God, the author and the perfecter of our faith!

Day 3 (9 Aug 2017, Wednesday)

(Ezekiel 37:7-10)
Ezekiel prophesied to the dry bones immediately after he was instructed by God.  Then something amazing happened.  As he was prophesying, there was a sound, a rattling, a coming together of the bones with fresh sinews and skins on them, and then a human form appeared.  Thereafter, God commanded Ezekiel to prophesy again by summoning breath to come from the four winds, so that the slain may live again.

Ezekiel prophesied twice consecutively, right when the sound was heard and the slain came back to life.  There was a process of change taking place in the restoration of the dry bones.  Unlike the tale of Aladdin’s lamp, the wish to see the dry bones come alive did not take place instantly.

Malaysian churches have been praying for the nation for decades with an expectation of seeing changes take place as a result of our prayers.  Yet what we witness is nothing short of a disappointment and the results are hard to swallow.

Nevertheless, we should not be discouraged.  For there is usually a process of development before the fulfilment of God’s prophecies.  God loves Malaysia and the unreached!  He calls into existence the things that do not exist and He resurrects the dead.
He renews the Church and the believers in Christ!  No one man can deny the fact that God is in control and His Word lasts forever!  Let’s imitate Ezekiel to be a watchman over our nation, to declare the coming of the year of the Lord’s favor, and to witness God’s deeds in our nation until we see the day of “resurrection”.

Pray for the States of Malaysia  :  Perak

Pray for Kamunting, the detention camp for convicts who commit severe security offences (including local IS militants), that the authorities will run it well and that the detainees will experience His grace and mercy during their detention.

Pray for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be heard through culturally-relevant means in the 134 Chinese new villages of Perak, of whom its residents are considered to be one of the least-reached people groups in our nation.

Pray for the marginalised Orang Asli tribes of Semai, Temiar, Jahai, Kintaq and Lanoh in Perak, that there will be good implementation of relevant community development projects by the government to improve their living conditions.





Sources : Necf Malaysia

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

A Loving Father

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 12(KJV)

1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

2 A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

28 In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.


Scripture Meaning:

Verses
1: Those who have grace, will delight in the instructions given them. Those that stifle their convictions, are like brutes.
(2). The man who covers selfish and vicious designs under a profession of religion or friendship, will be condemned.
(3). Though men may advance themselves by sinful arts, they cannot settle and secure themselves. But those who by faith are rooted in Christ, are firmly fixed.
(4). A wife who is pious, prudent, and looks well to the ways of her household, who makes conscience of her duty, and can bear crosses; such a one is an honour and comfort to her husband. She that is the reverse of this, preys upon him, and consumes him.
(5). Thoughts are not free; they are under the Divine knowledge, therefore under the Divine command. It is a man's shame to act with deceit, with trick and design.
(6). Wicked people speak mischief to their neighbours. A man may sometimes do a good work with one good word.
(7). God's blessing is often continued to the families of godly men, while the wicked are overthrown. (8). The apostles showed wisdom by glorying in shame for the name of Christ.
(9). He that lives in a humble state, who has no one to wait upon him, but gets bread by his own labour, is happier than he that glories in high birth or gay attire, and wants necessaries.
(10). A godly man would not put even an animal to needless pain. But the wicked often speak of others as well used, when they would not endure like treatment for a single day.
(11). It is men's wisdom to mind their business, and follow an honest calling. But it is folly to neglect business; and the grace of God teaches men to disdain nothing but sin.
(12). When the ungodly see others prosper by sin, they wish they could act in the same way. But the root of Divine grace, in the heart of the righteous, produces other desires and purposes.
(13). Many a man has paid dear in this world for the transgression of his lips.
(14). When men use their tongues aright, to teach and comfort others, they enjoy acceptance through Christ Jesus; and the testimony of their conscience, that they in some measure answer the end of their being.
(15). A fool, in the sense of Scripture, means a wicked man, one who acts contrary to the wisdom that is from above. His rule is, to do what is right in his own eyes.
(16). A foolish man is soon angry, and is hasty in expressing it; he is ever in trouble and running into mischief. It is kindness to ourselves to make light of injuries and affronts, instead of making the worst of them.
(17). It is good for all to dread and detest the sin of lying, and to be governed by honesty.
(18). Whisperings and evil surmises, like a sword, separate those that have been dear to each other. The tongue of the wise is health, making all whole.
(19). If truth be spoken, it will hold good; whoever may be disobliged, still it will keep its ground. (20). Deceit and falsehood bring terrors and perplexities. But those who consult the peace and happiness of others have joy in their own minds.
(21). If men are sincerely righteous, the righteous God has engaged that no evil shall happen to them. But they that delight in mischief shall have enough of it.
(22). Make conscience of truth, not only in words, but in actions.
(23). Foolish men proclaim to all the folly and emptiness of their minds.
(24). Those who will not take pains in an honest calling, living by tricks and dishonesty, are paltry and beggarly.
(25). Care, fear, and sorrow, upon the spirits, deprive men of vigour in what is to be done, or courage in what is to be borne. A good word from God, applied by faith, makes the heart glad.
(26). The righteous is abundant; though not in this world's goods, yet in the graces and comforts of the Spirit, which are the true riches. Evil men vainly flatter themselves that their ways are not wrong. (27). The slothful man makes no good use of the advantages Providence puts in his way, and has no comfort in them. The substance of a diligent man, though not great, does good to him and his family. He sees that God gives it to him in answer to prayer.
(28). The way of religion is a straight, plain way; it is the way of righteousness. There is not only life at the end, but life in the way; all true comfort.

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 12.
In our text today we see a continuing of wisdom's instruction seeing a positive and negative consequence for our decision. As we continue to see wisdom we see the Heart of God as He loves us and wants us to make wise decisions. In making application we see that God wants us to experience His Best.
Not only is the Lord delighted in our wise decisions but loves to see us succeed just as a parent loves to see their Child choose the right path in life. How about you? Do you know the Lord cares about the decisions you make? Let us learn from our text today and the wise instructions in its text to understand how much the Lord wants us succeed by making the right which brings Him joy because He loves us.

Ways to Know if an Open Door is from God

Bible Verse of the Day: 1 Kings 3:9 (KJV)

9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

A God of all possibilities

Day 2 (8 Aug 2017, Tuesday)

Ezekiel 37:1-6
The spirit of the Lord brought Ezekiel to a valley filled with dry bones.  It was a scene of death with huge piles of bones scattered all over the valley.  The place was completely despondent, lifeless, and not even a worm could be spotted!  The conversation that took place between God and Ezekiel centred on the issue of “resurrection”.  God commanded Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, so that the bones could be revived and come back to life again.

In God all things are possible!  God has the power to create.  Not only does He call into existence the things that do not exist, but He even raised the dead from their graves.  The Israelites knew this very well, for the Lord had rescued them while they were enslaved by the Egyptians.  He raised judges to deliver them from the oppression of the Canaanites.

He caused the Aramean army to be terrified and hence completely defeated.  He sent angels to destroy the great Assyrian army.  All these incidents indicate that God was in control, and He reigned over nations, kings and even individuals.
Today, God is still in control of the politics, economy, society, people, church and believers in Malaysia.  When we feel upset, disappointed and angry over the events that have happened and are presently unfolding, we must not forget to pray to the Lord who is in charge of the nations and who revived the dry bones.  Trust in God with a robust faith.  Let Him lead us to live out the life of Christ in us.

Pray for the States of Malaysia  :  Kedah

• Pray that the water supply shortage caused by water theft and leakages which has created a constant disruption to the locals throughout 2016 will be solved by the relevant authorities and not remain as a recurring problem.

• Pray for the state government to wisely devise practical and concrete means of addressing the issue of poverty faced by the rural people, especially in places such as Baling and Kubang Pasu, etc.

• The Kensiu, one of the earliest Orang Asli groups in Malaysia, is a small aboriginal tribe residing in Kampung Lubuk Legong, Baling.  Pray for them to break free from alcoholism and glue-sniffing, and that they will find a new life and purpose in Christ Jesus.




Sources : Necf Malaysia

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

Wise Decisions

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 10 (KJV)

Proverbs 10 (KJV)

1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

3 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

27 The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

29 The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

Scripture Meaning

Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.
The comfort of parents much depends on their children; and this suggests to both, motives to their duties.
Though the righteous may be poor, the Lord will not suffer him to want what is needful for spiritual life.
Those who are fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, are likely to be rich in faith, and rich in good works.
Here is just blame of those who trifle away opportunities, both for here and for hereafter.
Abundance of blessings shall abide on good men; real blessings.
Both the just and the wicked must die; but between their souls there is a vast difference.
The wise in heart puts his knowledge in practice.
Dissemblers, after all their shuffling, will be exposed.
Trick and artifice will be no excuse for iniquity.
The good man's mouth is always open to teach, comfort, and correct others.
Where there is hatred, every thing stirs up strife. By bearing with each other, peace and harmony are preserved.
Those that foolishly go on in wicked ways, prepare rods for themselves.
Whatever knowledge may be useful, we must lay it up, that it may not be to seek when we want it. The wise gain this wisdom by reading, by hearing the word, by meditation, by prayer, by faith in Christ, who is made of God unto us wisdom.
This refers to the common mistakes both of rich and poor, as to their outward condition. Rich people's wealth exposes them to many dangers; while a poor man may live comfortably, if he is content, keeps a good conscience, and lives by faith.
Perhaps a righteous man has no more than what he works hard for, but that labour tends to life.
The traveller that has missed his way, and cannot bear to be told of it, and to be shown the right way, must err still.
He is especially a fool who thinks to hide anything from God; and malice is no better.
Those that speak much, speak much amiss. He that checks himself is a wise man, and therein consults his own peace.
The tongue of the just is sincere, freed from the dross of guile and evil design. Pious discourse is spiritual food to the needy. Fools die for want of a heart, so the word is; for want of thought.
That wealth which is truly desirable, has no vexation of spirit in the enjoyment; no grief for the loss; no guilt by the abuse of it. What comes from the love of God, has the grace of God for its companion.
Only foolish and wicked men divert themselves with doing harm to others, or tempting to sin.
The largest desire of eternal blessings the righteous can form, will be granted.
The course of prosperous sinners is like a whirlwind, which soon spends itself, and is gone.
As vinegar sets the teeth on edge, and as the smoke causes the eyes to smart, so the sluggard vexes his employer.
What man is he that loves life? Let him fear God, and that will secure to him life enough in this world, and eternal life in the other.

Verse 1:2,34567891011121314151617181920,21222324252627,28
The believer grows stronger in faith, and obeys with increased delight.
The wicked would be glad to have this earth their home for ever, but it cannot be so. They must die and leave all their idols behind.
A good man discourses wisely for the benefit of others. But it is the sin, and will be the ruin of a wicked man, that he speaks what is displeasing to God, and provoking to those he converses with. The righteous is kept by the power of God; and nothing shall be able to separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.293031,32

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 10.

In our text today we see in chapter 10-24 the wisdom for all peoples with practical wisdom for Godly living. In making application we see our responsibility to make wise decisions based on the Lord's instruction verses our feelings. Today we are taught that our feelings are to navigate of our lives. There are no absolutes but the truth is our Lord has instructed us with His Word and His Wisdom so we can make wise decisions.
How about you? Are you following your feelings or the truth of God's Word? Let us learn from our text today and the wisdom of Proverbs to gain wisdom for our lives through the Word of God.

Prayer Requests

Today's Prayer Requests

Mesfin Asefa | GOD bless Ethiopia

Leslie |  Please pray for my 9 children that they will be shown great mercy from the Lord that he would draw them all to his bossom and the foot of the cross in a mighty mighty way. That the lord will heal my broken heart of the lost souls of my children and heal my many bodily ailments. That the lord would give me great anguish for  all lost. That the lord would open my husbands eyes to the time and season we are in prophetically and expose my husband to himself to see clearly that he is not a prophet of God but a false prophet indeed...that my husband may fully repent with great greiving unto full repentance, with replacement of self worth and hope in jesus christ and that he also would have his eyes open to the truth of this season prophetically so that finally we may be in one accord to honor God fully thru that, in our marriage. Thank you for any and all prayers and may Almighty God richly bless you 10 fold. SHALOM

Phoba jc a Mbizi | My 4 year daughter has been sick since last year,she cannot walk ant talk anymore because she has bee diagnosed about epilepsy,complex one

VERA BANKSTON-JONES | FATHER GOD, BEING THAT FAMILY HAS DONE ME HARM AND CLAIM LOVE, HOW SHOULD I GO ABOUT THAT? WALK ME THROUGH LIFE'S JOURNEYS WITH A GRAIN OF SALT!.......SELAH

Joan Mullowney | My sister, Theresa, who is married and lives in Michigan has gone missing. The last time that she was seen was May 18, 2017. Her husb
and is a person of interest but the police have no evidence as to what has happened to her or if her husband has done anything to her. I would ask that you keep Theresa in your prayers for a safe recovery as well I would also ask for prayers for her husband, Chris. He's not dealing with this very well and has gotten himself into tons of trouble. Thank you for all of your prayers. Joan

Tami |  Lord please help me lately I've been doing things I normally wouldn't do lord please redirect my steps and my path lord please turn me around lord please forgive for everything that I've done that has been displeasing to u lord please help me lord please step into my marriage lord please bless me with a finance blessing lord I need u please help me in Jesus name amen

A God of Lovingkindness

Day 1 (7 Aug 2017, Monday) 

Ezekiel 37 is a prophecy with regards to the restoration of the nation of Israel.  Israel desperately needed a revival because she had forsaken the Lord.  Prior to this, the Lord has been sending His messengers time and again in urging them to depart from their wicked ways and return to Him.

The messengers of God kept pointing to the fact that the Lord is a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Psalm 103:8-9; Joel 2:13).

Scripture reminds us to remember God’s loving-kindness, in that grace and mercy is found in Him.  God always intends to restore His people, even when the Israelites were chastised and their nation was destroyed by Him.  Moreover, God did not take any pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23).  God’s heart remains unchanged even to this very day.

His desire is for all men to be blessed through His people.  We play the role of messengers when we pray in unity for our nation, church and believers in Christ.  We declare the living hope of God in Christ Jesus.  The Cross of Jesus Christ is not a sign for violence but of God’s love for the world.

Our hope is in God and it is never on a political regime.  Our strength is found in the power of resurrection of Christ and it is never determined by our might.  Our victory lies on the second coming of Christ and it is never of this world.

Pray for the States of Malaysia  :  Perlis

• Pray for the state government to administrate justly and wisely the new bill which was passed in year 2016 which allows conversion of minors to Islam by one of their parents.  Pray against any attempt to abuse the said law.

• Pray for the state officials and its armed forces to be effective in curbing the illegal smuggling of goods and human trafficking which have been rampantly taking place in the borderlines between Perlis and Thailand.

• Pray for the churches in Kangar to be strong and united, to spread their wings of influence through the work of Gospel in other towns, and for them to be actively involved in forefront by taking a biblical stand whenever they deal with social ills and concerns.





Sources : Necf Malaysia

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

The “Trick” Baby by Bishop Ron Archer

Bishop Ron Archer Testimony The“Trick” Baby

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. -Revelation 12:11 (KJV) 


Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. -2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV)


Below is the testimony of Bishop Ron Archer at Pastor’s Banquet at the Gideon’s International Convention in Philadelphia on Friday evening July 25, 2014.


At the age of ten, living in the ghetto in Cleveland, Ohio, I held a gun to my head. I was ready to fire a bullet and end my life.

Fortunately for me, the gun had a hidden safety feature that I did not know about. The gun would not fire.

Why would a ten-year-old boy want to die? The age of ten should be filled with dreams of becoming a football player, an astronaut, an explorer or a movie star.

I just wanted to die. But God had another plan.

A Family Comes Unraveled

My grandmother was an immigrant from Germany. And my grandfather was an immigrant from Cuba. It was in Cleveland, Ohio where they met and married. They had three boys and four girls.

Through a series of events, including a fight, my grandfather was convicted of attempted murder and was sentenced to prison. When the story of his crime hit the newspapers, my grandmother lost her job. Being a strong German mother, she began to work odd jobs such as cleaning bathrooms to support her seven children. But soon, she lost her health and was unable to work. She had five operations, which left her maimed and deeply depressed. The family lost everything and was thrown into the streets.

My mother was the oldest of their children. She was stunning in appearance and was often told she looked like Elizabeth Taylor. A pimp in the community heard of her and offered my mother money just to have dinner with his male clients.

Eventually this led to her performing other favors for these clients and at the age of 14, my mother became a professional call girl. Her three brothers had become heroin addicts and joined a gang called, “The Devil’s Disciples.”

With a father in prison, a mother in ailing health and no place to call “home,” the children’s lives were becoming unraveled. They fell prey to prostitution, drugs and violence.

Surviving Despite The Circumstances

At age 16, as a hardened call girl, my mom became pregnant with a baby conceived with one of her “tricks,” as they were called. Her pimp made it clear there was no time to have a baby because it would get in the way of his making money from her.

After several abortion attempts, my mother eventually gave birth. Born prematurely with no pancreas, under-developed lungs and other physical deformities, the baby was not wanted and almost died of pneumonia.

That unwanted baby was me.

When I began school I was diagnosed with learning disabilities. I was a severe stutterer. I often saw my mom beaten by her clients. Many times they would beat me, as well.

By the age of ten I wanted to die.

Tragedy Turns Into Triumph

In 1973 my life changed when my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Spears, volunteered to be my speech coach. She was a kind Christian lady who had no children. She gave me a Bible. As part of my speech therapy, I would read the Bible aloud into a tape recorder. I have since learned that this Bible was a Hotel Bible that had been placed by The Gideons International.

Until then, I had never held a Bible in my hand.

I read this Bible every day for a full year. I read about a stutterer named Moses whom God used to bring people out of bondage. I read about a young shepherd boy who beat Goliath with a slingshot and a stone.

I began to understand from the reading of my Gideon Bible that God uses those who have been wounded very deeply. I began to understand that life can be a mess, but with His help it can become a message.

I became a scholar, student body president and a young pastor. With that same Gideon Bible, I preached messages of hope and healing that led my mother, sister, grandmother, grandfather and other relatives to Christ through my church.

Today with that same Gideon Bible, the Lord has helped me plant churches, preach revivals, author five books, host TV programs, advise world leaders and lead peace-keeping efforts in Africa and India. Hundreds of thousands have heard the gospel message because of that one Bible.

May God bless The Gideons International through the continued placement of His Word.

Yes I was born a “trick baby.” But through that one Gideon Bible, the real trick was on the devil.


This Testimony was first published by The Gideons International

Bishop Ron Archer

Your Testimony - God’s Story in You

You have a story and if your story is God’s story in you, then that story is a testimony and can be a powerful witness for Jesus Christ. Sharing your story requires thought but no special training. “You are an expert on what happened to you!” And you can share your testimony anywhere with anyone and give them the “reason for the hope that is in you.”

You can share about Jesus Christ through your story - what God has done for you, what He is doing, and how you have experienced his grace and goodness in your life.


Here’s a question for you: Are you Ready to share your faith story with others and how God’s story has transformed your story?  please use the contact us form or send an email via businessofchrist@gmail.com

Why is there a Need to Fast and Pray?

Reasons to Fast and Pray

Another round of fasting and praying for our nation will start officially from 7 August 2017 for a consecutive 40-day period. Why do we need to set apart our time (40 days yearly) to fast and pray as a nation?  It is not for God to be informed of what He needs to do with our nation, for He already knows His plan for us.  Yet, we need to come humbly and earnestly before Him to seek His face to discover the plans that He has in mind for our nation, plans to prosper us and to give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

The Bible is replete with examples of characters that fast and pray before they embark on any given task by God.  Moses fasted for forty days, abstaining himself from food and water when he went up to Mount Sinai in response to God’s call.  God did note confer to him the Ten Commandments until he ended his fast (Deuteronomy 9:9-12).  The Author of Life had His Law in mind beforehand, yet He waited patiently for the carrier of His all surpassing glory to be prepared in order to launch His long term project of nation building.

Jesus was empowered by the Spirit of God when he went through 40 days of fasting in the wilderness right before he embarked on his glorious ministry roadshow (Matthew 4:2, Luke 4:2).  Indeed, it was the Spirit of God that led Him to the desert (Matthew 4:1, Luke 4:1), a desolate place where all the comforts, certainties and necessities of life were stripped off completely, and one could rely on no one else but God alone.

Jesus prevailed over the temptations with complete confidence in God, as we see a hungry man refuse to yield to His physical quest, but instead declared firmly that, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
The church in Antioch was fasting and worshiping the Lord, when the Lord instructed them to set apart Paul and Barnabas for the work He had called them to do (Acts 13:1-3).  Paul soared in his missionary thrust ever since.  It was the Spirit of God who had ignited the missionary fire in the early church, but it was Paul, the vessel who was ever-ready since then to transport the weight of His presence.

Moses rose up from his fast the humblest servant who did the will of God.  Jesus came out from His trial at the wilderness ready to crush the kingdom of darkness head on.  Paul was filled with His power and set out on a journey of turning the cities of the Roman Empire right-side up with the Gospel of Christ Jesus.  Fasting and prayer allows us the time to empty ourselves, to avail ourselves to be filled with His Presence, to know His heartbeat and to say “yes” to the Master whenever He confers His will on us.

God has to change us before He uses us to make an effectual impact on our nation. Transformation and revival does not occur when we present our fervent petitions out of a fleshly and carnal mind, though sometimes we do move the hands of God out of His mercy for us. Transformation comes when we do the will of God in His timing with His way.

It is now time for us to get ready to fast and pray as a nation, to seek His face, so that we can be prepared to contain His glory that will be poured out on us, the bearers of His image on earth.
Lending to the Lord.



Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.  (Proverbs 19:17)

There are numerous accounts recorded in the Bible where the idea of “charity” is expressed or alluded to, be it in a direct or indirect manner.

To God, giving is very much a part of His nature and character.  The Psalmists depicted God as a generous Giver whom all living creatures trust for their providence.  “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.  You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing” (Psalms 145:15-16).

The God who gives generously and unconditionally to all is the One who exhorts His people to do likewise.  There was a co-relation between the Land and the Law given to the Israelites with regards to the poor, the needy, the underprivileged and the aliens, etc., living among their communities.  The Israelites were constantly instructed by their laws to esteem and help the poor and needy residing in their land as a way to honor God (e.g Ex 23:11;Lev 19:10; Deut 14:28-29).  The intention of God was that “…there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you” (Deut 15:4).

Poverty, whilst it often refers to people deprived in the monetary or material sense, would also include people who are deprived of their basic spiritual rights and privileges as creations of God because of the unfavourable circumstances or conditions that they are in.  Due to this fact, we therefore envision a need to especially those who dwell in poor or rural areas.

There is a need to groom them holistically and better equip them with the Word of God.  In order to disciple the many people in our nation, we have adopted certain projects like Reading Through the Bible, Family Discipleship Programs, Alongsider, and REEP, etc.  Thus, we invite you to partner and co-labour with us in the endeavours that we have undertaken.  Lend to the Lord by your sacrificial giving, and He alone shall repay you for your honourable deeds, as promised by Him.

Charity Collection

You may choose to fast a meal or more in this time of nationwide fast and prayer.  Any amount saved from your fast can be channeled to our Charity Collection.  You may transfer it to NECF’s Public Bank Account No.  3078972807) as individuals or as a church.  The money collected will be used for the following purposes:

1. Read through the Bible Initiative
2. Discipleship Focused Initiative
3. Rural Church Work

Please send us your bank slips via fax (no.  03-77291139) or email (prayer@necf.org.my).  Do indicate the amount you have set aside for “40-day Fast and Prayer Charity Purpose”.

Resources

Necf Malaysia 2017 booklet 

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

The Hope of the Hopeless

Hope in God

Revival is always preceded by a desperate condition. In Ezekiel 37:1-14, the Lord displayed for Ezekiel a dreadful vision of a large valley full of thousands of bones.

The bones represented the entire house of Israel, a nation full of very dead, dry and decaying bones, and the remains of those dead were there for a very long time. All marrow and life sap were utterly drained.

It was a scene of utter hopelessness and desolation. When Ezekiel heard the question 'can these bones live? (Vs 3), the prophet's answer was restrained and filled with his awareness of human helplessness.
There seems to be a parallel in our land and the Church. This is the reason why many continue to weep for revival in our land.

As in Ezekiel 37, although everything  looks hopeless from a mere human perspective, revival is possible when God's people act in obedience to His Word. God told Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones and he did (Vs 7), despite its apparent absurdity. Ezekiel's obedience produced immediate results. the bones came together and sinews and flesh covered them to become bodies but the bodies had no breath.

Form without power-we are all too familiar with such a scene.

It is time for the Church of Malaysia to be committed to know the Word and to act in obedience to it. Where are the Ezekiels who dare prophesy? perhaps the Church in this land has a reputation of being alive but dead? Even son, there is hope for when we obey His Word, the Holy Spirit can breathe His breath into the dead body and make it live, like He did for the dead corpses in Ezekiel 37.

A new season is upon us to preach to the ruah ("breath", "wind" or "spirit") to fill these corpses (Vs 9).
Not only can He turn His Church into a love one, He can turn it into an exceedingly great army (Vs 10).

As we spend the next 40 days in prayer and fasting, may we see our despondent spiritual condition and the hopelessness of our nation without divine intervention, and our need for the breath of the Holy Spirit.

May we cry out for God's mercy and implore Him to make us an exceedingly great army. The scattered, beached dry bones can indeed live again as a "vast army". Indeed, it's time for the Holy Spirit to flow once again in our land.






Necf Malaysia Chairman message by Rev. Dr. Eu Hong Seng

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