EPIPHANY • 3
Who is this Jesus that we have welcomed at Christmas? And why should we move with him?
SET PRAYER
Steadfast God,
you have enriched and enlightened us
by the revelation of your eternal Christ.
Comfort us in our mortality
and strengthen us
to walk the path of your desire,
so that by word and deed we may manifest
the gracious news of your faithfulness and love. Amen.
SONGS FOR PRAYER
reading for: Tuesday Night, 10 JANUARY
JOHN 1:29-42
Jesus the worthy lamb of god
READ
Is Jesus Someone whom you think is worthy of following? Much like how we follow a person on Instagram to check out their posts and stories, how does following Jesus translate into your daily life?
In many ways these few verses is an account of a follower of Jesus, John the Baptiser. And how he sees Jesus as the Lamb of God who is worth following (v. 29, 36).
The first statement that Jesus is the Lamb of God puts forth his status before anyone. That He is firstborn of all creation (Colossians 1: 15-20):
- That He is greater than John for He came before him (v. 30)
- That John baptising others was only to facilitate the revealing of Jesus to Israel (v. 31)
- That the Spirit descending on Jesus is a sign that He is the Son of God (v. 34)
The second statement that Jesus is the Lamb of God (v. 36), then turns into invitations to us to follow this worthy one:
- That He is worth following (v. 37)
- That He is worth coming to see (v. 39)
- That He is the worthy King (v. 41)
REFLECT
Many of us are baptised Christians, people and children of God who have professed to have given our lives to follow Jesus. As Ps Terence reminded us on 8th January 2023, the baptised life of following Jesus consists of 3 parts:
1. Dying to ourselves
2. Being raised to new life for obedience
3. Sustaining our new life through people
With Paul the follower of Jesus as example (Philippians 3:7-21), lets prayerfully consider what the Lord is speaking to us to do in 2023 to follow Him:
What is 1 or 2 habits you’ll like to cultivate/strengthen to help you listen and hear Jesus? (You may think of it at different levels, for yourself as an individual, for your family and for your LG)
Who are the people that you’ll want to further commit to meeting up more regularly who can help you follow Jesus even more in 2023?
reading for: Wednesday Night, 11 JANUARY
Isaiah 49:1-7
jesus the chosen light of the world
READ
Called, appointed and chosen by the will of God. Do you believe that Jesus has been called, appointed and chosen by the Creator God to bring forth light into our world? And if you do, what does that look like in your life as you learn to follow Him?
Firstly, this servant is clear himself that he has been called by God (v. 1)
He has made into a weapon of war, sharp like a sword and a polished arrow (v.2)
And ultimately, it is to be a servant, to 遵命 , God Himself (v. 3)
Interestingly, just because Jesus has been called, appointed and chosen, it didn't mean He was exempt from hardship, challenges and even fruitlessness (v. 4)
For it was used by God to strengthen Jesus and bring honour to God. (V. 5)
That Jesus might become not just a light to Israel but a light to the nations (v. 6)
REFLECT
A key part of following Jesus who has been called, appointed and chosen to be the light of the world, is to be lights ourselves (Matthew 5:13-16). Yet we need to understand that our light can only shine if we are close to and following Jesus who is Light Himself.
As we continue to reflect on what 2023 looks like for us:
Who are 2 or 3 people that the Lord is stirring and calling you to be with and bring God’s light to?
What is 1 or 2 things/burdens that He has placed on your heart for them?
1. How will you set time aside this year to purposefully engage them?
reading for: Thursday Night, 12 JANUARY
corinthians 1:1-9
jesus the enricher
READ
Did you know that in and through Jesus, you have become enriched in so many ways? That God’s grace has been poured out in Jesus so that we lack nothing? Do you live everyday with such a wonderful assurance?
First of all, Paul is speaking to those who are sanctified in Jesus and for anyone who calls on the name Jesus (v. 2)
In Jesus, God’s grace has been given so abundantly (v. 3-4)
And each of us have been enriched in every, possible way (v. 5)
That God’s testimony has been strengthened in you (v. 6)
Resulting in us never lacking any spiritual gift (v. 7)
Not only that, you will be strengthened so that you will be blameless when Jesus appears again (v. 8)
For He is the faithful God and we have been called and chosen to enter into fellowship with Him (v. 9)
It is odd to see how Paul speaks to the Corinthian church, especially because he will go about later to address some crazy issues they were facing. Social division, incest, suing one another, sexual immorality, food offered to idols were just some. Yet despite these things, Paul sees Jesus enriching them, giving them all that they need and sustaining them.
REFLECT
Very often we think and focus more on our issues and problems rather than on Jesus.
The invitation at watch night service by Ps Calvin was to grow deeper, stronger and have greater reliance on God for 2023. Having now see Jesus as the one who has enriched us in every possible way, resulting us in not lacking any spiritual gift, how are you intending to create that space in your life for that to happen?
Focusing on the habit of reading, meditating and studying God’s word:
How will you grow stronger and spend more time reading, meditating and studying God’s word in 2023? (You may think of it at different levels, for yourself as an individual, for your family and for your LG)
(Hint: The main focus for this year’s gospel lectionary reading is Matthew)
reading for: Friday Night, 13 JANUARY
PSALM 40:1-11
the steadfast love of god
READ
Do you know the steadfast love of God in your life?
His steadfast love comes to us as:
- He turns to us and hears your cry (v. 1)
- He lift us up from the desolate pit, and sets your feet on a rock. (v. 2)
- He puts a new song in you mouth (v. 3)
- He multiplies his wondrous deeds and thoughts toward you (v. 5)
- He gives you an open ear (v. 6)
Out of God’s action and steadfast love to us, the Psalmist then responds:
- Here I am, (v. 7)
- I delight to do your will, I will hide your law in my heart. (v. 8)
- I will not restrain my lips but speak for God. (v. 9)
- I will speak of your faithfulness and salvation (v. 10)
REFLECT
For many of us, the Christmas and new year has been a busy season filled with many gatherings and activities. Not to mention the upcoming Chinese New Year!
But its worth taking a moment to pause and reflect on the first 2 weeks of 2023 so far.
How have you seen and experienced God’s steadfast love in your life? And as you have recounted of God’s actions and love towards you, how does that prepare you to live out 2023 purposefully for Him?
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Advent
- 28 Nov 2023 ADVENT • 1
- 5 Dec 2023 ADVENT • 2
- 11 Dec 2023 ADVENT • 3
- 19 Dec 2023 ADVENT • 4
- 26 Dec 2023 ADVENT • 5
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Holy Week
- 27 Mar 2021 HOLY WEEK • GUIDED PRAYER RETREAT
- 29 Mar 2021 Holy Week • Guided Prayer Retreat (31 March)
- 30 Mar 2021 Holy Week • Guided Prayer Retreat (1 April)
- 1 Apr 2021 Holy Week • Guided Prayer Retreat (2 April)
- 2 Apr 2021 Holy Week • Guided Prayer Retreat (3 April)
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Season of Advent
- 23 Nov 2020 ADVENT • 1
- 2 Dec 2020 ADVENT • 2
- 8 Dec 2020 ADVENT • 3
- 15 Dec 2020 ADVENT • 4
- 23 Nov 2021 ADVENT • 5
- 30 Nov 2021 ADVENT • 6
- 7 Dec 2021 ADVENT • 7
- 14 Dec 2021 ADVENT • 8
- 21 Dec 2021 ADVENT • 9
- 29 Dec 2021 ADVENT • 10
- 22 Nov 2022 ADVENT • 1
- 30 Nov 2022 ADVENT • 2
- 6 Dec 2022 ADVENT • 3
- 13 Dec 2022 ADVENT • 4
- 21 Dec 2022 ADVENT • 5
- 28 Nov 2023 ADVENT • 1
- 5 Dec 2023 ADVENT • 2
- 11 Dec 2023 ADVENT • 3
- 19 Dec 2023 ADVENT • 4
- 26 Dec 2023 ADVENT • 5
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Season of Christmas
- 23 Dec 2020 CHRISTMAS • 1
- 29 Dec 2020 CHRISTMAS • 2
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Season of Easter
- 5 Apr 2021 EASTER • 1
- 12 Apr 2021 EASTER • 2
- 20 Apr 2021 EASTER • 3
- 27 Apr 2021 EASTER • 4
- 3 May 2021 EASTER • 5
- 11 May 2021 EASTER • 6
- 18 May 2021 EASTER • 7
- 18 May 2021 EASTER • 7 (Testimony)
- 19 Apr 2022 EASTER • 1
- 25 Apr 2022 EASTER • 2
- 2 May 2022 EASTER • 3
- 9 May 2022 EASTER • 4
- 17 May 2022 EASTER • 5
- 23 May 2022 EASTER • 6
- 3 Apr 2023 EASTER • 1
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- 18 Apr 2023 EASTER • 3
- 24 Apr 2023 EASTER • 4
- 2 May 2023 EASTER • 5
- 8 May 2023 EASTER • 6
- 16 May 2023 EASTER • 7
- 23 May 2023 EASTER • 8
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Season of Epiphany
- 4 Jan 2021 EPIPHANY • 1
- 13 Jan 2021 EPIPHANY • 2
- 20 Jan 2021 EPIPHANY • 3
- 28 Jan 2021 EPIPHANY • 4
- 2 Feb 2021 EPIPHANY • 5
- 8 Feb 2021 EPIPHANY • 6
- 4 Jan 2022 EPIPHANY • 7
- 11 Jan 2022 EPIPHANY • 8
- 19 Jan 2022 EPIPHANY • 9
- 25 Jan 2022 EPIPHANY • 10
- 2 Feb 2022 EPIPHANY • 11
- 9 Feb 2022 EPIPHANY • 12
- 15 Feb 2022 EPIPHANY • 13
- 23 Feb 2022 EPIPHANY • 14
- 27 Dec 2022 EPIPHANY • 1
- 3 Jan 2023 EPIPHANY • 2
- 10 Jan 2023 EPIPHANY • 3
- 17 Jan 2023 EPIPHANY • 4
- 24 Jan 2023 EPIPHANY • 5
- 30 Jan 2023 EPIPHANY • 6
- 7 Feb 2023 EPIPHANY • 7
- 13 Feb 2023 EPIPHANY • 8
- 2 Jan 2024 EPIPHANY • 1
- 9 Jan 2024 EPIPHANY • 2
- 16 Jan 2024 EPIPHANY • 3
- 23 Jan 2024 EPIPHANY • 4
- 29 Jan 2024 EPIPHANY • 5
- 7 Feb 2024 EPIPHANY • 6
- 9 Feb 2024 EPIPHANY • 7
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Season of Lent
- 16 Feb 2021 LENT • 1
- 22 Feb 2021 LENT • 2
- 4 Mar 2021 LENT • 3
- 8 Mar 2021 LENT • 4
- 14 Mar 2021 LENT • 5
- 23 Mar 2021 LENT • 6
- 1 Mar 2022 LENT • 1
- 9 Mar 2022 LENT • 2
- 16 Mar 2022 LENT • 3
- 21 Feb 2023 LENT • 1
- 28 Feb 2023 LENT • 2
- 6 Mar 2023 LENT • 3
- 13 Mar 2023 LENT • 4
- 20 Mar 2023 LENT • 5
- 30 Mar 2023 LENT • 6
- 20 Feb 2024 LENT • 1
- 27 Feb 2024 LENT • 2
- 5 Mar 2024 LENT • 3
- 12 Mar 2024 LENT • 4
- 18 Mar 2024 LENT • 5
- 26 Mar 2024 LENT • 6
- 2 Apr 2024 EASTER • 1
- 8 Apr 2024 EASTER • 2
- 16 Apr 2024 EASTER • 3
- 23 Apr 2024 EASTER • 4
- 2 May 2024 EASTER • 5
- 6 May 2024 EASTER • 6
- 16 May 2024 EASTER • 7
- 21 May 2024 Pentecost • 1
- 28 May 2024 Pentecost • 2
- 5 Jun 2024 Pentecost • 3
- 11 Jun 2024 Pentecost • 4
- 18 Jun 2024 Pentecost • 5
- 26 Jun 2024 Pentecost • 6
- 2 Jul 2024 Pentecost • 7
- 8 Jul 2024 Pentecost • 8
- 15 Jul 2024 Pentecost • 9
- 23 Jul 2024 Pentecost • 10
- 30 Jul 2024 Pentecost • 11
- 7 Aug 2024 Pentecost • 12
- 14 Aug 2024 Pentecost • 13
- 19 Aug 2024 Pentecost • 14
- 26 Aug 2024 Pentecost • 15
- 3 Sept 2024 Pentecost • 16
- 10 Sept 2024 Pentecost • 17
- 18 Sept 2024 Pentecost • 18
- 23 Sept 2024 Pentecost • 19
- 1 Oct 2024 Pentecost • 20
- 8 Oct 2024 Pentecost • 21
- 16 Oct 2024 Pentecost • 22
- 21 Oct 2024 Pentecost • 23
- 29 Oct 2024 Pentecost • 24
- 5 Nov 2024 Pentecost • 25
- 12 Nov 2024 Pentecost • 26
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Season of Pentecost
- 8 Sept 2020 PENTECOST • 18
- 14 Sept 2020 PENTECOST • 19
- 22 Sept 2020 PENTECOST • 20
- 29 Sept 2020 PENTECOST • 21
- 6 Oct 2020 PENTECOST • 22
- 12 Oct 2020 PENTECOST • 23
- 19 Oct 2020 PENTECOST • 24
- 27 Oct 2020 PENTECOST • 25
- 1 Nov 2020 PENTECOST • 26
- 10 Nov 2020 PENTECOST • 27
- 17 Nov 2020 PENTECOST • 28
- 24 May 2021 PENTECOST • 29
- 31 May 2021 PENTECOST • 30
- 8 Jun 2021 PENTECOST • 31
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- 21 Jun 2021 PENTECOST • 33
- 28 Jun 2021 PENTECOST • 34
- 5 Jul 2021 PENTECOST • 35
- 13 Jul 2021 PENTECOST • 36
- 20 Jul 2021 PENTECOST • 37
- 26 Jul 2021 PENTECOST • 38
- 3 Aug 2021 PENTECOST • 39
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- 17 Aug 2021 PENTECOST • 41
- 24 Aug 2021 PENTECOST • 42
- 1 Sept 2021 PENTECOST • 43
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- 14 Sept 2021 PENTECOST • 45
- 21 Sept 2021 PENTECOST • 46
- 28 Sept 2021 PENTECOST • 47
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- 16 Nov 2021 PENTECOST • 53
- 16 Nov 2021 PENTECOST • 54
- 31 May 2022 PENTECOST • 1
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- 29 May 2023 PENTECOST • 1
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- 20 Nov 2023 PENTECOST • 26