It is, however, an institution under extreme duress in America. In the past 35 years, the number of independent female households in the U.S. has grown by 65 percent, while the share of independent male households has skyrocketed, leaping 120 percent. As a result, fewer than half of all American households today are made up of married couples.
Another indicator of our shifting sentiment about the institution is the median age at first marriage, which has risen from 21 for women and 23 for men in 1970 to where it stands today: 26 for women and 28 for men, the highest figures since the Census Bureau started collecting data about it. That's five additional, long years of peak sexual interest and fertility. (And remember, those numbers are medians: for every man marrying at 22, there's one marrying for the first time at 34.)
Evangelicals tend to marry slightly earlier than other Americans, but not by much. Many of them plan to marry in their mid-20s.Yet waiting for sex until then feels far too long to most of them. And I am suggesting that when people wait until their mid-to-late 20s to marry, it is unreasonable to expect them to refrain from sex. It's battling our Creator's reproductive designs. The data don't lie. Our sexual behavior patterns—the kind I documented in 2007 in Forbidden Fruit—give us away. Very few wait long for sex. Meanwhile, women's fertility is more or less fixed, yet Americans are increasingly ignoring it during their 20s, only to beg and pray to reclaim it in their 30s and 40s.
Where Are All the Christian Men?
Unfortunately, American evangelicals have another demographic concern: The ratio of devoutly Christian young women to men is far from even. Among evangelical churchgoers, there are about three single women for every two single men. This is the elephant in the corner of almost every congregation—a shortage of young Christian men.
Try counting singles in your congregation next Sunday. Evangelicals make much of avoiding being unequally yoked, but the fact that there are far more spiritually mature young women out there than men makes this bit of advice difficult to follow. No congregational program or men's retreat in the Rocky Mountains will solve this. If she decides to marry, one in three women has no choice but to marry down in terms of Christian maturity. Many of the hopeful ones wait, watching their late 20s and early 30s arrive with no husband. When the persistent longing turns to deep disappointment, some decide that they didn't really want to marry after all.
Given this unfavorable ratio, and the plain fact that men are, on average, ready for sex earlier in relationships than women are, many young Christian women are being left with a dilemma: either commence a sexual relationship with a decent, marriage-minded man before she would prefer to—almost certainly before marriage—or risk the real possibility that, in holding out for a godly, chaste, uncommon man, she will wait a lot longer than she would like. Plenty will wait so long as to put their fertility in jeopardy. By that time, the pool of available men is hardly the cream of the crop—and rarely chaste. I know, I know: God has someone in mind for them, and it's just a matter of time before they meet. God does work miracles. But the fact remains that there just aren't as many serious Christian young men as there are women, and the men know it.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Monday, 27 September 2010
3-Oct-10
Barnabas P.
Peter Long
Lydia Sim, Peggy Tan, Colleen
Jonathan L, Meng Fhui
Darren, Weng Ern
Anna Sim
Terry Chong
Hiew FF, Manjit Singh
Peter Long
Lydia Sim, Peggy Tan, Colleen
Jonathan L, Meng Fhui
Darren, Weng Ern
Anna Sim
Terry Chong
Hiew FF, Manjit Singh
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Friday, 24 September 2010
The Case for Early Marriage: 1/7
Amid our purity pledges and attempts to make chastity hip, we forgot to teach young Christians how to tie the knot.
Mark Regnerus | posted 7/31/2009 09:43AM
Virginity pledges. Chastity balls. Courtship. Side hugs. Guarding your heart. Evangelical discourse on sex is more conservative than I've ever seen it. Parents and pastors and youth group leaders told us not to do it before we got married. Why? Because the Bible says so. Yet that simple message didn't go very far in shaping our sexual decision-making.
So they kicked it up a notch and staked a battle over virginity, with pledges of abstinence and accountability structures to maintain the power of the imperative to not do what many of us felt like doing. Some of us failed, but we could become "born again virgins." Virginity mattered. But sex can be had in other ways, and many of us got creative.
Then they told us that oral sex was still sex. It could spread disease, and it would make you feel bad. "Sex will be so much better if you wait until your wedding night," they urged. If we could hold out, they said, it would be worth it. The sheer glory of consummation would knock our socks off.
Such is the prevailing discourse of abstinence culture in contemporary American evangelicalism. It might sound like I devalue abstinence. I don't. The problem is that not all abstainers end up happy or go on to the great sex lives they were promised. Nor do all indulgers become miserable or marital train wrecks. More simply, however, I have found that few evangelicals accomplish what their pastors and parents wanted them to.
Indeed, over 90 percent of American adults experience sexual intercourse before marrying. The percentage of evangelicals who do so is not much lower. In a nationally representative study of young adults, just under 80 percent of unmarried, church- going, conservative Protestants who are currently dating someone are having sex of some sort. I'm certainly not suggesting that they cannot abstain. I'm suggesting that in the domain of sex, most of them don't and won't.
What to do? Intensify the abstinence message even more? No. It won't work. The message must change, because our preoccupation with sex has unwittingly turned our attention away from the damage that Americans—including evangelicals—are doing to the institution of marriage by discouraging it and delaying it.
Late Have I Loved You
If you think it's difficult to be pro-life in a pro-choice world, or to be a disciple of Jesus in a sea of skeptics, try advocating for young marriage. Almost no one empathizes, even among the faithful. The nearly universal hostile reaction to my April 23, 2009, op-ed on early marriage in The Washington Post suggests that to esteem marriage in the public sphere today is to speak a foreign language: you invoke annoyance, confusion, or both.
But after years of studying the sexual behavior and family decision-making of young Americans, I've come to the conclusion that Christians have made much ado about sex but are becoming slow and lax about marriage—that more significant, enduring witness to Christ's sacrificial love for his bride. Americans are taking flight from marriage. We are marrying later, if at all, and having fewer children.
Demographers call it the second demographic transition. In societies like ours that exhibit lengthy economic prosperity, men and women alike begin to lose motivation to marry and have children, and thus avoid one or both. Pragmatically, however, the institution of marriage remains a foundational good for individuals and communities. It is by far the optimal context for child-rearing. Married people accumulate more wealth than people who are single or cohabiting. Marriage consolidates expenses—like food, child care, electricity, and gas—and over the life course drastically reduces the odds of becoming indigent or dependent on the state.
Mark Regnerus | posted 7/31/2009 09:43AM
Virginity pledges. Chastity balls. Courtship. Side hugs. Guarding your heart. Evangelical discourse on sex is more conservative than I've ever seen it. Parents and pastors and youth group leaders told us not to do it before we got married. Why? Because the Bible says so. Yet that simple message didn't go very far in shaping our sexual decision-making.
So they kicked it up a notch and staked a battle over virginity, with pledges of abstinence and accountability structures to maintain the power of the imperative to not do what many of us felt like doing. Some of us failed, but we could become "born again virgins." Virginity mattered. But sex can be had in other ways, and many of us got creative.
Then they told us that oral sex was still sex. It could spread disease, and it would make you feel bad. "Sex will be so much better if you wait until your wedding night," they urged. If we could hold out, they said, it would be worth it. The sheer glory of consummation would knock our socks off.
Such is the prevailing discourse of abstinence culture in contemporary American evangelicalism. It might sound like I devalue abstinence. I don't. The problem is that not all abstainers end up happy or go on to the great sex lives they were promised. Nor do all indulgers become miserable or marital train wrecks. More simply, however, I have found that few evangelicals accomplish what their pastors and parents wanted them to.
Indeed, over 90 percent of American adults experience sexual intercourse before marrying. The percentage of evangelicals who do so is not much lower. In a nationally representative study of young adults, just under 80 percent of unmarried, church- going, conservative Protestants who are currently dating someone are having sex of some sort. I'm certainly not suggesting that they cannot abstain. I'm suggesting that in the domain of sex, most of them don't and won't.
What to do? Intensify the abstinence message even more? No. It won't work. The message must change, because our preoccupation with sex has unwittingly turned our attention away from the damage that Americans—including evangelicals—are doing to the institution of marriage by discouraging it and delaying it.
Late Have I Loved You
If you think it's difficult to be pro-life in a pro-choice world, or to be a disciple of Jesus in a sea of skeptics, try advocating for young marriage. Almost no one empathizes, even among the faithful. The nearly universal hostile reaction to my April 23, 2009, op-ed on early marriage in The Washington Post suggests that to esteem marriage in the public sphere today is to speak a foreign language: you invoke annoyance, confusion, or both.
But after years of studying the sexual behavior and family decision-making of young Americans, I've come to the conclusion that Christians have made much ado about sex but are becoming slow and lax about marriage—that more significant, enduring witness to Christ's sacrificial love for his bride. Americans are taking flight from marriage. We are marrying later, if at all, and having fewer children.
Demographers call it the second demographic transition. In societies like ours that exhibit lengthy economic prosperity, men and women alike begin to lose motivation to marry and have children, and thus avoid one or both. Pragmatically, however, the institution of marriage remains a foundational good for individuals and communities. It is by far the optimal context for child-rearing. Married people accumulate more wealth than people who are single or cohabiting. Marriage consolidates expenses—like food, child care, electricity, and gas—and over the life course drastically reduces the odds of becoming indigent or dependent on the state.
Talk It Out Before You Say, "I Do"
By Julie Ferwerda
CBN.com – You’re thinking about spending the rest of your life with that special person. But do you really know them as well as you think? Are there areas you need to know about (or they need to know about you) that you haven’t discussed? The best time to get down to the nitty-gritty with each other is before you say, “I do.”
You need to know what to expect after the wedding day, and to decide if you really want to spend the rest of your life with this person the way they are now. Chances are they (and you) won’t change that much, so if you really want to know who you are agreeing to love, work through these questions together. There’s no hurry—take all the time you need. But there’s one rule. You must be completely, gut-wrenchingly honest! If you misrepresent yourself…they will remember.
PURPOSE
My biggest goal in life is to…
I find satisfaction in…
Before I die I want to…
I am here because…
My dream is to someday…
I will be ready to die when I’ve…
PAST
The best part about my childhood was…
The worst part about my childhood was…
The scariest thing that ever happened to me was…
Something I’m afraid to tell anyone about my past is…
A past situation that could affect my future is…
I’ve had [ ] sexual partners before this relationship.
The way I feel about my past relationship history is…
WHO I AM
My biggest fears in life are…
My biggest needs in life are…
My most frequent mood is…
The thing I hate most is…
The thing I worry about most is…
Three things I want to change about myself are…
Three things I really like about myself are…
My most common daydream is…
I get angry when…
My favorite kind of house pet is…
My overall opinion about myself is…
I think my greatest personality asset is…
My greatest personality weakness is…
I find the greatest enjoyment in…
The sin I struggle most with is…
I’m most ashamed about…
Someone I greatly admire is…
The way I feel about death is…
I think war is…
I feel happy when…
I have no use for people who…
When someone acts rude to me, I…
When someone is unfair, I…
I feel jealous of…
My dream vacation would include…
The things I find the most fun are…
My favorite sport(s) is…
Playing sports in my future is a [ ] on a scale from one to ten.
Watching sports on T.V. is a [ ] for me on a scale from one to ten.
I am disgusted by…
When I am afraid (substitute sad, angry, happy, lonely, tired), I…
My hobbies include…
I spend [ ] hours a week at my hobbies.
What I really want when I am sick is…
The part of my body I am most bothered by is…
The part of my body I am most happy with is…
What hurts me most is…
The best (and worst) thing about life is…
The first thing I notice about someone is…
When someone is angry with me, I…
When someone is disappointed in me, I…
The worst (and best) thing about the opposite sex is…
Being teachable means…
People (including me) should say they’re sorry when…
MARRIAGE
My reasons for wanting to get married are…
I think the keys to a good marriage are…
The biggest mistakes I made in past relationships are…
The area I’ve grown the most in relationships is…
Relationships in the past have taught me…
I’ve always viewed marriage as…
My parents had a [ ] marriage.
I learned [ ] about marriage from my parents.
I think the things in marriage you should be honest about are…
The areas I’m concerned about being married are…
The areas I’m excited about being married are…
Marriage for me will be giving up…
Marriage for me will be gaining…
I think separate vacations are…
Traveling together is…
When having conflict, I like to: cool off by myself before discussing the problem; discuss and work the problem out right away; pretend there is no problem and just move on; analyze the problem as to what it is, why it happened, how to avoid it in the future, etc…
Arguing and or fighting is…
The best way to handle disagreements is to…
What I fear most about marriage is…
What I anticipate most about marriage is…
The role of in-laws in marriage is…
The thing that will make me most secure (and insecure) in marriage is…
Dating (each other) after you are married is…
Love is…
“Till death do us part” means…
I think people should be allowed to divorce when…
For me, divorce is…
SEX
I think sex is/will be…
I think a healthy marriage involves sex [ ] per week or [ ] per month.
I’m aware that real sex in marriage differs from Hollywood in the following ways…
I think being naked in front of someone is…
On a scale from one to ten, sex is a [ ] in importance in a good marriage for me.
What sex means to me is…
Talking about sex feels…
Being spontaneous or creative in marriage sex sounds…
MONEY/FINANCES
I think money is…
Spending money is hard/easy for me because…
The biggest waste of money is…
The best investment of money is…
I have [ ] in personal debt.
I use credit cards for…
I think car loans are…
Saving up to buy big ticket items is…
My savings plan is…
My retirement plan is…
The way I feel about tithing is…
I hope my spouse is a: saver, spender, somewhere in between.
On a scale from one to ten, financial security is [ ] in importance to me.
I want to save up to buy a…
The kind of house I want to own someday is…
Other items I hope to own are…
Charities I want to contribute to are…
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Is my own appearance important to me?
Is it important that my spouse maintains his/her current physical appearance/weight throughout our marriage?
How important is hygiene to me, i.e. brushing teeth, taking showers, deodorant, etc.?
How do I like to dress for special occasions? For church? For dates? For work?
Do I want to be able to have a say in my spouse’s choice of clothing, hairstyle, or general appearance?
Do I care if they have a say in mine?
Is cologne/perfume important to me?
What physical features are attractive to me?
HOUSEHOLD
How clean is a home that is comfortable for me?
What is my favorite thing about home?
What can I not tolerate in my home (noise, clutter, dirt, pets, unmade beds, etc.)?
How many/which jobs do I think I should do to keep my house maintained?
How many/which jobs do I think my spouse should do around the house?
Who should keep the yard maintained (spouse, both, or hired out)?
Who will maintain the cars (spouse, both, or hired out)?
Who will make decisions for and carry out decorating the home (spouse, both, hired out)?
Who will cook family meals?
How many meals do I expect to cook or for my spouse to cook daily?
Who will do the shopping?
Who will do laundry?
Who will do the dishes?
Who will pay bills?
RECREATION
My idea of recreation is…
To me, camping means…
My favorite sports are…
The way I relax on the weekends is by…
What areas of recreation do I want my spouse to accompany me on?
What areas of recreation do I want to do with my friends or alone?
How often will I want to spend time away from the family in my own recreation?
KIDS
I think kids are…
Kids get on my nerves when they…
I love it when kids…
The way I feel about other people’s kids is…
The way kids usually feel about me is…
Kids should be disciplined when…
The way I want to discipline my kids is…
The role of a parent is…
I want [ ] kids someday.
How important is showing physical affection to my kids?
Is telling my kids I love them important?
How much time do I think I should spend with my kids daily?
How important is two-parent interaction and discipline?
I think the bottom line for discipline should be with the (mom or dad)?
How important is it for kids to respect their parents in my home?
When it comes to discipline, I think I will be: lenient, strict, or somewhere in-between?
Where do I want my kids educated (private school, Christian school, home school, etc.)?
HEALTH/HISTORY
Taking care of myself and my health is [ ] important to me.
I think a healthy lifestyle includes…
Physical exercise is…
To me, eating right means…
My idea of a good work out is…
My life fitness plan is to…
My health problems (present or past) are…
I take medication for…
I think life long-term supports are…
People in my family have a history of the following health problems…
People in my family have died at the ages of…
INTIMACY
I feel loved when…
The way I show love to people is…
Which of the following are ways I feel most loved? Time spent with, words of encouragement/praise, gifts, being touched and hugged in a non-sexual manner, when people do things for (serve) me.
Showing affection in front of kids or friends is…
Intimacy is developed through…
I think a good marriage needs at least [ ] hours a day (or week) of focused communication to stay connected.
WORK
My idea of a dream job is…
I think the average number of hours a person can regularly work a week and maintain family commitment is…
Providing for the family is whose responsibility?
My career plans are…
How important is a steady job to me?
What kind of work ethic do I want in my mate?
Where do I draw the line with a job that demands too much time?
My plans for retirement are…
SPIRITUALITY/RELIGION
The way I feel about God is…
I think the way God feels about me is…
On a scale of one to ten, going to church is [ ] in importance for my life and future.
I want to raise my kids in the [ ] faith.
Will God be the center of my home? Why or why not?
If yes, how will I make Him the center?
Prayer is something I do when…
To me, the Bible is…
Other religions besides Christianity are…
Eternal life is accomplished by…
Select and discuss the following. To me, God is: personal, real, distant, vague, angry, happy, loving, harsh, demanding, gentle, kind, good, make-believe, living, powerful, weak, or other.
The way to have a relationship with God is…
For me, including God in my daily life is…
On a scale from one to ten, obeying God and His word is a [ ] to me.
When I die, I…
CBN.com – You’re thinking about spending the rest of your life with that special person. But do you really know them as well as you think? Are there areas you need to know about (or they need to know about you) that you haven’t discussed? The best time to get down to the nitty-gritty with each other is before you say, “I do.”
You need to know what to expect after the wedding day, and to decide if you really want to spend the rest of your life with this person the way they are now. Chances are they (and you) won’t change that much, so if you really want to know who you are agreeing to love, work through these questions together. There’s no hurry—take all the time you need. But there’s one rule. You must be completely, gut-wrenchingly honest! If you misrepresent yourself…they will remember.
PURPOSE
My biggest goal in life is to…
I find satisfaction in…
Before I die I want to…
I am here because…
My dream is to someday…
I will be ready to die when I’ve…
PAST
The best part about my childhood was…
The worst part about my childhood was…
The scariest thing that ever happened to me was…
Something I’m afraid to tell anyone about my past is…
A past situation that could affect my future is…
I’ve had [ ] sexual partners before this relationship.
The way I feel about my past relationship history is…
WHO I AM
My biggest fears in life are…
My biggest needs in life are…
My most frequent mood is…
The thing I hate most is…
The thing I worry about most is…
Three things I want to change about myself are…
Three things I really like about myself are…
My most common daydream is…
I get angry when…
My favorite kind of house pet is…
My overall opinion about myself is…
I think my greatest personality asset is…
My greatest personality weakness is…
I find the greatest enjoyment in…
The sin I struggle most with is…
I’m most ashamed about…
Someone I greatly admire is…
The way I feel about death is…
I think war is…
I feel happy when…
I have no use for people who…
When someone acts rude to me, I…
When someone is unfair, I…
I feel jealous of…
My dream vacation would include…
The things I find the most fun are…
My favorite sport(s) is…
Playing sports in my future is a [ ] on a scale from one to ten.
Watching sports on T.V. is a [ ] for me on a scale from one to ten.
I am disgusted by…
When I am afraid (substitute sad, angry, happy, lonely, tired), I…
My hobbies include…
I spend [ ] hours a week at my hobbies.
What I really want when I am sick is…
The part of my body I am most bothered by is…
The part of my body I am most happy with is…
What hurts me most is…
The best (and worst) thing about life is…
The first thing I notice about someone is…
When someone is angry with me, I…
When someone is disappointed in me, I…
The worst (and best) thing about the opposite sex is…
Being teachable means…
People (including me) should say they’re sorry when…
MARRIAGE
My reasons for wanting to get married are…
I think the keys to a good marriage are…
The biggest mistakes I made in past relationships are…
The area I’ve grown the most in relationships is…
Relationships in the past have taught me…
I’ve always viewed marriage as…
My parents had a [ ] marriage.
I learned [ ] about marriage from my parents.
I think the things in marriage you should be honest about are…
The areas I’m concerned about being married are…
The areas I’m excited about being married are…
Marriage for me will be giving up…
Marriage for me will be gaining…
I think separate vacations are…
Traveling together is…
When having conflict, I like to: cool off by myself before discussing the problem; discuss and work the problem out right away; pretend there is no problem and just move on; analyze the problem as to what it is, why it happened, how to avoid it in the future, etc…
Arguing and or fighting is…
The best way to handle disagreements is to…
What I fear most about marriage is…
What I anticipate most about marriage is…
The role of in-laws in marriage is…
The thing that will make me most secure (and insecure) in marriage is…
Dating (each other) after you are married is…
Love is…
“Till death do us part” means…
I think people should be allowed to divorce when…
For me, divorce is…
SEX
I think sex is/will be…
I think a healthy marriage involves sex [ ] per week or [ ] per month.
I’m aware that real sex in marriage differs from Hollywood in the following ways…
I think being naked in front of someone is…
On a scale from one to ten, sex is a [ ] in importance in a good marriage for me.
What sex means to me is…
Talking about sex feels…
Being spontaneous or creative in marriage sex sounds…
MONEY/FINANCES
I think money is…
Spending money is hard/easy for me because…
The biggest waste of money is…
The best investment of money is…
I have [ ] in personal debt.
I use credit cards for…
I think car loans are…
Saving up to buy big ticket items is…
My savings plan is…
My retirement plan is…
The way I feel about tithing is…
I hope my spouse is a: saver, spender, somewhere in between.
On a scale from one to ten, financial security is [ ] in importance to me.
I want to save up to buy a…
The kind of house I want to own someday is…
Other items I hope to own are…
Charities I want to contribute to are…
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Is my own appearance important to me?
Is it important that my spouse maintains his/her current physical appearance/weight throughout our marriage?
How important is hygiene to me, i.e. brushing teeth, taking showers, deodorant, etc.?
How do I like to dress for special occasions? For church? For dates? For work?
Do I want to be able to have a say in my spouse’s choice of clothing, hairstyle, or general appearance?
Do I care if they have a say in mine?
Is cologne/perfume important to me?
What physical features are attractive to me?
HOUSEHOLD
How clean is a home that is comfortable for me?
What is my favorite thing about home?
What can I not tolerate in my home (noise, clutter, dirt, pets, unmade beds, etc.)?
How many/which jobs do I think I should do to keep my house maintained?
How many/which jobs do I think my spouse should do around the house?
Who should keep the yard maintained (spouse, both, or hired out)?
Who will maintain the cars (spouse, both, or hired out)?
Who will make decisions for and carry out decorating the home (spouse, both, hired out)?
Who will cook family meals?
How many meals do I expect to cook or for my spouse to cook daily?
Who will do the shopping?
Who will do laundry?
Who will do the dishes?
Who will pay bills?
RECREATION
My idea of recreation is…
To me, camping means…
My favorite sports are…
The way I relax on the weekends is by…
What areas of recreation do I want my spouse to accompany me on?
What areas of recreation do I want to do with my friends or alone?
How often will I want to spend time away from the family in my own recreation?
KIDS
I think kids are…
Kids get on my nerves when they…
I love it when kids…
The way I feel about other people’s kids is…
The way kids usually feel about me is…
Kids should be disciplined when…
The way I want to discipline my kids is…
The role of a parent is…
I want [ ] kids someday.
How important is showing physical affection to my kids?
Is telling my kids I love them important?
How much time do I think I should spend with my kids daily?
How important is two-parent interaction and discipline?
I think the bottom line for discipline should be with the (mom or dad)?
How important is it for kids to respect their parents in my home?
When it comes to discipline, I think I will be: lenient, strict, or somewhere in-between?
Where do I want my kids educated (private school, Christian school, home school, etc.)?
HEALTH/HISTORY
Taking care of myself and my health is [ ] important to me.
I think a healthy lifestyle includes…
Physical exercise is…
To me, eating right means…
My idea of a good work out is…
My life fitness plan is to…
My health problems (present or past) are…
I take medication for…
I think life long-term supports are…
People in my family have a history of the following health problems…
People in my family have died at the ages of…
INTIMACY
I feel loved when…
The way I show love to people is…
Which of the following are ways I feel most loved? Time spent with, words of encouragement/praise, gifts, being touched and hugged in a non-sexual manner, when people do things for (serve) me.
Showing affection in front of kids or friends is…
Intimacy is developed through…
I think a good marriage needs at least [ ] hours a day (or week) of focused communication to stay connected.
WORK
My idea of a dream job is…
I think the average number of hours a person can regularly work a week and maintain family commitment is…
Providing for the family is whose responsibility?
My career plans are…
How important is a steady job to me?
What kind of work ethic do I want in my mate?
Where do I draw the line with a job that demands too much time?
My plans for retirement are…
SPIRITUALITY/RELIGION
The way I feel about God is…
I think the way God feels about me is…
On a scale of one to ten, going to church is [ ] in importance for my life and future.
I want to raise my kids in the [ ] faith.
Will God be the center of my home? Why or why not?
If yes, how will I make Him the center?
Prayer is something I do when…
To me, the Bible is…
Other religions besides Christianity are…
Eternal life is accomplished by…
Select and discuss the following. To me, God is: personal, real, distant, vague, angry, happy, loving, harsh, demanding, gentle, kind, good, make-believe, living, powerful, weak, or other.
The way to have a relationship with God is…
For me, including God in my daily life is…
On a scale from one to ten, obeying God and His word is a [ ] to me.
When I die, I…
Monday, 20 September 2010
26-Sep-10
Dr. Siow KW
Kai Yew
Siew Pin, Hong Lu, Foong Yee
Jocelyn Lee, Jacinta Lee
Darren, Ken Fhui
Jaemy C.
Meng Fhui
Tommy Q., Manjit Singh
Kai Yew
Siew Pin, Hong Lu, Foong Yee
Jocelyn Lee, Jacinta Lee
Darren, Ken Fhui
Jaemy C.
Meng Fhui
Tommy Q., Manjit Singh
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Sunday Sermon 19-Sept-2010
Speaker: Pas. David Chan
Trinity Community Centre, Petaling Jaya
http://www.mediafire.com/?sa8vt6j75r26mp2
Trinity Community Centre, Petaling Jaya
http://www.mediafire.com/?sa8vt6j75r26mp2
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Day 40 (Thursday 16 September) - Surpremacy of Christ!
by NECF Malaysia 40-Day Fast & Prayer on Thursday, 16 September 2010 at 01:01
Scriptures declare, 'Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!' When Christ is exalted and enthroned in a nation, the floodgates of heaven will open to bless the nation. Darkness will be dispelled, prisons will be opened, the enemy will be crushed and the land will be healed. Let us arise as the people of God and welcome the King of Glory to reign and rule in this land.
Enthroning Christ as Head of our Nation
Decree: The kingdom of this world will turn to become the kingdom of our God!
Enthroning Christ as Head of the Church
Enforce: The Supremacy of Christ to rule over His Church to come forth into fullness of maturity in the Body of Christ. Releasing the 5-fold ministry gifts for the equipping of the saints for the end-time harvest.
Enthroning Christ as Head over our Household
Restoring Heads of household to their position - to lead, guide and instruct the children in the ways of the Lord. Decree the fullness of Mal 4:6, bringing healing and reconciliation in all relationships, standing together as ONE powerful unit.
Enthroning Christ as Head over all Authorities
Release: blessings on those in authority to serve God's purpose.That the bars of the nation that obstruct God's purposes to be broken.Positioning of men and women after His own heart in high places of authority.
Enthroning Christ as Head over all realms of influence
Decree His Word:
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the Head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross".
Amen!
Col 1:15-20
Scriptures declare, 'Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!' When Christ is exalted and enthroned in a nation, the floodgates of heaven will open to bless the nation. Darkness will be dispelled, prisons will be opened, the enemy will be crushed and the land will be healed. Let us arise as the people of God and welcome the King of Glory to reign and rule in this land.
Enthroning Christ as Head of our Nation
Decree: The kingdom of this world will turn to become the kingdom of our God!
Enthroning Christ as Head of the Church
Enforce: The Supremacy of Christ to rule over His Church to come forth into fullness of maturity in the Body of Christ. Releasing the 5-fold ministry gifts for the equipping of the saints for the end-time harvest.
Enthroning Christ as Head over our Household
Restoring Heads of household to their position - to lead, guide and instruct the children in the ways of the Lord. Decree the fullness of Mal 4:6, bringing healing and reconciliation in all relationships, standing together as ONE powerful unit.
Enthroning Christ as Head over all Authorities
Release: blessings on those in authority to serve God's purpose.That the bars of the nation that obstruct God's purposes to be broken.Positioning of men and women after His own heart in high places of authority.
Enthroning Christ as Head over all realms of influence
Decree His Word:
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the Head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross".
Amen!
Col 1:15-20
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Day 39 (Wednesday 15 September) - Preparing His Glorious Bride!
by NECF Malaysia 40-Day Fast & Prayer on Wednesday, 15 September 2010 at 01:03
In this critical time, the Bride of Christ must be PREPARED! In the parable of the 10 virgins in Matt 25:1-13, five had made adequate preparation for their lamps had extra oil in jars (Matt 25:4). The other five had lamps but no extra oil. At midnight, the bridegroom arrived. The lamps of the five virgins without extra oil went out to search for oil and missed the arrival of the bridegroom. When they returned and found the wedding feast in progress, they sought admission but were denied.
Jesus' coming is near, but not all will be spiritually prepared for it. His coming will be sudden and unexpected. Those who fail to acknowledge Him truly as Lord cannot enter His kingdom. Since the day and hour of His return are unknown, let us consider how we should live our lives. This is a desperate call for all generations to keep WATCH, be ALERT and be PREPARED!
Reflection: Matt 25:1-13. Honestly ask ourselves, "How have I been investing my time, resources or talents? Am I ready for His return?" Let us strip off every falsehood, pretension, spiritual dullness and self justification and allow His Spirit to renew us in our commitment to Him.
Prayer Points
■ Call on the Lord to raise up His standard to bring His Body into a new level of purity and holiness, separating herself from all defilement to know the time and season.
■ Call into His chamber - believers to enter into a new season of intimacy; to be filled with fresh anointing daily to minister out of relationship.
■ Call to watch - awaken believers to the privilege of His high calling to be His watchmen to watch and pray with fervency and intensity, renewing faith and focus until His Kingdom comes! Prayer Cells to be established in private/government offices, housing estates, apartments, parks, in places where none exists in all the states.
■ Call forth:
- the greatest revival to come forth to the fullness of people groups who have yet to receive His salvation
- His Glorious Bride without wrinkles to be prepared for His Glorious return! Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus, Come! The Spirit and the Bride say, AMEN!
In this critical time, the Bride of Christ must be PREPARED! In the parable of the 10 virgins in Matt 25:1-13, five had made adequate preparation for their lamps had extra oil in jars (Matt 25:4). The other five had lamps but no extra oil. At midnight, the bridegroom arrived. The lamps of the five virgins without extra oil went out to search for oil and missed the arrival of the bridegroom. When they returned and found the wedding feast in progress, they sought admission but were denied.
Jesus' coming is near, but not all will be spiritually prepared for it. His coming will be sudden and unexpected. Those who fail to acknowledge Him truly as Lord cannot enter His kingdom. Since the day and hour of His return are unknown, let us consider how we should live our lives. This is a desperate call for all generations to keep WATCH, be ALERT and be PREPARED!
Reflection: Matt 25:1-13. Honestly ask ourselves, "How have I been investing my time, resources or talents? Am I ready for His return?" Let us strip off every falsehood, pretension, spiritual dullness and self justification and allow His Spirit to renew us in our commitment to Him.
Prayer Points
■ Call on the Lord to raise up His standard to bring His Body into a new level of purity and holiness, separating herself from all defilement to know the time and season.
■ Call into His chamber - believers to enter into a new season of intimacy; to be filled with fresh anointing daily to minister out of relationship.
■ Call to watch - awaken believers to the privilege of His high calling to be His watchmen to watch and pray with fervency and intensity, renewing faith and focus until His Kingdom comes! Prayer Cells to be established in private/government offices, housing estates, apartments, parks, in places where none exists in all the states.
■ Call forth:
- the greatest revival to come forth to the fullness of people groups who have yet to receive His salvation
- His Glorious Bride without wrinkles to be prepared for His Glorious return! Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus, Come! The Spirit and the Bride say, AMEN!
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Day 38 (Tuesday 14 September) - Destined to Rule!
by NECF Malaysia 40-Day Fast & Prayer on Tuesday, 14 September 2010 at 01:01
Today, let thanksgivings overflow to our Father for our liberty in Christ, for calling us His sons! Indeed we are entering into a time of restoring all generations to full maturity. We will no longer be tossed to and fro but we will stand firm and rooted in Him. "...speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" Eph 4:15-16. It's time to grow up and put away every 'childish' ways and carnality of our flesh and clothe ourselves in His royal robe as sons of righteousness!
Reflection: Rom 8:14-17, Rev 5:10. Ask the Lord to open our eyes of understanding to the full revelation of 'sonship' and to appropriate what He has deposited into us to walk victorious as sons and daughters of God. Renounce and shake off every spirit of inferiority or defeatism, childish ways and carnality. We are all destined to be kings and priest, the head and not the tail!
Prayer Points
■ The power which He exerted in Christ when He raise Him up from the dead, the same power to come upon His Church to raise her up from her spiritual slumber, sluggishness and carnality into NEW LIFE and POWER, to walk as sons of God.
■ Restoring and uniting all generations unto Him and releasing them to new levels of maturity. To prepare them to be His glorious Bride.
■ Spiritual leaders (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and elders) to empower and "to prepare God's people for works of service". Instructing and activating members of the Body to be positioned rightly to function in their gifts and callings that the whole Body will be built up.
■ Receiving strategies for bringing down strongholds in your community, city and nation. Releasing the apostolic and prophetic ministries in our nation.
■ Declare Eph 3:20-21 - He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. To Him be glory in the church of Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Today, let thanksgivings overflow to our Father for our liberty in Christ, for calling us His sons! Indeed we are entering into a time of restoring all generations to full maturity. We will no longer be tossed to and fro but we will stand firm and rooted in Him. "...speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" Eph 4:15-16. It's time to grow up and put away every 'childish' ways and carnality of our flesh and clothe ourselves in His royal robe as sons of righteousness!
Reflection: Rom 8:14-17, Rev 5:10. Ask the Lord to open our eyes of understanding to the full revelation of 'sonship' and to appropriate what He has deposited into us to walk victorious as sons and daughters of God. Renounce and shake off every spirit of inferiority or defeatism, childish ways and carnality. We are all destined to be kings and priest, the head and not the tail!
Prayer Points
■ The power which He exerted in Christ when He raise Him up from the dead, the same power to come upon His Church to raise her up from her spiritual slumber, sluggishness and carnality into NEW LIFE and POWER, to walk as sons of God.
■ Restoring and uniting all generations unto Him and releasing them to new levels of maturity. To prepare them to be His glorious Bride.
■ Spiritual leaders (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and elders) to empower and "to prepare God's people for works of service". Instructing and activating members of the Body to be positioned rightly to function in their gifts and callings that the whole Body will be built up.
■ Receiving strategies for bringing down strongholds in your community, city and nation. Releasing the apostolic and prophetic ministries in our nation.
■ Declare Eph 3:20-21 - He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. To Him be glory in the church of Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Monday, 13 September 2010
19-Sep-10
Liong KC
Peggy Tan
Gigi Lim, Lydia Sim, Colleen
Grace Lee, Meng Fhui
Anna Sim, Prisca
Ken Fhui
Jocelyn Lee
Manjit Singh, Hiew FF
Peggy Tan
Gigi Lim, Lydia Sim, Colleen
Grace Lee, Meng Fhui
Anna Sim, Prisca
Ken Fhui
Jocelyn Lee
Manjit Singh, Hiew FF
Day 37 (Monday 13 September) - Possessing Our Inheritance
by NECF Malaysia 40-Day Fast & Prayer on Monday, 13 September 2010 at 01:12
The Lord has declared that we are to reach out to the nations. We have asked but now He wants us, every generation in the Family of God, to go forth and take hold of the nation by His Word. His Word commands us to be strong and of good courage and take hold of the people groups and the land. He promised to be with us. He will go before us. Therefore let us arise and go forth to possess the land by the Word of the Lord!
Reflection: Psalm 2:8, Rev 7:9-10. Do you believe that God has given this nation into your hands? Or are you disheartened by the 'giants' of obstacles that obstruct your future? Whatever your fears, let us renounce every doubt, unbelief and hopelessness. Let us be resolute in our conviction and stand firm on His Word today to claim this nation.
Prayer Points
■ Thank the Lord for this rich inheritance that the borders of this nation are marked out by Him and for His Glory. Claim, Psalm 24:1, "Malaysia is the Lord's and the fullness thereof!"
■ Thank Him for the rich culture and diversity of all people groups in all the states. Claim Rev 7:9-10 that all tribes and tongue will stand before The Lamb of God.
■ Pray for the fullness of the redemptive purpose of God to be realised. The Church to fulfill her destiny and call:
- to reach out to the lost, both the local people groups and the millions of migrants that are right at our doorstep.
- thousands to heed the call of God to be sent forth to the nations to the people groups who are still yet saved.
■ Every believer will be passionate about prayer and intentionally plant prayer cells in spiritually dark places for the gospel to penetrate through every part of the country.
The Lord has declared that we are to reach out to the nations. We have asked but now He wants us, every generation in the Family of God, to go forth and take hold of the nation by His Word. His Word commands us to be strong and of good courage and take hold of the people groups and the land. He promised to be with us. He will go before us. Therefore let us arise and go forth to possess the land by the Word of the Lord!
Reflection: Psalm 2:8, Rev 7:9-10. Do you believe that God has given this nation into your hands? Or are you disheartened by the 'giants' of obstacles that obstruct your future? Whatever your fears, let us renounce every doubt, unbelief and hopelessness. Let us be resolute in our conviction and stand firm on His Word today to claim this nation.
Prayer Points
■ Thank the Lord for this rich inheritance that the borders of this nation are marked out by Him and for His Glory. Claim, Psalm 24:1, "Malaysia is the Lord's and the fullness thereof!"
■ Thank Him for the rich culture and diversity of all people groups in all the states. Claim Rev 7:9-10 that all tribes and tongue will stand before The Lamb of God.
■ Pray for the fullness of the redemptive purpose of God to be realised. The Church to fulfill her destiny and call:
- to reach out to the lost, both the local people groups and the millions of migrants that are right at our doorstep.
- thousands to heed the call of God to be sent forth to the nations to the people groups who are still yet saved.
■ Every believer will be passionate about prayer and intentionally plant prayer cells in spiritually dark places for the gospel to penetrate through every part of the country.
Sunday, 12 September 2010
Sunday Sermon 12-Sept-2010
Speaker: Bro. Tan Moh Huat
White Fields Assembly, Seremban
http://www.mediafire.com/?2ex9xrcfi8xkd47
(8MB)
White Fields Assembly, Seremban
http://www.mediafire.com/?2ex9xrcfi8xkd47
(8MB)
Day 36 (Sunday 12 September) - Empowering the Next Generation
by NECF Malaysia 40-Day Fast & Prayer on Sunday, 12 September 2010 at 01:08
God has raised a generation of youths with a "different spirit". As Caleb in Numbers 14:24, they bear the seal of servants of the Lord who follow Him wholeheartedly. With boldness and faith, they stand to inherit all that the Lord has ordained for them. They are an overcoming generation, a people convicted by the Lord's revelation through which they are empowered to live as "more than conquerors" (Rom 8:37-39), with the potential of impacting the present and the future generations. It is time we recognise, empower and release this generation to "take this land"!
Claim the fulfillment of Numbers 14:24 and Rom 8:37 for the young people. Pray for yourself, your children and other young people by name. Let the love of God so saturate young lives that they walk with a different spirit, carrying an anointing of favour with God and man.
Prayer Points
■ Plead the Lord's mercy on youths who have substituted their passion for God with other passions which have alienated them from God and the Body of Christ. Declare that nothing can separate them from His love.
■ This generation of young people to have a different spirit, with a heart of submission to authority in their homes, churches and schools.
■ Spiritual leaders to be role models to teach, lead and mentor them to be future leaders after His own heart.
■ A powerful movement of this young generation who will embrace their destiny for this nation, to be actively engaged in the public square to be His voice to stand for justice and righteousness.
God has raised a generation of youths with a "different spirit". As Caleb in Numbers 14:24, they bear the seal of servants of the Lord who follow Him wholeheartedly. With boldness and faith, they stand to inherit all that the Lord has ordained for them. They are an overcoming generation, a people convicted by the Lord's revelation through which they are empowered to live as "more than conquerors" (Rom 8:37-39), with the potential of impacting the present and the future generations. It is time we recognise, empower and release this generation to "take this land"!
Claim the fulfillment of Numbers 14:24 and Rom 8:37 for the young people. Pray for yourself, your children and other young people by name. Let the love of God so saturate young lives that they walk with a different spirit, carrying an anointing of favour with God and man.
Prayer Points
■ Plead the Lord's mercy on youths who have substituted their passion for God with other passions which have alienated them from God and the Body of Christ. Declare that nothing can separate them from His love.
■ This generation of young people to have a different spirit, with a heart of submission to authority in their homes, churches and schools.
■ Spiritual leaders to be role models to teach, lead and mentor them to be future leaders after His own heart.
■ A powerful movement of this young generation who will embrace their destiny for this nation, to be actively engaged in the public square to be His voice to stand for justice and righteousness.
Saturday, 11 September 2010
Day 35 (Saturday 11 September) - ONE Power!
by NECF Malaysia 40-Day Fast & Prayer on Saturday, 11 September 2010 at 01:01
In the early church, God used simple, insignificant people to change the entire empire in Asia Minor. The kingdom of God is likened to a mustard seed which grows into a powerful movement that transforms the entire culture and society. Today, God still uses simple, insignificant people to impact nations. When every believer in every generation begins to love and appreciate one another regardless of race and status, embracing one another in genuine love and standing together as ONE united force, nothing can stop the power of God from sweeping through the nation, releasing blessings of revival and spiritual awakening. This is NOT a dream but a REALITY in the last days! Let us join Him and walk in love, accepting and esteeming one another ABOVE ourselves that all men will know that we are His disciples.
Reflection: John 13:34-35. Renounce every pride, prejudice, religiosity, jealousy, falsehood, insecurity on behalf of the Body of Christ. Pray for deep cleansing in the Body of Christ and the removal of all hypocrisy.
Prayer Points
■ Bless the Body of Christ and pray for genuine love, care and concern for one another but especially for marginalised groups.
■ Authentic relationship in the Body of Christ, resulting in strong discipleship and mentoring in every generation.
■ Every believer in every sphere of influence to impact all people groups to come into the saving grace of our Lord Jesus.
■ All Churches to be ONE, united in purpose and vision under His Lordship to fulfill the Great Commission in every people group in our nation. Releasing of finances and resources to help rural churches for the expansion of His kingdom.
In the early church, God used simple, insignificant people to change the entire empire in Asia Minor. The kingdom of God is likened to a mustard seed which grows into a powerful movement that transforms the entire culture and society. Today, God still uses simple, insignificant people to impact nations. When every believer in every generation begins to love and appreciate one another regardless of race and status, embracing one another in genuine love and standing together as ONE united force, nothing can stop the power of God from sweeping through the nation, releasing blessings of revival and spiritual awakening. This is NOT a dream but a REALITY in the last days! Let us join Him and walk in love, accepting and esteeming one another ABOVE ourselves that all men will know that we are His disciples.
Reflection: John 13:34-35. Renounce every pride, prejudice, religiosity, jealousy, falsehood, insecurity on behalf of the Body of Christ. Pray for deep cleansing in the Body of Christ and the removal of all hypocrisy.
Prayer Points
■ Bless the Body of Christ and pray for genuine love, care and concern for one another but especially for marginalised groups.
■ Authentic relationship in the Body of Christ, resulting in strong discipleship and mentoring in every generation.
■ Every believer in every sphere of influence to impact all people groups to come into the saving grace of our Lord Jesus.
■ All Churches to be ONE, united in purpose and vision under His Lordship to fulfill the Great Commission in every people group in our nation. Releasing of finances and resources to help rural churches for the expansion of His kingdom.
Friday, 10 September 2010
Day 34 (Friday 10 September) - Holy Desperation
by NECF Malaysia 40-Day Fast & Prayer on Friday, 10 September 2010 at 01:02
We need to be desperate in our prayers. In Isaiah 38, when King Hezekiah was struck with illness, a prophet was sent and he was told that he would die. In desperation, he turned his face to the wall and prayed and wept bitterly. God heard his prayer and healed him and added another 15 years to his life. In His mercy God delivered him and defended the city.
In response to fervent and desperate prayer, God may change the course of our lives and our nation. God's thoughts and ways are far higher than our thoughts and plans. In times like these when we cry out to Him, He will incline His ears to our cries. He is looking for humble and contrite hearts. We may even live to see His great deliverance of our nation. We will also have a legacy to pass on to the next generation. The heritage of our faith will be passed on to our children because we have stood in the gap and seen His deliverance over our lives and nation. In these crucial times, we are facing the strength of united intercession and the desperate cry from our hearts will indeed make a difference to impact our generation and the generations to come.
Reflection: Matt 5:3, Isa 38. When was the last time you were desperate for God and cried out to Him wholeheartedly? Tell the Lord and confess every trace of self sufficiency and ask Him to humble our hearts.
Prayer Points
■ His Holy Spirit to move the Body of Christ to a place of desperation. Insatiable thirst and longing for more of God. Restoration of first love and hunger for His Word.
■ Churches will be houses of prayer and thousands upon thousands of prayer cells in homes, offices, schools, colleges, government departments to be established.
■ Implore the Lord for holy desperation for souls in the lives of every believer to have His burden for the lost. They will be equipped and empowered to share the gospel, teach and disciple new believers to grow in the knowledge of Him.
■ Ask the Lord to break down barriers and strongholds that have kept the people in your community, town or city in spiritual darkness. Invite His Presence to touch and open hearts to the gospel.
We need to be desperate in our prayers. In Isaiah 38, when King Hezekiah was struck with illness, a prophet was sent and he was told that he would die. In desperation, he turned his face to the wall and prayed and wept bitterly. God heard his prayer and healed him and added another 15 years to his life. In His mercy God delivered him and defended the city.
In response to fervent and desperate prayer, God may change the course of our lives and our nation. God's thoughts and ways are far higher than our thoughts and plans. In times like these when we cry out to Him, He will incline His ears to our cries. He is looking for humble and contrite hearts. We may even live to see His great deliverance of our nation. We will also have a legacy to pass on to the next generation. The heritage of our faith will be passed on to our children because we have stood in the gap and seen His deliverance over our lives and nation. In these crucial times, we are facing the strength of united intercession and the desperate cry from our hearts will indeed make a difference to impact our generation and the generations to come.
Reflection: Matt 5:3, Isa 38. When was the last time you were desperate for God and cried out to Him wholeheartedly? Tell the Lord and confess every trace of self sufficiency and ask Him to humble our hearts.
Prayer Points
■ His Holy Spirit to move the Body of Christ to a place of desperation. Insatiable thirst and longing for more of God. Restoration of first love and hunger for His Word.
■ Churches will be houses of prayer and thousands upon thousands of prayer cells in homes, offices, schools, colleges, government departments to be established.
■ Implore the Lord for holy desperation for souls in the lives of every believer to have His burden for the lost. They will be equipped and empowered to share the gospel, teach and disciple new believers to grow in the knowledge of Him.
■ Ask the Lord to break down barriers and strongholds that have kept the people in your community, town or city in spiritual darkness. Invite His Presence to touch and open hearts to the gospel.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Day 33 (Thursday 9 September) - Lay Down Your Crown
by NECF Malaysia 40-Day Fast & Prayer on Thursday, 09 September 2010 at 01:02
Rev. 4:10 depicts a glorious scene of the 24 elders falling on their faces and laying their crowns in worship before the Lamb on the Throne. This scene in heaven gives us a picture of the Church acknowledging Christ as Lord. We need to bare all and cast ourselves before the throne of God, sacrificing our self significance, positions, achievements, dying to ourselves and "rights" in total submission to live our lives for His sake! We need to see the best in others, strengthening, empowering and releasing the next generation and those who follow behind to come forth without strife and competition! Are you willing?
Reflection: Rev 4: 9-10, 7:9-17. Seek God for the revelation of your heart and what He requires of you.
Prayer Points
■ Renounce and repent on behalf of the Body of Christ for self-seeking ways, strife, competition, insecurities and contention, envy, jealousy... Pray for deepening love and passion for Christ and for the lost.
■ Spiritual leaders/pastors/elders in churches that their lives and walk will be prompted by an expression of perfect humility, love for God, for one another and for all people groups.
■ To be filled with wisdom, spiritual insight and discernment; empowering, strengthening and releasing every generation to fulfill his/her calling.
■ Greater unity in strategic networking to fulfill the Great Commission among all churches. New wave of pioneers to be raised up and sent forth to reach the unreached.
Rev. 4:10 depicts a glorious scene of the 24 elders falling on their faces and laying their crowns in worship before the Lamb on the Throne. This scene in heaven gives us a picture of the Church acknowledging Christ as Lord. We need to bare all and cast ourselves before the throne of God, sacrificing our self significance, positions, achievements, dying to ourselves and "rights" in total submission to live our lives for His sake! We need to see the best in others, strengthening, empowering and releasing the next generation and those who follow behind to come forth without strife and competition! Are you willing?
Reflection: Rev 4: 9-10, 7:9-17. Seek God for the revelation of your heart and what He requires of you.
Prayer Points
■ Renounce and repent on behalf of the Body of Christ for self-seeking ways, strife, competition, insecurities and contention, envy, jealousy... Pray for deepening love and passion for Christ and for the lost.
■ Spiritual leaders/pastors/elders in churches that their lives and walk will be prompted by an expression of perfect humility, love for God, for one another and for all people groups.
■ To be filled with wisdom, spiritual insight and discernment; empowering, strengthening and releasing every generation to fulfill his/her calling.
■ Greater unity in strategic networking to fulfill the Great Commission among all churches. New wave of pioneers to be raised up and sent forth to reach the unreached.
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Day 32 (Wednesday 8 September) - Waking Up The GIANTS!
One can almost imagine the fear in Satan as he thinks of the Church's unmeasured potentials. "Let the Church sleep! If she wakes up, she will SHAKE the world!" so the saying goes. Is not the Church the sleeping giant of today? There is more evidence of religious sensation before our eyes than evidence of spiritual regeneration and supernatural phenomenon! Not many Christians today can forget the fact that the devil goes about as a roaring lion, but we seem to have lost sight of the fact that the Lion of the tribe of Judah has defeated the "roaring lion" and therefore, every anointed Samson or Gideon or church can have victory over the "lion of hell". Though wicked men are doing wicked things, God's promise to us is that "the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits" (Daniel 11:32). (Leonard Ravenhill)
Reflection: Isa 52:1-12. Seek God to remove every 'cobweb', dust that has dulled your spirit. Shake loose every self denial, delusion and deception. Ask Him to cleanse and awaken your spirit man.
Prayer Points
■ Implore Him to awaken the Body of Christ to her true spiritual state with deep conviction and repentance to come forth. Renounce and repent of our complacency, self sufficiency, self indulgence, compromise, carnality, etc.
■ Restoring passion and hunger to spend time with Him and His Word in the Body of Christ. Believers to be enlightened to His hope and calling to be His salt and light.
■ Prayer Cells springing forth in all realms of influence, reaching out and establishing strong discipleship in schools, colleges, housing estates, marketplace, etc.
■ Decree an open highway and ask God to raise up His standard over our Church and nation to thwart the plans of the evil one so that His GIANTS will ARISE and SHINE in the days of His power! Declare our GOD REIGNS over Malaysia
Reflection: Isa 52:1-12. Seek God to remove every 'cobweb', dust that has dulled your spirit. Shake loose every self denial, delusion and deception. Ask Him to cleanse and awaken your spirit man.
Prayer Points
■ Implore Him to awaken the Body of Christ to her true spiritual state with deep conviction and repentance to come forth. Renounce and repent of our complacency, self sufficiency, self indulgence, compromise, carnality, etc.
■ Restoring passion and hunger to spend time with Him and His Word in the Body of Christ. Believers to be enlightened to His hope and calling to be His salt and light.
■ Prayer Cells springing forth in all realms of influence, reaching out and establishing strong discipleship in schools, colleges, housing estates, marketplace, etc.
■ Decree an open highway and ask God to raise up His standard over our Church and nation to thwart the plans of the evil one so that His GIANTS will ARISE and SHINE in the days of His power! Declare our GOD REIGNS over Malaysia
What do You Say to This?
Church plans Quran-burning event
July 30, 2010 | By Lauren Russell, CNN
In protest of what it calls a religion "of the devil," a nondenominational church in Gainesville, Florida, plans to host an "International Burn a Quran Day" on the ninth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks.
The Dove World Outreach Center says it is hosting the event to remember 9/11 victims and take a stand against Islam. With promotions on its website and Facebook page, it invites Christians to burn the Muslim holy book at the church from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"We believe that Islam is of the devil, that it's causing billions of people to go to hell, it is a deceptive religion, it is a violent religion and that is proven many, many times," Pastor Terry Jones told CNN's Rick Sanchez earlier this week.
Jones wrote a book titled "Islam is of the Devil," and the church sells coffee mugs and shirts featuring the phrase.
Muslims and many other Christians -- including some evangelicals -- are fighting the initiative.
The church launched a YouTube channel to disseminate its messages.
"I mean ask yourself, have you ever really seen a really happy Muslim? As they're on the way to Mecca? As they gather together in the mosque on the floor? Does it look like a real religion of joy?" Jones asks in one of his YouTube posts.
The Islamic advocacy group Council on American-Islamic Relations called on Muslims and others to host "Share the Quran" dinners to educate the public during the monthlong fast of Ramadan beginning in August. In a news release, the group announced a campaign to give out 100,000 copies of the Quran to local, state and national leaders.
"American Muslims and other people of conscience should support positive educational efforts to prevent the spread of Islamophobia," said CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper in the release.
The National Association of Evangelicals, the nation's largest umbrella evangelical group, issued a statement urging the church to cancel the event, warning it could cause worldwide tension between the two religions.
"The NAE calls on its members to cultivate relationships of trust and respect with our neighbors of other faiths. God created human beings in his image, and therefore all should be treated with dignity and respect," it said in the statement.
Dove's Facebook page, set up for the September event, has more than 1,600 fans.
"Eternal fire is the only destination the Quran can lead people to, so we want to put the Quran in it's [sic] place -- the fire!" the page says.
July 30, 2010 | By Lauren Russell, CNN
In protest of what it calls a religion "of the devil," a nondenominational church in Gainesville, Florida, plans to host an "International Burn a Quran Day" on the ninth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks.
The Dove World Outreach Center says it is hosting the event to remember 9/11 victims and take a stand against Islam. With promotions on its website and Facebook page, it invites Christians to burn the Muslim holy book at the church from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"We believe that Islam is of the devil, that it's causing billions of people to go to hell, it is a deceptive religion, it is a violent religion and that is proven many, many times," Pastor Terry Jones told CNN's Rick Sanchez earlier this week.
Jones wrote a book titled "Islam is of the Devil," and the church sells coffee mugs and shirts featuring the phrase.
Muslims and many other Christians -- including some evangelicals -- are fighting the initiative.
The church launched a YouTube channel to disseminate its messages.
"I mean ask yourself, have you ever really seen a really happy Muslim? As they're on the way to Mecca? As they gather together in the mosque on the floor? Does it look like a real religion of joy?" Jones asks in one of his YouTube posts.
"No, to me it looks like a religion of the devil."
The Islamic advocacy group Council on American-Islamic Relations called on Muslims and others to host "Share the Quran" dinners to educate the public during the monthlong fast of Ramadan beginning in August. In a news release, the group announced a campaign to give out 100,000 copies of the Quran to local, state and national leaders.
"American Muslims and other people of conscience should support positive educational efforts to prevent the spread of Islamophobia," said CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper in the release.
The National Association of Evangelicals, the nation's largest umbrella evangelical group, issued a statement urging the church to cancel the event, warning it could cause worldwide tension between the two religions.
"The NAE calls on its members to cultivate relationships of trust and respect with our neighbors of other faiths. God created human beings in his image, and therefore all should be treated with dignity and respect," it said in the statement.
Dove's Facebook page, set up for the September event, has more than 1,600 fans.
"Eternal fire is the only destination the Quran can lead people to, so we want to put the Quran in it's [sic] place -- the fire!" the page says.
Filling the Christian Generation Gap - 2
From HERE
Paul Fleischmann, Chair of the World Evangelical Alliance Youth Commission, says integrating youth into leadership positions is the key to the future.
-
Fleischmann agrees that young people must be integrated into the church as a fellow group with its own culture – not as a mere subgroup of a larger demographic cohort.
“We’ve often looked as youth as part of family and not as a separate entity,” he said. “But over the last 20 years or so, the MTV generation has given a different feel to the youth culture and showed us there is a definite youth culture around the world.”
One of Fleischmann's main roles in the World Evangelical Alliance is to help set up special youth ministries in each nation that needs it.
“We want to help the church have a vision to do special ministry to the youth, to reach every young person, and to disciple them. But each nation has different needs, and we don’t pretend to know what those needs are,” he said. “We, the Youth Commission, are just trying to connect the nations to help them accomplish their goals.”
Exact figures show there are 223 chapters of the World Evangelical Alliance in the world, but only 60 with youth commissions. Therefore, one of Fleischmann’s foremost goals as Chair of the Youth Commission is to expand his ministry’s reach across the 200-plus WEA chapters.
This November, Fleishmann will be traveling to India as part of that plan. The trip, which he calls “one of the most historic," will challenge the top 20 international leaders from the Commission to find out how they can expand their reach.
“Our big job is to establish as many of those youth commissions as there are evangelical alliances,” he said. “We want to set up leadership so every single young person in the world can be reached.”
Paul Fleischmann, Chair of the World Evangelical Alliance Youth Commission, says integrating youth into leadership positions is the key to the future.
-
Fleischmann agrees that young people must be integrated into the church as a fellow group with its own culture – not as a mere subgroup of a larger demographic cohort.
“We’ve often looked as youth as part of family and not as a separate entity,” he said. “But over the last 20 years or so, the MTV generation has given a different feel to the youth culture and showed us there is a definite youth culture around the world.”
One of Fleischmann's main roles in the World Evangelical Alliance is to help set up special youth ministries in each nation that needs it.
“We want to help the church have a vision to do special ministry to the youth, to reach every young person, and to disciple them. But each nation has different needs, and we don’t pretend to know what those needs are,” he said. “We, the Youth Commission, are just trying to connect the nations to help them accomplish their goals.”
Exact figures show there are 223 chapters of the World Evangelical Alliance in the world, but only 60 with youth commissions. Therefore, one of Fleischmann’s foremost goals as Chair of the Youth Commission is to expand his ministry’s reach across the 200-plus WEA chapters.
This November, Fleishmann will be traveling to India as part of that plan. The trip, which he calls “one of the most historic," will challenge the top 20 international leaders from the Commission to find out how they can expand their reach.
“Our big job is to establish as many of those youth commissions as there are evangelical alliances,” he said. “We want to set up leadership so every single young person in the world can be reached.”
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Day 31 (Tuesday 7 September) - 4/14 Window
There's an urgent global appeal to consider the strategic importance and potential of the 1.2 billion children and youths in the 4/14 Window (children aged from 4 years to 14 years). As a national church, we need to open our hearts and minds to the idea of reaching and raising up a new generation from within this vast group - a generation that can experience personal transformation and can be mobilised as agents for transformation throughout the world. The vision and hope is to maximise their transformational impact while they are young, and to mobilise them for continuous impact for the rest of their lives. It is imperative that we see children and young people as a crucial, strategic force, capable of transforming the nation and the world. May our hearts be opened to embrace this 4/14 Window and release this generation into the full potential God has for them. (Luis Bush)
Reflection: Lam 2:19, Matt 18:14. Urgently ask the Lord to move our hearts to see this generation through His eyes and pray for them. Ask the Lord how else you can avail yourself to build this group?
Prayer Points
■ Ask God to release a revelation of His heart upon His church, to shake us, break us, and change us with what He sees, feels and hears in regards to children.
■ Raising workers, Sunday School teachers who understand the needs, nature and potential of this emerging generation to disciple and equip them to transform their schools, community and nation.
■ Thank the Lord for the national children prayer movement. Pray that in each local church, God will raise up prayer leaders who are equipped to teach and empower children and youths to pray.
■ God to protect and preserve this generation and their destiny, to mould them to be His prophetic generation with radical commitment and excellence in character to be His future leaders to shape the destiny of nations
Reflection: Lam 2:19, Matt 18:14. Urgently ask the Lord to move our hearts to see this generation through His eyes and pray for them. Ask the Lord how else you can avail yourself to build this group?
Prayer Points
■ Ask God to release a revelation of His heart upon His church, to shake us, break us, and change us with what He sees, feels and hears in regards to children.
■ Raising workers, Sunday School teachers who understand the needs, nature and potential of this emerging generation to disciple and equip them to transform their schools, community and nation.
■ Thank the Lord for the national children prayer movement. Pray that in each local church, God will raise up prayer leaders who are equipped to teach and empower children and youths to pray.
■ God to protect and preserve this generation and their destiny, to mould them to be His prophetic generation with radical commitment and excellence in character to be His future leaders to shape the destiny of nations
Monday, 6 September 2010
12-Sep-10
Caleb R.
Shankar
Hong Lu, Foong Yee, Peggy Tan
Prisca, Jonathan L
Terry C., Weng Ern
Darren
Moses Tan
Hiew, Tommy Q.
Shankar
Hong Lu, Foong Yee, Peggy Tan
Prisca, Jonathan L
Terry C., Weng Ern
Darren
Moses Tan
Hiew, Tommy Q.
Day 30 (Monday 6 September) - Unity and Diversity
They would meet for Bible study once a week, studying the Word of God and singing hymns, united through the Holy Spirit in one faith and under one Lord. When they came across difficult passages in their studies that divide their respective denominations, they would maintain love, patience and care for one another. Yet come Sunday, their differences will be marked in their Catholic, charismatic, Brethren, Anglican, Methodist churches. Some raise hands and speak in tongues, while others sing hymns and ladies cover their heads in reverence. Nevertheless these brothers and sisters believe that "There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Eph 4:5). Seeking unity in the things that unite them, they concentrate on the Word, prayer and in evangelism, the transformation of the nation believing in the promise that one day "the Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name." Zech 14 : 9
Reflection: Eph 4:3-5, Ps 133. Thank the Lord for the unique calling and strength in all denominations. How awesome when different parts of the body with all generations come together in unity! The enemy shudders!
Prayer Points
■ Ask the Lord to forgive us of our pride and arrogance; to seek to celebrate each other's giftings and doctrinal distinctives.
■ Churches will promote activities, conferences that will unite the various denominations in prayer, worship, the Word, evangelism among all the generations, young and old. A spirit of unity and cooperation in sharing and releasing resources with common vision towards transformation of society, community and nation.
■ One united VOICE, with clear purpose to face the authorities on issues that are affecting the Body of Christ.
■ Bless all denomination heads and pray for one united prayer movement to come forth
Reflection: Eph 4:3-5, Ps 133. Thank the Lord for the unique calling and strength in all denominations. How awesome when different parts of the body with all generations come together in unity! The enemy shudders!
Prayer Points
■ Ask the Lord to forgive us of our pride and arrogance; to seek to celebrate each other's giftings and doctrinal distinctives.
■ Churches will promote activities, conferences that will unite the various denominations in prayer, worship, the Word, evangelism among all the generations, young and old. A spirit of unity and cooperation in sharing and releasing resources with common vision towards transformation of society, community and nation.
■ One united VOICE, with clear purpose to face the authorities on issues that are affecting the Body of Christ.
■ Bless all denomination heads and pray for one united prayer movement to come forth
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Sunday Sermon 5-Sept-2010
Speaker: Elder Sim Say Khim
White Fields Assembly, Seremban
http://www.mediafire.com/?hj7d3hhudwv43ow
(7MB MP3)
White Fields Assembly, Seremban
http://www.mediafire.com/?hj7d3hhudwv43ow
(7MB MP3)
Day 29 (Sunday 5 September) - Youths in Sabah & Sarawak
The authorities have made great concerted effort to actively target the younger generation in Islamising the native people, the 'Bumiputeras' of East Malaysia. The Islamic religious authorities have focused their activities on longhouses by for example, setting up hostels or "asrama" where the warden and staff are Muslims who deliberately influence the students living there towards Islamic values and way of life.
This has caused deep concern as the majority of the Christian population in Malaysia are from Sabah and Sarawak. The urgency is to bring awareness of the strategies used against our younger generation and to educate our youths on the basic foundation of their faith so that they are steadfast and always abounding in the ways of the Lord.
Reflection: Col 2:6-12. To 'continue to live in Him' – what does this mean to you? Is this the reality in your walk with the Lord?
Prayer Points
■ Thank the Lord for preserving Sabah and Sarawak. Continue to ask the Lord to protect our youths in these states from all schemes to influence and indoctrinate them with wrong values.
■ Indigenous pastors and leaders in the rural areas to be empowered, awakened and alerted on the schemes of the enemy. They will be vigilant to warn, disciple and strengthen the youths. For strong discipleship and mentoring in the interior churches.
■ Releasing of finances and resources to establish Bible schools, training centres, Christian schools and kindergartens so that the younger generation's faith will be preserved and strengthened.
■ Raising up more pastors and leaders to empower churches in the interior. More youths will heed the call of God to be church planters; evangelists, pastors and teachers.
■ Greater partnership and united effort between the Peninsular and East Malaysian churches to formulate mission strategies that will reach the lost
This has caused deep concern as the majority of the Christian population in Malaysia are from Sabah and Sarawak. The urgency is to bring awareness of the strategies used against our younger generation and to educate our youths on the basic foundation of their faith so that they are steadfast and always abounding in the ways of the Lord.
Reflection: Col 2:6-12. To 'continue to live in Him' – what does this mean to you? Is this the reality in your walk with the Lord?
Prayer Points
■ Thank the Lord for preserving Sabah and Sarawak. Continue to ask the Lord to protect our youths in these states from all schemes to influence and indoctrinate them with wrong values.
■ Indigenous pastors and leaders in the rural areas to be empowered, awakened and alerted on the schemes of the enemy. They will be vigilant to warn, disciple and strengthen the youths. For strong discipleship and mentoring in the interior churches.
■ Releasing of finances and resources to establish Bible schools, training centres, Christian schools and kindergartens so that the younger generation's faith will be preserved and strengthened.
■ Raising up more pastors and leaders to empower churches in the interior. More youths will heed the call of God to be church planters; evangelists, pastors and teachers.
■ Greater partnership and united effort between the Peninsular and East Malaysian churches to formulate mission strategies that will reach the lost
Saturday, 4 September 2010
Day 28 (Saturday 4 September) - Patriotic Generation!
Each year, many youths attend the National Service Training programme in selected locations all over the county. Among the stated objectives for the programme are:
* Developing the younger generation who are patriotic and with love and devotion for their country;
* Enhancing unity among the multi-racial communities in the country by instilling a spirit of caring and volunteerism among society; and
* Developing a positive characteristic among the younger generation through good values.
One of the ways to achieve these objectives is through 'Kelas Kerohanian' (religious classes conducted by volunteer teachers). Classes are held on Thursday and/or Friday nights from 8.00 to 10.30. More than 120,000 youths are trained each year. Currently, over 40 out of 82 campsites have Christian trainers going in regularly to conduct Bible studies. This therefore provides Christians with great opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of our youths and to foster a right spirit and attitude for nation building.
Reflection: Psalm 18:30-40. Pray that God's agenda for our next generation and the good objectives of the NS will be achieved. Not only raising physical army but also a spiritual army.
Prayer Points
■ For excellent, efficient, creative, qualified, and disciplined officers, trainers, counsellors and jungle guides. Protection as they travel to remote campsites.
■ For good maintenance of facilities and equipment; security and cleanliness in living conditions and protection on trainees' health.
■ For enough committed Christian teachers to be trained and sent to ALL 82 camps in 2010. Churches to adopt and pray for the camps and the yearly three batches of trainees in their localities in 2010.
■ For spiritual awakening in all camps and Christian youths to be His light and salt to encourage and stand with those trainees in their times of need. Maturing of our next generation for the Kingdom of God
* Developing the younger generation who are patriotic and with love and devotion for their country;
* Enhancing unity among the multi-racial communities in the country by instilling a spirit of caring and volunteerism among society; and
* Developing a positive characteristic among the younger generation through good values.
One of the ways to achieve these objectives is through 'Kelas Kerohanian' (religious classes conducted by volunteer teachers). Classes are held on Thursday and/or Friday nights from 8.00 to 10.30. More than 120,000 youths are trained each year. Currently, over 40 out of 82 campsites have Christian trainers going in regularly to conduct Bible studies. This therefore provides Christians with great opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of our youths and to foster a right spirit and attitude for nation building.
Reflection: Psalm 18:30-40. Pray that God's agenda for our next generation and the good objectives of the NS will be achieved. Not only raising physical army but also a spiritual army.
Prayer Points
■ For excellent, efficient, creative, qualified, and disciplined officers, trainers, counsellors and jungle guides. Protection as they travel to remote campsites.
■ For good maintenance of facilities and equipment; security and cleanliness in living conditions and protection on trainees' health.
■ For enough committed Christian teachers to be trained and sent to ALL 82 camps in 2010. Churches to adopt and pray for the camps and the yearly three batches of trainees in their localities in 2010.
■ For spiritual awakening in all camps and Christian youths to be His light and salt to encourage and stand with those trainees in their times of need. Maturing of our next generation for the Kingdom of God
Friday, 3 September 2010
Day 27 (Friday 3 September) - Substance Abuse
Alex had always been ambitious and wanted to study in the US but all came unstuck when he failed in his exams and his girlfriend broke off their relationship. Life crumbled into complete darkness. Unable to cope he began to hang out in pubs and soon got involved with the wrong kind of "friends". Soon, he was drawn into their 'club drugs'. This is just one case of thousands of young people who have been targeted and lured into drugs. Some just want to 'try out' out of curiosity; some want to escape reality while others join the crowd because of peer pressure. Many came from dysfunctional homes, and broken relationships. Today there are 1.2 million drug addicts and many have failed in their attempt to kick the habit. For those who have been set free, they are finding difficulty in social acceptance. Disillusioned, they soon fall back to old habits. As a church, we have a social responsibility towards these people. Let us cry out to God for mercy to help us accept them.
Reflection: Psalm 107:10-16. Is there any trace of prejudice against this group of drug abusers? Do you regard them as a social menace? Confess and renounce every prejudice, religiosity and hypocrisy. Ask Him to fill us with love and compassion.
Prayer Points
■ Take authority over the spirit of rebellion, hopelessness and drug addiction that seek to destroy our youths. Teachers and law enforcers to be vigilant against syndicates working through schools and colleges to trap and recruit students.
■ The Body of Christ will reach out and be their source of comfort, encouragement, direction to young people who are facing rejection and feeling lonely. Effective youth ministries to reach out in love.
■ Expose drug traffickers in our nation and local processing labs in remote places. Expose and remove all corrupt officials in authority who are protecting these syndicates.
■ Strong support groups to uphold and strengthen those who have been delivered from drugs. They will find love and acceptance and able to integrate back into society successfully.
Reflection: Psalm 107:10-16. Is there any trace of prejudice against this group of drug abusers? Do you regard them as a social menace? Confess and renounce every prejudice, religiosity and hypocrisy. Ask Him to fill us with love and compassion.
Prayer Points
■ Take authority over the spirit of rebellion, hopelessness and drug addiction that seek to destroy our youths. Teachers and law enforcers to be vigilant against syndicates working through schools and colleges to trap and recruit students.
■ The Body of Christ will reach out and be their source of comfort, encouragement, direction to young people who are facing rejection and feeling lonely. Effective youth ministries to reach out in love.
■ Expose drug traffickers in our nation and local processing labs in remote places. Expose and remove all corrupt officials in authority who are protecting these syndicates.
■ Strong support groups to uphold and strengthen those who have been delivered from drugs. They will find love and acceptance and able to integrate back into society successfully.
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Day 26 (Thursday 2 September) - Redeeming the Generation
When others sleep, the Mat Rempits begin their day. Mat eagerly looks forward to these daily gatherings. His friends in the gang are his life. With them he feels brave, the drugs make him feel alive, far from the aimlessness at home, loiterings in the shopping malls and being called 'hopeless' and 'useless'. His life is like a motorcycle, always on the move and picking up speed. When in speed, he cannot slow down and think. Whatever the group fancies, he will follow. Some days they prey on young women, even pregnant ones; other times, they smash car windows, steal bags and laptops, destroy property and perform dangerous stunts on their bikes.
These youths and others like them must be reconciled to their parents, authorities and God. Parents, authorities and the government must likewise do the same and find ways not to alienate but to restore them.
Reflection: Malachi 2:1-8. Ask God for forgiveness where as a nation we have failed in our priestly covenant duty according to Mal 2: 5 to bring "life and peace", compassion and "true instruction" to the lost youths.
Prayer Points
■ Ask God to forgive parents who have lost their priestly duty to give "true instruction" to their children who are lost in the cycle of entertainment, leisure, lust of the eyes, casual sex, computer games, late night parties.
■ God's deliverance to come upon the Mat Rempits, bringing radical deliverance and revelational encounters.
■ Pray for creative ways to reach out to them. Church to be relevant in building bridges and help the young generation in their community.
■ Government to have wisdom and compassion to address, engage and educate the youths with love and understanding. To engage them in nation building and community life that transcend culture and race. To initiate community programs that nurture wholeness, love for nation and religion
These youths and others like them must be reconciled to their parents, authorities and God. Parents, authorities and the government must likewise do the same and find ways not to alienate but to restore them.
Reflection: Malachi 2:1-8. Ask God for forgiveness where as a nation we have failed in our priestly covenant duty according to Mal 2: 5 to bring "life and peace", compassion and "true instruction" to the lost youths.
Prayer Points
■ Ask God to forgive parents who have lost their priestly duty to give "true instruction" to their children who are lost in the cycle of entertainment, leisure, lust of the eyes, casual sex, computer games, late night parties.
■ God's deliverance to come upon the Mat Rempits, bringing radical deliverance and revelational encounters.
■ Pray for creative ways to reach out to them. Church to be relevant in building bridges and help the young generation in their community.
■ Government to have wisdom and compassion to address, engage and educate the youths with love and understanding. To engage them in nation building and community life that transcend culture and race. To initiate community programs that nurture wholeness, love for nation and religion
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Day 25 (Wednesday 1 September) - Weak & Helpless
Davin didn't like it when mum's boyfriend stayed in the house. When mum wasn't around, he would become moody and violent. Grabbing Davin's neck, he would stub his cigarette on his arm, legs and private parts laughing as Davin screamed in pain. Davin feared telling his mum as he was threatened with further punishment and beatings. Everyday we hear cases of children sodomised, brutalized, raped in shrubs, under the bridges, ponds, lakes. Those that survive live shattered and broken lives full of fear and hate. In 2007, reports said 8 Malaysians were raped daily, not including the countless unreported cases of children and those living in physical abuse. In most of these cases, the children trusted and knew their attacker who preyed on them because they were weak and helpless.
Reflection: Matt 19:14, Psalm 127:3-4. Seek God's forgiveness for forgetting that children are a gift from Him and they are our pride, joy and reward from Him. Ask Him to forgive us for hindering them from coming to Jesus and help us to treasure, protect, guide, teach and love each and every one of them irrespective of race and religion.
Prayer Points
■ Children's ministries in every church that they be lighthouses to the children in their community and outreach areas. Christian children will be raised up, ground in His Word to reach out and comfort their friends in need.
■ Vigilance and security in schools, kindergartens, tuition centres, shopping malls,.etc. Law enforcers to be watchful and alert to protect children in public places when they are not accompanied by adults.
■ Exposing all child abusers, syndicates or individuals who prey on children with evil intentions. Ask God to heal and deliver children from all afflictions: physical, emotional and spiritual abuses.
■ Church in all states to have concerted and united effort for community/social projects to help, rescue and provide loving care to the helpless and fatherless children
Reflection: Matt 19:14, Psalm 127:3-4. Seek God's forgiveness for forgetting that children are a gift from Him and they are our pride, joy and reward from Him. Ask Him to forgive us for hindering them from coming to Jesus and help us to treasure, protect, guide, teach and love each and every one of them irrespective of race and religion.
Prayer Points
■ Children's ministries in every church that they be lighthouses to the children in their community and outreach areas. Christian children will be raised up, ground in His Word to reach out and comfort their friends in need.
■ Vigilance and security in schools, kindergartens, tuition centres, shopping malls,.etc. Law enforcers to be watchful and alert to protect children in public places when they are not accompanied by adults.
■ Exposing all child abusers, syndicates or individuals who prey on children with evil intentions. Ask God to heal and deliver children from all afflictions: physical, emotional and spiritual abuses.
■ Church in all states to have concerted and united effort for community/social projects to help, rescue and provide loving care to the helpless and fatherless children
Filling the Christian Generation Gap
From HERE
Paul Fleischmann, Chair of the World Evangelical Alliance Youth Commission, says integrating youth into leadership positions is the key to the future.
-
Statistics show that more than 50 percent of the world’s people are under the age of 25, and most of them are living in the global South. At the same time, less than 30 percent of the 200-plus World Evangelical Alliance chapters have specially designated youth divisions, and younger leaders are leaving the church at a growing rate.
According to Paul Fleischmann, Chair of the WEA's Youth Commission, these figures reveal that Evangelicals have much work to do in this rapidly changing world.
“The fact is, the church is changing globally and the churches that are thriving are in the Southern Hemisphere where most of the population is young,” said Fleischmann, who also leads the San Diego, Calif.-based National Network of Youth Ministries. “If we’re concerned about reaching the world for Christ, we’ve got to take these statistics into serious consideration.”
This is why Fleischmann says churches must now “incorporate young people into leadership.”
“There are still many global gatherings that challenge the church to reach the world but forget to include young people in the effort to reach the youth,” he explained. “We need to recognize that unless youth are involved now, they may not be there when the church needs them as leaders.”
This phenomenon of youth leaving the church, ministry and the faith has often been cited as one of the top five critical issues facing Christianity today. And in recent years, many churches have responded with spirited initiatives and campaigns aimed at keeping kids in the pews.
The Southern Baptist Convention is a case in point. Beginning last summer, the denomination launched a series of “younger leader” conferences - their definition of “young” is anyone under 40 – that culminated with a huge gathering in Nashville, Tenn., this year. During the same time frame, the denomination elected four of those “younger leaders” to serve as the church's trustees as part of a genuine gesture to invite more youth into the conversation.
However, Christian youth analysts are saying those efforts are not enough.
“I think it seems every church wants to reach the millennium generation, and are saying they need the kids. But they want the kids to be 45-year-olds.” said Spencer Burke, author of the book, Making Sense of Church, and head of an online youth ministry called The OOZE. “If you need them, ask them what they want.”
Burke says the parent’s generation must not only make room for the new kids on the block -- they need to let the youth “do church” their own way.
“They need to remember that when they were younger, their parents’ generation gave them a chance to move their praise band to the front of the church,” said Burke. “It’s the same thing now. Maybe it’s time to worship from a turn-table and give sermons through an IPOD. Who knows?”
That’s why Burke believes the church needs to approach the youth as a “fellow traveler” rather than as a group that follows a “tour guide leader.”
“I think in the past we thought of leadership as having all the right answers, knowing exactly where we were going,” he said. “But the leadership is changing and the youth is responding to a type of leadership that’s more like a fellow traveler.”
Continued next week »
Paul Fleischmann, Chair of the World Evangelical Alliance Youth Commission, says integrating youth into leadership positions is the key to the future.
-
Statistics show that more than 50 percent of the world’s people are under the age of 25, and most of them are living in the global South. At the same time, less than 30 percent of the 200-plus World Evangelical Alliance chapters have specially designated youth divisions, and younger leaders are leaving the church at a growing rate.
According to Paul Fleischmann, Chair of the WEA's Youth Commission, these figures reveal that Evangelicals have much work to do in this rapidly changing world.
“The fact is, the church is changing globally and the churches that are thriving are in the Southern Hemisphere where most of the population is young,” said Fleischmann, who also leads the San Diego, Calif.-based National Network of Youth Ministries. “If we’re concerned about reaching the world for Christ, we’ve got to take these statistics into serious consideration.”
This is why Fleischmann says churches must now “incorporate young people into leadership.”
“There are still many global gatherings that challenge the church to reach the world but forget to include young people in the effort to reach the youth,” he explained. “We need to recognize that unless youth are involved now, they may not be there when the church needs them as leaders.”
This phenomenon of youth leaving the church, ministry and the faith has often been cited as one of the top five critical issues facing Christianity today. And in recent years, many churches have responded with spirited initiatives and campaigns aimed at keeping kids in the pews.
The Southern Baptist Convention is a case in point. Beginning last summer, the denomination launched a series of “younger leader” conferences - their definition of “young” is anyone under 40 – that culminated with a huge gathering in Nashville, Tenn., this year. During the same time frame, the denomination elected four of those “younger leaders” to serve as the church's trustees as part of a genuine gesture to invite more youth into the conversation.
However, Christian youth analysts are saying those efforts are not enough.
“I think it seems every church wants to reach the millennium generation, and are saying they need the kids. But they want the kids to be 45-year-olds.” said Spencer Burke, author of the book, Making Sense of Church, and head of an online youth ministry called The OOZE. “If you need them, ask them what they want.”
Burke says the parent’s generation must not only make room for the new kids on the block -- they need to let the youth “do church” their own way.
“They need to remember that when they were younger, their parents’ generation gave them a chance to move their praise band to the front of the church,” said Burke. “It’s the same thing now. Maybe it’s time to worship from a turn-table and give sermons through an IPOD. Who knows?”
That’s why Burke believes the church needs to approach the youth as a “fellow traveler” rather than as a group that follows a “tour guide leader.”
“I think in the past we thought of leadership as having all the right answers, knowing exactly where we were going,” he said. “But the leadership is changing and the youth is responding to a type of leadership that’s more like a fellow traveler.”
Continued next week »
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