Godly Discipline

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 29 (KJV

Proverbs 29 (KJV)
1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.

4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the Lord lighteneth both their eyes.

14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.

26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the Lord.

27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

Scripture Meaning

Verses
1: If God wounds, who can heal? The word of God warns all to flee from the wrath to come, to the hope set before us in Jesus Christ.
(2). The people have cause to rejoice or mourn, as their rulers are righteous or wicked.
(3). Divine wisdom best keeps us from ruinous lusts.
(4). The Lord Jesus is the King who will minister true judgment to the people.
(5). Flatterers put men off their guard, which betrays them into foolish conduct.
(6). Transgressions always end in vexations. Righteous men walk at liberty, and walk in safety.
(7). This verse is applicable to compassion for the distress of the poor, and the unfeeling disregard shown by the wicked.
(8). The scornful mock at things sacred and serious. Men who promote religion, which is true wisdom, turn away the wrath of God.
(9). If a wise man dispute with a conceited wrangler, he will be treated with anger or ridicule; and no good is done.
(10). Christ told his disciples that they should be hated of all men. The just, whom the blood-thirsty hate, gladly do any thing for their salvation.
(11). He is a fool who tells every thing he knows, and can keep no counsel.
(12). One who loves flatterers, and hearkens to slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false accusers.
(13). Some are poor, others have a great deal of deceitful riches. They meet in the business of this world; the Lord gives to both the comforts of this life. To some of both sorts he gives his grace.
(14). The rich will look to themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and plead for.
(15). Parents must consider the benefit of due correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence.
(16). Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience.
(17). Children must not be suffered to go without rebuke when they do amiss.
(18). How bare does a place look without Bibles and ministers! and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner and exalts the Saviour, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing.
(19). Here is an unprofitable, slothful, wicked servant; one that serves not from conscience, or love, but from fear.
(20). When a man is self-conceited, rash, and given to wrangling, there is more hope of the ignorant and profligate.
(21). Good usage to a servant does not mean indulgence, which would ruin even a child. The body is a servant to the soul; those that humour it, and are over-tender of it, will find it forget its place.
(22). An angry, passionate disposition makes men provoking to one another, and provoking to God.
(23). Only those who humble themselves shall be exalted and established.
(24). The receiver is as bad as the thief.
(25). Many are ashamed to own Christ now; and he will not own them in the day of judgment. But he that trusts in the Lord will be saved from this snare.
(26). The wisest course is, to look to God, and seek the favour of the Ruler of rulers; for every creature is that to us which God makes it to be.
(27). The just man abhors the sins of the wicked, and shuns their company. Christ exposed the wickedness of men, yet prayed for the wicked when they were crucifying him. Hatred to sin in ourselves and others, is a needful branch of the Christian temper. But all that are unholy, have rooted hatred to godliness.

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 28.
In our text today we continue with wisdom for leaders with a focus on integrity being a key to having the Lord hear our prayers and working in our lives. What catches my eye is verse 13 that says that says that those who confess their sins will obtain mercy while those who hide their sin will not prosper.
In making application we se that we must stay humble and repentant before the Lord to walk and talk with the Lord. How about you? Have you confessed your sins before the Lord? Let us learn from our text today to confess our sins before the Lord to have Him hear our prayer and walk with the Lord.

Confess Your Sins

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 28 (KJV)

Proverbs 28 (KJV)
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.

6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.

26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Scripture Meaning

Verses
1: Sin makes men cowards. Whatever difficulties the righteous meet in the way of duty, they are not daunted.
(2). National sins disturb the public repose.
(3). If needy persons get opportunities of oppressing, their extortion will be more severe than that of the more wealthy.
(4). Wicked people strengthen one another in wicked ways.
(5). If a man seeks the Lord, it is a good sign that he understands much, and it is a good means of understanding more.
(6). An honest, godly, poor man, is better than a wicked, ungodly, rich man; has more comfort in himself, and is a greater blessing to the world.
(7). Companions of riotous men not only grieve their parents, but shame them.
(8). That which is ill got, though it may increase much, will not last long. Thus the poor are repaid, and God is glorified.
(9). The sinner at whose prayers God is angry, is one who obstinately refuses to obey God's commands.
(10). The success of ungodly men is their own misery.
(11). Rich men are so flattered, that they think themselves superior to others.
(12). There is glory in the land when the righteous have liberty.
(13). It is folly to indulge sin, and excuse it. He who covers his sins, shall not have any true peace. He who humbly confesses his sins, with true repentance and faith, shall find mercy from God. The Son of God is our great atonement. Under a deep sense of our guilt and danger, we may claim salvation from that mercy which reigns through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord.
(14). There is a fear which causes happiness. Faith and love will deliver from the fear of eternal misery; but we should always fear offending God, and fear sinning against him.
(15). A wicked ruler, whatever we may call him, this scripture calls a roaring lion, and a ranging bear. (16). Oppressors want understanding; they do not consult their own honour, ease, and safety.
(17). The murderer shall be haunted with terrors. None shall desire to save him from deserved punishment, nor pity him.
(18). Uprightness will give men holy security in the worst times; but the false and dishonest are never safe.
(19). Those who are diligent, take the way to live comfortably.
(20). The true way to be happy, is to be holy and honest; not to raise an estate suddenly, without regard to right or wrong.
(21). Judgment is perverted, when any thing but pure right is considered.
(22). He that hastens to be rich, never seriously thinks how quickly God may take his wealth from him, and leave him in poverty.
(23). Upon reflection, most will have a better opinion of a faithful reprover than of a soothing flatterer.
(24). Here is the wickedness of those who think it no sin to rob their parents, by wheedling them or threatening them, or by wasting what they have, and running into debt.
(25). Those make themselves always easy, that live in continual dependence upon God and his grace, and live by faith.
(26). A fool trusts to his own strength, merit, and righteousness. And trusts to his own heart, which is not only deceitful above all things, but which has often deceived him.
(27). A selfish man not only will not look out for objects of compassion, but will look off from those that call for his attention.
(28). When power is put into the hands of the wicked, wise men decline public business. If the reader will go diligently over this and the other chapters, in many places where at first he may suppose there is least of Christ, still he will find what will lead to him.

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 28. In our text today we continue with wisdom for leaders with a focus on integrity being a key to having the Lord hear our prayers and working in our lives. What catches my eye is verse 13 that says that says that those who confess their sins will obtain mercy while those who hide their sin will not prosper.

In making application we se that we must stay humble and repentant before the Lord to walk and talk with the Lord. How about you? Have you confessed your sins before the Lord? Let us learn from our text today to confess our sins before the Lord to have Him hear our prayer and walk with the Lord.

Behold, I am coming soon!

Day 40 (15 Sept 2017, Friday)

Have you ever queued up for an hour to get a seat at a restaurant?  You heard that the food was really the best and worth to wait.  After you finally get seated and ordered, you wait yet another 45 minutes before the ‘most delicious’ food comes.  By this time, I am not sure if you are still all excited about the food you were hoping for.  Some may storm out instead of waiting.

Others can go on a tirade a complains.  And yet others, fill their stomachs with peanuts and drinks until they lose their appetite.  Ultimately, you determine your own reaction to the situation.  Likewise, you determine you own reaction as you await the blessed hope of Jesus Christ.

Unlike physical food which can disappoint, the blessed hope will not disappoint because it is not about what mansion you will be getting, what rewards you will have, etc.  The blessed hope is “our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13) Himself.  It is the Giver and not he gift that we seek.  Jesus proclaimed, “Behold, I am coming soon!” (Revelation 22:7,12).  As you come to the end of the 40 day fast and pray, I hope you will never stop expecting the blessed hope.  “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).

Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus.

Declaration of the Lordship of Jesus Christ over our land

We decree an increase of Your Kingdom’s rule and reign over our nation and the nation of the world!
We declare a new generation of leaders who will answer the call to govern with the fear of God in their lives.
We decree, “Your Kingdom come” in every sphere of society: political, economic, social, religious, judicial, military, education, media and the arts.  Position, therefore, godly and righteous men and women in every high place to serve Your purposes and to align our nation to Your heavenly blueprint.

Let every tongue and tribe praise You, O God; may all the peoples praise You.  Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us.  Nothing is impossible with You!
We shall enter a new season of signs, wonders and miracles!  The Church of Jesus Christ in Malaysia is blessed and we will be a blessing to our land!

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us, that Yours ways may be known in our land, Your Salvation among all peoples!




 Necf Malaysia

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Prayer Requests

Today's Prayer Requests

Akeem Womble | I would like prayer for a friend of mine. My friend is going through a bitter divorce and his wife has gotten a restraining order against him and will not allow him to see or talk to his children and he really wants to see them and talk to them. My friend has told me that his wife has gone to our church and told everyone lies about him and he is very upset about it and everyone is taking her side and that they do not know the full story. So please pray for my friend that God will help him through all of this and so his mind and heart will be at restored.


Breyonda Pierce | This is my prayer requests I wish my son gets a full college grants to stay in college and be able to graduate from Norfolk state college and we can get a big place too down Norfolk Virginia. I hope God loans me enough money to help my son

VERA BANKSTON-JONES | FATHER GOD, ONCE AGAIN YOUR GRACE BESTOWED UPON ME WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO FUTHER MY EDUCATION AND OPEN FINANCIAL DOORS AS WELL! I AM NOT WORTHY, YET YOU GUIDE ME UNTO A PLACE WHERE I CAN LEAVE A LEGACY FOR MY LOVED ONES! FATHER , I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH STEPPING TO THE FAMILY HOME SITUATION, SURVIVOR OF VETERANS, BANKING ISSUES, NELNET, AND INDULGENCES, WHERE I CALL ON YOU FROM THE TOP OF MY LUNGS, "ABBA HELP ME!".......SELAH

Ariel Xx | Please pray for Noadia

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

Only in heaven

Day 39 (14 Sept 2017, Thursday)

As you come towards the end of your 40-day fast and pray, take some time to reflect on how you have changed - in spirit, mind, and body.  The change in your body is probably more obvious as you may have lost a few pounds.  But time spent with God, particularly in fasting and praying, also results in a molding or our spirit and mind by the Master Potter.

However, if you are like me, no matter how much the molding, there always seems to be attitudes, thoughts and situations that are far from the godly ideal.  You may still struggle with ill feelings towards someone, plagued with unholy thoughts, and that particular family member still has not accepted Christ.  Even on a national level, things may not seem to have improved despite your most fervent prayers.  The blessed hope serves as a reminder that perfection will never be attained here, but only in heaven.


Hence, Apostle Paul, in encouraging the Christians in Rome, asserts, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).
“Hold on to the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).  The time will come when God “will wipe every tear from (your) eyes.  There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  “…these words are trustworthy and true (Revelations 21:4-5).

A call for repentance

2 Chronicles 7:14
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn form their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Joel 1:13-14
“Put on sackcloth, you priests, and mourn; wail, you who minister before the altar.  Come, spend the night in sackcloth, you who minister before my God; for the grain offerings and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God.”

Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly

Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.
Repent on behalf of the churches for all her sins and short-comings
Repent on behalf of the families for all sins committed in homes
Repent on behalf of the nation for all her sins so that His mercy and forgiveness will flow



 Necf Malaysia

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Hurricanes: A Prayer

We turn to our God in Prayers

As the Caribbean islands clean up from what has been named one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, Florida now prepares for impact. The state’s governor, Rick Scott, calls Hurricane Irma, “way bigger than Andrew,” which was the devastating hurricane that hit the state 25 years ago. And with such a huge storm come huge dangers and huge uncertainties and huge fears about what will happen to the state later this weekend and into next week.

Meanwhile, the city of Houston continues to clean up from the devastation brought by Hurricane Harvey. And Hurricanes Jose and Katia are brewing at sea as we speak. In these moments, it is only right that we turn to our God in prayer. And that is exactly what John Piper was led to do today. Here now is John Piper’s prayer for hurricane victims in Texas, Florida, the Caribbean, and elsewhere.

A Prayer in the Path of Hurricanes

O Lord God, mighty and merciful, we are asking for mercy - mercy amid the manifestations of your great might. We are asking, for Jesus’s sake. Not because we deserve anything better than calamity. We know that we have sinned. We have exchanged the high treasure of your glory for trinkets. We have not loved you with all our heart and soul and mind and strength. We have sown the wind, and reaped the whirlwind. We are pleading for mercy.

We make no demands. You are God, and we are not. We are bent low in submission to your just and sovereign power. Indeed, we are prostrate before the unstoppable wind of your justice and wisdom.
We know that you, O Lord, are great. Whatever you please, you do, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. You make clouds rise at the end of the earth. You bring forth the wind from its storehouses.

You have commanded and raised the mighty wind, and it has lifted up the waves of the sea. The floods have lifted up, O Lord. You have tilted the waterskins of the heavens.
You sweep us away as with a flood. You kill and you make alive; you wound and you heal; and there is none that can deliver out of your hand. You sit enthroned over the flood - enthroned as King forever.

We are like a dream, like dust swept off the street in a torrent.

But you, O God, are mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea. It is our peril and our hope that you can do all things, and no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

O Lord, do not sleep through this storm. O Lord, let not the flood sweep over us, or the deep swallow us up. Rise up! And do what only you can do amid these winds and waves. Rebuke them, as you once did. When they have done your wise and needed work, let them not have one minute more of strength. Command them, O Christ, to cease, we pray. And make a holy calm. For you are God, all things are your servants.

And give us ears, O God. Your voice, O Lord, is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. O God, forbid that we would not give heed.

Open our ears, you who once brought Job to humble silence, announcing from the whirlwind who you are, and that, when all is lost, the story then unfolds that in it all your purpose was compassionate and kind.

Whether we sit waste deep in the water of our Texas homes, or wait, uncertain, with blankets on a church pew, or nail the plywood to our Florida shop, or sit secure and dry a thousand miles from any sea, teach us, in mercy, what we need to learn, and cannot any other way.

And woe to us who, far away from floods, would point our finger at the sufferer and wonder at his greater sin, forgetting how the voice of Jesus rings in every tragedy: “Do you think that they were worse offenders? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” The very word of God to all Americans.

And now, O Lord, unleash the common grace of kindness from a million hearts and bank accounts, and grant as great a mercy in rebuilding as you once gave verdict to destroy. Restrain, O God, the evil hearts of those who would bring sorrow upon sorrow by looting what is left behind, or exploiting loss for private gain.

And in your church awaken this: the truth that you once gave yourself for us that we might be redeemed, not first from floods, but sin and lawlessness. That you once died, not first to put us out of peril, but to make us pure. Not first to spare us misery, but to make us zealous for good deeds. And so, O mighty Christ, unleash from us another flood: the blood-bought passion of your people not for ruin, but for rebuilding lives and homes.

O Father, awaken every soul to see where we have built our lives on sand. Show us from every storm the way to build our lives on rock. Oh, are you not our rock? Our fortress, our deliverer, our God in whom we take refuge, our shield, and the horn of our salvation, our stronghold. How great the fall of every life built on the sand of human skill!

And yet, how great the sure and solid gift held out to everyone in Christ! For you have said more wonderfully than we can ever tell:

Who then shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword - or wind, or waves? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through your great love for us.

For you have made us say with deep assurance: Neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor hurricanes nor floods, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And all in Jesus’s name,

Amen.



This is John Piper's prayer on the path of the hurricanes, first published Desiring God

Precious hope for the lost

Day 38 (13 Sept 2017, Wednesday)

I serve as a minister among refugees.  Every refugee has one hope - to be granted residence in a host country.  That hope burns so intensely that they are willing to leave their home, pay unscrupulous agents exorbitant fees to get them here, endure the hardships that come with being an illegal, and patiently wait out the years until they are granted residence in a host country.  Most of us cannot fathom how precious this hope is to them.

Likewise, if you were bought up in a Christian family, you might not appreciate how precious the blessed hope is to the lost.  Many Chinese spend a great deal of money and effort in attempting to secure a good afterlife.  Adherents of other religions try their best to make their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds in order to go to heaven.  Neither have the guarantee of salvation and eternity in heaven like we do.

Do we look at the lost like we do at refugees?  Indifferent?  Or at best sympathetic, but lack of action?  Our lack of zeal in evangelism and missions reflects our failure to realize how precious is the blessed hope to the lost.

Jesus applied the words of Isaiah 61:1-2 on Himself, “the Spirit of the Lord is on me… to proclaim good news to the poor…. Freedom for the prisoners… sight for the blind… release the oppressed…. (and) the year of the Lord’s favour”.  May we realize that the lost are like poor prisoners, blind and oppressed.  May we proclaim the blessed hope to them.

Pray for a change of heart and character

Pray that our desire will be to be like Christ.  That Christlikeness will be our main passion and goal; and we will walk in humility considering others better than ourselves; and we will surrender to His will by taking up our cross daily, dying to our personal rights and following Him wherever He may lead us.

Pray that the Lord will give us a new heat and a new mind, and He will put a right spirit within us, and He will enable us to have perseverance in order to walk in His will and purposes, and that we shall be found faithfully serving Him to the end.

Pray for us to have a willingness to take the first step to reconcile with others, even if we have been wronged, so that the root of bitterness may find no place in our hearts.

 Necf Malaysia

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