Showing posts with label NECF MALAYSIA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NECF MALAYSIA. Show all posts

Tuesday 11 August 2020

Are we hearing the Spirit of God?


Rev Looi Kok Kim

(Chairman of Prayer Commission, NECF)


In times of crises, what good can we see for a nation? The Covid19 pandemic outbreak has taken thousands of lives. The locust plagues in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somali have destroyed hundreds of farmlands and crops, resulting in food shortages.

These have caused great fear and uncertainties globally. The fear of the unknown can trigger out-of-control situations. It can ripple out into socio-economic slumps and political uncertainties. A suffering nation may hope for recovery but may not see any good coming out of the situation.


On the other hand, in any arising crisis, there is always an awakening or warning call! It is a call from God to His children to wake up and return to Him. In our case, we may need a literal change of our daily routines and lifestyles, but it will be a change from comfort to intentionally make time for the LORD. it is to set apart a time to read God’s word - perhaps in big portions daily (follow our daily schedule if you can), then reflect on it and pray. Deuteronomy 17:18-20 sets for us the rules of life. Although the passage was intended for the kings, it is also applicable for every believer in Christ to do likewise. It is a non-negotiable discipline to read the Bible daily for the rest of our lives. The main objective is to know “Who God is!” (Daniel 11:32).


Global or national crises are markers in a time-line to prepare God’s people to move forward. During critical moments of any situation, do not lose heart, panic, or speak negatively. In Matthew 24:6-8, Jesus had already forewarned us. It is also a good reminder to realign our relationship with God and to know God’s destiny for our lives and for Malaysia. The waves of a spiritual boost come with awakening, revival, and transformation. But the most important focus is all about God’s destiny for Malaysia.

Therefore, what good can we foresee for Malaysia? God has a destiny for Malaysia. What is needed is to saturate our lives in the Word of God and to let the Holy Spirit reveal Himself at times like this.


Hearing the Spirit of God cannot be separated from saturating in the Word of God. The effort of disciplining ourselves to know God and following Him will enable us to grow deep in Him.

The crucial work of the Kingdom of God must be carried out in fervent prayers and in doing His will. It is a higher level of spiritual nurturing. God’s people who love Malaysia must rise above itemized prayers. More fears will crouch in but for those who know God, they shall abide in Him and stand firm to fulfill His destiny.


In this 40 days booklet Hearing the Holy Spirit for the Times We Live In.'' The focus will be on the Bible reading, followed by reflections on the Word of God, and allowing the Spirit of God to lead you to pray based on the general guides and beyond. Remember, our focus is to know God.

Before you start to fast, seek the Lord in selecting any one of these - particle fast (skip one or two meals), Daniel’s fast (abstain from meat) or full fast (drink only water or juices). You will truly experience the joy within, the refreshing relationship, and the abundant strength that comes from Him, Be blessed in your journey as you pursue God.



Download The 40-Days Fast & Prayer 2020 booklet


Saturday 15 September 2018

Persevere in Doing Good for our Nation

Day 40 (15 September 2018, Saturday)


Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

To succeed in its mission despite the mounting challenges, the Church must persevere on in doing good for the nation – to seek righteousness, justice and mercy; to bring the good news to all the people in this land.  We are called to press on.

Make no mistake, this is a long-term endeavour such as in running a marathon or a long distance relay.  It will need many hands to join together and it will take more than one generation to see its fruit and that is why the Church must continuously engage each generation’s young people so that hope and the mission is passed on and taken up anew.

“Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.  “For in this case the saying is true, “One sow and another reaps.  “I sent you to reap that for which you have not laboured; others have laboured and you have entered into their labour.” (John 4:36-38)

As we conclude another season of fast and prayer, let the words of Paul strengthen our hands and reassure our hearts to what God is doing through His people in our nation.

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)



Pray for the Church of Sarawak

Mission Empowered by the Spirit of God

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

A Kingdom Oriented People

Daniel 7:27 And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.


Bible Reading:        1 & 2 Peter                    Ezra 9 – 10



SOURCES


Hope that Gives

Preface for Day 36 - 40:  Harvest and Mission 


By sending off workers to the harvest fields

The Lord of the harvest is building His Bride who will unconditionally to enhance the work of the Kingdom/global missions.

Focusing on East Malaysia (Sarawak)

Sarawak:  2,354,048 (Ethnic Groups:  Iban 30.3%; Malay: 24%; Bidayuh: 8.4%; Malanau: 5.2 %; Other Bumiputera: 6.6%; Chinese: 24.5%; Indian: 0.3%; Others: 0.7%).  Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia.  It is known as “The Land of Hornbills” for it is the home of a vast number of hornbills, and Sungai Rejang (590km) is the longest river in Malaysia.  The state capital, fondly known a Kuching, “Cat City”, is located on the banks of the wide Sarawak River.

James Brooke was the first “white rajah” who ruled Sarawak from 1841, and the legacy of the Brooke Dynasty and the British can be seen today through many colonial buildings in Kuching.  Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia were Christianity is the major religion (44%), followed by Islam (30%) and Chinese (24.5%).  The Christians in Sarawak are mainly Ibanese, Chinese, Bidayuh, Lumbawang, Kelabit and Other Bumiputeras.

Focusing on praying and implementing mission work on the Great Commission


\
SOURCES




Friday 14 September 2018

Church Exists for Its Non-members

Day 39 (14 September 2018, Friday)


Acts 13:2 – 3 While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  Then after fasting and praying

Although hope can be fragile and elusive, hope is also a resilient and inexplicably tangible commodity.  Hope drives us on, often when it is in the direst of times.  It motivates us to do the best.  It energises us to turn visions into reality.  In whatever circumstances, hope in the coming Kingdom of God should galvanise Christians to extend his love to a lost and hurting world.

Beyond the Biblical accounts, godly Christians through the ages have acted boldly when faced with dwindling hope.  They persevered on and some paid the ultimate price – Dietrich Bonhoeffer when speaking the truth in the face of Hitler and the Nazification of German society and the German Church; Martin Luther King Jr. in confronting institutionalised racism in the so-called ‘Christian’ nation of America.

Today in our country, the hope to heal a nation that is increasingly fractured by racial, religious and economic differences is steadily bringing the Church together to pray, network, collaborate and partner in a whole range of ministries that build bridges, defend the truth, protect the weak and empower the poor.  There is still much room for improvement and greater inclusion but is it crucial for the Church to build on these initiatives as an output of being sent out by the Lord Jesus to demonstrate the Kingdom of God.



Pray for the Families of Sarawak

The Homeless & the Deprived

Psalm 10:17 – 18 O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.


Fear God and Bear Fruits

Psalm 128:3 – 4 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.  Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.


Bible Reading:        James 4 – 5              Ezra 1 – 8


SOURCES


Thursday 13 September 2018

Hope of Healing a Nation

Day 38 (13 September 2018, Thursday)


Luke 9:2 “and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.”

Although hope can be fragile and elusive, hope is also a resilient and inexplicably tangible commodity.  Hope drives us on, often when it is in the direst of times.  It motivates us to do the best.  It energises us to turn visions into reality.  In whatever circumstances, hope in the coming Kingdom of God should galvanise Christians to extend his love to a lost and hurting world.

Beyond the Biblical accounts, godly Christians through the ages have acted boldly when faced with dwindling hope.  They persevered on and some paid the ultimate price – Dietrich Bonhoeffer when speaking the truth in the face of Hitler and the Nazification of German society and the German Church; Martin Luther King Jr. in confronting institutionalised racism in the so-called ‘Christian’ nation of America.

Today in our country, the hope to heal a nation that is increasingly fractured by racial, religious and economic differences is steadily bringing the Church together to pray, network, collaborate and partner in a whole range of ministries that build bridges, defend the truth, protect the weak and empower the poor.  There is still much room for improvement and greater inclusion but is it crucial for the Church to build on these initiatives as an output of being sent out by the Lord Jesus to demonstrate the Kingdom of God.




Pray for the People of Sarawak

Minority People Group:  Eastern Penan

Isaiah 45:8  “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the LORD have created it.

(Eastern Penan:  Unchecked logging activities have destroyed forests and its natural resources that are a source of their food and trading items, and polluted rivers as their key source of drinking and washing up.  Girls have been raped by loggers.)

Recognize our Creator & Respond to Him 

Genesis 1:26 – 27 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.  And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.


Bible Reading:        James 1 – 3                             Nehemiah 7 – 13


Wednesday 12 September 2018

Our Responsibility to Spread Hope

Day 37 (12 September 2018, Wednesday)


John 20:21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

Where does hope spring from?  It sprouts from God because when there was no hope, he sent his Son to give life and to inaugurate his Kingdom.  Jesus’ momentary renunciation of his privilege position changed forever the dynamics between life and death, mercy and judgment, hope and hopelessness.

“who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross.”  (Philippians 2:6-8)

But it also changed the dynamics of our responsibilities.  No longer strangers but his children and co-heirs, the task of continuing his work has fallen on all who believe in him.

Today in our country, Christians may be a minority in the national population (making up about 10% of the population only) but we need to understand our calling as God’s people and play our appointed roles in His mission whether as vocational ministry workers, people in the marketplace, students, retirees, homemakers or any other category.  This way, hope will spread far afield and we will see communities and nations transformed.




Pray for the Land of Sarawak

Cleansed from the Ancestral Tribal Strives & Worship

Ezekiel 36:25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.

Righteousness in Dealing with the Issues of Land

Nehemiah 5:11 Return to them this very day their fields, their vineyards, their olive orchards, and their houses, and the percentage of money, grain, wine, and oil that you have been exacting from them.


Bible Reading:        Philippian 1 – 4                         Nehemiah 1 – 6



SOURCES



Tuesday 11 September 2018

Self-denial for the Sake of Others!

Day 35 (10 September 2018, Monday)


Luke 9:23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

If one were to follow Christ, one has to deny himself/herself and be self-sacrificial.  What is self-denial?  Is it self-abandonment?  Is it self-sacrifice?  Is it without self-confidence?  Is it self-loathing?  Many times, legalistic Christians are over-rigid and they are concerned that self-confidence, self-respect, and even self-love violate the very demand of God for us to be self-denial.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian, described that Christ is “a man for others” when he concluded the life of Christ.  He discovered that Christ had lived his life fully and completely for others.  He gave up Himself in order for others to receive God’s blessings.  A sacrificial life that carries his or her own cross is on that is willing to pay the price, to not prioritize other’s needs.

Bonhoeffer thought of living for Christ as more than being a godly religious follower, and for us to imitate Christ, and to live for others.  Therefore, living for Christ is living for the needs of others.  When there is a group of selfless people who are willing to die to selves, they will definitely bring changes unto this world of apathy and indifference.




Pray for the Church of Sabah

A Church that is discipled by the Lord

John 8:31 -32 … If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Willing to Pay the Price of Following Jesus

Luke 9:23 – 24 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.


Bible Reading:        Hebrews 12 – 13                        Daniel 1 – 8



SOURCES




Monday 10 September 2018

Dare to Hope in the Coming Kingdom

Day 36 (11 September 2018, Tuesday)


Jeremiah 20:8 – 9 “For whenever I speak, I cry out, I shout, “Violence and destruction!”  For the word of the LORD has become for me a reproach and derision all day long.  If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name, “there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.”

Hope is often times a fragile and elusive commodity.  Just when one thinks relief has come, it can so easily be snuffed out by despair or oppression.  The prophet Jeremiah was a person in such a situation, caught between a rock (God) and a hard place (his hard-headed people).  It seemed an impossible position with little hope for anything positive to come out of this task to proclaim righteousness and justice in a wicked environment.

Still, he stayed the course because he felt overwhelming compelled by God’s calling for him to speak His Word to his people.  Jeremiah was sent for this task and there was no turning back.

Today in our country, there is ostensibly dwindling hope for righteous governance and a more just society; for a healthier climate and a sustainable environment.  Dare we hope in the coming Kingdom of God?




Pray for the Head & Government of Sarawak

Voice of Righteousness

Proverbs 31:8 – 9 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

The Reign of God over those in Authority

Psalm 103:19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.


Bible Reading:        Galatians 1 – 6            Daniel 9 – 12


Sunday 9 September 2018

Men Who Faithfully Impart the Truth

Day 34 (9 September 2018, Sunday)


2 Timothy 2:2 And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

Genuineness “become something very rare and precious in a market filled with counterfeits and fakes.  Likewise is our faith.

Is there a way for us to lead and assist others in becoming true disciples of Christ?  The key lies with us first becoming Christ’s disciples.  Regardless of the stage of life, we are in, the position we hold, the title we claim to be in church, and whether we are parents, instructors, mentors or bosses, etc., there is an inevitable fact we all have to face.  Only those throughout their lifetimes who are disciples of Christ are capable of influencing others to become disciples too.

Paul exhorted the Corinthians to imitate him as he imitated Christ.  His former statement will sound too arrogant if there were no subsequent facts to support it.  We end up with mere religious forms and outlooks and are not considered as His disciples the moment we stop following Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Only true disciples magnify their Lord and humble themselves by following Christ step by step, in order to live like Him and to reveal His love and fragrance.  People can see within them virtuous values they have been holding and defending as they live for Christ.  Only people with such values are able to bring forth excitement in others, and they will experience deeply in their hearts the reality of Christ’s life and confess that “You are my living testimony”!




Pray for the Families of Sabah

Parental Discipleship

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk to them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontless between your eyes.  You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Breakthrough from Poverty Cycles

Psalm 121:1 – 2 I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help come?  My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.


Bible Reading:        Hebrews 6 – 11                  Isaiah 63 - 66



SOURCES


Saturday 8 September 2018

Follow Me!

Day 33 (8 September 2018, Saturday)


Matthew 4:19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

There is a scene in the recent Spanish Biblical movie of “Son of God”, which goes like this: Jesus asked Peter, who failed to catch any fish and returned empty-handed in the morning, by the seaside, “Do you need any help?”

Peter looked fatigue and frustrate, and said “You can’:t be of any help.”

Jesus went on board Peter’s boat bluntly.  Peter asked, “What are you doing?”

“Go fishing with you, “Jesus smiled and said.

“I already told you there is no fish to be caught, “Peter said as he intended to leave, but at last he rowed his boat into the deep water and cast down his net.  Finally, the net was almost broken and it was too heavy for him to pull it up.

Peter was exhausted in pulling the net, and he asked, “How could this happen?” while puffing away.

Jesus did not answer Peter.  He gazed at Peter and said, “Follow me!”

“What are we supposed to do?”

“Change the world.”

Neither flattery nor lofty speech was given to the audience, the interpretation of this movie was so straight-forward.

“Come! Follow me!”

“What are we supposed to do?”

“Change the world!”

Brothers and sisters, if there were a choice to be made in this life, will you be willing to follow Jesus and change the world?

Pray for the People of Sabah

Harmony in the midst of Diversity

Romans 12:16-18 Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.  Never be wise in your own sight.  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Divine Encounter with the Living God

John 1:9, 12-13 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world…  But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but God.


Bible Reading:        Hebrews 1 – 5              Isaiah 58 - 62


SOURCES



Wednesday 5 September 2018

Teaching One Another

Day 30 (5 September 2018, Wednesday)


Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

While the Lord has established a teaching ministry in the church, and while we are thankful for faithful pastors, elders and teachers, Paul reminds us that we have a “teaching” responsibility towards one another.

While we should refrain from judging one another, and not be busybodies, we need to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.  The church cannot be just a place where individual Christians come for one or two hours a week just to worship, sing, listen to a sermon and afterwards, say a few polite “hellos” to a few people and go back to our own lives.  We should not treat the church as a concert or lecture event; we don’t go to church the way people go to temples.

The church is a family and a community.  We are a body, Christ’s body, and we are members of the Body.  When one suffers, all suffer; when one rejoices, we all share in that joy.

Singing in church should be and is, a wonderful family and communal activity.  Our songs and hymns should not just be directed to God.  There should also be occasions of teaching and admonishing, which include encouraging and warning, for one another.  A more contemporary sitting arrangement in church that have worshippers seeing one another’s faces rather than the backs of their heads is worth considering.


Pray for the Church of Selangor & Federal Territories


Fear God & Know Him

Isaiah 33:5 - 6 The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with  justive and righteousness, and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.

Love the Word and be Word-centred

2 Timothy 3:16- 17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.


Bible Reading:        2 Corinthians 1 - 5                   Isaiah 41 - 45



Tuesday 4 September 2018

Teaching or Instructing our Children

Day 29 (4 September 2018, Tuesday)


Psalm 78:5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children.

Psalm 78 is an important and long psalm that merits prayerful meditation.  It is the will, command and even a law that fathers (and mothers) passed on their traditions of faith to the next generation.  We need to be reminded that the primary duty of teaching our children the things of God falls on the parents – not the Sunday school teacher, the Children Church’s pastor, the Youth leader or Senior Pastor.  It is rather, Father and Mother. 

We can’t expect to raise godly children when we send our children to a non-religious school five days a week, 5 hours a day and only once a week for one hour of godly instruction in church.  That instruction in church.  That is unreasonable.

Teaching or instructing our children in homes takes place all the time, whether you intend it or not.  How do you expect your children to pray if you don’t pray for yourself?  How you expect your children to read the Bible if you don’t read it yourself?  How do you expect your children, to be honest, to be kind to others, to be unselfish, etc., if you don’t teach them by words and example?

Parents, don’t outsource the primary responsibility that God has given you.  Your children do not belong to you.  They are God’s gifts to you and you have a responsibility to bring them up in the fear of the Lord.  What profits a parent if they gain the whole world but lose their son or daughter?



Pray for the Families of Selangor & Federal Territories


Positive Atmosphere in Family Communication

Isaiah 50:4 The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.  Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

Build their Houses/Homes with the Presence & Wisdom of God

Psalm 127:1 – 2 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it in labour in vain.  Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.  It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.


Bible Reading:        1 Corinthians 11 - 16       Isaiah 37 - 40


SOURCES


Monday 3 September 2018

Disciple with Love

Day 28 (3 September 2018, Monday)


Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The Great Commission is not just about evangelism and making converts and making new believers.
It is about making disciples. Disciple-making involves not just leading a person to Christ. It involves
teaching them all the things that will make a good disciple.

It might surprise many that the word “Christian(s)” is found only three times in the New Testament:
Acts 11:26, 26:28; and 1 Peter 4:16. The most common word for Christians is “disciple.” It is used
261 times in the Gospels and Acts. Interestingly enough, it is not used elsewhere in the New
Testament. Literally, “disciple” means “learner”. Learners must have teachers, which is the gift that
Jesus gave to the church.

Just before Jesus returned to his Father, he instructed his disciples to make disciples and to teach
them to keep all his commandments – the primary commandment is that of love. Love God and
love people. Love one another.

It is important to remind ourselves of the theme of love in all our ministry, service and teaching. The
apostle Paul himself declared that it is the love of Christ that controlled him and his colleagues in their
ministry (2 Cor 5:14). To the Romans, he also wrote, “love is the fulfilling of the law” (Rom 13:10).
Love ought to be the motivation, spirit, content and goal of the Christian teaching ministry.

Pray for the People of Selangor and Federal Territories

 Minority People Group: Mah Meri

Psalm 68:4 – 6 Sing to God, sing praise to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the LORD; exult before him! Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
(Mah Meri: An aboriginal tribe in Selangor. While some have improved their living standards, others remain trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and social vices.)

 People with a Sense of Social Responsibility

Ephesians 4:28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labour, doing honest work with his
own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.


Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 6 - 10 Isaiah 32 - 36



SOURCES


Sunday 2 September 2018

Jesus, Our Teacher And Example

Day 27 (2 September 2018, Sunday)

Luke 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone, when he is fully trained, will be like his
teacher.

Some people see Jesus merely as a Teacher, or an Example to follow. This view of Jesus is sorely
inadequate. Jesus is the Saviour who gave his life to save us from our sins. He is the Lord and
Master, whom we pledge to obey. He is the Judge who will come one day to judge all peoples, all
nations and to right all wrongs. He is the Son of the Living God. That being said, Jesus is also our
Teacher and Example – an important truth to bear in mind.

This verse is part of a series of sayings about spiritual sight: “Can the blind lead the blind?” Jesus by
using humour, talked about a person trying to correct a minor fault of another while not seeing his own major fault.

Not everyone is a teacher in church but more often than not, we are tempted to teach others when we see something wrong in their lives. When we do that, we tend to be judgmental.

It is more important to have a humble teachable spirit than to have an arrogant, better-than-you, teaching attitude. The one who is fully trained will be like his teacher, Jesus, who is kind and compassionate, and who teaches to heal and not to hurt.

Pray for the Land of Selangor and Federal Territories

 Show Kindness and Hospitality to the Aliens

Leviticus 19:33 – 34 When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong.
You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you, were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

 Declaring God’s Promises of Blessings Over the Land

Isaiah 55:10 – 11 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bright forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.


Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1 - 5 Isaiah 27 - 31



SOURCES


Saturday 1 September 2018

Prioritizing Teaching in the Church

Day 26 (1 September 2018, Saturday)


Matthew 9:36 “…teaching in their synagogues…”

There were three essential things Jesus did throughout his earthly ministry – teaching, preaching and healing.  His preaching and healing were usually done whenever He met people in ordinary places, like marketplace, fields, streets in the towns and villages, or roads in the countryside that connected to the cities, or even in homes, wherever and whenever he was welcomed.  He did his teaching whenever an opportunity arose.

But there was one place where the people of God would come to worship and learn from God’s holy Word on the Sabbath at least – the synagogues.  The synagogue served as a template for our Sunday church services.

Since the earliest days of the church, Christians have gathered together to worship the Lord and to study the Word.  It is important to give primary importance to the teaching ministry in the life of the church.  Each week, we come together to worship and to listen to the preaching and teaching of the Word.  Pastors, leaders, elders who preach and teach regularly must follow the example of Jesus, who taught faithfully the whole counsel of God.  This involves prayerful preparation and careful study of the Word themselves.  The preaching and teaching is a holy ministry, through which a minister offers the bread of life, not his opinions, thoughts, or even the vision for his church.

Christians, it is our privilege to come to the Sunday service to hear the Word – in effect to hear Jesus teach.



Pray for the Heads & Governments of Selangor & Federal Territories


Tongues that Lift Up the Nation

Psalm 37:30 – 31 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.  The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.

Flee from Greed and Be Contented in Everything

1 Timothy 6:6-9 But godliness with contentment is a great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.


Bible Reading:        Roman 11 - 16                    Isaiah 23 - 26



SOURCES




Faith that Proclaims (the Whole Counsel of God)

Preface for Day 26 – 30: Harvest and the Word



The Lord of the harvest is building His Bride who will take root in the Word of God

1.  Focusing on West Coast  (Selangor & Federal Territories)

Selangor: 5,041,321 (Malay:  55.8%; Chinese: 28.6%; Indian: 13.6%; Others: 2%.  Selangor is the most developed and populated state in Malaysia.  The sub-districts (mukim) in Petaling, which include Bandar Petaling Jaya, Damansara, Petaling, and Sungai Buloh, has a population of 1.66 million people.  It is the most urbanized and commercial city in Malaysia, Shah Alam, the state capital of Selangor, a well-planned modern Islamic city, is located here.

Gombak which is located in the north of Kuala Lumpur is the home to an aboriginal Orang Asli settlement and Batu Caves, a popular tourist attraction during Thaipusam, is the temple cave.  It has erected an enormous golden statue of Muruga, to whom the cave is dedicated to the deities.


Federal Territories (Wilayah Persekutuan):  Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan are the three territories governed by the Federal Government of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is the national capital of Malaysia, Putrajaya is the administrative capital and Labuan is an offshore international financial centre.  The population of Kuala Lumpur is 1.674,621, comprising of 44.7% of Malay, 43% of Chinese, 10.3% of Indians, and 2% of others.

It was established in 1857 and began as a trading post of the tin industry, during which the Chinese miners and traders made up most of the major population, governed by a Kapitan China, Kapitan Yap Ah Loy was the contributor for the KL’s early growth.  In 1896, KL became the capital of Federated Malay States, and the multiracial population began to settle here till today.  On 31 August 1957, Tunku Abdul Rahman declared Malaya as an independent country in Dataran Merdeka, KL.  The darkest hour came on 13 May 1969, when race riots – mainly between Malays and Chinese, claimed hundreds of lives.  In 1974, KL became a Federal Territory.  In 1999, Putrajaya became the new administrative capital, but KL remains as the country’s financial and commercial center.

2.    Focusing on Prayer Altar Covenant to know God.

       A covenant made is a sacred agreement between God and you to fulfil His Plan.  To what
       extent will you offer your time and commitment to know God better through the Bible
       Reading Challenge?


Friday 31 August 2018

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


Popular Posts