Theme
CLOTHED WITH POWER
Luke 24:49
“…I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Acts 1:8
“…But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Focus
The focus for 2015 will be on the PERSON and PURPOSE of the POWER of the Holy Spirit.
GDP Calendar of Events
14 Jan–11 Feb, 4–11 Mar / Wed / 10:00 AM–12:00 NN / WOG-DBS // Beth Moore: Living Beyond Yourself24 Jan–7 Feb, 28 Feb–14 Mar, 1-22 Apr / Sat / 10:00 AM–12:00NN / WOG-MBS // Fatal Distractions: Conquering Destructive Temptations
22, 29 Jan, 5 Feb / Thu / 7:30–9:30 PM / Class 102: Foundations of Our Faith
26Feb / Thu / 7:30–9:30 PM / Class 103: Baptism – The Key to a New Life
5Mar / Thu / 7:30–9:30 PM / Class 104: Membership – The Life in a New Family
11–25 Apr, 9–23 May / Sat / 10:00–11:30 AM / WOG-MBS
5Apr / Sun / 10:45 AM / Water Baptism @ Furama
1–2 May / Fri–Sat / 9 AM–5 PM / Encounter Weekend
• Power in the Spirit
• Freedom in Christ
• Emotional Strength in God
23May / Sat / 9:30 AM–1:30 PM / GDP Seminar
About Journal 2014-2015
This journal aims to provide you with a two-year Bible reading plan that covers the entire Bible. Each journal booklet is for 3 months and is distributed before the end of each quarter. Each Book of the Bible begins with an Introduction taken from Hayford’s Spirit Filled Life Biblethat provides a focus on the Work of the Holy Spirit in the Book.
Each day is structured as follows:
- Readings:comprising 1-2 chapters
- Reflection: Some questions to aid your reflection. Don’t let the question restrict your reflection, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. You may like to narrow your reading to a shorter portion of Scripture that speaks to you. Meditate on that portion and allow it to take root in your heart. Journal your reflection in the space provided.
- Response: Pointers may be provided. In instances where they are not provided, arrive at your own response.
Deuteronomy
The Holy Spirit at Work
Deuteronomy reminds the people that the Spirit of God had been with them from the time of deliverance from Egypt and that He would remain in covenantal relationship with them if they obey His commandments.
(Quoted from Hayford, New Spirit Filled Life Bible)
1-Jan-15Readings:Deuteronomy1
Reflection:
Why did the people of Israel spend more time in Horeb and Kadesh? What lesson/s do you learn from this reflection?
Response:
Is there an example you want to emulate? Or is there an error you want to avoid making? How?
2-Jan-15Readings:Deuteronomy 2
Reflection:
DespiteGod’s judgment that resulted in the Israelites wandering for forty years, how did the Lord show Himself faithful to Israel? What do you notice about those battles Israel was not supposed to engage in? How would you relate these battles to your own ‘battles’?
Response:
How might you trust and hold onto God’s faithfulness in your circumstances?
3-Jan-15Readings:Deuteronomy3; Psalm 105
Reflection:
Despite being the first to possess their land, what was required of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh? Why do you think this was required of them?
Response:
4-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy4; Psalm 106
Reflection:
Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan, why did the Lord reiterate His requirement? What was the Lord’s requirement? How did the Lord prove Himself as God to Israel? How did the Lord prove Himself as God to you?
Response:
How would you respond to God’s requirement of you?
4-Jan-15
Sermon Notes
5-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy5-6
Reflection:
Chapter 5: What do you think the Israelites missed due to their fear of the fire (v. 5)? Why do you think Israel chose not to hear God’s voice themselves? How about you? What would you choose? Why?
Chapter 6: What did the Lord promise Israel if they obeyed and feared Him on possessing the land? Not only must Israel remember and obey God’s commands, they are supposed to pass them on to their children. How are you doing that for your household?
Response:
How might you want to pass on God’s commands to your household? List specific steps and have someone or a mentor hold you accountable.
6-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy7-8
Reflection:
Chapter 7: Here, the Lord warned Israel of any form of relationship with the former occupants of the land. What do you think of the Lord’s warning? What is the basis for the Lord’s warning?
Chapter 8: In the event Israel disobeys the Lord, what will the Lord do? What is your perspective on the Lord’s discipline? In what way have you been disciplined by the Lord? How has the Lord restored you through His discipline?
Response:
How would you remember the Lord who gives you the ability to produce wealth (v. 18)?
7-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy9-10
Reflection:
Chapter 9: How did Israel arouse the anger of the Lord? Notice the various words being used to describe their wrongdoing. How are they different? How might you have sinned against the Lord, knowingly or unknowingly? What stood out for you about Moses in this chapter?
Chapter 10: Why do you think the Lord chose to write the Ten Commandments on stone? What did the Lord ask of Israel, and us? Which commandment(s) is/are difficult for you to obey?
Response:
Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights interceding for various ones. How would you emulate Moses' example?
8-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy11-12
Reflection:
Chapter 11: How did Moses remind the people of Israel about who God is? What do you think was his intention? What warning is there in the chapter? How is the warning applicable today?
Chapter 12: Why is there an emphasis on the place where Israel is supposed to worship God? How is this place described? What is the purpose of this place?
Response:
How would you heed the warning?
9-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy13-14
Reflection:
Chapter 13: What potential threat does an Israelite face? How are they to respond when faced with the threat? How would you respond when faced with a similar threat?
Chapter 14: There are certain cultural-sensitive requirements on Israel so as to present themselves as God's holy people.What are some cultural related practices that show us as God's holy people? In your opinion, which are not? How did the Lord care for the Levites, foreigners, fatherless, and widows?
Response:
10-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy 15-16; Psalm 107
Reflection:
Chapter 15: What do you think is at the heart of the year for cancelling debts and freeing servants? How have you been generous to those who are poor and needy?
Chapter 16: Why was the festival necessary?
Response:
Think about how you would help a pre-believer know our Lord in the next Christian festival.
11-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy 17-18; Psalm 108
Reflections:
Chapter 17: Three types of personnel are listed, namely, witnesses, judges and priests, and kings. Why was it necessary to list them?
Chapter 18: How did the role of the prophet come about?
Response:
11-Jan-15
Sermon Notes
12-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy 19-20
Reflection:
Chapter 19: How do you appreciate the rationale for cities of refuge? Is there a place for such cities today? Why do you think it is important for Israel to purge all evil from among them? How about us?
Chapter 20: Consider what might happen with a faint-hearted army. Israel did it by removing them from battle.How do you think the church should build the army of soldiers?
Response:
How do you intend to "purge" all evil from around you? Meditate on 20:3-4, replacing 'Israel' with your name.
13-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy 21-22
Reflection:
Chapter 21: Why do you think in the case of unresolved murder, the emphasis seems to be on being right before the Lord? Culturally, the scenarios don't seem to be applicable to us. What do you think is the idea behind letting the woman go and disciplining a stubborn and rebellious son?
Chapter 22: In the series of 'do not' (vv. 9-11), what NT passage comes to mind? What is the gist of these 'do not'? What is your thought about sexual violation? Is it difficult to teach the younger generation to uphold sexual purity?
Response:
If you have children of your own, plan a heart-to-heart moment to talk with them some thing from these 2 chapters. Share with them your thoughts and feeling. Otherwise, decide how you want to live as a child to your parents or as a potential spouse to someone.
14-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy 23-24
Reflection:
Chapter 23: Notice the exclusion from the assembly of the Lord.How should we not take for granted the invitation and inclusion that was offered to us? Among the four sets of rules, excluding vv. 17-18, and applying them into our context, how do you fare in each of them?
Chapter 24: Do you notice that foreigners are placed somewhat in line with the fatherless and the widows? Why do you think this is so? How have you been treating the foreigners in your land?
Response:
What action might you want to take as you review how you fare in the four stated rules in v. 23? Alternatively, consider what improvements you want to make to treat the foreigners better?
15-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy 25-26
Reflection:
Chapter 25: Narrowing to vv. 13-16, on a scale of 0-10, zero being an absolutely outright deceiver, and ten being absolutely honest, mark yourself on the scale. Elaborate why you gave yourself that score.
Chapter 26: What are the purposes of tithing? Do you tithe as such?
Response:
Back to the scale, what does it take you to move half a point towards ten?
16-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy 27
Reflection:
What was Israel supposed to do after they crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land? Imagine the sight and sound of the declarations by the two groups of tribes. Which group would you prefer to be in? Why? Why do you think the curses are being listed?
Response:
17-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy 28; Psalm 109
Reflection:
What is the condition for blessings to ensue? What does being blessed entail? How does it contrast with the cursed? What do you think about the difference? Is there a purpose for the contrast?
Response:
18-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy 29; Psalm 110
Reflection:
What expectation did the Lord outline for His covenantal people? The Lord God has emotions but He does not display them wilfully and without reason. What will invoke His anger? Why does the Lord make His emotions known then?
Response:
How might you learn from the Lord in regards to making your expectation(s) clear?
18-Jan-15
Sermon Notes
19-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy 30
Reflection:
Which word or phrase stands out for you? Read the chapter again and allow the word or phrase to bring you focus. What is the Lord saying to you?
Response:
20-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy 31
Reflection:
Put yourself in Joshua's shoes. What does it feel like to succeed after a great man like Moses? What does it feel like to be entrusted with heavy responsibilities? How does it feel to hear, at the same time, that the people will eventually rebel against the Lord?
Response:
21-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy32
Reflection:
What do you think was the purpose of the song? Recall those moments when the Lord encourages, comforts, and reminds you of His goodness through some songs.
Response:
Consider composing your own songs based on the circumstance you were in. Allow the songs to be your reminder of how He has carried/is carrying you through.
22-Jan-15Readings: Deuteronomy 33-34
Reflection:
Chapter 33: In his departing words, Moses blessed the twelve tribes. How was the blessing prophetic? Consider v. 29 and spend some time meditating on it.
Chapter 34: Though Moses did not enter the Promised Land, the Lord was kind to him. How was the Lord kind to him?
Response:
Moses was described with great credits.Recall his life and consider his ways.
2 Corinthians
The Holy Spirit at Work
The book of 2 Corinthians contains some of Paul’s most weighty theological reflections undergirded by the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. In particular, the Spirit is the giver of life (3:6). This life is expressed as transformation (3:15-18) and new creation (5:17). The Spirit is also the glory of the new covenant (3:7-18). Besides being the origin of visions, revelations and wonders (12:1-12), the Spirit is the strength in weakness (12:9-10), and a member of the Holy Trinity in whom believers have fellowship (13:14).
(Quoted from Hayford, New Spirit Filled Life Bible)
23-Jan-15Readings: 2 Corinthians 1
Reflection:
God the Father is our comfort (1:3, 4). So is God the Holy Spirit (John 14:16), and God the Son (Heb 2:18; Luk 2:25). What does this tell you about the Trinity? What do you think is the role of suffering in the life of a Christian (1:8-11)? How do we conduct our relations with others “with integrity, and godly sincerity, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace” (1:12)? How do we know we belong to God (1:21-22)?
Response:
Work in conjunction with the Holy Spirit to comfort to someone in pain today.
24-Jan-15Readings: 2 Corinthians 2; Psalm 111
Reflection:
How should we deal with a person who has sinned in the church (2:5-11)? Why do you think the failure to locate Titus in Troas gave Paul no rest in his spirit (2:12-13)? What are the characteristics of Paul’s ministry (2:17)?
Response:
Show appreciation to those who work alongside you in the ministry.
25-Jan-15Readings: 2 Corinthians 3; Psalm 112
Reflection:
What does it mean to be “written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God” (3:3)? What does the “ministry that brought death” mean (3:7)? What exactly is the “ministry of the Spirit” (3:8)? How do these two types of ministry differ (3:9-11)? What are the consequences of anyone who turns to the Lord (3:16-18)?
Response:
Memorize 2 Corinthians 3:17.
25-Jan-15
Sermon Notes
26-Jan-15Readings: 2 Corinthians 4
Reflection:
To whom does the phrase “god of this age” (4:4) refer? Are believers susceptible to the influence of the “god of this age” (4:4-6)? What does “this treasure in jars of clay” (4:7) refer to? What is the outcome of all the sufferings in Paul’s ministry (4:8-12)? How do we fix our eyes on “what is unseen” instead of “what is seen” (4:18)?
Response:
Give thanks to God for the trials and hardships that come your way.
27-Jan-15Readings: 2 Corinthians 5
Reflection:
Reflection:
How does God assure us that the Spirit is given as a guarantee? What is this guarantee about (5:5)? How should we live our lives knowing that we must all appear before the Judgement Seat of Christ (5:10)? What does “one died for all, and therefore all died” mean (5:14)? What is the “ministry of reconciliation” God has given to us (5:18)?
Response:
Carry out an act today to show you are an ambassador for Christ.
28-Jan-15Readings: 2 Corinthians 6
Reflection:
What does it mean to “receive the grace of God in vain” (6:1)? In what ways have Paul’s experiences inspired us not to receive the grace of God in vain (6:3-10)? Give examples of being yoked together with unbelievers (6:14). What are the pitfalls of doing so (6:14-18)?
Response:
Make a conscious effort not to be yoked together with unbelievers, but reach out to them with the message of reconciliation.
29-Jan-15Readings: 2 Corinthians 7
Reflection:
What are the things that contaminate body and spirit (7:1)? The theme of comfort emerges again in 7:6-7 (see also 1:3-4). How does God comfort us? What are the differences between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow (7:10-11)?
Response:
Give thanks to God for the acts of kindness and words of love you have received from the people He brings into your life.
30-Jan-15Readings: 2 Corinthians 8
Reflection:
What is the “grace” that God has given to the Macedonian churches (8:1)? What can we learn from the Macedonian Christians (8:2-5)? Why does Paul choose to encourage rather than command the Corinthian Christians to give (8:8-9)? What does Paul mean when he says “we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man” (8:21)?
Response:
Bless someone today with the resources God has entrusted to you.
31-Jan-15Readings: 2 Corinthians 9; Psalm 113
Reflection:
What does “this service to the Lord’s people” refer to (9:1)? In Chapter 8 Paul uses the Macedonian churches as wonderful examples of Christian giving. Now, he turns around and informs the Corinthian Christians that he boasted to the Macedonians about the Corinthians’ willingness to give. Some theologians suspect Paul is being sarcastic to the Corinthians here (8:2). Do you agree? Identify two important principles of giving (8:6-7). What are the outcomes when Christians abound in giving (8:12-13)?
Response:
Memorize 2Co 9:6-8.