Friday 31 August 2018

Oppression

Today's Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4 (KJV)


Ecclesiastes 4 (KJV)
1 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.

2 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.

3 Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

14 For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.

15 I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.

16 There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Scripture Meaning


Miseries from oppression. (1-3) troubles from envy. (4-6) The folly of covetousness. (7,8) The advantages of mutual assistance. (9-12) the changes of royalty. (13-16)

Verses 1-3
It grieved Solomon to see might prevail against right. Wherever we turn, we see melancholy proofs of the wickedness and misery of mankind, who try to create trouble to themselves and to each other. Being thus hardly used, men are tempted to hate and despise life. But a good man, though badly off while in this world, cannot have cause to wish he had never been born, since he is glorifying the Lord, even in the fires, and will be happy at last, for ever happy.
Ungodly men have most cause to wish the continuance of life with all its vexations, as a far more miserable condition awaits them if they die in their sins. If human and worldly things were our chief good, not to exist would be preferable to life, considering the various oppressions here below.

Verses 4-6 
Solomon notices the sources of trouble peculiar to well-doers, and includes all who labour with diligence, and whose efforts are crowned with success. They often become great and prosperous, but this excites envy and opposition. Others, seeing the vexations of an active course, foolishly expect more satisfaction in sloth and idleness. But idleness is a sin that is its own punishment. Let us by honest industry lay hold on the handful, that we may not want necessaries, but not grasp at both hands full, which would only create vexation of spirit. Moderate pains and gains do best.

Verse 7-8
Frequently, the more men have, the more they would have; and on this they are so intent, that they get no enjoyment from what they have. Selfishness is the cause of this evil. A selfish man cares for nobody; there is none to take care of but himself, yet he will scarcely allow necessary rest to himself, and the people he employs.
He never thinks he has enough. He has enough for his calling, for his family, but he has not enough for his eyes. Many are so set upon the world, that in pursuit of it they bereave themselves, not only of the favour of God and eternal life, but of the pleasures of this life. The distant relations or strangers who inherit such a man's wealth, never thank him. Covetousness gathers strength by time and habit; men tottering on the brink of the grave, grow more grasping and griping. Alas, and how often do we see men professing to be followers of Him, who, "though he was rich, for our sakes became poor," anxiously scraping money together and holding it fast, excusing themselves by common-place talking about the necessity of care, and the danger of extravagance!

Verses 9-12
Surely he has more satisfaction in life, who labours hard to maintain those he loves, than the miser has in his toil. In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. They warm each other's hearts while they converse together of the love of Christ, or join in singing his praises.
Then let us improve our opportunities of Christian fellowship. In these things all is not vanity, though there will be some alloy as long as we are under the sun. Where two are closely joined in holy love and fellowship, Christ will by his Spirit come to them; then there is a threefold cord.

Verses 13-16
People are never long easy and satisfied; they are fond of changes. This is no new thing. Princes see themselves slighted by those they have studied to oblige; this is vanity and vexation of spirit. But the willing servants of the Lord Jesus, our King, rejoice in him alone, and they will love Him more and more to all eternity.

Scripture Application

Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we start the Book of Ecclesiastes with Chapter 4. In our text today we lookat the missery of oppression as we see the results of a life that is spent seeking its own pleasure.

In making application we see the the same cause and effect of seeking after worldly gain. We reap what we sow and a life spent seeking after wordly gain will gain this oppression that is spoken of by Solomon.  How about you? Do you see this oppression? Let us learn from our text today to see that seeking after worldly gain can lead to oppression.



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Praying for Discipleship Commitment

Day 25 (31 August 2018, Friday)


Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

We are living in the days where we need God’s special grace for the call and mission He puts in our lives.  It is through Him and by Him that we are able to fulfil God’s purposes in our lives.  He is the only one who can complete he work.  He has started in our lives.  God has called us to make disciples of all nations.  He has a great plan.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28: 19 – 20)

Making disciples needs manpower who are committed for God.  We are in the time of need now.  The bondage of sin is holding the people of this nation in darkness.  Are we going to approach God’s throne of grace to ask God for His workers?  Let us cry out to the Lord for His mercy and grace.  May His people receive His grace for His mission.

We work as if everything depends on us and we pray as if everything depends on God.



Pray for the Church of Negeri Sembilan & Melaka


Seek the Lord & His Strength

1 Chronicles 16:8 – 13 Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!  Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!  Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!  Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!  Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Israel his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

Praying Communities that Support God’s Servants & Ministries

Ephesians 6:18 – 20 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.  To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I May declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.



Bible Reading:        Roman 6 - 10                    Isaiah 18 - 22



SOURCES





Thursday 30 August 2018

Prayer And The Word of God

Day 24 (30 August 2018, Thursday)


Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

The culture of the first church in Acts was their devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, communion and prayers.  These are vital elements in the church life.  Do we miss out on any of these elements in our church life today?

Do we place a high priority on the teaching of the Word of God?  The teaching of the Word and Prayer were the priority of the disciples’ ministry.  The disciples gave their full attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

Why did the disciples devote to prayer?  Because it was a spiritual battle to bring in the harvest.  The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of the strongholds of the enemy.

Paul shared in Ephesians on spiritual warfare.  To equip believers for the battle, Paul’s exhortation for them is, “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Ephesians 6:18).  Therefore, we know that prayer is the ultimate weapon in this battle.

The Word keeps us focus on His will and our prayer shall be aligned with His living Word that we are indeed praying for the will of God to be fulfilled over our land.  Malaysia is ready for the harvest.  Let’s join our hearts in prayer for selfless workers of this harvest, for He did promise, “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:14).



Pray for the Families of Negeri Sembilan & Melaka

Fatherly Leadership & Guidance

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Be Grateful for the Heritage from God

Psalm 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.  Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!  He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.


Bible Reading:        Roman 1 - 5                    Isaiah 13 - 17



SOURCES





Wednesday 29 August 2018

Praying for Boldness to Declare the Word

Day 23 (29 August 2018, Wednesday)


Ephesians 6:18-20 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.  To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Jesus told us in Matthew 9:37 that the harvest is plentiful.  But the problem is, “the workers are few”.  Jesus was looking for workers who will bring in the harvest of souls.  How shall the harvest of souls come in if no one ever declares it to them the good news of God?  The gospel is a mystery to many people.  Christ’s workers need to boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel.

Paul reminded us to pray at all times in the Spirit and to make supplications for all saints.  Our prayer for God’s workers must be daily and constant, and it should become our consistent way of living.

Paul here requested prayer support from the Ephesian Christians that words may be given to him in opening his mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.

There is a need for Christ’s workers to boldly declare His gospel.  All God’s workers need the Holy Spirit to give them words to share.  The Holy Spirit will convict people of their sin, righteousness and judgment with His living Word.

Lord of the harvest, may You give Your workers the right word to declare.  May You send them out to boldly declare the mystery of the gospel.

Pray for the People of Negeri Sembilan & Melaka

Minority People Group: Temuan

Psalm 33:12 – 15 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!  The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds.

(Temuan: One of the main aboriginal tribes in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.  Pray that they will overcome economic and social challenges.)

Unity among the Races

Ephesians 2:14,17 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility… And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.


Bible Reading:        Acts 26 - 28                    Isaiah 6 - 12



SOURCES





Tuesday 28 August 2018

Praying in One Accord

Day 22 (28 August 2018, Tuesday)


Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

In Acts 4, the disciples of Jesus Christ continued to pray after some of them were released from jail.

The disciples prayed that the Lord would consider their threats and enable them to speak His Word with great boldness.  They also asked God to stretch out His hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of His holy servant Jesus.

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Despite pressing threats hauled from their enemies, the disciples of Jesus Christ were not fearful.  They prayed to God.  The word “prayed” here is the same Greek word “deomai”.  After the disciples asked or begged, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and became courageous workers of Christ Jesus.

Today let us pray in one accord like how the disciples prayed in Acts 4:24 – 30.  As we unite in prayer, may the Lord of Harvest send forth His workers and they will speak His word boldly.  May the Lord stretch out His hand and perform signs and wonders through His mighty workers.

Let us pray for boldness to rise up in the spirit of God’s workers.  Let the workers of God declare His power with signs and wonders.


Pray for the Land of Negeri Sembilan & Melaka

Give Thanks to the Lord for What He has Made

Deuteronomy 8:7, 9 – 10 For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills, …a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing…And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land he has given to you.


God’s Redemptive Plan to be Fulfilled

Romans 8:19 – 21 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it , in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bond age to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.


Bible Reading:        Acts 21 - 25                    Isaiah 1 - 5


Monday 27 August 2018

Seeing & Asking

Day 21 (27 August 2018, Monday)


Matthew 9:38, therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.

When Jesus saw the crowd,  He didn’t just see a crowd of people approaching.  He saw the crowd harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Jesus saw them differently and He felt compassion for them.

May the compassion of Jesus fill our hearts today as we read this verse.  Let us pray that we will see people the way Jesus saw.  We will see the great need of the lost in our nation.  Let His compassion stir our hearts to pray and to intercede fervently for His visitation over the needy.

The Greek word for “ask” is deomai”, which means to ask, beg, desire or long for (with a sense of pressing need because of our lack).  When our spiritual eyes are opened, we will be passionate to pray, to ask, to beg and long for more workers of His harvest field.

May we not merely see the great need of our nation but also the great harvest of the lost souls.  Let us obey Jesus’ instruction to pray earnestly for more workers to be sent to the field.

Do you see what Jesus sees today and ask accordingly to His Heart-felt cry?



Pray for the Heads & Governments of Negeri Sembilan & Melaka


Honest & Capable Leaders

Exodus 18:21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of the fifties, and of tens.

Good Stewardship in Handling All the Resources

Proverbs 27:23 – 27 Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?  When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field.  There will be enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls.


Bible Reading:    Acts 16 - 20             Jeremiah 48 – 52


SOURCES



Following Jesus’ Model of Ministry

Day 20 (26 August 2018, Sunday)



Matthew 4:23 – 24 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them.

Jesus showed a clear ministry model when He first started serving. His model is to teach Word of
God, to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, to heal the sick and to deliver the possessed. But before
He started His ministry. He called to Himself His disciples, and He brought them wherever He went.
They went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the
kingdom and healing every affliction among the people.

It seems like Jesus put His priority in ministry, but in actual fact, He chose His disciples in the first
place. Disciple-making is the very first thing of Jesus’ service to God. When He called His disciples
to Himself, He demonstrated for them His model of ministry, in the hope that they would learn from
Him as He prepared His departure in a near future. In time to come, the disciples were to do what
Jesus had been doing, and even greater things would they do in His name. This model was effective
as Jesus healed everyone who came before Him.

And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and
from beyond the Jordan. (v25)

Jesus’ ministry model attracted many to follow Him. They came from all places like Jerusalem, Judea and other countries. All of them experienced healing and deliverance, and all their needs are met.

Therefore, we have to start learning the model of Jesus’ ministry from this day onwards.

Pray for the Church Of Pahang & Johor

 Anointed with the Spirit of God

Isaiah 6:1 The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me because the LORD has anointed me to
bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty
to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

 Empowerment with the Heavenly Authority

Mark 16:17 – 18 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will
cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands;
and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick,
and they will recover.”


Bible Reading:        Acts 11- 15                        Jeremiah 43 – 47


SOURCES


A Sharp Axe

Today's Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10 (KJV)


Ecclesiastes 10 (KJV)
1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.

2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.

3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.

4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:

6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.

7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.

8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

9 Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.

10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

14 A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.

16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!

17 Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.

19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.

20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.


Scripture Meaning


To preserve a character for wisdom. (1-3) Respecting subjects and rulers. (4-10) Of foolish talk. (11-15) Duties of rulers and subjects. (16-20)

Verses 1-3
Those especially who make a profession of religion, should keep from all appearances of evil. A wise man has great advantage over a fool, who is always at a loss when he has anything to do. Sin is the reproach of sinners, wherever they go, and shows their folly.

Verses 4-10 
Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a hasty manner, nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit thy post of duty; wait awhile, and thou wilt find that yielding pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred according to their merit. And those are often most forward to offer help, who are least aware of the difficulties, or the consequences.
The same remark is applied to the church, or the body of Christ, that all the members should have the same care one for another.

Verses 11-15 
There is a practice in the East, of charming serpents by music. The babbler's tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison; and contradiction only makes it the more violent. We must find the way to keep him gentle. But by rash, unprincipled, or slanderous talk, he brings open or secret vengeance upon himself. Would we duly consider our own ignorance as to future events, it would cut off many idle words which we foolishly multiply. Fools toil a great deal to no purpose.
They do not understand the plainest things, such as the entrance into a great city. But it is the excellency of the way to the heavenly city, that it is a high-way, in which the simplest wayfaring men shall not err, (Isa 25:8). But sinful folly makes men miss that only way to happiness.

Verses 16-20
The happiness of a land depends on the character of its rulers. The people cannot be happy when their princes are childish, and lovers of pleasure. Slothfulness is of ill consequence both to private and public affairs. Money, of itself, will neither feed nor clothe, though it answers the occasions of this present life, as what is to be had, may generally be had for money. But the soul, as it is not redeemed, so it is not maintained with corruptible things, as silver and gold.
God sees what men do, and hears what they say in secret; and, when he pleases, brings it to light by strange and unsuspected ways. If there be hazard in secret thoughts and whispers against earthly rulers, what must be the peril from every deed, word, or thought of rebellion against the King of kings, and Lord of lords! He seeth in secret.
His ear is ever open. Sinner! curse not THIS KING in thy inmost thought. Your curses cannot affect Him; but his curse, coming down upon you, will sink you to the lowest hell.


Scripture Application


Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the Book of Ecclesiastes with Chapter 10.
In our text today we see we are to behave wisely but if we are unprepared or unskilled we will have little or no impact on our situations.

In making application we see the importance of studying the Word of God to be a workman in our lost world. Just as an sharp ax will be more effective so will a laborer for the Lord who understands the doctrines of the Bible. How about you? Do you have a knowledge of the doctrines of the Bible? Let us learn from out text today to remember that just as a sharp ax is more effective as a tool - so is a Christian who understands and applies the doctrines of the Bible.




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Sunday 26 August 2018

Hands that Perfom (Signs & Wonders, Healing & Deliverace)

Preface for Day 16 – 20:  Harvest and Signs & Wonders


The Lord of the harvest is building His Bride who will reveal God’s glory and power through submission & obedience to Him.

Focusing on East Coast and Southern States (Pahang & Johor)

Pahang:  1,426,209 (Malay: 73.8%; Chinese: 16%; Indian: 4.4%; Other: 5.8%).  Pahang is the state in Peninsular Malaysia, which covers primeval rainforests, and forms the major part of Taman Negara National Park and Endau Rompin State Park.  This formidable mountain range from the north to the south is natural divider between East Pahang and West Pahang that houses pockets of non-Malay bumiputeras (Orang Asli) villages.  The Christian population is only 1.8% who are made up from the non-Malays bumiputeras, Chinese and Indians.  Kuantan became the state capital as late as 1955, when the British relocated the capital from Kuala Lipis.  It is now a commercial town and a major transport hub.  Pekan, located in the south bank of Sungai Pahang, the longest river in Peninsular Malaysia, is the royal town of Pahang.  It is also the hometown of the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, and also the former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.


Johor:  3,076,384 (Malay: 57%; Chines: 34%; Indian: 7%; and Others: 2%).  The third largest state in Peninsular Malaysia.  Johor Bahru, the state capital is located on the southern tip of the peninsular.  It is linked to Singapore via the causeway which serves as the “Southern Gateway”, a bustling commercial hub.  The people in Johor are proud to be Johoreans, coining the concept of “Muafakat Johor”.  Pontian, a district of South West Johor, is populated mainly by Malays of Bugis and Javanese descent.  The name Pontian, believed to be transformed from “Perhentian”, means a stop, as it used to be a stop for both merchants and pirates.  It was also a landing point for the Indonesian navy during the Konfrontasi Malaysia-Indonesia in the 1960s.

Focus prayer on signs & wonders, healing & deliverance

List down 3 people that need healing & a miracle from the Lord.  You are going to pray & believe for supernatural healing.



There is Miracle where there is Compassion

Day 19 (25 August 2018, Saturday)


Matthew 9:33 – 36 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Jesus performed many signs and wonders as He proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.  He saw along the way many who were harassed and helpless.  He had compassion for them.

As Jesus rushed to Jairus’ place for the healing and resurrection of his daughter, there came a woman with the issue of blood.  She touched the fringe of Jesus’ garment.  Jesus stopped and turned and said to her:  “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well” (Matthew 9:22).  He also healed the two blind men who said to Him, “Have mercy on us, Son of David” (Matthew 9:27).  Jesus had compassion on them and He healed them in accordance with their faith.  Then came another mute man who could not even ask for healing, and he was brought before Jesus by someone else (Matthew 9:32 – 33).  Jesus showed His compassion by driving away the demon in him.

Miracles occur when there is compassion.  Jesus was driven by compassion whenever He saw people afflicted by all sicknesses, or possessed by demons, or worn down by sins.  He healed them as He saw them like sheep without a shepherd.  More and more of God’s anointing and power shall be released when we have compassion for people who are in need.

People with a religious spirit, especially those who harbour evil in their hearts, will definitely rise and resist us as we perform signs and wonders.  But we are not to be afraid.  The core of the Truth is compassion, though we have to pay a high price to do so.  We need to keep on doing the right thing.

Pray for the Families of Pahang & Johor

Believers’ Families to Serve God Together

Joshua 24:14-15 Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness.  Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.  And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.  But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

The salvation of Non-believing Spouses

1 Peter 3:1 – 2 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.


Bible Reading:        Acts 6 - 10                        Jeremiah 38 – 42


SOURCES



Friday 24 August 2018

Hands that Perform Signs & Wonders

Day 18 (24 August 2018, Friday)


Acts 14:3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly or the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Paul and Barnabas used to stay Iconium of Galatia for days during their mission trip. There were many Jews who were disobedient to God then. They instigated many people to persecute Paul and Barnabas. Paul and Barnabas knew well the heart of the Lord. Hence, they relied on God and spoke boldly the Word of God, and were fearless towards their circumstances. God granted signs and wonders through their hands and took the initiative to show to the world His grace of salvation and healing.

The apostles in the early church were not afraid of conflicts.  They continued to proclaim the Gospel wherever they went in spite of strong persecutions. Once their lives were at stake, they would go to another place and continue to spread the good news of God, and signs and wonders still followed them everywhere they went. Have we ever thought of the reasons for this happening?

I believe that one of the catalysts for the continuity of signs and wonders was their courage and boldness that derived from their faith in God.

Today, we also have to believe that we can do whatever Paul and Barnabas did in the past.  God can perform His signs and wonders through us as we speak forth His Word boldly by faith.  For God desires to testify the authenticity of His Word and that He is alive in the midst of His people.




Pray for the People of Pahang & Johor


Minority People Group:  Jakun, Orang Seletar & Orang Kuala Tribes

Job 12: 21 – 22 He pours contempt on princes and loosens the belt of the strong.  He uncovers the deeps out of the darkness and brings deep darkness to light.

(Jakun, Orang Seletar & Orang Kuala Tribes:  Aboriginal tribes in Johor.  They suffer poverty due to unequal distribution of community development.)

The Oppressed and the Marginalized will Encounter God

Luke 6:20 – 21… Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.  Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.  Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.


Bible Reading:        Acts 1 - 5                        Jeremiah 33 – 37


Thursday 23 August 2018

Signs and Gifts

Day 17 (23 August 2018, Thursday)


Hebrews 2:4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

The original word for miracle is “sign”, which also means “target”.  Miracles followed Jesus everywhere He went to serve and preach the message of repentance while He was on earth.  Other than supernatural miracles, spiritual gifts include faith, healing and deliverance, casting out of demons, prophetic revelation, words of wisdom and words of knowledge, signs and wonders and many various manifestations of powers.  All these gifts are apportioned by the Spirit as He wills.  It is through the supernatural miracles that God witnesses to all who hear so that they shall know that His might and His powers are among us.

As the disciples of the Lord Jesus this day, we receive the gifts of the Spirit when we receive the Holy Spirit.  Are we not supposed to perform signs and wonders as what Jesus had done on earth?  Our Father longs to see us exercising our faith and our gifts in performing miracles on earth, so as to testify the reality of the salvation of the Kingdom and the Gospel preached.

It is God’s will that we shall not doubt but believe as we perform signs and wonders and exercise all the miraculous gifts of God.  What we are to do now is to speak into being the miracles of God, so that all who see and hear shall witness the sign of God – that our God is a God of miracles!

Pray for the Land of Pahang & Johor


Against the Economic Oppression or Deprivation

Isaiah 5:8, 16 – 17 Woe to those who join house to house, who add field to field, until there is no more room, and you are made to dwell alone in the midst of the land.  …But the LORD of hosts is exalted in justice, and the Holy God shows himself holy in righteousness.  Then shall the lambs graze as in their pasture, and nomads shall eat among the ruins of the rich.

Acknowledgement of God’s Good Gift for us

Job 12:7 – 10 But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens and they will tell you, or the bushes of the earth and they will teach you, and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.

Bible Reading:        Luke 21 - 24                    Jeremiah 27 – 32

SOURCES



Vanity in Earthly Gain

Today's Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2 (KJV)


Ecclesiastes 2 (KJV)
1.I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.

2 I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?

3 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.

4 I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:

5 I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:

6 I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:

7 I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

8 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

9 So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

12 And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.

13 Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

14 The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.

15 Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.

16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.

17 Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

18 Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.

19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.

20 Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.

21 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.

22 For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?

23 For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.

24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

25 For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?

26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Scripture Meaning


The vanity and vexation of mirth, sensual pleasure, riches, and pomp. (1-11) Human wisdom insufficient. (12-17) This world to be used according to the will of God. (18-26)

Verses 1-11
Solomon soon found mirth and pleasure to be vanity. What does noisy, flashy mirth towards making a man happy? The manifold devices of men's hearts, to get satisfaction from the world, and their changing from one thing to another, are like the restlessness of a man in a fever. Perceiving it was folly to give himself to wine, he next tried the costly amusements of princes.

The poor, when they read such a description, are ready to feel discontent. But the remedy against all such feelings is in the estimate of it all by the owner himself. All was vanity and vexation of spirit: and the same things would yield the same result to us, as to Solomon. Having food and raiment, let us therewith be content.
His wisdom remained with him; a strong understanding, with great human knowledge. But every earthly pleasure, when unconnected with better blessings, leaves the mind as eager and unsatisfied as before. Happiness arises not from the situation in which we are placed. It is only through Jesus Christ that final blessedness can be attained.

Verses 12-17
Solomon found that knowledge and prudence were preferable to ignorance and folly, though human wisdom and knowledge will not make a man happy. The most learned of men, who dies a stranger to Christ Jesus, will perish equally with the most ignorant; and what good can commendations on earth do to the body in the grave, or the soul in hell? And the spirits of just men made perfect cannot want them. So that if this were all, we might be led to hate our life, as it is all vanity and vexation of spirit.

Verses 18-26 
Our hearts are very loth to quit their expectations of great things from the creature; but Solomon came to this at length. The world is a vale of tears, even to those that have much of it. See what fools they are, who make themselves drudges to the world, which affords a man nothing better than subsistence for the body.
And the utmost he can attain in this respect is to allow himself a sober, cheerful use thereof, according to his rank and condition. But we must enjoy good in our labour; we must use those things to make us diligent and cheerful in worldly business. And this is the gift of God. Riches are a blessing or a curse to a man, according as he has, or has not, a heart to make a good use of them.

To those that are accepted of the Lord, he gives joy and satisfaction in the knowledge and love of him. But to the sinner he allots labour, sorrow, vanity, and vexation, in seeking a worldly portion, which yet afterwards comes into better hands. Let the sinner seriously consider his latter end. To seek a lasting portion in the love of Christ and the blessings it bestows, is the only way to true and satisfying enjoyment even of this present world.

Scripture Application


Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the Book of Ecclesiastes with Chapter 2.
In our text today Solomon finds the pleasures of this world to be meaningless, After having it all and experiencing all that life has to offer Solomon discovers the true Joy comes from the Lord. In making application we see that many spend all their time on earth attempting to gain the worlds riches, or knowledge, or pleasures when the truth is that there is no satisfaction in gaining these earthly treasures.

Today if we are wise we will discover this same truth that our Joy only comes from the Lord. There is no need to seek our pleasure in meaningless "things" when we discover that our Joy comes from the Lord. How about you? Do you seek pleasure in meaningless things? Let us learn from today's text to see our Joy cometh from the Lord.



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Wednesday 22 August 2018

Pray for Boldness

Day 16 (22 August 2018, Wednesday)


Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.

The church in the times of Acts went through many persecutions.  The disciples were threatened, captured, charged in Christ openly etc., yet they chose to pray.  The beginning of the original text of this verse says that:  “And now, Lord, look upon their threats …”  The disciples were filled by the Holy Spirit with great power, but they sought God in their persecution and asked for boldness to speak His Word and also for God to stretch out His hand to heal and to perform signs and wonders.

The following verse says that “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit moved when they sought God in unity, and they experienced signs and wonders.  Thereafter, the Gospel spread from Jerusalem to the end of the earth even when they faced greater persecution.  Signs and wonders and healing and deliverance constantly occurred in the early church.

We might not encounter the great persecution of the early church in our country, but we do feel pressurized and obstructed somehow.  We have to pray for the gospel to be made known to all, and we have to trust in the name of Jesus to gain the courage to speak His Word and to stretch out our hands to heal the sick.  The name of Jesus shall bring forth supernatural signs and wonders!

Brothers and sisters, this is God’s given authority to Christians, and the key to turn the city upside down.  We possess the boldness to heal and to perform signs and wonders when we receive the supernatural faith from God!


Pray for the Heads & Governments of Pahang & Johor


Faithful in their Office & Calling

Daniel 6:4 Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.

Show No Partiality in their Leadership

Leviticus 19:15 “You shall do no injustice in court.  You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbour.


Bible Reading:     
Luke 16 - 20                 
Jeremiah 22 – 26



Tuesday 21 August 2018

A Good Name

Today's Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7 (KJV)


Ecclesiastes 7 (KJV)
1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

2 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.

3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.

7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.

8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?

17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?

18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.

20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:

22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.

23 All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.

24 That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?

25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:

26 And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

27 Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:

28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.

29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

Scripture Meaning


The benefit of a good name; of death above life; of sorrow above vain mirth. (1-6) Concerning oppression, anger, and discontent. (7-10) Advantages of wisdom. (11-22) Experience of the evil of sin. (23-29)

Verses 1-6
Reputation for piety and honesty is more desirable than all the wealth and pleasure in this world. It will do more good to go to a funeral than to a feast. We may lawfully go to both, as there is occasion; our Saviour both feasted at the wedding of his friend in Cana, and wept at the grave of his friend in Bethany. But, considering how apt we are to be vain and indulge the flesh, it is best to go to the house of mourning, to learn the end of man as to this world.
Seriousness is better than mirth and jollity. That is best for us which is best for our souls, though it be unpleasing to sense. It is better to have our corruptions mortified by the rebuke of the wise, than to have them gratified by the song of fools. The laughter of a fool is soon gone, the end of his mirth is heaviness.

Verses 7-10
The event of our trials and difficulties is often better than at first we thought. Surely it is better to be patient in spirit, than to be proud and hasty. Be not soon angry, nor quick in resenting an affront. Be not long angry; though anger may come into the bosom of a wise man, it passes through it as a way-faring man; it dwells only in the bosom of fools.
It is folly to cry out upon the badness of our times, when we have more reason to cry out for the badness of our own hearts; and even in these times we enjoy many mercies. It is folly to cry up the goodness of former times; as if former ages had not the like things to complain of that we have: this arises from discontent, and aptness to quarrel with God himself.

Verses 11-22
Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, yea better. It shelters from the storms and scorching heat of trouble. Wealth will not lengthen out the natural life; but true wisdom will give spiritual life, and strengthen men for services under their sufferings.
Let us look upon the disposal of our condition as the work of God, and at last all will appear to have been for the best. In acts of righteousness, be not carried into heats or passions, no, not by a zeal for God. Be not conceited of thine own abilities; nor find fault with every thing, nor busy thyself in other men's matters.

Many who will not be wrought upon by the fear of God, and the dread of hell, will avoid sins which ruin their health and estate, and expose to public justice. But those that truly fear God, have but one end to serve, therefore act steadily. If we say we have not sinned, we deceive ourselves. Every true believer is ready to say, God be merciful to me a sinner. Forget not at the same time, that personal righteousness, walking in newness of life, is the only real evidence of an interest by faith in the righteousness of the Redeemer.
Wisdom teaches us not to be quick in resenting affronts. Be not desirous to know what people say; if they speak well of thee, it will feed thy pride, if ill, it will stir up thy passion. See that thou approve thyself to God and thine own conscience, and then heed not what men say of thee; it is easier to pass by twenty affronts than to avenge one. When any harm is done to us, examine whether we have not done as bad to others.

Verses 23-29
Solomon, in his search into the nature and reason of things, had been miserably deluded. But he here speaks with godly sorrow. He alone who constantly aims to please God, can expect to escape; the careless sinner probably will fall to rise no more. He now discovered more than ever the evil of the great sin of which he had been guilty, the loving many strange women, A woman thoroughly upright and godly, he had not found.

How was he likely to find such a one among those he had collected? If any of them had been well disposed, their situation would tend to render them all nearly of the same character. He here warns others against the sins into which he had been betrayed. Many a godly man can with thankfulness acknowledge that he has found a prudent, virtuous woman in the wife of his bosom; but those men who have gone in Solomon's track, cannot expect to find one.
He traces up all the streams of actual transgression to the fountain. It is clear that man is corrupted and revolted, and not as he was made. It is lamentable that man, whom God made upright, has found out so many ways to render himself wicked and miserable. Let us bless Him for Jesus Christ, and seek his grace, that we may be numbered with his chosen people.

Scripture Application


Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the Book of Ecclesiastes with Chapter 7. In our text today we look at wise advice for living as in Proverbs we see many wise sayings that give us instruction for Godly living.

What catches my eye is verse 1 that speaks of a good name. In making application we see the importance of making Godly decisions is a reputation of being a Godly person. This gives honor to the one to which we serve as we witness to His greatness. How about you? Do you have a good name? Let us learn from out text today to remember that a good name brings honor and gives Glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus-Christ.





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Becoming All Things to All Men

Day 15 (21 August 2018, Tuesday)


1 Corinthians 9:22 – 23…  I have become all things to all people that by all means I might save some.  I do it all for the sake of the gospel…

The best thing that we can do for anyone is to introduce them to Jesus.  If they come to the saving faith in Christ, they will have everything they need to live this life and even beyond.  In order to develop these friendships, we have to volunteer to give up our personal rights.  We befriend them by meting their needs.  We treat their needs as more important than our own needs.  We are willing to become a servant to others.  The Apostle Paul wrote, “I have become all things to all men …”

Jesus commanded the Church to go to the world and not for the world to come to the Church.  If Jesus’ followers love their Master, they would have to obey Him.  By “going”, Jesus’ followers demonstrate their obedience to Him.

Sharing our faith often comes with personal risks which may range from rejection, ridicule and perhaps even personal injury or death.  Jesus is asking us to do the hard and painful thing in order to demonstrate our obedience.  Jesus Himself learned obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8).  We do not demonstrate obedience by doing things which we enjoy.

In the one task or sharing our faith, the world gets to hear the message of salvation and the followers of Jesus learn obedience.  Both are being transformed!

List the names of seven people to witness to.  Pray for them, pray for open doors to befriend them and to share your faith.


Pray for the Church of Kelantan & Terengganu

Assuming the Role of Royal Priesthood

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellences of him who called you out of darkness into his
marvellous light.

Be Prepared to Share the Reason of Our Hope

1 Peter 3:15 – 16 but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behaviour in Christ may be put to shame.



Bible Reading:        
Luke 11 - 15                    
Jeremiah 17 – 21



Monday 20 August 2018

Every True Worshipper Shares His Faith

Day 14 (20 August 2018, Monday)


Read Luke 2:36 – 38
Luke 2:38:  She spoke of Him to all…

Old Aunt Anna was a godly lady.  She was a picture of a praying woman, one who knew God.  She was elderly, spending most of her life faithfully serving the Lord and even staying in the church, often fasting and praying day and night.  You will probably not find a better example of a spiritual woman of God than her.

However, the other side of Anna is less known.  The Scripture records that she “spoke of Him to all…”  She was adept and willing to share her faith with others.

As Anna spent time in prayer and fasting, she somehow touched the heart of God.  She discovered the heart of the Shepherd that leaves behind the fold to seek for the lost sheep.  Anna discovered that God’s heart was broken with sadness because mankind is lost in sinfulness, in bondage to the chains of idolatry, oppression and materialism.  Anna’s own heart became broken too as she cried and prayed for those around her who needed deliverance.

How dare we say that our ministry is only in prayer and not in evangelism?  Where may I ask is your prayer leading you, if not to the heart of God?

My friends, you need to pray and then you need to go and share your faith.  Then only will we know for sure that you, like Anna, have touched the heart of God.


Pray for the Families of Kelantan & Terengganu

Restoration of the Family Order

Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Restoration of the Family Love & Connection

1 Corinthians 13:4 – 8 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.  It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never ends.


Bible Reading:        Luke 6 - 10                    Jeremiah 12 – 16

Sunday 19 August 2018

Developing Beautiful Feet

Day 13 (19 August 2018, Sunday)


Romans 10:15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent?  As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

The Apostle Paul asked rhetorically, “And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”  And how are they to preach unless they are sent?”  (Romans 10:14 – 15) He then quoted Isaiah 52:7,” How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

God gave us feet to walk and move from one location to another.  We were meant to be on the move to extend the limits of our influence and to connect with others.  If we wish to love people, to care for them, we must move towards them.

God, Himself is a God who walks.  Adam and Eve heard the sound of the LORD God “walking” in the garden.  The Lord Jesus left His heavenly abode and “walked” among the seven churches.  In contrast, many idols are depicted as either sitting, standing or even sleeping.

God gave us feet to walk and bring the good news of salvation to a lost and dying world.  When we obey God this way, we have “beautiful feet”.

Many years ago, I shared the good news of Christ’s salvation with an elderly lady in our city.  In response to the gospel message of God’s grace, she wept tears of repentance and was filled with joy.  She then kissed my hands in appreciation.  Perhaps she should have kissed my feet!  Surely my feet were more responsible than my hands for bringing me there!

Friends, do you have beautiful feet?



Pray for the People Kelantan & Terengganu

Minority People Group: Semaq Beri & Bateq

John 3:16 – 17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send is Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

(Semaq Beri & Bateq:  Aboriginal tribes in Terengganu.  They are struggling to rise above their disadvantaged socio-economic status.)

Seek Sexual Purity and Flee from Immorality

1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality.  Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.


Bible Reading:     
Luke 1 - 5                     
Jeremiah 7 – 11



SOURCES



Saturday 18 August 2018

Commanding People to Repent

Day 12 (18 August 2018, Saturday)


Read Jonah 3:4 – 10 “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”

Many believers shy away from speaking about the judgment of a holy God on all who refuse to repent of their wicked ways.  What is promoted is usually the benefits of salvation like peace, joy and in some cases, even of financial freedom or prosperity.

In the book of Acts, Paul preached that “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).  God commands … He does not merely invite!  People can and must be commanded to repent.

Repentance involves a change of heart.  But it is not enough just to “repent in the heart”.  Jesus says, “Bear fruits in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8).  When Jonah warned the people of impending judgment, they repented.  They expressed their repentance by serious fasting.  They repented in the hope that God may relent from destroying them.

In respect of the king and people of Nineveh, Scripture tells us that, “When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it” (Jonah 3:10).  God saw their works.  People aren’t saved by works but by the grace of God.  Yet it says that God saw their works.  God saw their works of repentance.  The people of Nineveh bore fruits in keeping with repentance.

My friends, command your hearers to repent and avoid God’s judgement!


Pray for the Land of Kelantan & Terengganu


Light of Christ to Remove the Darkness

Matthew 4:16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”

Restoration of the Social Order

Isaiah 32:15 – 17 until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is deemed a forest.  Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field.  And the effect or righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.


Bible Reading:       
Matthew 25 - 28           
Jeremiah 1 – 6


SOURCES





Friday 17 August 2018

Share Your Faith Everywhere

Day 11 (17 August 2018, Friday)



Matthew 9:35 “Jesus went through all the towns and villages… proclaiming the good news of the kingdom…

Jesus led and exemplary life.  He never sinned and He did the will of God throughout His life.  He preached to multitudes but He also witnessed to individuals, e.g. the Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, Nicodemus, etc.  Not everyone is called to preach to multitudes but every believer is empowered to be a witness to the gospel of Christ (Acts 1:8).

Jesus came in love and as an expression of God’s love for mankind.  He is the living word of God communicated to us.  Jesus witnessed to the love and power of God wherever he went.  Jesus asked His followers to do the same.

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.  “(Mark 16:15) We meet people every day whom we can share our faith with.  Our family members, our friends, our relatives, our colleagues at work or our mates in school, our clients or our customers, the people we buy things from, our neighbours, even people we don’t like.  After you have shared your faith to every person you know in your area, go to another place and get to know even more people so that you can share with them.  One day Jesus will definitely come back to this world… but not before our task of sharing His Good News is completed! (Matthew 4:14)

When was the last time you share about the Lord to someone who did not have a personal
relationship with Jesus?


Pray for the Heads & Governments of Kelantan & Terengganu


Govern their People with Love

Romans 13:8, 10 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law… Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Look after the Welfare & Interest of their States

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.


Bible Reading:         Matthew 19 - 24            Ruth 1 – 4


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