Sa 15:24). David said to Nathan the prophet, “I have sinned” (2 Sa 12:13). The words of both kings are similar. As consequences for their sins, Saul lost his kingdom forever (1 Sa 15:28-29); David lost his child born out of adultery (2 Sa 12:14); and he was spared of the death penalty (Lev 20:10). His kingdom remained, and he was given a son, Solomon (2 Sa 12:24-25). Whose sin is greater? Saul didn’t kill when he should have (1 Sa 15:3, 8); David killed when he shouldn’t have (2 Sa 11:14-15). God seems to be unjust. When Nathan confronted David of his sins, his response was “I have sinned against the LORD” – only two words in Hebrew; and he said no more. Saul’s response to Samuel’s confrontation consists of 22 words in Hebrew (1 Sa 15:24-25); and he added “I have sinned; but please honour me now” (1 Sa 15:30). This contrast shows two different hearts. God dealt with them according to their hearts.

APPLICATION

How do I say “I have sinned” to God when I sin against Him?

PRAYER

Merciful God, forgive me that I lack a broken spirit and a contrite heart when I confess my sins to You.26 I desperately need and desire a contrite heart. Cleanse me, and create in me a clean heart. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Make me willing to obey You.27 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

2013 I Have sinned

26 Psalm 51:1727 Psalm 51:10, 12

118 119

120 121

June 22,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

What do the contrasts between the tax collector and the Pharisee show

about God and sin (Luke 18:9-14)?

SCRIPTURE

Luke 5:3-9; Luke 18:9-14 Sin/Sinner is a key motif in Luke’s Gospel. Jesus gave Peter and his companions a miraculous catch of fish—“their nets [were] so full of fish [that they] began to tear” and “both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking” (Luke 5:4-7). Peter was overwhelmed; not by the miracle, but the holy presence of Jesus—“Go away from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (v 8). Standing in God’s holy presence, the tax collector prayed, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” (18:13). Three words in the prayer illustrate three fundamentals in life—God, mercy, sinner. God is most important in life. Without God, life is a vacuum. A sinner is nothing, has nothing and can do nothing to relate with God. A sinner needs only one thing— mercy. Mercy comes only from God. We need both the prayers of Peter and the tax collector. One reflects a necessary posture and the other a desperate plea.

APPLICATION

Am I more like the Pharisee or tax collector? What change(s) do I need to make to be like the tax collector, and not the Pharisee?

PRAYER

Forgive me, Lord, I have sinned. I feel like a lost sheep which has erred and strayed far away. Let me hear Your voice calling me, the voice that calls me by name. Lord, You are my strength and my salvation; the hope and joy of my life. I come to You, now. Give me humility, courage, and strength to return to You.28 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

2013sensitivity to sin

120 121

June 22,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

What do the contrasts between the tax collector and the Pharisee show

about God and sin (Luke 18:9-14)?

SCRIPTURE

Luke 5:3-9; Luke 18:9-14 Sin/Sinner is a key motif in Luke’s Gospel. Jesus gave Peter and his companions a miraculous catch of fish—“their nets [were] so full of fish [that they] began to tear” and “both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking” (Luke 5:4-7). Peter was overwhelmed; not by the miracle, but the holy presence of Jesus—“Go away from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (v 8). Standing in God’s holy presence, the tax collector prayed, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” (18:13). Three words in the prayer illustrate three fundamentals in life—God, mercy, sinner. God is most important in life. Without God, life is a vacuum. A sinner is nothing, has nothing and can do nothing to relate with God. A sinner needs only one thing— mercy. Mercy comes only from God. We need both the prayers of Peter and the tax collector. One reflects a necessary posture and the other a desperate plea.

APPLICATION

Am I more like the Pharisee or tax collector? What change(s) do I need to make to be like the tax collector, and not the Pharisee?

PRAYER

Forgive me, Lord, I have sinned. I feel like a lost sheep which has erred and strayed far away. Let me hear Your voice calling me, the voice that calls me by name. Lord, You are my strength and my salvation; the hope and joy of my life. I come to You, now. Give me humility, courage, and strength to return to You.28 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

2013sensitivity to sin

120 121

122 123

2013June 23,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

122 123

2013June 23,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

122 123

124 125

June 24,

Monday

OBSERVATION

How can we be sure that our sins are forgiven by God (1 John 1:5 – 2:2)?

SCRIPTURE

1 John 1:5 – 2:2 What has “if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light” to do with “the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7)? Light exposes darkness (John 3:20). When we walk in the light and in fellowship with God; God—who is Light (v 5)—exposes our sins and our darkness to us. What happens when God exposes to us our sins? When we sin against God, we have need for only one thing—God’s forgiveness. God will forgive our sins because “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” The hard reality is we sin against God often. As such, knowing our sins is a critical necessity. We cannot know our sins, unless God exposes them to us. This is especially so for sins in the invisible realm—our thoughts, feelings, attitudes and motives. We often sin more in the invisible realm than in the visible realm of our actions. Thus, our walk with God must be characterised by conviction, consciousness, confession, and cleansing of our sins. Conviction leads to consciousness, confession and then cleansing.

APPLICATION

What are sins in the invisible realm (thoughts, feelings, attitudes, motives) in my life that I need to be aware of?

PRAYER

Most loving Lord, give me a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag downwards; an unconquered heart, which no hardship can wear out; an upright heart, which no worthless purposes can ensnare. Give me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know You, diligence to seek You, and a faithfulness that will finally embrace You; through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. (Thomas Aquinas)

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

2013When We Walk In the Light

124 125

June 24,

Monday

OBSERVATION

How can we be sure that our sins are forgiven by God (1 John 1:5 – 2:2)?

SCRIPTURE

1 John 1:5 – 2:2 What has “if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light” to do with “the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7)? Light exposes darkness (John 3:20). When we walk in the light and in fellowship with God; God—who is Light (v 5)—exposes our sins and our darkness to us. What happens when God exposes to us our sins? When we sin against God, we have need for only one thing—God’s forgiveness. God will forgive our sins because “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” The hard reality is we sin against God often. As such, knowing our sins is a critical necessity. We cannot know our sins, unless God exposes them to us. This is especially so for sins in the invisible realm—our thoughts, feelings, attitudes and motives. We often sin more in the invisible realm than in the visible realm of our actions. Thus, our walk with God must be characterised by conviction, consciousness, confession, and cleansing of our sins. Conviction leads to consciousness, confession and then cleansing.

APPLICATION

What are sins in the invisible realm (thoughts, feelings, attitudes, motives) in my life that I need to be aware of?

PRAYER

Most loving Lord, give me a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag downwards; an unconquered heart, which no hardship can wear out; an upright heart, which no worthless purposes can ensnare. Give me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know You, diligence to seek You, and a faithfulness that will finally embrace You; through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. (Thomas Aquinas)

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

2013When We Walk In the Light

124 125

126 127

June 25,

Tuesday

OBSERVATION

What does Psalm 32:1-5 reveal about God and a sinner?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 10:1-3; Psalm 32:1-5 The closer we walk with God in humility, the more we discover the extent and depth of our sins. We become increasingly sensitive to our sins, especially sins of our heart. Inversely, when we stray from God, our heart is hardened as we begin to ignore, rationalise, and deny our sins. Pride is the root cause of the hardening of our hearts. As God says to Pharaoh, “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me?” (Ex 10:3). “How long” implies that God graciously gives us time and waits patiently for us to turn back to Him, before He takes any action against us. When God asks us, “How long will you refuse”; we are in a very precarious state. We face “the consummate question of all questions that God finally raised against all obstinate sinners: ‘How long?’”29 God has asked His people, Israel, the same question, “How long do you refuse?” (Ex 16:28) He may also be asking His people today. Let us not wait until the point that God stops waiting.

APPLICATION

How can I keep myself from hiding my sins from God?

PRAYER

My most loving Father, I would not, even if I could, conceal anything from You. I rejoice that You know me as I am, and see every desire and every motive of my heart. Help me, Lord, to strip away every mask and veil when I come into Your presence, and to spread before You every thought and every secret of my being, that they may be forgiven, purified, amended, and blessed by You.30 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

29 Walter C. Kaiser, Exodus, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Zondervan, 1990), vol. 1, 36530 Adapted from prayer by Charles Vaughn

How Long?

126 127

June 25,

Tuesday

OBSERVATION

What does Psalm 32:1-5 reveal about God and a sinner?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 10:1-3; Psalm 32:1-5 The closer we walk with God in humility, the more we discover the extent and depth of our sins. We become increasingly sensitive to our sins, especially sins of our heart. Inversely, when we stray from God, our heart is hardened as we begin to ignore, rationalise, and deny our sins. Pride is the root cause of the hardening of our hearts. As God says to Pharaoh, “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me?” (Ex 10:3). “How long” implies that God graciously gives us time and waits patiently for us to turn back to Him, before He takes any action against us. When God asks us, “How long will you refuse”; we are in a very precarious state. We face “the consummate question of all questions that God finally raised against all obstinate sinners: ‘How long?’”29 God has asked His people, Israel, the same question, “How long do you refuse?” (Ex 16:28) He may also be asking His people today. Let us not wait until the point that God stops waiting.

APPLICATION

How can I keep myself from hiding my sins from God?

PRAYER

My most loving Father, I would not, even if I could, conceal anything from You. I rejoice that You know me as I am, and see every desire and every motive of my heart. Help me, Lord, to strip away every mask and veil when I come into Your presence, and to spread before You every thought and every secret of my being, that they may be forgiven, purified, amended, and blessed by You.30 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

29 Walter C. Kaiser, Exodus, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Zondervan, 1990), vol. 1, 36530 Adapted from prayer by Charles Vaughn

How Long?

126 127

128 129

June 26,

Wednesday

OBSERVATION

What can we learn from Samson’s experience about not knowing our

own spiritual condition? (Judges 16:15-21)

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 10:4-7; Judges 16:15-21 “Don’t you realise that Egypt is destroyed?” (Ex 10:7). Pharaoh’s servants seemed to have a greater sense of urgency and sensibility than their king. It wasn’t that Pharaoh was ignorant. Rather, he was indifferent. Pharaoh was asked “How long?” twice—once by God (v 3), the other time by his servants (v 7). One points to his arrogance; the other his indifference. It is arrogance that breeds indifference. What about us? Do we realise that broken fellowship with God amounts to spiritual death? Are we aware that our hidden sins and hardened heart result in a broken relationship with God and therefore, a broken life? Are our hearts drifting further and further away from God, while we busy ourselves with religious activities, thinking that we are doing okay (Mt 15:8-9)? The Father awaits daily the return of His prodigal son (Luke 15:20).

APPLICATION

How can I guard myself from falling into not knowing my own spiritual condition?

PRAYER

God of my salvation, grant me through the Holy Spirit sensitivity to my sins, my iniquities and my transgressions. Keep my ears from becoming deaf to Your voice. Keep my eyes from becoming blind to the truth of Your Word and the real state of my heart. Keep my heart from becoming hardened that I insist on walking my own way. God, have mercy on me, the sinner! Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

2013 Don’t You Realise?

128 129

June 26,

Wednesday

OBSERVATION

What can we learn from Samson’s experience about not knowing our

own spiritual condition? (Judges 16:15-21)

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 10:4-7; Judges 16:15-21 “Don’t you realise that Egypt is destroyed?” (Ex 10:7). Pharaoh’s servants seemed to have a greater sense of urgency and sensibility than their king. It wasn’t that Pharaoh was ignorant. Rather, he was indifferent. Pharaoh was asked “How long?” twice—once by God (v 3), the other time by his servants (v 7). One points to his arrogance; the other his indifference. It is arrogance that breeds indifference. What about us? Do we realise that broken fellowship with God amounts to spiritual death? Are we aware that our hidden sins and hardened heart result in a broken relationship with God and therefore, a broken life? Are our hearts drifting further and further away from God, while we busy ourselves with religious activities, thinking that we are doing okay (Mt 15:8-9)? The Father awaits daily the return of His prodigal son (Luke 15:20).

APPLICATION

How can I guard myself from falling into not knowing my own spiritual condition?

PRAYER

God of my salvation, grant me through the Holy Spirit sensitivity to my sins, my iniquities and my transgressions. Keep my ears from becoming deaf to Your voice. Keep my eyes from becoming blind to the truth of Your Word and the real state of my heart. Keep my heart from becoming hardened that I insist on walking my own way. God, have mercy on me, the sinner! Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

2013 Don’t You Realise?

128 129

130 131

June 27,

Thursday

OBSERVATION

Joel 1:1-4; 2:21-27

How would God make up to His people the years eaten up by the

locusts (Joel 2:21-27)?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 10:12-20; Joel 1:1-4; 2:21-27 The “east wind” brought locusts to invade “all the land of Egypt” (Ex 10:13-14). The “west wind” drove them into the Red Sea (v 19). “Not one locust was left;” but what they left behind was great devastation (v 15). Centuries later, God afflicted His people with another plague of locusts in four destructive waves (Joel 1:4). But there’s a major difference. God wiped out Egypt with two more plagues; but God would “make up to you [Israel] for the years” the locusts “have eaten” (2:25); even though Israel deserved to be eaten up. Whatever losses we have suffered, whether they be due to our own mistakes or others’, deserved or undeserved; we can have in God the hope that what is lost is not gone forever. God makes up for our losses because of His covenant faithfulness and immense grace. What, how, and when God will make up is His prerogative.

APPLICATION

What are “the years” in my life that “the locusts have eaten”? How am I to live with these ”lost years” with the knowledge that God can make it up to me?

PRAYER

Lord of the locusts, I thank You for the hope of You making up to me my “years eaten by the locusts.” I entrust into Your hand these “lost years,” and my feelings over the loss. I don’t know what the making up will be like; or how and when You will do it. But, I enthrone You and exalt You in these “lost years;” trusting in You, the good God, who makes all things work together for good.31 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

31 Romans 8:28

What the Locusts Have eaten

130 131

June 27,

Thursday

OBSERVATION

Joel 1:1-4; 2:21-27

How would God make up to His people the years eaten up by the

locusts (Joel 2:21-27)?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 10:12-20; Joel 1:1-4; 2:21-27 The “east wind” brought locusts to invade “all the land of Egypt” (Ex 10:13-14). The “west wind” drove them into the Red Sea (v 19). “Not one locust was left;” but what they left behind was great devastation (v 15). Centuries later, God afflicted His people with another plague of locusts in four destructive waves (Joel 1:4). But there’s a major difference. God wiped out Egypt with two more plagues; but God would “make up to you [Israel] for the years” the locusts “have eaten” (2:25); even though Israel deserved to be eaten up. Whatever losses we have suffered, whether they be due to our own mistakes or others’, deserved or undeserved; we can have in God the hope that what is lost is not gone forever. God makes up for our losses because of His covenant faithfulness and immense grace. What, how, and when God will make up is His prerogative.

APPLICATION

What are “the years” in my life that “the locusts have eaten”? How am I to live with these ”lost years” with the knowledge that God can make it up to me?

PRAYER

Lord of the locusts, I thank You for the hope of You making up to me my “years eaten by the locusts.” I entrust into Your hand these “lost years,” and my feelings over the loss. I don’t know what the making up will be like; or how and when You will do it. But, I enthrone You and exalt You in these “lost years;” trusting in You, the good God, who makes all things work together for good.31 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

31 Romans 8:28

What the Locusts Have eaten

130 131

132 133

June 28,

friday

OBSERVATION

What does Jesus say about light and darkness in John 12:35-40?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 10:21-23; John 12:35-40Egypt is filled with “thick darkness” such that nothing can be seen—the eighth plague (Ex 10:21-23). There are two kinds of darkness: inner darkness and outer darkness. We can have one kind of darkness, or both. Pharaoh and Egypt had outer darkness, as a result of their inner darkness. God’s people however, have light (v 23)—light from God and the light of grace. When we follow “the Light of the world” we will not walk in inner darkness (John 8:12); and we become “light of the world” (Mt 5:14-16). But when we walk in the light, we can also be walking in outer darkness “and have no light” – in whatever form God wisely permits (Isa 50:10). In such darkness, our light is to “trust in the name of the LORD, and rely on his God.” Even “the Light of the world,” in doing God’s will, subjected Himself to “the power of darkness” (Luke 22:53-54) – without ceasing to be the Light.

APPLICATION

What are some dangers of darkness that I need to particularly flee from or fight against?

PRAYER

Lord of my darkest place, let in Your light. Lord of my gravest sin, let in Your forgiveness. Lord of my greatest fear, let in Your peace. Lord of my most bitter shame, let in Your word of grace. Lord of my deepest hurt, let in Your healing. Lord of my loneliest moment, let in Your presence. Lord of my truest self – my all, let in Your wholeness.32 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

32 Adapted from prayer by Alison Pepper

two Kinds of Darkness

132 133

June 28,

friday

OBSERVATION

What does Jesus say about light and darkness in John 12:35-40?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 10:21-23; John 12:35-40Egypt is filled with “thick darkness” such that nothing can be seen—the eighth plague (Ex 10:21-23). There are two kinds of darkness: inner darkness and outer darkness. We can have one kind of darkness, or both. Pharaoh and Egypt had outer darkness, as a result of their inner darkness. God’s people however, have light (v 23)—light from God and the light of grace. When we follow “the Light of the world” we will not walk in inner darkness (John 8:12); and we become “light of the world” (Mt 5:14-16). But when we walk in the light, we can also be walking in outer darkness “and have no light” – in whatever form God wisely permits (Isa 50:10). In such darkness, our light is to “trust in the name of the LORD, and rely on his God.” Even “the Light of the world,” in doing God’s will, subjected Himself to “the power of darkness” (Luke 22:53-54) – without ceasing to be the Light.

APPLICATION

What are some dangers of darkness that I need to particularly flee from or fight against?

PRAYER

Lord of my darkest place, let in Your light. Lord of my gravest sin, let in Your forgiveness. Lord of my greatest fear, let in Your peace. Lord of my most bitter shame, let in Your word of grace. Lord of my deepest hurt, let in Your healing. Lord of my loneliest moment, let in Your presence. Lord of my truest self – my all, let in Your wholeness.32 Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

32 Adapted from prayer by Alison Pepper

two Kinds of Darkness

132 133

134 135

June 29,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

What does it mean to live under the lordship of Christ according to

Romans 14:4-12?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 11:1; Romans 14:4-12“The LORD said.” (Ex 11:1). All the ten plagues that happened in Egypt happened by the Lord’s word. “One more plague” was commanded by the Lord; after which Pharaoh would let His people go. In contrast to the previous nine times, when Pharaoh stubbornly “did not let Israel go;” after the God-decreed “one more plague,” Pharaoh would drive out the Israelites completely. This shows us that when the Lord decides that it is final, it will be so. After all, He is Lord! Paul makes two very significant lordship statements. “Jesus Christ is Lord” (Php 2:11)—This is an objective statement. Jesus is Lord, whether we want it or not, like it or not or are conscious of it or not. “Christ Jesus my Lord” (Php 3:8)—This is a subjective statement. We must all acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, but is He “my Lord”?

APPLICATION

What are areas in my life that I struggle the most to yield to the lordship of Christ? What will I do about it?

PRAYER

Lord, to whom shall I go? You alone are the Lord of life. To turn away from You is to die. To ignore You is to enter into darkness. You are the way, the truth, and the life. To lose You is to be confused and lost. Whom have I in heaven, but You? I desire You more than anything on earth. You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing. You alone are the Lord of life. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

33 John 6:6834 John 14:6

After All, He Is Lord!

35 Psalm 73:2536 Psalm 16:2

134 135

June 29,

Saturday

OBSERVATION

What does it mean to live under the lordship of Christ according to

Romans 14:4-12?

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 11:1; Romans 14:4-12“The LORD said.” (Ex 11:1). All the ten plagues that happened in Egypt happened by the Lord’s word. “One more plague” was commanded by the Lord; after which Pharaoh would let His people go. In contrast to the previous nine times, when Pharaoh stubbornly “did not let Israel go;” after the God-decreed “one more plague,” Pharaoh would drive out the Israelites completely. This shows us that when the Lord decides that it is final, it will be so. After all, He is Lord! Paul makes two very significant lordship statements. “Jesus Christ is Lord” (Php 2:11)—This is an objective statement. Jesus is Lord, whether we want it or not, like it or not or are conscious of it or not. “Christ Jesus my Lord” (Php 3:8)—This is a subjective statement. We must all acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, but is He “my Lord”?

APPLICATION

What are areas in my life that I struggle the most to yield to the lordship of Christ? What will I do about it?

PRAYER

Lord, to whom shall I go? You alone are the Lord of life. To turn away from You is to die. To ignore You is to enter into darkness. You are the way, the truth, and the life. To lose You is to be confused and lost. Whom have I in heaven, but You? I desire You more than anything on earth. You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing. You alone are the Lord of life. Amen.

Prayer Pointers

Give thanks:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for self:

33 John 6:6834 John 14:6

After All, He Is Lord!

35 Psalm 73:2536 Psalm 16:2

134 135

136 137

2013June 30,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

136 137

2013June 30,

Sunday

d. What drained me?

3. RESPONSE

136 137

138 139

A broken spirit and a contrite heart You will not despise You will not despise You desire truth In the inward parts A broken spirit and a contrite heart

Lord, my heart is prone to wander Prone to leave the Lord I love Here’s my heart Lord, take it and seal it Seal it for Your courts above

A broken spirit and a contrite heart You will not despiseYou will not despiseYou desire truth in the inward parts A broken spirit and a contrite heart

Lord, my heart is prone to wander Prone to leave the God I loveHere’s my heartLord, take and seal it Seal it for Your courts above

WoRsHIP sonGsA BROKEN SPIRIT A PURE HEART

A pure heart, that’s what I long forA heart that follows hard after TheeA pure heart, that’s what I long forA heart that follows hard after Thee

A heart that hides Your WordSo that sin will not come inA heart that’s undividedBut one You rule and reignA heart that beats compassionThat pleases You, my LordA sweet aroma of worshipThat rises to Your throne

138 139

A broken spirit and a contrite heart You will not despise You will not despise You desire truth In the inward parts A broken spirit and a contrite heart

Lord, my heart is prone to wander Prone to leave the Lord I love Here’s my heart Lord, take it and seal it Seal it for Your courts above

A broken spirit and a contrite heart You will not despiseYou will not despiseYou desire truth in the inward parts A broken spirit and a contrite heart

Lord, my heart is prone to wander Prone to leave the God I loveHere’s my heartLord, take and seal it Seal it for Your courts above

WoRsHIP sonGsA BROKEN SPIRIT A PURE HEART

A pure heart, that’s what I long forA heart that follows hard after TheeA pure heart, that’s what I long forA heart that follows hard after Thee

A heart that hides Your WordSo that sin will not come inA heart that’s undividedBut one You rule and reignA heart that beats compassionThat pleases You, my LordA sweet aroma of worshipThat rises to Your throne

138 139

140 141

Oh Lord You’ve searched meYou know my wayEven when I fail YouI know You love me

Your holy presenceSurrounding meIn every seasonI know You love meI know You love me

ChorusAt the cross I bow my kneeWhere Your blood was shed for meThere’s no greater love than thisYou have overcome the graveYour glory fills the highest placeWhat can separate me now

You go before meYou shield my wayYour hand upholds meI know You love me

And when the earth fadesFalls from my eyesAnd You stand before meI know You love meI know You love me

BridgeYou tore the veil, You made a wayWhen You said that it is done

AT THE CROSS BE THOU My VISION

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heartNought be all else to me, save that Thou art Thou my best thought, by day or by nightWaking or sleeping, Thy presence my light

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true WordI ever with Thee and Thou with me, LordThou my great Father, and I Thy true sonThou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praiseThou mine inheritance. now and alwaysThou and Thou only, first in my heartHigh King of heaven, my treasure Thou art

High King of heaven, my victory wonMay I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s SunHeart of my own heart, whatever befallStill be my vision, O Ruler of all

140 141

Oh Lord You’ve searched meYou know my wayEven when I fail YouI know You love me

Your holy presenceSurrounding meIn every seasonI know You love meI know You love me

ChorusAt the cross I bow my kneeWhere Your blood was shed for meThere’s no greater love than thisYou have overcome the graveYour glory fills the highest placeWhat can separate me now

You go before meYou shield my wayYour hand upholds meI know You love me

And when the earth fadesFalls from my eyesAnd You stand before meI know You love meI know You love me

BridgeYou tore the veil, You made a wayWhen You said that it is done

AT THE CROSS BE THOU My VISION

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heartNought be all else to me, save that Thou art Thou my best thought, by day or by nightWaking or sleeping, Thy presence my light

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true WordI ever with Thee and Thou with me, LordThou my great Father, and I Thy true sonThou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praiseThou mine inheritance. now and alwaysThou and Thou only, first in my heartHigh King of heaven, my treasure Thou art

High King of heaven, my victory wonMay I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s SunHeart of my own heart, whatever befallStill be my vision, O Ruler of all

140 141

142 143

CONSUMING fIRE CORNERSTONE

There must be more than thisO breath of God come breathe withinThere must be more than thisSpirit of God we wait for You

Fill us anew we pray Fill us anew we pray

ChorusConsuming fire fan into flame A passion for Your nameSpirit of God fall in this placeLord have Your way, Lord have Your wayWith us

BridgeStir it up in our hearts Lord, Stir it up in our hearts, LordStir it up in our hearts, LordA passion for Your name

My hope is built on nothing lessThan Jesus’ blood and righteousnessI dare not trust the sweetest frameBut wholly trust in Jesus’ name

ChorusChrist alone, CornerstoneWeak made strong, in the Savior’s loveThrough the stormHe is Lord, Lord of All

When darkness seems to hide His faceI rest on His unchanging graceIn every high and stormy galeMy anchor holds within the veilMy anchor holds within the veil

Then He shall come with trumpets soundOh, may I then in Him be foundDressed in His righteousness aloneFaultless, stand before the throne

142 143

CONSUMING fIRE CORNERSTONE

There must be more than thisO breath of God come breathe withinThere must be more than thisSpirit of God we wait for You

Fill us anew we pray Fill us anew we pray

ChorusConsuming fire fan into flame A passion for Your nameSpirit of God fall in this placeLord have Your way, Lord have Your wayWith us

BridgeStir it up in our hearts Lord, Stir it up in our hearts, LordStir it up in our hearts, LordA passion for Your name

My hope is built on nothing lessThan Jesus’ blood and righteousnessI dare not trust the sweetest frameBut wholly trust in Jesus’ name

ChorusChrist alone, CornerstoneWeak made strong, in the Savior’s loveThrough the stormHe is Lord, Lord of All

When darkness seems to hide His faceI rest on His unchanging graceIn every high and stormy galeMy anchor holds within the veilMy anchor holds within the veil

Then He shall come with trumpets soundOh, may I then in Him be foundDressed in His righteousness aloneFaultless, stand before the throne

142 143

144 145

DEEPER IN LOVE EVERLASTING GOD

There is a longing, only You can fill A raging tempest, only You can stillMy soul is thirsty Lord, to know You as I’m knownDrink from the river that flows before Your throne

ChorusTake me deeper, deeper in love with YouJesus hold me close in Your embraceTake me deeper, deeper than I’ve ever been beforeI just want to love You more and moreHow I long to be deeper in love

Sunrise to sunrise I will seek Your faceDrawn by Your Spirit to the promise of Your graceMy soul has found in You, a hope that will abideHere in Your presence, forever satisfied

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the LordWe will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign foreverOur hope, our strong Deliverer

Chorus 1You are the everlasting GodThe everlasting GodYou do not faintYou won’t grow weary

Chorus 2You’re the defender of the weakYou comfort those in needYou lift us up on wings like eagles

144 145

DEEPER IN LOVE EVERLASTING GOD

There is a longing, only You can fill A raging tempest, only You can stillMy soul is thirsty Lord, to know You as I’m knownDrink from the river that flows before Your throne

ChorusTake me deeper, deeper in love with YouJesus hold me close in Your embraceTake me deeper, deeper than I’ve ever been beforeI just want to love You more and moreHow I long to be deeper in love

Sunrise to sunrise I will seek Your faceDrawn by Your Spirit to the promise of Your graceMy soul has found in You, a hope that will abideHere in Your presence, forever satisfied

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the LordWe will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign foreverOur hope, our strong Deliverer

Chorus 1You are the everlasting GodThe everlasting GodYou do not faintYou won’t grow weary

Chorus 2You’re the defender of the weakYou comfort those in needYou lift us up on wings like eagles

144 145

146 147

GIVE ME JESUS GOD Of AGES

In the morning, when I riseIn the morning, when I riseIn the morning, when I riseGive me Jesus

ChorusGive me JesusGive me JesusYou can have all this worldJust give me Jesus When I am aloneWhen I am aloneWhen I am aloneGive me Jesus

When the end is nearWhen the end is nearWhen the end is nearGive me Jesus

Last ChorusGive me JesusGive me JesusYou can have all this worldYou can have all this worldYou can have all this worldJust give me Jesus

God of ages bringing glory hereYou are good, You are goodSon of righteousness, You are all I seekWith all my heart

Pre-ChorusGiver of life, hope for the lost, is in YouAll of the earth, shines with Your lightYour glory

ChorusYou are the God who livesYou are the God who healsYou are my hope, my everythingYou brought salvation to us, Offered Your peace to the worldYou are my Lord, my everything

In Your promise, and Your faithfullnessI will trust, all my daysKing forever, reign in majestyBe glorified

TagI’ll trust in YouI’ll trust in YouI’ll trust in You, with all my heart