40 Day Devotional

A 40-day journey with God

Sabbath practices are spiritual disciplines. It requires us to be intentional and to sacrifice our personal preferences. This Sabbath, honour the Lord by developing the habit of doing one of the spiritual practices.

1. Review the past 5 Sabbath Stay-cays – which one do you sense that God is leading you to set as a habit?

2. Set aside time every week for that particular Sabbath practice, for the rest of this year

3. To remind yourself, either set a weekly reminder on your mobile phone, or write it down somewhere that you will notice

#needYoumoreLord

DAY 40

10 May (Sun)

SUNDAY STAY-CAY

Practices that honour God of the Sabbath

He sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape.For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Esther 4:13-16

Many of us know of the story about the brave Queen Esther and how she saved her people. In this text, we read that Esther knew the danger of her going into the presence of King Ahasuerus without his permission. However, if she remained silent, her people, the Jews would face genocide.

Both Mordecai and Esther knew that they needed a divine intervention, especially for the latter to present herself before the King. Esther responded in faith by getting the entire Jewish community to fast and pray.

This is the season for us to step up in faith. Let us do the groundwork to prepare ourselves for God’s work.
1. To fast as a family or with your cell
2. To set a regular time for prayer

DAY 39

EAT ALREADY?

09 May (Sat)

For man does not live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks

40-Day Journey Online Prayer Meeting

8pm: Church-level Prayer Time
• Worship
• Prayer #1 – While in wilderness: God is searching our hearts
• Prayer #2 – Watch and pray: God is calling us to be spiritual watchmen
• Five arenas where we can keep watch and pray:
1. Family
2. Workplace/ School
3. Church
4. Community
5. Country

8:40pm: Cell Prayer Time
Leave the LSBC Zoom meeting and join each individual cell's Zoom meeting

Cell Prayer Pointers:
1. Pray in tongues (3-5 mins)
Ask God to show you one arena over which He wants you to be a watchman and pray for breakthrough

2. Share what you have heard/sensed from God during this CB period

3. Small group prayer time (3-4 pax in each Breakout Room)

Choose one arena (see list above) and pray using the following:
• Repent of any injustice
• Tear down spiritual strongholds of sin, idolatry, lies of the devil, unforgiveness
• Release God’s presence in the spiritual atmosphere
• Coming harvest of joy, peace, love of God and salvations

4. Closing prayer
Lord, I trust You completely with my life because You are the highest, strongest, wisest and most trustworthy—and you love me in spite of my weaknesses. I am eternally grateful to enjoy right standing with You, completely free from condemnation or accusation. Because You sent Your own Son to die for me, I can now come into Your presence. He now sits at Your right hand where He always has Your ear, and I can come close, too. You have enlarged my heart so that I can intercede before You on behalf of others. I now ask You for insights and grace, so I can pray effectively with the eyes of a watchman. Yours forever, in Jesus, Amen.

DAY 38

08 May (Fri)

#DONtSAYBOJIO

Connect with God and one another through prayer

The weekly devotional series rounds up with the word "wilderness". Pastor Zachary brings us his understanding of the wilderness season through God's eyes.

How has your journey been? The bingo template is included below again for your personal reflection, and for posting on your social media too!

DAY 37

07 May (Thu)

The Bread-ren Talks

Weekly walk-through of the theme, “Led, even in the wilderness”

Today, SP wraps up the 6-week La-Kopi sharing with his thoughts about the 40-day wilderness journey. Join him to reflect on your personal journey as well.

DAY 36

06 May (Wed)

La-kopi with Sp

Brew a cup and sit with SP as he shares from the Word and his heart

How do we keep a right attitude in the face of adversity?

Circumstances and situations will not go away or change as easily as we want them to, but having a right attitude helps us to remain positive despite all the negativity around.

When we feel drained or discouraged, we can receive hope and faith by mediating on God’s word. The more you know who God is and the lesser the things of this world will faze us.

Let us mediate on His word today.

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing… 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or laboured in vain.
Philippians 2:14, 16 (NKJV)

DAY 35

05 May (Tue)

EAT ALREADY?

For man does not live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks

The Prayer of Examen is a spiritual practice of reviewing the day to retune ourselves to God. Here, we will be reflecting on our past week. More than a method, it is a time of prayerful posture to see God in our ordinary life. There are five steps and it usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

1. Ask God for light
I want to look at my past week with God’s eyes, not merely my own.

2. Give thanks
The past week is a gift from God and I am grateful for it.

3. Review the week
I carefully think about the key happenings in the past week, being guided by the Holy Spirit.

4. Face your shortcomings
I confess to God about what is wrong in my life and in me.

5. Look toward the day to come
I ask where I need God in the coming day.

Adapted from: www.ignatianspirituality.com

DAY 34

04 May (Mon)

EXAMEN YOUR HEART

Reflections to review your week and start your day

It is time to take a break from screen time again. This Sabbath, honour the Lord by giving Him your fullest attention.

1. Place a piece of paper, a pen and a watch before you

2. Turn off all of your mobile phones and devices

3. For at least the next 15 minutes, pray and ask God to bring to mind either an incident or a thought/emotion that you have experienced since the start of the circuit breaker

4. Note down whatever you sense that God is bringing to mind

5. End with a time of conversing with God in prayer

Repeat this activity one more time in this coming week!

#needYoumoreLord

DAY 33

03 May (Sun)

SUNDAY STAY-CAY

Practices that honour God of the Sabbath

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” James 2:14a (ESV)

Faith comes through hearing the Word of God, which in turn spurs our heart to action. What is God calling you to do in this new season?

Use your faith to love God and people
1. Share with someone what God is speaking to you concerning loving Him and people.

2. Make a list of people whom God is prompting you to encourage them. Act on it!

DAY 32

EAT ALREADY?

02 May (Sat)

For man does not live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks

Labour Day of Prayer

Event 1: Ministry Online Prayer Meeting
Time: As arranged by your ministry IC

Prayer Segments:
1. Pray for one another
• Read Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV) together
• Use this scripture to pray for the person to your right and left onscreen.

2. Pray for the ministry

3. Small group prayer
• Bring a drink with you to the breakout room
• Raise our cups and say cheers!
• Choose ONE to share:
- Share one creative thing that you have done during the circuit breaker OR
- Share an experience when you have connected with someone and how it has brought joy to you
• Pray for one another

4. Closing prayer
Heavenly Father, we praise you for your goodness and generosity.
We trust you for faithfully preserving us through good and bad times.
We purpose to serve you with all that we have.
We choose to live for you, in every thought, word and deed, by the power of your Spirit.
We give ourselves into your service, may we love you and love others with all our hearts.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Event 2 (for those who are presently not involved in a ministry): Pray for LSBC ministries
Time: Anytime from 9am-6pm

Pray that all who serve in ministries will:
1. Serve with the heart of a servant and have the joy of the Lord
2. Be united as one ministry team and look out for one another
3. Grow in the knowledge of God daily and be fruitful in their lives

DAY 31

01 May (Fri)

#DONtSAYBOJIO

Connect with God and one another through prayer

This week's devotion is inspired by the fourth word in "Led, even in the wilderness". Join the conversation with Pastor Kwee Choon and Pastor Jasmine in unpacking what THE word for THE season may be.

DAY 30

30 Apr (Thu)

The Bread-ren Talks

Weekly walk-through of the theme, “Led, even in the wilderness”

Each of us is facing different situations at home during the circuit breaker period.

SP gives a word of encouragement to those who are still finding time for spiritual nourishment.

DAY 29

29 Apr (Wed)

La-kopi with Sp

Brew a cup and sit with SP as he shares from the Word and his heart

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth”
John 4:24 (NKJV)

1. Worship
God delights in our worship. Nothing pleases Him more than the quality of holy living displayed by a worshipper. Does the outward expression of your worship reflect an inward reality?

2. Word
The Word of God is a key part of our worship. The Word was with God and the Word was God (John 1:1). Surrender to God any fear or lie that does not align to His truth, and ask Him to set you free.

DAY 28

28 Apr (Tue)

EAT ALREADY?

For man does not live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks

1. Ask God for light
I want to look at my past week with God’s eyes, not merely my own.

2. Give thanks
The past week is a gift from God and I am grateful for it.

3. Review the week
I carefully think about the key happenings in the past week, being guided by the Holy Spirit.

4. Face your shortcomings
I confess to God about what is wrong in my life and in me.

5. Look toward the day to come
I ask where I need God in the coming day.

Adapted from: www.ignatianspirituality.com

DAY 27

27 Apr (Mon)

EXAMEN YOUR HEART

Reflections to review your week and start your day

“...the Sabbath commandment—the most frequently reiterated of all 613 commandments in the Bible—demands that we break the habit of constant busyness.”
Ellen F. Davis, “The Sabbath: The Culmination of Creation”

Honour the Lord by ceasing from work and resting in Him today.

1. Find a worship playlist and plug in your earphones

2. Listen intently to the lyrics and find rest in the melody

3. Note down the particular lyrics that help you be at rest in God

4. End with a time of conversing with God in prayer

How about doing this with your family members? Try listening together to the worship songs that each person picks.

#needYoumoreLord

DAY 26

26 Apr (Sun)

SUNDAY STAY-CAY

Practices that honour God of the Sabbath

David and his men reached Ziklag on the third day. Now the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They had attacked Ziklag and burned it, and had taken captive the women and everyone else in it, both young and old. They killed none of them, but carried them off as they went on their way.

When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.

1 Samuel 30:1-6

David and his 600 men returned to Ziklag to find their families and possessions all gone. The city was completely burnt down. Their wives and children were all captured. David and his men wept and were greatly distressed. In their bitterness, they began to talk about stoning David.

David strengthened himself in the Lord. He too lost everything. This was his wilderness experience. In spite of that, he knew that God continues to be there for him.

Where is God in your current situation? Take some time to:

1. Draw strength from our loving Lord
2. Declare He is in all of your situations
3. Depend on Him through prayer

DAY 25

EAT ALREADY?

25 Apr (Sat)

For man does not live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks

Tonight, we will pray as a cell online at 8:00pm!

First, let us fix our eyes on God Almighty.

Let’s declare together:
You are all-knowing. Nothing is a mystery to You.
You are all-present. Nothing escapes your attention.
You are all-powerful. Nothing is too hard for you.
You are all-wise. You never make a mistake.
You are all-loving. You always act in our best interest.
You are all-merciful. You are our very present help in trouble.
You are our Sovereign King. You are the Ruler of everything.
You are our Father. You have a future and a plan for our city.

After worship, each person will share a testimony by completing the following sentence.
I am grateful to God for…

Prayer Time: Our concern for livelihood

Let us pray for those who are experiencing the concerns highlighted in SP’s message last Sunday:
1. The Lord’s provision is sure and simple. The lesson for us is to simplify our packing.
• Pray that we will learn to simplify our life and not be upset with the inconveniences in this season.

2. The Lord is our provider who exceeds our expectation. The lesson for us is to shift the burden
• Pray for business owners who carry the burden of provision for their employees.

3. The Lord’s providence is evident. The lesson is to step up in faith.
• Pray for those who are concerned about their job security due to the extension of Circuit Breaker to 1 June.

Small group prayer time: Our cry for Singapore

1. Our Government
• Divine wisdom to do the right thing at the right time, in the right way, and for all the right reasons
• Divine favour & mercy, mighty intervention to turn the tide

2. Healthcare Workers
• Supernatural protection, strong immunity, sufficient rest, great stamina, to serve with peace and joy

3. Medical Researchers
• Revolutionary breakthroughs to unlock the mystery of the virus and provision of a vaccine

4. The Afflicted
• Accurate diagnosis, swift contact tracing, rapid recovery
• Visitation of Christ, His peace to flood their souls, miracle healings especially among those in the ICU

5. Family and Home
• A new joy of being home together, a new sparkle in marriages & a new bonding in parent- child relationships

6. The Unsaved
• God’s protection upon the elderly, the mentally-ill, the poor, the homeless, the women and children in abusive situations & the foreign workers
• God to reveal Christ & trigger a massive turning to Him: Saviour, Healer, Living Hope, Prince of Peace

7. Pastors & Church Leaders
• Grace and wisdom to warn and encourage the Church about God’s redemptive purpose in this pandemic
• Strength to shepherd God’s flock in this time of testing

8. Christians
• To fast and pray, intercede for our nation with urgency

(Adapted from PraySingapore@12_UNTIL by Love Singapore)

DAY 24

24 Apr (Fri)

#DONtSAYBOJIO

Connect with God and one another through prayer

This week’s devotion focuses on the word “in”. Pastor Maryanne offers a perspective shift about living in the present.

We are past the mid-way mark in our journey, how have you been doing so far? Use the bingo template below, and post it on your social media!

DAY 23

23 Apr (Thu)

The Bread-ren Talks

Weekly walk-through of the theme, “Led, even in the wilderness”

What is God pointing us towards in this current COVID-19 situation?

SP talks about the sign of hope and new beginnings.

DAY 22

22 Apr (Wed)

La-kopi with Sp

Brew a cup and sit with SP as he shares from the Word and his heart

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Galatians 4:6-7

We have crossed the mid-way mark in our 40-day devotional journey. It is so affirming and assuring that through it all, we have a Father God who calls us His beloved sons and daughters. No one can take this truth away from us. Today, we declare that we are:

1. Secure in our identity through Christ. Speak this truth into your being.

2. Filled with the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to help you to see daily events with the mind of Christ for deeper understanding.

3. Closely related to the Father. Call out to Abba Father, and submit your thoughts and worries to Him.

DAY 21

21 Apr (Tue)

EAT ALREADY?

For man does not live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks

1. Ask God for light
I want to look at my past week with God’s eyes, not merely my own.

2. Give thanks
The past week is a gift from God and I am grateful for it.

3. Review the week
I carefully think about the key happenings in the past week, being guided by the Holy Spirit.

4. Face your shortcomings
I confess to God about what is wrong in my life and in me.

5. Look toward the day to come
I ask where I need God in the coming day.

Adapted from: www.ignatianspirituality.com

DAY 20

20 Apr (Mon)

EXAMEN YOUR HEART

Reflections to review your week and start your day

How have you been spending time at home? A good Sabbath practice is to set aside time and honour the Lord by reflecting on His word.

1. Read Psalm 33 out loud, this helps us to stay focused on the text

2. Stop at verses that seem to speak to you in a special way, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you why

3. End your reading and reflection by memorising one of the verses

Someone might need a lift from the miry clay this week! Text or call someone that the Holy Spirit brings to mind, and encourage the person using Psalm 33.

#needYoumoreLord

DAY 19

19 Apr (Sun)

SUNDAY STAY-CAY

Practices that honour God of the Sabbath

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Ephesians 6:13

Every crisis is an opportunity for God’s miracle and He does not leave us defenceless. God has given us His armor to withstand attacks and stand our ground. We can remain steadfast in the Lord, even in the midst of challenges and change.

Take some time to reflect: What are some spiritual disciplines you can adopt or work on incorporating into your lifestyle in this period?

DAY 18

EAT ALREADY?

18 Apr (Sat)

For man does not live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks

You are invited to the following event!

Event: Prayer Workout
Date: Today
Time: 8am onwards
Venue: At your home

Objective:
To pray for groups of people highlighted during the Circuit Breaker
a. Migrant workers
b. Law keepers (enforcement officers, policemen)
c. Elderly staying alone at home
d. Essential service workers
e. Healthcare workers
f. Families of COVID-19 fatalities

How to participate:
Text or send an audio recording of your prayer for a particular group of people above in your cell group chat

DAY 17

17 Apr (Fri)

#DONtSAYBOJIO

Connect with God and one another through prayer

How do we keep faith, even when God does not seem to answer our prayers?

Pastor Kwee Choon sheds some light on how we can stay faithful through it all.

DAY 16

16 Apr (Thu)

The Bread-ren Talks

Weekly walk-through of the theme, “Led, even in the wilderness”

Unusual times as this meant that we could not have our usual Easter Sunday celebration.

Hear from SP as he gives his perspective about God's message behind it.

DAY 15

15 Apr (Wed)

La-kopi with Sp

Brew a cup and sit with SP as he shares from the Word and his heart

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.”

Mark 4:39

When challenges and change hit us, do we have faith to trust God and call the storm to be still, or do we draw back in fear? Know that we can have confidence through Jesus Christ. Let us be strong in the Lord for His mighty power is over every storm!

Take some time to reflect: How would you describe your current circumstance? Are you in a season of building your faith or partnering with God to calm the storm? He is with you!

DAY 14

14 Apr (Tue)

EAT ALREADY?

For man does not live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks

1. Ask God for light
I want to look at my past week with God’s eyes, not merely my own.

2. Give thanks
The past week is a gift from God and I am grateful for it.

3. Review the week
I carefully think about the key happenings in the past week, being guided by the Holy Spirit.

4. Face your shortcomings
I confess to God about what is wrong in my life and in me.

5. Look toward the day to come
I ask where I need God in the coming day.

Adapted from: www.ignatianspirituality.com

DAY 13

13 Apr (Mon)

EXAMEN YOUR HEART

Reflections to review your week and start your day

On Easter Sunday, we look to Jesus’ resurrection and draw hope from His redemptive work. This Sabbath, honour the Lord by acknowledging His work in your life.

1 Do up a gratitude list: write down the specific people, recent events, or things that you are thankful to God for

2 After that, take time to ponder what the list shows you about God and His work in your life

3 Take time to note down what you think God is saying to you through the list

4 End with a prayer to give thanks to God

Spread the Easter hope! Post one of your gratitude items on social media and include this tag:

#needYoumoreLord

DAY 12

12 Apr (Sun)

SUNDAY STAY-CAY

Practices that honour God of the Sabbath

“Listen to this, O Job;
Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.

Job 37:14

The heightened measures by the government have really brought many things to a standstill in our lives. Let us take this opportune moment to lean in and listen to what God is saying. Let us also take this time to consider just how wonderful our God is as we survey all the works of his hands.

What examples of God’s goodness in your life do you remember? Write them down and share it at your next cell meeting.

DAY 11

11 Apr (Sat)

EAT ALREADY?

For man does not live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks

Looking Forward
Good Friday Online Prayer Meeting

6pm: Church-level Prayer Time
• Worship
• Holy Communion (please prepare the elements beforehand)
• Prayer – Singapore's destiny in the hands of almighty God

6:30pm: Cell Prayer Time
• Leave the LSBC Zoom meeting and join each individual cell's Zoom meeting
• Leaders may assign a member to pray for each prayer pointer under the segments

CELL PRAYER POINTERS:

A Nation in Crisis
1. Government
- Divine health and protection upon our national leaders
- Godly wisdom in their execution of precautionary measures

2. Community
- Providence and peace for those facing financial stress, emotional depression and family disputes
- Protection upon the residents in our adopted blocks

3. Patients
- Healing upon the patients, especially those in ICU
- God‘s mercy upon the 20,000 quarantined migrant workers

4. Churches
- Discern what God is doing and partner with Him to fulfill His purpose
- Christians to be creative in showing love and care to pre-believers

A Nation in Leadership Transition
1. New generation of leaders
- Anointing of wisdom and compassion
- Have the boldness to do what is right in God’s eyes

2. Clear vision for the next lap
- God's righteousness to be upheld in the society
- The devil's lawless schemes will not prevail

DAY 10

10 Apr (Fri)

#DONtSAYBOJIO

Connect with God and one another through prayer

The wilderness experience carries a message from God. Keeping in mind the upcoming Good Friday and Easter Sunday, Pastor Jasmine shares her thought about God’s word of hope.

DAY 9

09 Apr (Thu)

The Bread-ren Talks

Weekly walk-through of the theme, “Led, even in the wilderness”

What is your posture as you embark upon the circuit breaker measures with the nation?

SP has some practical tips for you!

DAY 8

08 Apr (Wed)

La-kopi with Sp

Brew a cup and sit with SP as he shares from the Word and his heart

Lord, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
Many are they who say of me,
“There is no help for him in God.” Selah

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
Psalm 3:1-3

“Selah” is used as a musical cue to create an intentional pause in the music. More importantly, it gives us space to pause and reflect. Notice how the Psalmist’s tone changed after “selah”?

If you are feeling overwhelmed in this season, would you take time to pause and reflect on the reason? Take a deep breath and focus on the Lord who will put into your heart a new song of hope.

DAY 7

07 Apr (Tue)

EAT ALREADY?

For man does not live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks

1. Ask God for light
I want to look at my past week with God’s eyes, not merely my own.

2. Give thanks
The past week is a gift from God and I am grateful for it.

3. Review the week
I carefully think about the key happenings in the past week, being guided by the Holy Spirit.

4. Face your shortcomings
I confess to God about what is wrong in my life and in me.

5. Look toward the day to come
I ask where I need God in the coming day.

Adapted from: www.ignatianspirituality.com

DAY 6

06 Apr (Mon)

EXAMEN YOUR HEART

Reflections to review your week and start your day

Our mobile phones have dominated much of our time and attention. This Sabbath, honour the Lord by proclaiming His leadership over your time.

Place a piece of paper, a pen and a watch before you.
Turn off all of your mobile phones and devices.
For at least the next 15 minutes, pray and ask God to bring to mind either an incident or a thought/emotion that you had this week.
Note down whatever you sense that God is bringing to mind.
End with a prayer to seek God’s continual leadership in those things that He has highlighted.

Repeat this activity one more time in this coming week!

#needYoumoreLord

DAY 5

05 Apr (Sun)

SUNDAY STAY-CAY

Practices that honour God of the Sabbath

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions.

Exodus 16:4

More than the act of carrying out an instruction that God gives, He is looking at our hearts to see if there’s trust in His leadership.

Take some time to reflect –

What does it mean to trust in God’s leadership at this time of panic buying and hoarding?

DAY 4

04 Apr (Sat)

EAT ALREADY?

For man does not live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks

Use Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) to guide you in your prayer time.

6 Don’t worry about anything;
Pray: Lord, I bring you all my worries…

…instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need…
Pray: Lord, I need…

…and thank him for all he has done.
Pray: Lord, I thank You for…

7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Pray: Personalise this verse by replacing “you” with “I”

Next, “jio" a cell member to:

- Memorize Philippians 4:6-7 together

- Pray together on the phone using this format

DAY 3

03 Apr (Fri)

#DONtSAYBOJIO

Connect with God and one another through prayer

There are many things that can take the lead in our lives, especially in a time like this.