Day 18: Judiciary: AG, Police & MACC

And the soldiers also asked of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said to them, Do not forcibly extort anyone, nor accuse any falsely. And be content with your wages. (Luke 3:14)

The Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers is an independent body that undertakes to uphold the law and safeguard the nation’s interests in accordance with the Federal Constitution, providing advice and views to the Federal and State Governments on all legal matters including syariah laws. It drafts all legislations for the Federal Government, revises, reprints and reforms the laws of Malaysia. The Royal Malaysian Police is to enforce law and order and maintain peace and security in the nation. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is a government agency under the Prime Minister’s Department. It’s role is to investigate and prosecute corruption in public and private sectors

Prayer Points:

• AG to act independently and fairly in prosecuting cases
• Police to eradicate corruption, use of excessive force and power abuse within her ranks
• MACC to investigate and prosecute corruption cases with diligence and integrity.

Sabah & Sarawak:

• AG to act in accordance to the 20 and 18 point agreement

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ ministry: Good communicator

"Judas Asparagus"

This is amazing and should bring tears of laughter to your eyes. I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are teaching? A child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible. Here is what was written: 

The Children's Bible in a Nutshell 

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one,' but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did. Then God made the world. He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.

Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel. Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something. One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat. Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.

God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother. One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

After Joshua came David.. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me. After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New Testament.. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.') During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Republicans.

Jesus also had twelve opossums.The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him. Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.

Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

Day 17: Bar Council & Lawyers

Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; save them out of the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 82:3-4)

The Malaysian Bar, which is the body of all Malaysian lawyers, occupies a special place in the nation. The Bar can be looked to and counted on to state the legal position clearly in matters of particular public interest and concern. The Bar Council issues regular press statements that clarify in the media the legal provisions, in such matters. In that sense, it provides a check and balance as to whether justice for all as enshrined in the Federal Constitution is adhered to. Whilst the Bar Council also seeks to uphold the integrity of it’s over 12,000 members, the task is overwhelming. The lawyers must therefore on their own accord practice their profession with integrity in every aspect from how they handle their client’s matters to how much they charge etc, with the fear of God and a passion for justice

Prayer Points:

• Bar Council to be a voice to speak on justice, truth and righteousness
• Lawyers to conduct their practice with professionalism, passion and integrity
• Christian lawyers to uphold Biblical standard in their practice of law.

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ ministry: Clear vision

Day 16: Judges

You shall appoint judges and officers for yourself in all your gates which Jehovah your God gives you, tribe by tribe. And they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not pervert judgment; you shall not respect persons, nor take a gift. For a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. (Deuteronomy 16:18-19)

The Role of a judge is crucial in delivering a judgment that is just and equitable. From the very start of a matter, at any level of court, a good judge will act as a referee between parties or their lawyers, so that the louder, richer or more influential does not bully the other. This is only possible when a judge remains unbiased by refusing to allow his own preferences and prejudices of any kind such as race, religion, gender to color his/her decision-making process in any way. He/she would also need discernment to look beyond the eloquence of lawyers and courtroom drama for accurate character assessment, which is much needed to ascertain where the truth lies. Also, discretion and diligence in seeking out the truth as quickly as possible and applying the relevant laws, would ensure that injustices are dealt with swiftly.

Prayer Points:

• Judges to be diligent and bold in dispensing justice
• Judges to be free from corruption and political biasness
• Judges to zealously defend and enforce the constitution and law.

Sabah & Sarawak:

• More qualified locals to be appointed as judges
• Judges to uphold the rights of East Malaysians to religious liberty as provided in the 20 and 18 point agreement.

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ ministry: God’s favor

Worship Team 28 August 2011

Chairperson: Hong Lu

Worship Leader: Kai Yew
Back-ups: Colleen, Hong Lu, Foong Yee

Pianist: Prisca Sim
Synth: Jocelyn Lee
Guitarist: Nigel Dusanjh
Bass: Weng Ern
Drummer: Ken Fhui

Projectionist: Meng Fhui

PA Personnel: Hiew FF, Tommy Q

Your Name - Paul Baloche and Glenn Packiam

Sunday Sermon 21-Aug-2011 - Ps Dr James Niles

Speaker: Ps. Dr. James Niles
The Tabernacle, KL

Sunday Service: ( Seminar Session 2 )
http://www.mediafire.com/?897p753k1y5nod5

( Seminar Session 3 )
http://www.mediafire.com/?dkauq6h5mqmklqk

NECF 40-Day Fast & Prayer - Part 4: The Malaysian Judiciary

August 22 - 26

Malaysia is a democratic nation constituted by the Malaysian Constitution which sets out the foundational and fundamental pillars and basic structure of the nation together with the various institutions of government. The Constitution vests judicial power in the Malaysian Judiciary whilst other powers such as the lawmaking and the administration of the nation are vested in Parliament and the Cabinet respectively.

The Malaysian judiciary consists principally of the High Court of Malaya, the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak, the Court of Appeal and the apex Federal Court. Below the High Courts are the subordinate courts consisting of the Sessions and the Magistrate’s Courts.

Judicial power is exercised through the jurisdiction to adjudicate and determine legal disputes between various parties, whether between private parties, between the citizen and the government and its officials, and between one of the constituent states of Malaysia and the Federation.

In this constitutional set up, the judiciary functions as an important means of maintaining a check and balance against Parliament and the Cabinet. This will arise when legislative and executive action is being challenged as being unlawful or unconstitutional by an increasingly assertive rakyat and civil society organization. In this regard, it is the sacred duty of the judges in the course of exercising its judicial power to ensure that the government upholds the twin pillars the Rukun Negara relating to law which are “The Rule of Law” and the “Upholding the Constitution”.

This is a duty which judges undertake an oath before exercising the functions of their office and that is to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution within which is embedded the principle of Supremacy of the Constitution and the Rule of Law.

At this important defining moment of our national life, there are serious challenges which if not properly resolved will undermine foundational and fundamental pillars of our nation and jeopardize nation-building. While the courts might not be the most suitable forum to resolve some of them, the judiciary must rise to the occasion and demonstrate judicial independence, integrity and courage to do justice without fear or favour to defend, uphold and preserve these constitutional pillars of the Malaysian nation.

Bro Lim Heng Seng

Advocate & Solicitor

Day 15: Vocational Schools

Then having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us… (Romans 12:6a)

Some children find their niche in life in the academic spheres whereas others are gifted in the non-academic areas. Currently, our education system places too much emphasis on the academic. Although Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) students who acquire borderline passes are allowed to continue their studies to Form 4, many end up showing little interest in the academic subjects while others end up as truants and drop-outs, throwing their future away. In response to this situation, NECF has initiated plans to set up a vocational school in the near future. The government should also look into this and provide an alternative for the talented students who are not interested in academic pursuits.

Prayer Points:

• More vocational schools to be established
• License to be granted for NECF vocational school project from the Education Department
• Capable project manager to handle this project
• Sufficient funds to complete this project.

Sabah & Sarawak:

• Construction of hostels for rural students studying in the city
• More universities and vocational schools to be established
• Churches to help finance needy and poor students into school.

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ ministry: Gifted with spiritual gifts

Seminar with Ps. Dr. James Niles - Personal Spiritual Revival

Personal Spiritual Revival

Speaker: Ps. Dr. James Niles
The Tabernacle, KL

Seminar Session 1:
http://www.mediafire.com/?o6o40427rvliao5

Day 14: Christians & Teaching

Truly, O Theophilus, I made the first report as to all things that Jesus began both to do and teach (Acts 1:1)
Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

Currently, there is a perceived lowly status of the teaching profession in terms of social recognition. As a result, this once noble profession has lost its shine and luster among career aspirants, especially among the young people in Malaysia. But if we view and regard teaching as a noble profession, then it is time for the Christian community to exalt the teaching profession to its rightful place again. In view of less and less Christians entering the teaching profession, this becomes an urgent call for church leadership to encourage their members to become ‘missionaries’ among students.

Prayer Points:

• Younger Christians to capture teaching as a mission and vocation
• Teaching profession to be saturated again with Christian Principals and teachers
• Christian Principals and teachers to continue to maintain high standards of professionalism and teaching
• Christian Principals and teachers to continue to be salt and lights in their schools.

Sabah & Sarawak:

• Christian teachers to be willing to be posted to East Malaysia
• Christians to apply as Tabika Kemas teachers
• Adequate funding to train and support Christian Tabika Kemas teachers

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ ministry: Fresh anointing

Love is Practical

by Dr. Gary Chapman

God's Expectation

"Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it." I, for one, am fully willing to admit that apart from the work of Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life I am not likely to be that kind of husband. I am in fact, self-centered and often selfish.

However, there is no question that this is God's expectation of me and all husbands. As Christians we must not accept the cultural norm as our standard. Rather, we must recognize that in Christ we have the ability to transcend the pull of selfishness and truly become lovers. Few wives will run away from a husband who is loving as Christ loved.

Contract, Criticism, and Covenant

Many people view marriage as a contract. "I'll do this if you will do that." With enough criticism your spouse may do what you want, but it will not be an expression of love. True love is a choice and cannot be coerced. Criticism and demands tend to drive wedges. Each of us must decide daily to love or not to love.

If we decide to love, then we need to view marriage differently. The Bible paints for us a better picture of how we are to love and commit ourselves to one another. It views marriage as a covenant, not a contract. Covenants might include such affirmations as: 

Bridging the Gap - Tricia Yeoh

In light of all that’s been happening recently, the numerous comments (both wise and ridiculously silly) that have emerged out of the church incident (where JAIS ‘raided’ or ‘inspected’ the church premises) made me exasperated and wishing more than ever that we had more avenues to bridge the ever-widening gap between these polar communities we are observing in Malaysia. Just my ittie bittie contribution to the discourse, published last Friday in theSun. Enjoy! 

Bridging the Gap - Tricia Yeoh 

THOMAS Friedman in his 2005 book The World is Flat predicted that with the advent of technology the world would become a level playing field in an increasingly globalised environment. In such a wired world, there would be greater access to and a flourishing exchange of information and ideas.

Initially, this was thought to have brought upon cultural and socio-economic uniformity in various aspects. Six years later, we know the reality: how globalisation has not brought people together but has in fact shown up the fissures that existed in society – and then drawn these separate poles slowly but surely apart.

Few leaders are willing to say this as it is politically incorrect, but this is true also – and more deeply so – of Malaysia. These deep divisions exist when it comes to ethnicity, class, language, geography (imbalanced development between the different states), and as we have experienced intensely of late, religion.

Day 13: Christian Fellowships

But Jesus said, Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 19:14)

The role that Christian Fellowships (CF) play in schools as an effective witness cannot be denied. In the past many students have come to know Christ through this vehicle. Today, many of these fellowships have been systematically shut down, some due to the lack of Christian teachers as CF Advisors. Schools are an important harvest field that we must retain and regain. To make this happen, Christian teachers, parents and students must work hand-inhand to revive Christian fellowships in our schools

Prayer Points:

• CF’s to be allowed and encouraged in schools
• Christian teachers to step forward to take the role of CF Advisors
• Christian Parents to unite together to request for CF’s in their children’s schools through the Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
• Teachers and students to take the initiate to start prayer cells in schools that are without CF’s

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ family: Right priorities

Day 12: Quality of Teachers

A disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. (Matthew 10:24)

The Ministry of Education have identified the quality of teachers as being one of the key factors in producing quality students and graduates from our education system. In the past, we used to have many teachers of great quality that produced brilliant students. But the quality of teachers has deteriorated today. Some of the common remarks made with regard to teachers today are not very flattering, e.g. the teachers are poor in the English language, disinterested in teaching as well as being of poor quality. Of late some have been guilty of uttering racist remarks to students. If we want our standard of education to improve, we urgently need to re-look at the selection of our teachers and their training

Prayer Points:

• Minister and Ministry to propose and implement effective developmental programs to improve the quality of teachers
• Minister and Ministry to set and maintain high standards of professionalism and teaching among teachers. Ministry to weed out teachers teach who and promote racism and religious bigotry
• Teachers to have a strong sense of passion and dedication towards their vocation
• Wage structure to be revised and improved to draw better quality teachers into the vocation.

Sabah & Sarawak:

• Teachers to view their profession as nation-building
• Ministry not to practice sending teachers under discipline into the interior

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ family: Happy children

What We Must Learn From the Zachery Tims Tragedy

 J. Lee Grady Newsletters - Fire In My Bones

God has something sobering to say to us through the death of this popular preacher. 

Zachery Tims’ story had a great beginning. As a young man he met Jesus and was saved from a life of crime and drugs. He and his wife, Riva, moved from Baltimore to Orlando, Fla., in 1996 to launch a church that aimed to restore families and pull teens out of trouble. New Destiny Christian Center grew fast, mostly because of Tims’ passionate preaching. He was soon a regular on Christian television.

But things unraveled in 2009 when Tims was caught carrying on a yearlong affair with a stripper he met in France. He admitted to an “indiscretion” and got a few weeks of counseling, but he didn’t take serious time off for rehabilitation. Riva divorced him for his infidelity. The billboards that once featured photos of the happy couple were changed. By 2011 the roadside ads featured a shot of Tims by himself, with this slogan: “A Family Church Meeting Family Needs.”

“We don’t know yet exactly why Tims died in his room on the 37th floor at the W Hotel in Manhattan. Police are still investigating. But I believe this tragedy could have been avoided if Tims and the people in his inner circle had followed the forgotten principle of biblical discipline.”

This story did not end well. On Aug. 12, Tims was found dead—at age 42—in a New York City hotel room. His four children lost their dad, and his church lost their beloved leader. But while Tims’ family and friends are grieving their loss (and I’m not minimizing that because the pain is real), I’m also grieving over the fact that the wider body of Christ has yet another embarrassing religious scandal to explain. We can’t gloss over this.

Bicycle Built for Two

"We had this bicycle," the lady said. "It was built for two people to ride together. What problems that bicycle caused us!"

"How so?" I asked?

"Well, my husband would ride behind me, on the back seat. I always rode in the front seat and steered. But he wouldn't peddle! He just let me do all the work. When I applied the brake, then he would start peddling!"

Now, this husband worked against his wife only to tease her, but in many marriages the husband and wife fight against each other over much more serious issues. Rather than making a joint effort towards a common goal, they end up battling for their rights. Each of them has an individual goal and tries to make their spouse go in their direction, at their pace. Marriage becomes a struggle rather than a partnership.

The one thing you need to ride a bicycle-built-for-two is agreement. Without it, the thing just won't work. Two may ride on it, but if they don't work together, they won't go anywhere. Worse, they will suffer many crashes and many frustrations.

Just like that tandem bike, every marriage takes two partners working together. That makes all the difference. With agreement we develop marital coordination. Without it, we develop marital confusion.

Where Are the Cops?

by Mark Gungor

Imagine if you will, all of the major news networks announce that starting tomorrow there will be no police presence in a city, let’s say Chicago. The news report states that for the next 72 hours, no security, no officers, no squad cars, nothing will be patrolling the streets of downtown, nor will they respond to any 911 calls for help. No rules or laws will be enforced. What would happen?

We all know that absolute anarchy, chaos, and lawlessness would reign. People would be robbing, looting, even murdering if they could get away with it, and what would the public outcry be? All would be yelling, “This is crazy! Where are the police!?” Because it’s the police that are supposed to enforce and uphold the law, and if they are simply going to neglect their duty, then people will run amuck.

Sure, those that choose to break the law and do very bad things are ultimately responsible for their behaviors. What they are doing is absolutely wrong, yet you won’t hear the news anchors or analysts addressing the criminals. They won’t be saying, “Stealing is wrong, now don’t you bad guys know that you shouldn’t be doing this stuff? You’re creating problems for us and you must exercise self-control and stop being bad.” Not on your life! The fingers would all be pointed at the police, crying out for consequences to be meted out.

Day 11: Religious Factor

Therefore take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God which He has purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also men shall arise from your own selves, speaking perverse things in order to draw disciples away after them. Therefore watch and remember that for the time of three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. (Acts 20:28-31)

There is a serious concern that our education system is lob sided in promoting religious faiths. One clear example is the widespread reference of Islam over other faiths in our school history textbooks. This can be construed as a form of indoctrination and imposition of one’s belief onto another. It appears to influence the young minds of various faiths to follow the prophet of one particular religion. It details the study of the prophet’s life and is repeatedly praised throughout the chapters. Students are repeatedly exhorted throughout the book to emulate him as a role model in life. This has created unhappiness and mistrust between religious organizations and the Islamic faith.

Prayer Points:

• Our school history books to be reviewed and corrected for its lob sided emphasis
• Education curriculum to be more academic than religious
• All faiths to be given equal coverage to promote understanding and accurate reflection of our pluralistic society
• Religious clubs of other faiths to be allowed in schools.

Sabah & Sarawak:

• Christian parents to be vigilant and watchful over the teachers, curriculum and activities carried out to influence our young minds with one religious slant
• Christian parents to vigilant and alert that their children are not misled to attend Islamic Religious classes.

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ family: Strong marriages

A Perfect Ending to a Lousy Day

John comes home from work one day to find Sally in tears. “I am a terrible mother,” she cries!

“I don’t know why I ever let you get me pregnant! Any mother could do this better than me.”

Her three year old had, in just fifteen minutes, tried to see if those little goldfish crackers would swim in the toilet, unwound a whole role of toilet paper, and tried to teach the cat to swim. And he did it all with the sweetest smile.

Timmy, the three year old tornado, has reduced a perfectly capable mother– a woman with a masters degree and a nice even temperament– into a defeated mass of regrets.

You’ve had days like that haven’t you? No? Oh. You’re one of those perfect parents who have discovered the foolproof secret to tranquil child raising. The rest of us secretly hope that the next time you and your husband or wife make love, the result will be a Timmy. Then we’ll see how tranquil you are.

Prevent or Repair?

Now, this little article could go in many directions. We could follow Timmy and see what happens to a boy who has innocently unraveled his mom. Or we could follow his mom, Sally. But remember John? He’s the daddy, and he just came home from a long hard day at the office and a truly horrible commute. Right now John’s own emotional reserves are on empty. Not only that, but events at work have made him feel fairly worthless. A collision is imminent. An explosion is only a few ticks of the clock away. How can they prevent it? Or do they just let it happen and bandage the wounds later?

NECF 40-Day Fast & Prayer - Part 3: Education

August 17 - 21

Our young people are like ‘sheep without a shepherd’ in the schools. Our Lord Jesus faced the same situation when He was on earth. In Matthew 9:35-38, it is recorded that 

‘Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” ’

More than ever, today, we need teachers who are called by God into this vocation to be role models for the young; teachers who will love their students, care for them and pray that they will catch a glimpse of the Saviour who alone can lift them out of the ‘miry clay of sin and set their feet on the rock of salvation’. In this career, Christians will walk in the footsteps of Jesus, as they teach and heal young lives.

Henry Adams has rightly said “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence ends.” A teacher influences his immediate students, who then go out into the world and, in turn, influence their families, their colleagues, and everyone else with whom they come into contact for the next forty or so years of their lives. One generation influences another generation. This has the effect of a pebble thrown into a stream, rippling with ever-expanding circles, as each ripple of influence goes on and on.

In a very real sense, teachers are the builders of the nation. They groom young lives, lay the foundation for character with principles of integrity and shape minds that will be other-centric rather than egocentric. They will be role models to the young of people who will serve with their lives rather than expect to be served. Many of us can think of at least one teacher who has impacted our lives. The future generations of young people in our country desperately need to have such teachers to impact their lives. What Malaysia becomes in thirty years’ time depends on what teachers are in the schools today.

Teaching is the noblest of professions. A teacher burns his life out for the sake of others in his care. Like a candle, his life is given to shine in the darkness of confusion and helplessness of our youth.

Moey Yoke Lai

MCKL Chief Executive Officer

Aug 16 / Day 10: 1Malaysia

And if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. (Mark 3:24-25)

On 16 September 2008, Prime Minister Najib Razak launch the 1Malaysia campaign under the slogan, ‘1Malaysia, People First, Performance Now’. It was meant to foster unity among the different communities for nationbuilding. Every Malaysian should see themselves as Malaysian made up of difference ethnic groups and religion. However, with the recent rhetoric of irresponsible politicking, racist extremism and religious bigotry, serious questions have been raised about the Prime Minister’s sincerity and commitment to the 1Malaysia concept and his political will to promote it. Some claimed that it is merely a political tool to garner votes and not an honest

commitment for change. 

Prayer Points:

• The Prime Minister to be fully committed to implementing the 1 Malaysia concept as against mere slogan
• Racial and religious supremacy to be dismantled
• Irresponsible politicking to be reprimanded
• National unity and harmony among the various communities.

Sabah & Sarawak:

• Perception as “fixed deposit” states by Federal Government to be corrected
• Given equal economic, educational and infrastructure development as in West Malaysia
• More interaction, understanding and cooperation between the east and west
• Past constitutional agreements to be preserved and respected.
• Recognition and restoration of lands belonging to the natives

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ personal life: Have spiritual mentors

Aug 15 / Day 9: Money Politics

A wicked man takes a bribe out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. (Proverbs 17:23)

Money politics is a form of corruption often associated with political circles. The objective is to secure votes unfairly by inducing voters with gifts – be it monetary or otherwise. The practice of money politics is part of a larger bribery culture entrenched within various sections of our society. Ordinary folks have no qualms in engaging in acts of bribery when they perceive those in political power practice money politics. We have much reason to be concerned when Malaysia’s ranking in 2010, as measured by Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, achieved a CPI score of 4.4, with “10” indicating no corruption whilst “0” indicates extreme corruption. Further, the nation’s ranking has been dropping over the years from No.23 in 1995 to No 56 in 2010.

Prayer Points:

• Malaysians will be repulsed by bribery and corruption
• Corrupt politicians and ministers would be exposed and prosecuted
• Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would enforce existing anti-corruption laws without fear or favor
• Christians will respond actively and positively to the Global Day of Prayer (GDOP) Unashamed Ethically Conference and initiatives.

Sabah & Sarawak:

• More economic independence to combat political dependence and economic ransom
• More Christian entrepreneurs to invest in economic development for eradication of poverty

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ personal life: Good circle of friends

Talking Like the Animals

Recently I have been working on a premarital counseling course for our friends in Malaysia. While doing the section on communication, I came up with the idea of using animals as pictures of human communication.

Take a look at these and see if you can identify yourself or your spouse. Note, too, that we sometimes act like different animals in different situations. Puppies can become clams if they are intimidated.

Have fun with the animals, and no fighting or self-condemnation, please.

Aug 14 / Day 8: Wealth of the Nation

He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for the service of man, to bring forth food out of the earth, and wine cheers the heart of man, and oil makes his face shine, and bread sustains the heart of man. (Psalm 104:14-15)

The Lord owns the earth and everything in it. He created it all. The earth is given to mankind as a stewardship and they must one day give account of their management of the earth and its resources. As a nation, we have been blessed with abundant resources in timber, minerals and its people. Ultimately, our nation and its leaders will be judged in the way its resources are managed for the benefit of all its peoples, regardless of their beliefs and racial, social or economic backgrounds. The government must utilize the nation’s wealth to ensure justice, peace and stability. Its wealth must also be used for the underprivileged, e.g. to defend the cause of the fatherless, the widow and the foreigners living in our midst. The nation’s wealth must especially be used to help the poor

Prayer Points:

• Greater accountability over how the nation’s wealth is being used
• The government to manage and multiply the wealth of the nation wisely
• Our natural resources to be preserved and used carefully
• The wealth of the nation to be shared to all and the needy.

Sabah & Sarawak:

Wealth of the state to be restored and wisely managed
Deforestation and construction of dams be reviewed and limited
Recognition and restoration of lands belonging to the natives

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ personal life: Time for recreation

Sunday Sermon 14-Aug-2011 - Ps Dennis Balan

Speaker: Ps. Dennis Balan
Full Gospel Assembly, USJ

http://www.mediafire.com/?wbe0fic6hgg8vqb

Worship Team 21 August 2011

Chairperson: Dr. Siow KW

Worship Leader: Foong Yee
Back-ups: Shankar R, Lydia Sim, Peggy Tan

Pianist: Meng Fhui
Synth: Jonathan L.
Guitarist: Terry C
Bass: Ken Fhui
Drums: Darren

Projectionist: Moses Tan

PA Personnel: Tommy Q., Manjit Singh

Aug 13 / Day 7: Prime Minister & Cabinet Ministers

First of all, then, I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

Our current Prime Minister is Dato’ Seri Najib Razak. He was appointed as Malaysia’s 6th Prime Minister on 3 April 2009 after the March 8 elections. The Prime Minister is assisted by the Cabinet, which is the executive branch of Malaysia’s government. The task of the Prime Minister and his Cabinet is to administrate the government and nation. How they lead will determine the progression or regression of the nation. Being humans, they are also liable to failure and temptation. As Christians, it becomes our duty to uphold them in prayer that they wisely and reverently fulfill their task and not fail during their term of duty.

Prayer Points:

• They will discharge their duties with wisdom, diligence and integrity
• They are clothed with the fear of God and humility
• They avoid and oppose all corrupt and wicked ways
• They uphold truth, justice, righteousness and equality.

Sabah & Sarawak:

• State Governments to be purged of all corrupt politicians and practices
• State Governments to place the people’s need before their political interest.

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ personal life: Healthy emotional life

What's the Difference?

by Dr. Gary Chapman 

Are there really any differences between The 5 Love Languages® and The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace? 

Those familiar with The 5 Love Languages and who have found them helpful in their personal relationships may wonder if there is really any difference between The 5 Love Languages and The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. While the languages discussed in both books are the same, the application and expression of the languages in the work environment is often quite different than in personal relationships, and there are additional unique issues that need to be addressed that don't exist in personal relationships (for example, the question of the authenticity of the appreciation, or the issue of "fairness" between coworkers receiving appreciation in different ways.)

First of all, you shouldn't assume that your primary love language in personal relationships is the same as your most important language of appreciation in the workplace. We have found that sometimes individuals' primary languages are the same in both contexts. More often, people's primary language in one relational context (personal or work) is one of their top two languages in the other relational setting. For example, someone who has Quality Time as their preferred love language has a good chance of Quality Time being one of their top two languages of appreciation (about 65% of the time). However, depending on some of the issues we address in the book, a person's primary language can be quite different, depending on the relational context.

Aug 12 / Day 6: Parliamentary Democracy

Therefore, brothers, look out among you seven men being witnessed to, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this duty. (Acts 6:3)

Malaysia practices Parliamentary Democracy with a constitutional monarch, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as the Supreme Head of the country. Parliamentary elections are held once every five years to elect the government of the day. As an elected government, they have no absolute power in themselves. They are elected by the people for the people and therefore they are accountable to the one who elected them. The people have the right to hold every elected government responsible over how they have administrated the nation. The people are under no obligation to retain a government if the government of the day has failed in their duties.

Prayer Points:

• Malaysians to be free from apathy, indifference and blind loyalty and to vote wisely
• Fair and clean elections with no manipulation of phantom voters and postal votes
• More Malaysians to be registered as voters and for Malaysians residing abroad to be able to vote
• More volunteers to be trained as polling observers and counting agents.

Sabah & Sarawak:

• Christian communities will rightly divide and apply the Word in relation to our parliamentary democratic system
• Communities not sell away their votes for temporal gain.

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ personal life: Deep in the Word

The Fear of Not Protecting My Kids

by Max Lucado

Parents, we can’t protect children from every threat in life, but we can take them to the Source of life. We can entrust our kids to Christ. Even then, however, our shoreline appeals may be followed by a difficult choice.

As Jairus and Jesus were going to Jairus’s home, “a messenger arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. He told him, ‘Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.’ But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed’ ” (Luke 8:49–50 NLT).

Jairus was whipsawed between the contrasting messages. The first, from the servants: “Your daughter is dead.” The second, from Jesus: “Don’t be afraid.” Horror called from one side. Hope compelled from the other. Tragedy, then trust. Jairus heard two voices and had to choose which one he would heed.

Don’t we all?

Avoid Negative Comparisons

Sam has a wife with a smile that lights up the darkest room. That smile rises, like the sun, on a face as smooth as warm chocolate, accented by sparkling eyes. Hair like spun black silk crowns her well-shaped features, cascading onto her shoulders. Anna is not tall, nor long of leg. But she is a jewel in a compact form. Her inner beauty even surpasses the outward. Sam should know how blessed he is.

Read: Proverbs 31:29

But there’s another woman in their circle. Tall, long-legged, elegant; a woman who can wear anything and make it look regal. Of her inner beauty I know nothing, but outwardly she is what we Americans call a ‘knock out.’ Like every other man, Sam cannot help noticing her when she walks into a room. She is just that kind of woman. Sam doesn’t lust for her. But in subtle ways he wants Anna to be more like her. He has compared his short, sweet wife to this regal beauty. Anna feels devalued. It sounds like Sam would be much happier with “Miss Legs.”

So unfair to Anna! For this comparison throws a shadow over all her wonderful qualities. And what about Anna’s unique commitment to Sam as his wife for life? Surely that sets her apart from any other woman.

Anna can never be this other woman, but why should she be? And why should Sam diminish Anna’s value by comparing her to anyone else? It won’t make her a better person, but it could make her a bitter wife. In worst cases, negative comparisons lead to discouragement, jealousy, envy and despair. But they never, never, never make us better, happier, more fulfilled people.

Aug 11 / Day 5: Missional

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority is given to Me in Heaven and in earth. Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Jesus commanded that we go and make disciples of all men. This is our primary purpose that is to be done outside of the four walls of the church. God has planted His people in the various spheres of influence so that she may be a living witness and the agent of change for the transformation and salvation of the nation. As God’s people we must see our community, schools and workplaces as our parish where God has placed us in order to shepherd and lead the lost to Him. We need to take the lead and engage those within our sphere of influence with prayer, good works and the gospel.

Prayer Points:

• The Church within the different spheres of influence to awaken and arise
• Believers to come together in prayer to impact and reach their specific spheres
• Local churches to be equipped to equip their flock to influence their spheres
• For the different spheres to be impacted and transformed for the Lord.

Sabah & Sarawak:

• Churches to be involved in community and economic development
• Churches to promote and preserve racial and religious harmony.

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ personal life: Strong prayer life

NECF 40-Day Fast & Prayer - Part 2: Government

August 12 - 16

The government has three independent branches. The first is called the Executive. At the federal level, the Executive branch consists of the Prime Minister and his cabinet and at the state level, it is the Chief Minister and his cabinet. The second is the Legislature consisting of Parliament at the Federal level and at the state level, the State Assembly. This branch of the government makes the laws of the nation but the laws must be consistent with the constitution. The third branch is the Judiciary, which interprets and applies the constitution and the laws of the nation.

The constitution is the basic law by which all other laws and governmental actions stand to be judged. The government, the civil administration, the Prime Minister, his Cabinet, members of Parliament and judges must all affirm to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution while upholding the rule of law. Hence, the government and its officials are all subject to and bound by the constitution and the rule of law.

Of course today, there are much negative remarks about the government of the day in what they should or should not be doing. Much is said regarding the policies and practices of the government that seem to not promote the common good of all but towards a select community of people. In times such as these, it is easy to feel a sense of hopelessness and disappointment.

As beacons of light and “agents of change” in the sphere of government, the Church must now actively engage the national life of the nation. The responsibility of Christians is to support the government in the execution of her legitimate function as servant and/or ministers of God for the good governance of the nation. Christians are to actively seek the peace and prosperity of our nation. To do so, a Christian should participate meaningfully in the processes and structures of democratic government and participative democracy for the common good of the nation. As a voter, a tax-payer, a consumer and as someone exercising a profession, a Christian has a meaningful role to play in the affairs of the nation. And in playing out this role, Christians need to be responsive to the issues arising out of the events, policies and laws generated by the processes of politics and governance.

YB Hannah Yeoh & Eugene Yapp

Face Your Fears—Even If Your Knees Are Knocking

 J. Lee Grady Newsletters - Fire In My Bones 

I learned some important lessons about courage last weekend while I was dangling in midair. 

 I am not a daredevil. I have never bungie-jumped off a cliff, parachuted out of an airplane or spent any time in a shark cage. But when my friend Michael Cole from Christ for the Nations Institute (CFNI) asked me to speak at a leadership retreat in Ohio—and he informed me that we would be participating in a high ropes course on Saturday afternoon—I said to myself, Bring on the challenge! I thought it would be fun! 

I was wrong. 

 “I knew the harness would hold me if I fell, but that information did not translate well from my brain to my knocking knees. Fear defies the facts.”

Before I describe the terror I faced when I stood on a thin metal cable 25 feet above the ground, let me give some backstory. The night before this aereonautical challenge, I spoke to a group of leaders from Tabernacle of Praise, a church Michael pastored for several years before moving to CFNI in Dallas. We had gathered at the Heartland camp near Marengo, Ohio, for a time of worship, teaching and fellowship. 

On Friday night I shared a message about the life of Gideon from Judges 6. It was called “Swallow Your Fears,” and I pointed out how Gideon received supernatural courage from God so he could tear down the pagan altar in his father’s house and lead a small army into battle. After that session, people gathered in groups, confessed their fears and prayed for each other. 

Help Each Other Grow

David was a young man with great potential, but also a great enemy. So it always is. The enemy: a raving, jealous king named Saul. That madman, poisoned by his own pride, tracked David relentlessly, his hatred driving him to destroy the man who would replace him as king.

Read:I Samuel 18:1

In a strange, yet wonderful, expression of God’s love for David, Saul’s son, Jonathan, became his best friend. Jonathan gave David support and encouragement, like all true friends do. In fact, Jonathan was a better brother to David than his own blood brothers were. They tried to hold David down, but Jonathan lifted him up . . . even though David would be king, not him. Best friends always help us find and fulfill God’s destiny for our lives.

At seventeen, Carrie wasn’t what anyone would call pretty. She wore thick, ugly glasses; clothes that looked like they belonged to an earlier era, and a hairstyle that said “It’s useless! Why bother?” And she was shy. Really shy. With almost no social confidence, the background was the safe place to live. If she had been an animal, she would have been a mouse.

Carrie had a boyfriend, Marvin. A nice guy, I suppose, but totally clueless about Carrie. Inside that quiet, rather plain exterior was a person of great ability and drive, just waiting for some encouragement. The mouse had the heart of a lion. But Marvin never saw that. In fact, he squelched Carrie’s drive and ambition, keeping her small so he would look important. People tell me he was obsessed with Carrie, but he certainly wasn’t a help to her.

Aug 10 / Day 4: Religious Liberty

If it is so that our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, then He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods nor worship the golden image which you have set up. (Daniel 3:17-18)

While Islam is recognised as the religion of the Federation, the Federal Constitution provides for the freedom of religion. However, this freedom is beginning to be restricted. From the banning of the Alkitab and the usage of the word ‘Allah’ to the burning of churches and removal of statues and crosses from missionary schools, Christian religious liberty is being seriously threatened. Currently, there is an acute lack of Alkitab in East Malaysia. Many are deprived of the scriptures because of the ban. Despite attempts by certain quarters to provoke and intimidate the Church, Malaysian Christians showed great composure and calmness. This saved the situation from getting out of hand.

Prayer Points:

• All religious restrictions and harassment to end
• Religious bans such as those on the Alkitab and the usage of ‘Allah’ to be lifted
• Aborigines to be given the rights to construct their own church buildings
• Christians to remain strong and prayerful in the midst of harassment.

Sabah & Sarawak:

• Religious liberty as stated in the Sabah 20 points and Sarawak 18 points agreement on be honored and upheld
• Apostasy laws and rehabilitation centers not to be enforced
• Printing and import of Alkitab and other Christian bahasa literature to be allowed

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ personal life: Adequate finances

Aug 9 / Day 3: Organizational Leaders

Therefore dissension and not a little disputation occurring by Paul and Barnabas, they appointed Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. (Acts 15:2)

Since the fire-bombs in January 2010, the three main components of Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM); namely the Catholic Church (RC), the Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) and the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF), were brought into closer cooperation and agreement. Through they were faced with many challenging issues, they succeeded in speaking up for the Church because of their unity. May they continue to stand united and unmovable to the Truth regardless of all kinds of objections & and oppositions. May they rise to be a prophetic voice to our government and our nation.

Prayer Points:

• Greater trust, understanding and unity between RC, CCM and NECF within CFM
• Vision and passion for the transformation of the Church and Nation
• Boldness, wisdom and discernment from God to speak on behalf of the Lord and the church in Malaysia
• Favor before the Rulers and Government.

Sabah & Sarawak:

• The Sabah Council of Churches and the Association of Churches Sarawak to play a greater role in looking into the religious liberty and welfare of the East Malaysian Churches.

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ personal life: Good health

Aug 8 / Day 2: Unity

If there is therefore any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tendernesses and mercies, then fulfill my joy, that you may be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Do not let each man look upon his own things, but each man also on the things of others. (Philippians 2:1-4)

The collaboration of two mega churches in the Klang Valley during last year’s Christmas is an example of a new level of unity among churches. It is a work of God liberating a new move of His Spirit that would bring much healing and restoration in our churches and land. Unity strengthens. Joel 2 reflects a united army of God that pursues. They do not break ranks, do not push one another. It is the Lord that gives voice before His united army. Only a united church can impact our nation.


Prayer Points:

• Walls of division to be demolished--strive, bitterness and envy to be replaced with understanding, humility and love
• Healing and restoration of fellowship between spiritual leaders and among churches
• Greater collaboration between pastors-elders, churches and denomination.

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ personal life: God’s divine protection

Speak Healing, Encouraging Words

How old were you when you learned to talk? Very verbal children might say their first words at 10 months. By age two you probably had a vocabulary of 200 to 300 words, and the ability to form simple sentences. So you might say that you’ve been saying words all your life. But the real question is, "What have those words done?" Sure, millions of them, even most of them, are gone and forgotten, having served their momentary purpose. Others, though, had profound and lasting consequences.

Read: Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 16:24

The Bible has hundreds of verses that speak about speaking, dozens in the book of Proverbs alone. At the core of the biblical teaching about our words is the idea that they have power . . . power to build or destroy; to bless or to curse; to heal or to wound; to instruct or to corrupt.

You are five years old. It’s a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Suddenly you come running into the house, crying. Doesn’t matter whether you are a boy or a girl. You’re sobbing like someone hit you with a stick. "What’s wrong?" Mom asks. "They called me stupid!" you moan. Your mom may have repeated the conventional wisdom that your grandmother told her: "Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you." Conventional, but so wrong.

Aug 7 / Day 1: Pastors & Leaders

And truly He gave some to be… pastors… for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Pastors-elders are God’s gift to the Church. They are one of the five fold ministry for the equipping of the saints. As leaders and mentors, they set the pace for the Church. The Church cannot grow beyond their Pastors-elders. For the Church to grow, their Pastors-elders must grow. The complexity and demands of today’s world also demands for the Pastor-elders to grow. Having a clear vision, skilled leadership, good communication, great planning, wide knowledge, relational skills coupled with theological training, godliness and zeal; these have now become essential and necessary for effective pastoral leadership. The pastoral/ leadership role and expectations are indeed great today. Our encouragement, prayer support and generosity will be a welcome help to all Pastors-elders in the service.

Prayer Points:

• God to give them the grace and divine ability to grow and cope with the rising demands of the ministry
• Needs of their families to be well provided so they can devote service to the Word, prayer and His flock without distraction
• Congregations raise prayer shields for their Pastors-elders and leaders
• The raising of the next generation of shepherds to meet the future need for shepherds.

Sabah & Sarawak:

• Pastors to put priority in discipling their flock
• Pastors to emphasize academic education among the young generation
• Interior pastors-elders to encourage and initiate development of private and church land for the financial benefit of ministry and community
• More regular leadership training program for pastors-elders and church

Sunday Sermon 7-Aug-2011 - Bro Caleb Ramachandran

Speaker: Bro. Caleb Ramachandran
White Fields Assembly Seremban

http://www.mediafire.com/?415wr858o38es7u

Worship Team 14 August 2011

Chairperson: Liong KC

Worship Leader: Prisca Sim
Back-ups: Jocelyn C., Siew Pin, Lareina

Pianist: Jocelyn Lee
Synth: Jacinta Lee
Guitarist: Ken Fhui
Bass: Darren
Drummer: Anna Sim

Projectionist: Joseph Yap

PA Personnel: Manjit Singh, Hiew FF

NECF 40-Day Fast & Prayer - Part 1: Church

August 7 - 11

Consider this: what if the Church were miraculously removed from Malaysia in a moment? Would it be missed or would things carry on without us? Are we bringing revolutionary transformation to this land? Do we have what it takes to influence society and government policy? Can we steer public opinion? These questions and the honest introspection required to answer them will help us to gauge the influence of the Church in our nation.

In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus details His mission on earth when He said:

“The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” (NASB)

What is the Gospel? Is it just responding to God so that we do not go to hell? Is the Gospel not more than just saving us from hell and meeting our personal needs? Yes, it is much more than that. A large part of the Gospel is taking what God has given and done in us and allowing it to permeate our society. We must stop looking inward and at what it does for us and look instead at what it demands from us. We must begin to look at how we can be a blessing to our nation and an influence to the society we live in.

For far too long we have looked at the Church as a building or a meeting which we attend. Is this what Jesus intended for this group of people He calls His Church? We should all be aware that rather than it being somewhere we go to, the Church itself should be a-GOING! We must break out of our four walls and begin influencing society in the key areas of the Arts & Entertainment, Business, Education, Family, Government, Media and Religion. Rather than being passive and having a retreat mentality, the Church in Malaysia must remember Daniel, Nehemiah and others who used their influence to be role models for their societies. We must lead and be catalysts of change in our society.

All around us, culture is not only influencing but also being influenced. It is being influenced either by the Babylonian degradation of society or the Kingdom of God — there is no in-between. The Church must rise up and this will not happen if we just have more meetings, services and programmes. We must go out into the midst of our culture, engage it and transform it.

Reverend Elisha Satvinder

New Covenant Community

Your Marriage: A Great Place to Grow

Is your marriage promoting health and growth for both of you? Many marriages do just the opposite. The people in them wither. Like struggling trees in a polluted environment, they are choking, longing for some fresh air and sunshine. But with God's help we can create a healthy atmosphere in our marriages and homes, an atmosphere that helps everyone in the family flourish.

People thrive in an atmosphere of love and grace. With love and grace filling the air, we are far more likely to reach our potential. In this series you will discover seven important actions that flood your marriage with love and grace. When you take these actions your marriage will become a great place to grow. Guaranteed!

Read: Numbers 6:22-27

Pray and Believe for God's Best

Praying for your husband or wife is the absolute, number one, very best thing you can do. Nothing can do what prayer does. Why? Because in prayer we bring needy people under the powerful, loving influence of God. Believe me, all of us are needy people and no one knows that better than our spouses. So all of us need God and need someone who prays for us.

I have noticed that there is a great difference between praying ABOUT someone and praying FOR someone. It’s a change in focus. When I pray ABOUT I see the person as a problem. When I pray FOR I see the person as someone who needs God just as much as I do. And I really need God. That’s why I am glad to have a wife who prays for me, not about me.

Help for Prevailing Problems

by Max Lucado

“We use God’s mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil’s strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4 NLT

Does one prevailing problem leech your life?

Some are prone to cheat. Others quick to doubt. Maybe you worry. Yes, everyone worries some, but you own the national distributorship of anxiety. Perhaps you are judgmental. Sure, everybody can be critical, but you pass more judgments than a federal judge.

What is that one weakness, bad habit, rotten attitude? Where does Satan have a stronghold within you? Ahh, there is the fitting word—stronghold: a fortress, citadel, thick walls, tall gates. It’s as if the devil staked a claim on one weakness and constructed a rampart around it.

Strongholds: old, difficult, discouraging challenges.

That’s what David faced when he looked at Jerusalem. . . .

Nevertheless.

“Nevertheless David took the stronghold . . .” (2 Sam. 5:9).

Everyone Has a Big But

by Mark Gungor 

It’s a line from Pee-wee Herman in his movie Pee-wee’s Big Adventure… and it doesn’t mean that all of us have gigantic backsides, although it sounds pretty funny when you think of the possible double meaning! He’s trying to explain something to his friend Simone and the conversation goes like this:

Simone: I know you’re right, Pee-wee, but…

Pee-wee: But what? Everyone I know has a big “But….

This isn’t the word butt, rather b-u-t. The one small, three-letter word that has all the power to dismiss, discount and disregard everything that came before it. People can hear the truth, they can be given all the guidance, direction and wisdom that they need to live right and make the proper choices. Yet in the quick and swift utterance of this one word, believe they’ve exempted themselves and that they are not required to heed the truth. After all, their big but quickly erases everything.

Here are a few examples of what I’m talking about. A young Christian couple that I know is fornicating their little brains out, comes to me and I dispense the biblical truth that what they are doing is totally against what God says. I show them the scripture that explains fornicators will not inherit the kingdom, sexual immorality is a sin in God’s eyes, and that according to Him, sex is only to happen in the confines of marriage. Then in one fell swoop, they say it: But we don’t feel like it’s wrong.

Another guy who is a believer is committing adultery; he thinks that he’s found his real soul mate so is divorcing his wife. Again, I explain that this is absolutely contrary to what the Bible says and go through the verses just so he knows that this is God saying it, not Markie pulling it out of thin air. Then it happens again… the dude puts his big but in: But I truly believe God brought us together and wants us to be happy.

Staying Power: It's All About Love

What is the difference between couples who build successful marriages and those who don't? The difference is purposeful love. Some think love is a hazy thing, like early morning fog in a valley. It's pretty, almost mystical, but the heat melts it away. Others think love is all about passionate feelings and powerful, knee-shaking kisses. Great stuff, romantic too, but not true love.

One young Singaporean woman glories in her image as a "Party Girl." She engages in "sex for fun," and loves the party life. She thinks time-tested moral principles are outdated, confining, and dangerous to her freedom of self-expression. She has lots of partners of all races, all for the "fun" of it. But I wonder if she has anybody who really loves her? And is there anyone she really loves? Restless as a bee in a field of flowers, she goes from one encounter to another. Lots of lust, but where is the love that helps her become all God intends her to be?

Sam and Jane have been married twenty years. That's staying power, isn't it? Well, yes, but you wouldn't want what they have. Their marriage has been a long grey silence, with rare bright moments. Lasting, but not successful. Dreary, like twenty years of cloudy days. Why have they stayed married? They ask the same question, but don't have an answer. It usually comes down to obligation. Do Sam and Jane love each other? Doubtful. They live separate lives, for the most part, never thinking about what will help their partner. They do the minimum to keep marriage bearable, not the exceptional that makes marriage beautiful.

Remember this: True love helps. Hold that thought and you will never again have any trouble understanding love. The person who loves you helps you, and the person you love, you help.

Whatever Happened to Faithfulness?

J. Lee Grady Newsletters - Fire In My Bones

Two elderly missionaries inspired me this week to value character so I can finish well.

You’ve probably never heard of Hobert and Marguerite Howard. They didn’t write best-selling books. They aren’t rich. They don’t preach on television or pastor a megachurch. Fame was the farthest thing from their minds when they both surrendered their lives to serve God on the mission field.

In 1951 this Pentecostal couple boarded a steamship and sailed for 50 days to India, where they built orphanages, schools and churches and trained Christian leaders. This week the Howards officially retired, and I had the privilege of attending a special reception to honor them for 60 years of service.

“Faithfulness is such a rare commodity today that it has disappeared from our lexicon. In this day of quick divorce, loan defaults, addictive personalities, broken contracts, deadbeat dads and religious scandals, we’re surprised when somebody actually follows through and keeps their promises.”

I had to choke back a few tears as I listened to Hobert talk about the fruit of his labor. Many of the children he and his wife cared for in their three orphanages are leading churches today. One boy, R.D. Murmu, was just 24 days old when the Howards took him in and raised him to love Jesus. Today R.D. oversees many churches in the north Indian region of Jharkhand.

Another orphan boy, Samuel Banerjee, from the Bihar region, was just six days old when he was brought to the Howards. They raised him in their orphanages and schools, and today he is the pastor of New Life Center in New Delhi.

You Say.. God Says...

YOU SAY	GOD SAYS	BIBLE VERSES
"It's impossible"	All things are possible	Luke 18:27
"I'm too tired"	I will give you rest	Matthew 11:28-30
"Nobody really loves me"	I love you	John 3:16  John 3:34
"I can't go on"	My grace is sufficient	II Corinthians 12:9 Psalm 91:15
"I can't figure things out"	I will direct your steps	Proverbs 3:5-6
"I can't do it"	You can do all things	Philippians 4:13
"I'm not able"	I am able	II Corinthians 9:8
"It's not worth it"	It will be worth it	Roman 8:28
"I can't forgive myself"	Forgive you	I John 1:9  Romans 8:1
"I can't manage"	I will supply all your needs	Philippians 4:19
"I'm afraid"	I have not given you a spirit of fear	II Timothy 1:7
"I'm always worried and frustrated"	Cast all your cares on ME	I Peter 5:7
"I'm not smart enough"	I give you wisdom	I Corinthians 1:30
"I feel all alone"	I will never leave you or forsake you	Hebrews 13:5

Letter for Two Lovers

What a hopeful thing love is! A man and woman decide they love eachother so much that they want to get married. Each hopes the other will love them for life. True, many of those hopeful people find disappointment. But a very great number build lasting marriages.

I originally wrote this letter to a couple we led through pre-marital counseling. Is your love alive? Or has loved died through neglect? I wonder what the couple we wrote this to would say today? I know they are still married, and still serving God together. I hope their love has grown too, filling their hearts, their words, and their actions.

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Dear Lovers,

Thanks so much for letting us help you prepare for marriage. With God’s help, you will have a wonderful marriage. We know He will give you many insights and will help you build a solid, satisfying marriage and a lifelong love.

Give your marriage all the time and care it needs. Don't skimp. Don't allow business and busyness to rob you of special times with each other. You will please the Lord by always treating each other as you would treat a valuable gift from God. Cherish each other. You mean so much to each other now. We can see the light in your eyes and sense the excitement you have in your hearts. We pray that you will become even more precious to one another day by day, year by year.

Prayer