Thursday, 31 August 2017

Hope towards the City of God

Day 25 (31 Aug 2017, Thursday) Psalm 42:11 


Recently, I was at the airport with my family for a three-day vacation in a city.  Inside, I saw an advertisement hanging.  It read “God’s City”.  When I saw that billboard, it reminded me of a book titled ‘City of God,’ written by one of the greatest and most influential Christian theologians of the 3rd century, St. Augustine of Hippo.
His book was an eye opener for the 3rd century, as well as the present church.  His main concern was the difference between the City of God and the City of Man; one was built on the love of God and the other on the love of man.

Before St. Augustine wrote about the two cities, St. John the Apostle wrote similarly on the subject, while he was in the Island or Patmos.  He saw the throne of God.  For him, there was a New World and New Hope.  The New Hope was where God’s dwelling place and His Presence were.  St. John the Apostle is telling us that the city of man is mortal and the city of God is eternal.  Therefore, our hope should be for eternity.

For St. Augustine, understanding the city of God was primarily for peace, serenity and grace.  For St. John the Apostle, the New World and New Hope is a vision for the future.  It is a place built by God himself.

Therefore, let us have hope in God for our future.  We are making a pilgrimage on this land.  Look for God’s city, the New Jerusalem and the throne of God.


Pray for the Neglected and the Helpless

Ask the Lord to break our hearts and uproot our apathy and indifference for this group.  Ask Him to fill us with His love and compassion to see, hear and to be His hands and feet to reach out to the helpless and hopeless.

Uphold the NGOs such as Malaysian Care, Shelter Home and counselling centers, e.g. the Befrienders.
Pray for God to raise up labourers and for finance to be released into the work.

Commit those who are poor, lonely, and depressed to the Lord.
Pray for the elderly who were rejected by their children, the homeless, and those who were forced into prostitution.
Pray that the Lord will reveal Himself to those faced with afflictions in order to give them a hope and a future.



 Necf Malaysia

Download 2017 NECF Malaysia  40Days Fast & Prayer (Prayer Booklet)

Prayer Requests

Today's Prayer Requests

Trish  |Believing God for The Husband I've been Praying for , Supernatural Financial Teleas n Divine Health!!

Andy Garland | chris  and susan to remove evil demons from them

Vera Bankston Jones |  father God, the task ahead of me today is very much trying and your guidance would be so sufficient and what I need to do. Personally Lord I'm good but I don't think I'm that good and I'd like to be paid for substantial service. Help me Father whether it be this task or another one. I need the help!....... Selah

Amanda |  I am in the process of making 100 blessing bags for the homeless. I will be putting Bibles in each of them as well as several other items that are needed daily. Please be in prayer with me over this. I'm a mother of 5 and my husband and are work full time. But most of my supplies will need to be donated for this. I know God knows my heart is in the right place and I am doing this because He has asked me to. I just need prayer that everything works out for the glory of God and that I will stop stressing over the possibility of not completely my mission. Thank you and God Bless you.

eduardo mbalu |  I would like to ask a special prayer for my life and my family in trouble.

vijay aggarwal | lz pray for money in abundance for a comfortable life

Wednesday, 30 August 2017

Dilligence

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 24 (KJV)


Proverbs 24 (KJV)

1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:

20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

21 My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

26 Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.

27 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

Scripture Meaning


Envy not sinners. And let not a desire ever come into thy mind, Oh that I could shake off restraints!
Piety and prudence in outward affairs, both go together to complete a wise man. By knowledge the soul is filled with the graces and comforts of the spirit, those precious and pleasant riches.

The spirit is strengthened for the spiritual work and the spiritual warfare, by true wisdom.A weak man thinks wisdom is too high for him, therefore he will take no pains for it. It is bad to do evil, but worse to devise it. Even the first risings of sin in the heart are sin, and must be repented of. Those that strive to make others hateful, make themselves so.Under troubles we are apt to despair of relief. But be of good courage, and God shall strengthen thy heart.

If a man know that his neighbour is in danger by any unjust proceeding, he is bound to do all in his power to deliver him. And what is it to suffer immortal souls to perish, when our persuasions and example may be the means of preventing it? We are quickened to the study of wisdom by considering both the pleasure and the profit of it.
All men relish things that are sweet to the palate; but many have no relish for the things that are sweet to the purified soul, and that make us wise unto salvation.The sincere soul falls as a traveller may do, by stumbling at some stone in his path; but gets up, and goes on his way with more care and speed.

This is rather to be understood of falls into affliction, than falls into actual sin.The pleasure we are apt to take in the troubles of an enemy is forbidden.Envy not the wicked their prosperity; be sure there is no true happiness in it. The godly in the land, will be quiet in the land. There may be cause to change for the better, but have nothing to do with them that are given change.The wisdom God giveth, renders a man fit for his station. Every one who finds the benefit of the right answer, will be attached to him that gave it. We must prefer necessaries before conveniences, and not go in debt. There are three defaults in a witness pointed out.

Verses 30-34
See what a blessing the husbandman's calling is, and what a wilderness this earth would be without it. See what great difference there is in the management even of worldly affairs. Sloth and self-indulgence are the bane of all good.
When we see fields overgrown with thorns and thistles, and the fences broken down, we see an emblem of the far more deplorable state of many souls. Every vile affection grows in men's hearts; yet they compose themselves to sleep. Let us show wisdom by doubling our diligence in every good thing.


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 with the Book of Proverbs with Chapter 24. In our text today we continue in words of wisdom from proverbs, what catches my eye is the theme in this chapter of sowing and reaping and how the Lord allows those who work hard to be blessed while those who are slothful will end up in poverty. In making application we see a pattern for diligence that will produce a fruitful life. As we leaned yesterday we are not to place our trust in riches but at the same time we are to be diligent in all we do. How about you? Are you diligent? Let us learn from our text today to remember to not place our trust in riches but at the same time to be tillage in all we do to receive the blessings of the Lord.

Hope that turns our suffering to blessing

Day 24 (30 Aug 2017, Wednesday) Psalm 42:11 

                                                                             

We must take into our hearts David’s cry for hope for his soul.  Let us ponder, for a moment, about his ‘cry of the heart.’  Why, in the first place, was David’s soul disturbed?  It was probably because he trusted his friends, but they turned out to be a misery for his life.

Madame Guyon was a French revivalist who founded the ‘Quietist’ movement.  In the 17th century, she became an icon for the church.  Many have called her “a Quaker born out of due time.”  Fenelon, John Wesley and other great spiritual leaders have acknowledged her contributions to society.

She married a wealthy and sickly 22-years-old senior at a young age of 17.  Throughout her married life, she faced many obstacles with her mother-in-law and housemaid.  After twelve years of her unhappy marriage, she became a widow at the age of 28 after her husband’s sudden death.  What a miserable life for her!

However, due to her spiritual experiences and hope in God, Madame Guyon’s life became something meaningful.  She spent time alone with God in order to strengthen and to rest her soul. She used to read the Scriptures diligently to get to know God.
It was her strong belief in God that changed her suffering into a blessing for many.  Though she struggled and suffered, she continued to have hope by submitting to the Almighty.  Let us look to God in the same way for hope.


Pray for 8 Mountains of Influence :  Religion 

Pray that the authorities will uphold the constitutional freedom of religion, in order to promote mutual respect and tolerance, and to reject all forms of religious bigotry.

Pray that the issue of religion will not be sabotaged by politicians who seek their own agendas and gains.
Pray that the Lord will protect and equip faithful leaders who are willing to speak up for the human rights and religious freedom of the people.

Pray for the Church of Malaysia to wake up to recognise its divine mandate, and arise to be God’s agent of love, peace, hope and reconciliation at such critical time in our nation.




 Necf Malaysia

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Tuesday, 29 August 2017

Hope builds on nothing less

Day 23 (29 Aug 2017, Tuesday) Psalm 42:11

                                                                   
In the letter to the Corinthians 13:13, Paul writes, ‘And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.’  Here, Paul states that hope remains despite of what spiritual gifts we may possess.  Even if we have the gift of prophecy, it is just a shadow in our lives.

We may exercise the power of healing but it too will disappear.  In contrast, hope remains forever.  Why was Paul giving emphasis to hope?  How is hope great for our Christian life?

Israel had been hoping that God would someday deliver them from the bondage of slavery.  Their forefathers experienced the same hope while they were living in the desert.  It was the promise of Yahweh that was the root of Israel’s hope.  In a similar way, our hope in God should be real and practical as we focus on Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah.

When I was writing this, I was reminded of a hymn written by Edward Mote.  The title of the song is ‘My Hope is Built on Nothing Less.’  He was a Pastor in England in 1834.
One Sunday, Mote visited the home of a member whose wife was very ill.  After they sang the hymn, the woman was healed.
Let us sing this song as a prayer, so that our hope in God will grow into perfection :

“My hope is built on nothing less,
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name”


Pray for 8 Mountains of Influence :  Family

Pray for the restoration of God’s intended purpose for this realm - that life might be multiplied and that the God - given destiny for every individual will be realized.
Pray for healing of all broken relationship in families.

Pray for watchfulness and discernment against the enemy’s schemes to break down marriages.
Pray that God will shepherd parents under His command and arm them with His Word so that their marriages will be a light to the world and a role model for the next generation.

Pray for unmarried/singles that they will be completely secure in the love of God and in their identity as sons and daughters of God.  Lacking nothing, they will attain their full potential in life.




 Necf Malaysia

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Monday, 28 August 2017

Hope is found when we rest in God

Day 22 (28 Aug 2017, Monday)

                                                               
Psalm 42:11
What is hope?  The Oxford dictionary defines it as “a confident feeling of what will happen in the future,” or “something good that we expect to happen in the future.”  In the Scriptures, David was described as talking to his soul that is himself.
When we are terribly hungry, we look for a food stall, and once found, we immediately place our order.  It the food comes late, we are uneasy, but still wait patiently for it to come.

Once the food is served, we start to eat.  While we are eating, the body feels strengthened and the hunger disappears.  After the meal, we feel satisfied, because we had worked for it.  Hope means that we are waiting for something in the future.  When we put our hope in God, it is like our appetite for food.  Hope in God is like ‘working’ for our future - our future of spirituality and maturity in the Christian life.

As David longed for his soul to understand it, let us also long for our hope in God.  This is the hope which St. Augustine says, ‘My soul is restless until it rests in you alone O God.’  Let us hunger that our soul gets satisfied with the hope in God.  The hope which the Scripture says in unshakeable, unlimited and unmeasurable.  Hope in God produces patience, perseverance and trust.
It gives strength and courage to move on in the Christian life.  Hope in God is something to be desired for in the future as it brings joy and happiness in our lives.

Pray for 8 Mountains of Influence :  Education 

Pray that God’s design for the education sphere will be redeemed to be a means of capturing and transforming the minds of the students towards becoming individuals that are intelligent, hardworking and filled with integrity.
Pray that there will be a shift of kingdom mind-set in that more believers will be willing to take up this vocation to battle for the hearts and minds of the emerging generation, guiding them towards biblical values and truth.
Pray for vibrant Christian fellowships in schools, colleges and universities.
Pray for wisdom for policy makers to plan holistic curriculums that will prepare students for the 21st century workforce.
Pray for educators with innovative ideas, a real passion for teaching and a spirit of excellence.



Necf Malaysia

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Sunday, 27 August 2017

Prayer Requests

Today's Prayer Requests


obodago oghale mark |  hi,am married for over 3 years now without a child, and am get worried, please join me to pray that the Lord my family with children.

Robert Schirmer | I need prayer to over come my porn addiction, and smoking.

VERA BANKSTON-JONES | FATHER GOD, AWAITING THE GUIDANCE OF YOU TO GET ME THROUGH IT ALL! WITHOUT YOU I CAN DO NOTHING!.......SELAH

Andy Garland | chris and susan pray that the demonic spirits leave them

Geneva Haro | I would like to pray for a financial breakthrough. To pay down debt and keep it that way. My husband can get a route. I pay that the meeting will result in immediate raises for everyone.

Jocelyn | Please pray for me as I am currently working in a toxic environment. My supervisor is a bully and disrespectful. She is draining me with her negative energy and lack of respect. It takes all of me to continue to remain humble. Finding another job is so difficult due to the lack of salary. Please pray for me to have strength and continue faith that things will turn around for me. Thank you and god bless everyone.

Step. W | I'm asking for salvation for my daughter Christine Lord watch over her n protect her while she runs the street with her 2months old baby. Lord show her whatever she searching for is not how she want to live her life I need lord

vijay aggarwal | Plz pray for money in abundance for a comfortable life

Seeking Wealth

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 23 (KJV)


Proverbs 23 (KJV)
1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:

2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.


4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long.

18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Scripture Meaning


Verses 
1-3: God's restraints of the appetite only say, Do thyself no harm.
(4,5). Be not of those that will be rich. The things of this world are not happiness and a portion for a soul; those that hold them ever so fast, cannot hold them always, cannot hold them long.
(6-8). Do not make thyself burdensome to any, especially those not sincere. When we are called by God to his feast, and to let our souls delight themselves, (Isa 25:6; 55:2), we may safely partake of the Bread of life.
(9). It is our duty to take all fit occasions to speak of Divine things; but if what a wise man says will not be heard, let him hold his peace.
(10,11). The fatherless are taken under God's special protection. He is their Redeemer, who will take their part; and he is mighty, almighty.
(12-16). Here is a parent instructing his child to give his mind to the Scriptures. Here is a parent correcting his child: accompanied with prayer, and blessed of God, it may prove a means of preventing his destruction. Here is a parent encouraging his child, telling him what would be for his good. And what a comfort it would be, if herein he answered his expectation!
(17,18). The believer's expectation shall not be disappointed; the end of his trials, and of the sinner's prosperity, is at hand.
(19-28). The gracious Saviour who purchased pardon and peace for his people, with all the affection of a tender parent, counsels us to hear and be wise, and is ready to guide our hearts in his way. Here we have an earnest call to young people, to attend to the advice of their godly parents. If the heart be guided, the steps will be guided.
Buy the truth, and sell it not; be willing to part with any thing for it. Do not part with it for pleasures, honours, riches, or any thing in this world. The heart is what the great God requires. We must not think to divide the heart between God and the world; he will have all or none. Look to the rule of God's word, the conduct of his providence, and the good examples of his people. Particular cautions are given against sins most destructive to wisdom and grace in the soul. It is really a shame to make a god of the belly. Drunkenness stupifies men, and then all goes to ruin. Licentiousness takes away the heart that should be given to God. Take heed of any approaches toward this sin, it is very hard to retreat from it. It bewitches men to their ruin.
(29-35). Solomon warns against drunkenness. Those that would be kept from sin, must keep from all the beginnings of it, and fear coming within reach of its allurements. Foresee the punishment, what it will at last end in, if repentance prevent not. It makes men quarrel. Drunkards wilfully make woe and sorrow for themselves.
It makes men impure and insolent. The tongue grows unruly; the heart utters things contrary to reason, religion, and common civility. It stupifies and besots men. They are in danger of death, of damnation; as much exposed as if they slept upon the top of a mast, yet feel secure. They fear no peril when the terrors of the Lord are before them; they feel no pain when the judgments of God are actually upon them.
So lost is a drunkard to virtue and honour, so wretchedly is his conscience seared, that he is not ashamed to say, I will seek it again. With good reason we were bid to stop before the beginning. Who that has common sense would contract a habit, or sell himself to a sin, which tends to such guilt and misery, and exposes a man every day to the danger of dying insensible, and awaking in hell? Wisdom seems in these chapters to take up the discourse as at the beginning of the book. They must be considered as the words of Christ to the sinner.

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 with the Book of Proverbs with Chapter 23.
In our text today we continue in words of wisdom from proverbs, from alchol to realtionships and everthing inbetween. What catches my eye is how we are not seek wealth as it can come and go but seek the Lord. In making application see that money is simply a means of exchange for goods and services.
We are to work but not to seek wealth but to seek the Lord as He is our Provider. Today many think that wealth will make you happy but the truth is that wealth people are among the most unhappy people in the world today. Those who have the Lord and follow His Word are truly full of joy. How about you? Are you full of Joy? Let us learn from our text today to that wealth does not bring lasting happiness and our Joy is in the Lord.

A pilgrim’s journey of hope

Day 21 (27 Aug 2017, Sunday)

                                                                 
Psalm 42:11
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

David was an intelligent musician and lyricist.  If he had gone for the Grammy Awards, he would have grabbed more trophies than Micheal Jackson.  David used the same words for his songs in Psalm 43:5. I would like to propose a theme for his song, “A human cry of hope for his soul.”

Sometimes, my spirit would speak certain things that I should do immediately.  At the tender age of my spirituality, I was not aware of those things.  But now, grown into maturity, I can understand my spirit as well as God’s.  I can easily differentiate my inner longing for His hope.  My desire for this season is to let every individual be touched by expounding on the three stages of a pilgrim’s journey for hope.

Firstly, the purgative way, where we begin our hope in God.  We trust God because He is who He is - no further explanation is needed.  Secondly, the illuminate way, where we experience God as our hope and light and darkness have no place in our lives.  Thirdly, the unitive way, where our hope in God grows because we love Him.  This love helps us to have a union with God.  Moreover, it creates an unshakeable hope in God.  It is like crossing the Red Sea without fear.  How do we measure our hope?  Do we experience it in God similarly like David?

Pray for 8 Mountains of Influence :  Law and Judiciary

Pray for a full restoration of the principles of “the rule of law” and “separation of powers” in our legal system, so that liberty and justice can be the nation’s guiding principles once again.

Pray that all judges in the Judiciary will uphold the rule of law and dispense true justice, showing mercy and compassion to everyone without fear or favour, and to be mindful that they are accountable to the Righteous Judge.  Pray for the Malaysian Bar to play its role in upholding the cause of justice.

The Attorney General, being the legal advisor to the Executive branch of government, has discretionary power to institute, conduct or discontinue any proceedings for an offence.
Pray that he will carry out his duties faithfully and conscientiously in the fear of God with honor and integrity.




Necf Malaysia

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Saturday, 26 August 2017

The living hope is also a guaranteed inheritance

Day 20 (26 Aug 2017, Saturday) 


1 Peter 1:4
The Bible speaks of our living hope in terms of an inheritance… a possession that is ours.  This inheritance is nothing less than eternal life… here and now, as well as what we will receive later.  But not all of it happens here in this life.  We will have to wait for the bigger part of it.  Look at what v.4 says about this inheritance:
It can never perish as it is INCORRUPTIBLE
The Greek word is “aphthartos”’ meaning “not liable to corruption or decay, imperishable” (2Peter 3:10-13).  There is nothing in time or eternity that can touch it or destroy it.  It does not age, deteriorate, or die.

IT IS UNDEFILED
The Greek word is “amiantos”, meaning “not defiled, unsoiled”.  It is free from sickness, disease, .infection, accidents, suicide, and all those things that we suffer on this earth.  Our hope pertains to that where the defiled are not allowed to enter (Revelation 21:27)

It can never fade - IT DOES NOT FADE AWAY
The Greek word is “amarantos”, meaning “unfading, perennial”.  The word is a variation of “amaranth”, the name of a mythical flower whose bloom in perpetual and whose loveliness never fades.  Our new and perfect bodies will never wear out, they will last forever.
Therefore, our inheritance is safely guarded in heaven itself!  No one, not even Satan himself, can steal if from us!  Since this is the nature of our “inheritance” upon which our hope rests, we can see why our hope is described as a “living” hope.



Pray for 8 Mountains of Influence :  Arts and Entertainment 


Pray that this mountain of arts and entertainment will be reclaimed, and God will raise up men and women with godly character and anointed talents/gifts that will influence the art world with things that are excellent and praiseworthy.

Ask the Lord to raise up young prophetic believers who are called to the arts entertainment industry to boldly step out and write plays with messages of truth and virtue that positively shape the culture around us.

Pray for believers, especially parents, to be taught to have biblical worldview so that they will be equipped to discern the negative influences in the entertainment industry that propagate views and values which are perverse and contrary to biblical values.




Necf Malaysia

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A Good Name

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 22 (KJV)


Proverbs 22 (KJV)
1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

2 The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.

3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein.

15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

19 That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

23 For the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Scripture Meaning


Verses
1: We should be more careful to do that by which we may get and keep a good name, than to raise or add unto a great estate.
(2). Divine Providence has so ordered it, that some are rich, and others poor, but all are guilty before God; and at the throne of God's grace the poor are as welcome as the rich.
(3). Faith foresees the evil coming upon sinners, and looks to Jesus Christ as the sure refuge from the storm.
(4). Where the fear of God is, there will be humility. And much is to be enjoyed by it; spiritual riches, and eternal life at last.
(5). The way of sin is vexatious and dangerous. But the way of duty is safe and easy.
(6). Train children, not in the way they would go, that of their corrupt hearts, but in the way they should go; in which, if you love them, you would have them go. As soon as possible every child should be led to the knowledge of the Saviour.
(7). This shows how important it is for every man to keep out of debt. As to the things of this life, there is a difference between the rich and the poor; but let the poor remember, it is the Lord that made the difference.
(8). The power which many abuse, will soon fail them.
(9). He that seeks to relieve the wants and miseries of others shall be blessed.
(10). Profane scoffers and revilers disturb the peace.
(11). God will be the Friend of a man in whose spirit there is no guile; this honour have all the saints.
(12). God turns the counsels and designs of treacherous men to their own confusion.
(13). The slothful man talks of a lion without, but considers not his real danger from the devil, that roaring lion within, and from his own slothfulness, which kills him.
(14). The vile sin of licentiousness commonly besots the mind beyond recovery.
(15). Sin is foolishness, it is in the heart, there is an inward inclination to sin: children bring it into the world with them; and it cleaves close to the soul. We all need to be corrected by our heavenly Father. (16). We are but stewards, and must distribute what God intrusts to our care, according to his will. (17-21). To these words, to this knowledge, the ear must be bowed down, and the heart applied by faith and love. To live a life of delight in God and dependence on him, is the foundation of all practical religion. The way to know the certainty of the word of truth, is to make conscience of our duty.
(22,23). He that robs and oppresses the poor, does so at his peril. And if men will not appear for them, God will.
(24,25). Our corrupt hearts have so much tinder in them, that it is dangerous to have to do with those that throw about the sparks of their passion.
(26,27). Every man ought to be just to himself, and his family; those are not so, who, by folly or other carelessness, waste what they have.
(28). We are taught not to trespass on another man's right. And it is hard to find a truly industrious man. Such a man will rise. Seest thou a man diligent in the business of religion? He is likely to excel. Let us then be diligent in God's work.

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 with the Book of Proverbs with Chapter 22. In our text today we continue in words of wisdom from the Lord.

What catches my eye is verse 1 which says a Good Name is rather to be chosen than great riches. In making application we see how integrity is not only Godly for a witness to our Heavenly Father but also a practical, profitable, proverb. Recently our business received several jobs during a busy time in our industry. It was our "Good Name" that allowed us to receive these jobs as our old customers referred us to our new customers.

Our goal has always to Glorify the Lord in our business for a witness unto Him but this practical application has profited me and my family in the process that brings this Proverb to life. How about you? Do you choose a "Good Name" over your own personal gain? Let us learn from our text today to remember that a "Good Name" that comes from treating others right not only Glorifies our Lord but also is profitable as the Lord blesses those who put God first in all they say and do

Friday, 25 August 2017

John MacArthur on the recent protests and violence in Charlottesville

The Charlottesville protests and violence



During a Q&A on Sunday evening, August 20, 2017, John MacArthur was asked about the recent protests and violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. His answer provided a biblical perspective that has been largely absent from the public discussion about Charlottesville, even in Christian circles. We trust you’ll be encouraged by what he had to say.





Cred: https://www.gty.org/

The living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Day 19 (25 Aug 2017, Friday)


1 Peter 1:3b “…unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead sets Him apart from any other person to walk the face of this earth and who had claims of being divine.  Jesus claimed it, to be God, and it was proven by His resurrection from the dead.  Indeed it is His greatest miracle (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

This was the great source of our Living Hope.  Peter spoke not from his book learning or second-hand knowledge, but from his personal experience.  Something extra-ordinary had happened in his life.  He has been a miserable failure.  He denied knowing Jesus in the hours that He needed him most.  But later Peter became an eye witness to the resurrection of Jesus.  He experienced the power of resurrection of Jesus Christ in his life that dramatically transformed him.  He was changed from a coward and a weakling to a courageous leader for Christ.

Similarly, Paul’s one desire is expressed in Philippians 3:10, ‘That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection’.  That word is the good news which was preached in the power of the Holy Spirit, “that Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he rose again on the third day according to the Scripture” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).  The risen Christ is our living hope.



Pray for 8 Mountains of Influence :  Media

Celebrate the fact that God is the Author of all forms of communication and Jesus is the Truth.  Pray that God’s intended purpose for this realm, i.e. to communicate truth and life, will be redeemed and celebrated.

As traditional media is slowing down coupled with all kinds of alternative media channels quickly filling the void, pray for discernment in the body of Christ to distinguish between real and fake news. Instead of spreading lies and half-truths, we will know how to manage information and use it wisely.

Pray that parents will educate and raise their children on how to reject and resist wicked and malicious content online.

Pray that those who report, edit and distribute the news will do so without fear or favour.



Necf Malaysia

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Thursday, 24 August 2017

This living hope through Jesus comes by the new birth

Day 18 (24 Aug 2017, Thursday)

1 Peter 1:3b - “According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope…”
“New birth” or “born again” is a popular way the New Testament talks about the experience of salvation.
Long ago, Jesus addressed a proud religious man named Nicodemus who came in the night inquiring about eternal life. Jesus said to him “You must be born again.” It’s not enough to be born physically and so become a member of human race.  You must be born again spiritually, and so become a member of the family of God (John 3).

When scripture says that “God has begotten us again”, this is recognised as “born again” or “rebirth”. There is no hope for eternal life, unless a person is born again by the Spirit of God. You must be regenerated and made into a new person.
If you have prayed to receive Jesus as the Lord and Savior, and you walked out with the same outlook on life, with absolutely no spiritual desire for Him then the question that must be asked is, were you truly saved?

When you are born again, you should have a desire to act differently and to talk differently.  This living hope comes by the new birth.  Jesus gives us a new start, but there is more to come.  He gives us a total new life.  “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away behold, all things have become new” (1 Corinthians 5:17).

Pray for the 8 Mountains of Influence :  Government 


Pray for the revelation of God’s divine order of governance upon our government.  As absolute power corrupts, pray that there will be a true separation of power between the judicial, legislative and executive branches.

Pray for men and women appointed to the Malaysian cabinet to be wise and God-fearing.  Pray that they will safeguard justice and thus create a peaceful and safe environment within the nation.  Pray that they will be used as agents that will expose and remove every form of corruption, injustice and greed.

Pray for the bills and policies tabled in parliament in that the laws/policies will give great consideration to the poor, widowed and less privileged; that there will be no place for greed, self-interest and unmerited bias.



 Necf Malaysia

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Wednesday, 23 August 2017

Pastoring in the Age of Celebrity

How famous Bible teachers impact local Bible study


More than a decade ago, Thomas Friedman declared The World Is Flat in his bestselling book about how technology has collapsed the barriers between local and global. The American church has also experienced this “flattening,” as trends in media and ministry bring faraway leaders and national organizations into Christians’ everyday routines.

Believers can chat with Tim Keller in one of his Twitter Q&As, Facebook Live with Judah Smith, or play a Rick Warren podcast in their earbuds while they hit the gym. Though teachings from prominent theologians have spread across the church throughout its history, never have they been so immediate or intimate.

Plus, there’s the bigger, 21st-century scope: More Christian leaders are releasing “content” than ever before, giving evangelicals overwhelming opportunities to hear from nationally known figures alongside the leaders of their own congregations. “People are hungry for answers, even from a disconnected authority figure,” said Philip Nation, an author and pastor at First Baptist Church of Bradenton, Florida.

As with most things in the Christian life, the draw to outside teachers is not merely an issue of personal preference-it stems from and impacts involvement in the local body, as well. In some cases, Christians take interest in the kinds of leaders they don’t see in their own churches. As Christianity Today magazine reported last fall in “The Bigger Story Behind Jen Hatmaker,” this phenomenon has surged among women, with famous figures such as Jen Hatmaker and Ann Voskamp fetching mass followings through their popular blogs, books, and conference sessions at events like Catalyst and the IF:Gathering.

“When [local women leaders] are missing, the voices of women with national platforms can become too loud in the ears of younger women, in particular,” said Jen Wilkin, minister at the Village Church in Texas. “National women leaders should be a reference point, but not a replacement for female leadership at the local church level.” Bestselling authors and biblical scholars contribute to Christians’ spiritual development and scriptural savvy, as pastors and churchgoers alike can attest. However, the work of Bible application is-by necessity-personal and incarnational, as well. It’s studying in community that allows Christians to disciple one another to live out gospel truths.

Are You My Pastor?


John Mulholland, associate pastor at Worthington Christian Church in Minnesota, wrote on his blog:
The pastor in your church will never out-preach Francis Chan, John Piper, Matt Chandler, Alistair Begg, Beth Moore, Andy Stanley, or any other pastor that you listen to through podcasting.
As much as I enjoy listening to Matt Chandler, he is not my pastor. I belong to a local body of believers that I am called into to be an active member. The attention around a popular Bible teacher and their work can make any given Bible study or sermon series from a local leader seem lacking in comparison. So Christians have fretted the influence of celebrity pastors.

“When a Christian author writes a book, it takes months or years. The work is unintentionally held up as a standard [that] local pastors must meet,” said Nation, who has written several small-group studies and books on discipleship. “We are trying to deliver biblically sound and soul-stirring messages on a weekly basis while also leading, counseling, and the like. It sets up a pastor to feel completely inadequate as a communicator of eternal truth.”

Jenny Rae Armstrong, teaching pastor at Darrow Road Wesleyan Church in Wisconsin, agreed. At smaller, rural congregations like hers, pastors “have to do everything from hospital visits to organizing music to serving on boards in the local community to making sure someone’s coming to pump out the holding tank.”

“I can’t compete with Bill Hybels or Lysa TerKeurst with a schedule like that,” she said, noting that Baby Boomers in her congregation typically follow some leaders they know from Christian TV, while younger congregants aren’t as interested in Christian celebrities. “Small church pastors are generally more focused on the pastoral aspect of their work than on polishing their presentation skills. The goal for teaching is ‘solid,’ not ‘spectacular.’”

The Best of Both Worlds


But churches can also benefit from exposure to different styles and perspectives on biblical teaching. Christians have always encouraged gifted teachers to use their skills to serve the body as a whole. Back in 2 Corinthians, readers find what might be the first reference to a celebrity pastor, though he remains notably nameless: “With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel” (8:18, ESV). Bringing in other leaders or referencing their scholarship, whether or not they are famous, can give congregants a more robust understanding than a single preacher could.

“A pastor can’t be expected to address every specific need of every Christian in their congregation through their preaching,” said Trevin Wax, Bible and reference publisher at LifeWay. “Good pastors seize the opportunity to resource their people with likeminded, trusted Christian leaders who may be especially strong in certain areas or speaking on certain subjects.”
For smaller congregations, the proliferation of well-known Bible teachers can be somewhat of a double-edged sword, according to Jeff Breeding, pastor of Midtown Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.

“On the one hand, it allows church members to take advantage of many more resources than our small church can offer,” said Breeding. For instance, the church does not have a formal counseling ministry, but members can access resources on the topic from teachers such as Paul David Tripp, the author and pastor who teaches on Christian living, parenting, marriage, and suffering. “On the other hand, the prevalence of Bible teachers also seems to have dulled some people’s discernment,” Breeding added. “If a person has a podcast or is featured at a conference, then he or she is assumed to be solid. Sadly, as you know, that’s not the case. Overall this current situation calls for pastors to be much more in-tune with what church members are listening to and reading.”

At Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, pastors preach expository sermons from the Bible, design small-group curricula around those messages, teach the Bible through classes and seminars, and encourage members to read the Bible regularly. The church also opens up to the wisdom of those outside their staff and congregation, featuring authors like Keller and Voskamp.

“Hosting well-known writers for speaking events, quoting them in sermons, and relating to them on social media are other ways to signal to our people and our community who our thought leader friends are,” said lead pastor Scott Sauls. “Having a public friendship with and/or affinity for well-known writers and authors also gives a certain credibility to our church for those who know the work of the authors well, but are still getting to know us.”

Such networking also helps the preachers themselves. Regardless of location, denominational support, or congregation size, they can access the surplus of Bible resources now available-a chance for them to find inspiration and new insights years after seminary is over.

“The proliferation of teachers available through podcasts, books, and conferences also gives the local pastor the opportunity to grow in the skill of preaching,” said Wax. “Yes, it raises the standard of excellence, but at the same time, it offers pastors the possibility of improving their craft as they benefit from prominent pastors they respect.”

Over Influenced?


Taylor Turkington, co-director of Western Seminary’s Verity Fellowship, describes the difficulty in analyzing how Christian women are influenced by the leaders they find online.

“Following someone on social media doesn’t mean they have become your dominant spiritual influence; neither does reading their book,” she wrote. “While it is hard to measure the quantitative impact of many of the online teachers, it’s not hard to find the devotees in our churches.
“Their books become part of Bible study; they are quoted from memory. The women speak of their beliefs as settled on an issue because of what they read in a blog post, and they presuppose others should follow suit.”

On the web, readers can find and follow compelling, gifted teachers without assessing where their theological affiliations or beliefs fall in comparison to their own. And at times, a leader’s popularity, presence on a certain book list, or spot on a speaker lineup might be enough for churches to share or endorse that leader.

Mulholland urged pastors not to let name recognition and amenability substitute for theological examination. He suggested they review all materials used in a leader’s ministries, asking, “Is it biblical? Do we agree with the doctrine being taught? Ask ‘Why this?’ and ‘Why now?’ and ‘How does this fit with the rest of what we are doing?’”

Of course, Christians need not limit their reading to teachers whose positions line up exactly with their own. But discerning readers know how to engage various teachers in relation to their own beliefs and the beliefs of their tradition.


According to Sauls, emerging conflicts can sometimes lead Christians to doubt their own pastors’ teachings or position them to choose which they see as more authoritative: their church or the blog in their browser bookmarks. But rather than continually creating a crisis of faith, exposure to outside teachers is, largely, helpful. It prompts curious, engaged Christians to ask deeper questions and learn more in their church context.

“These sorts of differences almost always lead to fruitful conversations between church leaders and members who are reading conflicting material from this author or that author,” Sauls said. “It also forces us to sharpen the ‘why’ of the things we say we believe.” These conversations are only going to become more common in small groups, Bible studies, and church offices as Christians continue to supplement their spiritual lives-like everything else-with what they find on social media and Google searches.

Michelle Van Loon, a writer on spiritual formation, recalled the warning from Ecclesiastes: “Of making many books there is no end” (12:12). These days, we could add Facebook debates, trending topics, blog controversies, and hashtags to the unending issues vying for our attention. Local church leaders find themselves at the point of convergence, helping to equip their congregations to process teachings from both inside and outside their church and inside and outside their belief system. Put simply: It all comes back to them.

The context keeps shifting, but fortunately the truth does not. Sauls stated:

The role of the local pastor is to affirm that which is true and beautiful according to Scripture, and to challenge that which is not true and beautiful according to Scripture, especially with the flock under said pastor’s spiritual oversight and care. This applies not only to well-known authors, but also to politicians and secular writers and philosophers and such. In every school of thought, there are things to affirm and, perhaps, things to also critique. But the measuring stick for the pastor should always be, “What does Scripture say about this?”






By Kate Shellnuttis online associate editor of Christianity Today. Follow her on Twitter @kateshellnutt.

This living hope starts with God’s great mercy

Day 17 (23 Aug 2017, Wednesday)


1 Peter 1:3b - According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

In our hopeless situation, God looks at us and what does He feel? Many people perceive that God is looking at the mess we have made of our lives and He is thinking, “well, I told you so. You’re a mess and you deserve it.  Suffer now.”  But that is not what the Bible says about God’s sentiment toward us.
In our hopeless situation, God looks at us and He feels mercy.  He is moved with compassion for us.  He feels pity for us in our predicament and He moves to do something about it.

The basis for our hope lies not in our own perfection or righteousness.  We are just too sinful, and God is too perfect.
The only hope we do have is that God will have mercy on us. Mercy means that God withholds His judgment, and He provides a way for us to be saved.  It is a good thing that we do not need to depend on our own perfection and righteousness, for we all are sinners in God’s sight (Romans 3:23).  Even as Christians, we find ourselves sometimes guilty before God (1 John 1:8, 10).  Mercy is bestowed unto us upon the condition of our faith, repentance, and baptism (Acts 2:36-38).

Pray for the 8 Mountains of Influence :  Economics and Business


Pray for revelation and redemption of the economic realm, for God’s intended purpose of stewardship to be practiced in all sectors, that it will be handled well for the creation and distribution of wealth in a manner that glorifies Him.

Pray that businesses which exploit people, including migrant workers, or manufacture harmful products, will be exposed and rooted out completely.

Pray that believers will seek to obey God and not to compromise with ungodly systems.  Pray that God will give wisdom and inspiration to Christian entrepreneurs to initiate and develop businesses that create jobs and uplift the society.
Pray for Christian business owners to treat their employees fairly and establish business practices that are in obedience to God’s commandments, values and principles.



 Necf Malaysia

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Tuesday, 22 August 2017

Changing a Nation

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 21 (KJV)


Proverbs 21 (KJV)
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.

3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.

31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.

Scripture Meaning


Verses 
1: The believer, perceiving that the Lord rules every heart as he sees fit, like the husbandman who turns the water through his grounds as he pleases, seeks to have his own heart, and the hearts of others, directed in his faith, fear, and love.
(2). We are partial in judging ourselves and our actions.
(3). Many deceive themselves with a conceit that outward devotions will excuse unrighteousness.
(4). Sin is the pride, the ambition, the glory, the joy, and the business of wicked men.
(5). The really diligent employ foresight as well as labour.
(6). While men seek wealth by unlawful practices, they seek death.
(7). Injustice will return upon the sinner, and will destroy him here and for ever.
(8). The way of mankind by nature is froward and strange.
(9). It is best to shun bitter contention by pouring out the heart before God. For by prudence and patience, with constant prayer, the cross may be removed.
(10). The evil desires of a wicked man's heart, lead to baseness in his conduct.
(11). The simple may be made wise by punishments on the wicked, and by instructions to those who are willing to be taught.
(12). Good men envy not the prosperity of evil-doers; they see there is a curse on them.
(13). Such as oppress the poor by beating down wages, such as will not relieve according to their ability those in distress, and those in authority who neglect to do justice, stop their ears at the cry of the poor. But doubtless care is to be used in the exercise of charity.
(14). If money can conquer the fury of the passions, shall reason, the fear of God, and the command of Christ, be too weak to bridle them?
(15). There is true pleasure only in the practice of religion.
(16). Of all wanderers in the ways of sin, those are in the most dangerous condition who turn aside into the ways of darkness. Yet there is hope even for them in the all-sufficient Saviour; but let them flee to him without delay.
(17). A life of worldly pleasure brings ruin on men.
(18). The righteous is often delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his stead, and so seems as a ransom for him.
(19). Unbridled passions spoil the comfort of all relations.
(20). The plenty obtained by prudence, industry, and frugality, is desirable. But the foolish misspend what they have upon their lusts.
(21). True repentance and faith will lead him that relies on the mercy of God in Christ, to follow after righteousness and mercy in his own conduct.
(22). Those that have wisdom, often do great things, even against those confident of their strength. (23). It is our great concern to keep our souls from being entangled and disquieted.
(24). Pride and haughtiness make men passionate; such continually deal in wrath, as if it were their trade to be angry.
(25,26). Here is the misery of the slothful; their hands refuse to labour in an honest calling, by which they might get an honest livelihood; yet their hearts cease not to covet riches, pleasures, and honours, which cannot be obtained without labour. But the righteous and industrious have their desires satisfied.
(27). When holiness is pretended, but wickedness intended, that especially is an abomination.
(28). The doom of a false witness is certain.
(29). A wicked man bids defiance to the terrors of the law and the rebukes of Providence. But a good man asks, What does God require of me?
(30,31). Means are to be used, but, after all, our safety and salvation are only of the Lord. In our spiritual warfare we must arm ourselves with the whole armour of God; but our strength must be in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

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 with the Book of Proverbs with Chapter 21. In our text today we continue in words of wisdom from the Lord.

What catches my eye is how the Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord. Even the Bible that you read today is in your hands today due the Lord changing the heart of a wicked King. In making application we see that our country and others have leaders that are ungodly. Knowing this it is hard to work under the authority of these leaders but the Bible instructs us to pray and seek God to have an ungodly Kings heart changed.
Today our leaders approve of sins that are an abomination from abortion to homosexuality but even so, the heart of King is in the Lord's Hand. If we humble ourselves, pray, and seek the Lords face - then will the ungodly will be convicted, having their heart changed - to lead our land in a Godly direction.
How about you? Do your pray for your leaders? Let us learn from our text today to remember that the Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord so we must pray and seek His face to change the course of a nation.

Prayer Requests

Today's Prayer Requests

Jonathan Ugiagbe | For God's wisdom and understanding, favour and strength.

VERA BANKSTON-JONES | FATHER GOD, BLESSED IS TO BE ABOVE GROUND! HELP OUR WORLD COME TO PEACE!.......SELAH

vijay aggarwal | Plz pray for money in abundance for a comfortable life

Kumaresh Natarajan | 1) Very severe problems from evil men like M.Karunanidhi and his siblings. 2) Lack of peace, health and strength and any great word. 3) Mind full of suicide tendencies. 4) Food poisoning.

The hope that is ever ready

Day 16 (22 Aug 2017, Tuesday) 


Many people today are asking the question, “Is there hope?”
My heart goes to the believers of Jesus Christ in Iraq and Syria at this time.  The church is being severely persecuted for being a follower of Jesus Christ.  Not only do they need to know that they are held secure by God in their day to day lives no matter how bad life can be, but they also need to know that there is hope for them.

This is great news too for us today, that we remember, as His children, we are held secure in His hand, and there is a hope ever ready for our appropriation.

The Apostle Peter in this passage speaks of the great hope of all believers.  Hope is the vision that things will change for the better.  The hope that we have in Jesus Christ is a living hope, and that is significant because a living hope means that it is not a dead or lifeless hope.  It is not the kind of hope that gets us to think positively for the moment but does nothing for us beyond the grave.

But this hope that is in Christ Jesus is what keeps us going, this hope which says I know that things are bad now, but one day they will be better.  Hope says I know my life is racked with sin, sickness, problems and insecurities, but one day none of these will plague me anymore.

Pray for the Federal Territories of Malaysia  :  Labuan


Declare the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the purposes of His Kingdom shall stand in Labuan (Isaiah 46:10), that the different cultures and people groups will be celebrated, and where pre-believers can find rest and hope in Jesus.

Pray that as an offshore financial centre, Labuan will be home to the spirit of integrity, righteousness, and good governance.  Pray that the authorities who are in charge of tourism will use the RM120 million budget wisely.

Pray for revival and spiritual awakening in the body of Christ, that believers will be deeply rooted in His Word and prayer.  Pray that they will be filled with His compassion for their neighbours and friends.



 Necf Malaysia

Download 2017 NECF Malaysia  40Days Fast & Prayer (Prayer Booklet)

Monday, 21 August 2017

A Hope that shall be fulfilled in future

Day 15 (21 Aug 2017, Monday)                                                    


Daniel’s prayer of repentance and petition in Daniel 9:4-19 was in response to the prophecy given by Jeremiah, his Jewish predecessor.  The Word of God never goes forth in vain and His Work will never fail.  All He needs is a man who will take His Word seriously and who keeps watch over His moves and who co-operates with Him in the right timing with the right approach.

The Word of God will surely be fulfilled when the time of exile comes to its fullness.  Through Jeremiah, the Lord spoke to his people, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile” (Jeremiah 29:13-14).

God gave three simple instructions to the Israelites:  To lead their common lives responsibly; to seek the Lord with all their hearts by calling out and praying to Him; and to wait patiently and expectantly for the fullness of their time for deliverance.
Shall we also respond to this call as we wait upon the Lord for the transformation or our nation?  To love and to diligently build our nation; to seek the Lord fervently; and to wait for His deeds in His time in order to see the things we hope for come to pass.

Pray for the Federal Territories of Malaysia  :  Putra Jaya


Putrajaya is the federal administrative centre of Malaysia.  Decree an alignment of God’s will in all its administrative works.  Pray for His Kingdom and sovereign rule over the land, nullifying the works of darkness.

Putra means prince or son.  Pray that the Son of Righteousness will reign unceasingly over Putrajaya. Pray for His angelic host to guard over every gate of influence, denying the evil schemes and unrighteous influences from gaining access.

Pray for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Ministers, that they will be people of truth, integrity and justice; despising all forms of evil, and upholding righteousness.  Pray for godly men and women to be salt and light in their jobs.



 Necf Malaysia

Download 2017 NECF Malaysia  40Days Fast & Prayer (Prayer Booklet)

Sunday, 20 August 2017

Wisdom on Finances

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 20 (KJV)


Proverbs 20 (KJV)
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord.

11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them.

13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.

23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good.

24 Man's goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?

25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

27 The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.

30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.


Scripture Meaning


Verses
1: A poor man who fears God, is more honourable and happy, than a man without wisdom and grace, however rich or advanced in rank.
(2). What good can the soul do, if without knowledge? And he sins who will not take time to ponder the path of his feet.
(3). Men run into troubles by their own folly, and then fret at the appointments of God.
(4). Here we may see how strong is men's love of money.
(5). Those that tell lies in discourse, are in a fair way to be guilty of bearing false-witness.
(6). We are without excuse if we do not love God with all our hearts. His gifts to us are past number, and all the gifts of men to us are fruits of his bounty.
(7). Christ was left by all his disciples; but the Father was with him. It encourages our faith that he had so large an experience of the sorrows of poverty.
(8). Those only love their souls aright that get true wisdom.
(9). Lying is a damning, destroying sin.
(10). A man that has not wisdom and grace, has no right or title to true joy. It is very unseemly for one who is a servant to sin, to oppress God's free-men.
(11). He attains the most true glory who endeavours most steadily to overcome evil with good.
(12). Christ is a King, whose wrath against his enemies will be as the roaring of a lion, and his favour to his people as the refreshing dew.
(13). It shows the vanity of the world, that we are liable to the greatest griefs where we promise ourselves the greatest comfort.
(14). A discreet and virtuous wife is more valuable than house and riches.
(15). A sluggish, slothful disposition makes men poor; it brings them to want. And this applies both to the present life and that which is to come.
(16). If we keep God's word, God's word will keep us from every thing really hurtful. We abuse the doctrine of free grace, if we think that it does away the necessity and advantage of obedience. Those that live at random must die. This truth is clearly taught in words enough to alarm the stoutest sinner. (17). God has chosen the poor of this world, to be rich in faith, and heirs of his kingdom.
(18). When parents keep under foolish tenderness, they do their best to render children a comfort to them, and happy in themselves.
(19). The spared and spoiled child is likely to become a man of great wrath.
(20). Those that would be wise in their latter end, must be taught and ruled when young.
(21). What should we desire, but that all our purposes may agree with God's holy will?
(22). It is far better to have a heart to do good, and want ability for it, than to have ability for it, and want a heart to it.
(23). Those that live in the fear of God, shall get safety, satisfaction, and true and complete happiness. (24). Indolence, when indulged, so grows upon people, that they have no heart to do the most needful things for themselves.
(25). A gentle rebuke goes farthest with a man of understanding.
(26). The young man who wastes his father's substance, or makes his aged mother destitute, is hateful, and will come to disgrace.
(27). It is the wisdom of young men to dread hearing such talk as puts loose and evil principles into the mind.
(28). Those are the worst of sinners, who are glad of an opportunity to sin.
(29). The unbelief of man shall not make God's threatenings of no effect. Christ himself, when bearing sins not his own, was not spared. Justice and judgment took hold of our blessed Surety; and will God spare obstinate sinners?

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 with the Book of Proverbs with Chapter 20.
In our text today we continue in wisdom with many practical applications from being balanced to being diligent. What catches my eye is verse 1 which explains the sin of the recreational drinking alcohol. In making application we see that God gave us alcohol as a medicine as other drugs but those who misuse this item are not wise and are deceived.

Today we are bombarded with beer and alcohol commercials with the world saying it is o.k. to recreationally drink alcohol, but the Bible is clear on the use of alcohol. Those who want to justify alcohol bring up how Jesus turned water into wine but it was a "fruit of the vine" or a fresh grape juice not a fermented alcoholic beverage.
Today verse gives us more insight on this deception. How about you? Do you believe that the recreational drinking of alcohol is o.k.? Let us learn from our text today to shed light on this issue that has many deceived.

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