If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It

by Mark Gungor

I don’t really like marriage enrichment programs. Considering that I spend a great deal of my life traveling and presenting my own marriage seminar, that sounds quite strange. It’s not that I don’t believe it’s important to educate and enlighten couples on how to have a successful marriage, rather, I am just not a fan of the sorts of groups, classes, weekend retreats, books and conferences that end up creating more issues than they solve.

Let me explain. I actually know of couples that have been to a marriage seminar and their marriage ended up a mess because of it. Prior to attending, they were perfectly happy with their relationship but that came to a screeching halt when seeds of discontent were planted. Men and women may be very content in their marriage until some expert or pastor tells them how things “should be” or what they “should be” doing if they want to have a great marriage. You should be praying together everyday, you should be having sex 3-4 times a week, you should be spending at least 30 minutes of time each day sharing your thoughts, hopes and dreams…do you get the point?

Some of the advice we get in marriage classes actually ends up making things worse, not better. Let’s say that you were fine in your relationship having sex once or twice a month. Both you and your spouse were extremely happy with this arrangement. Then you hear somebody say that in good marriages you are supposed to be doing the horizontal hoochi coochi at least every other day. Well, now your life sucks! People can get really bummed out by this stuff

Day 25: Hari Merdeka

And it happened after many days the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. (Exodus 2:23-24)

Hari Merdeka is Malaysia National Day commemorating our independence from British colonial rule. It was the day we became a free and sovereign nation. Since then Malaysia has made good progress and is on her way to becoming a developed nation. While outwardly we have attained national independence, our struggle for true liberty is still a long way off. A vast majority of our population is still living in spiritual darkness. Injustice, corruption, power abuse, racism and violence continue to prevail in the land. Greed, wickedness and hatred continue to fill the hearts of men and citizens denied of their religious liberty.

Prayer Points:

• The spiritual liberty of people living in darkness
• Overthrowing of injustice, corruption, violence and racism
• Restoration of religious freedom
• Peace, security and harmony in the land.

Prayer Shield: for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ ministry: Responsive members

Day 24: Aidilfitri

Muslims celebrate the festival of Aidilfitri to mark the culmination of Ramadhan, the holy month of fasting. It is a joyous occasion for Muslims, as it signifies a personal triumph, a victory of self-restrain and abstinence, symbolising purification and renewal. The Muslim community ushers in the first day of Aidilfitri by congregating at mosques for morning prayers. Then it’s usually breakfast at home with the family, followed by a visit to the cemetery where deceased loved ones are remembered; graves are cleaned and cleared of overgrowth, and prayers are offered to Allah. This is also a time to forgive and forget past quarrels. Although the first three days are celebrated on a grander scale, many Muslims hold ‘open house’ throughout the month, where friends and neighbors of other races are invited to join in the celebrations

Prayer Points:

• God’s glory to descend upon all Muslims
• They will discover true liberty and freedom
• Christians will bless their Muslim neighbours
• Hostility and mistrust between Muslims and Christians to be bridged.

Prayer Shield: for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ ministry: Leader of leaders

Day 23: Pitfalls

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and it is clear that we can carry nothing out. But having food and clothing, we will be content. But they who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which plunge men into destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all evils, of which some having lusted after, they were seduced from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. (1 Timothy 6:6-11)

We are living in an age of borderless travel, communication and business. Global business transactions can be performed by a quick click of a button. In the marketplace, business has never been so inter-connected by video conferencing and the wireless media that it is not impossible to transact business 24 hours a day. Many, driven by the quest to make lots of money in a short time, to earn an easy life as quickly as possible and to reach the millionaire mark, have fallen prey to the world’s financial and economic systems. The grip of wanting to be rich fast led many astray including Christians and robbed them of their faith and witness.

Prayer Points:

• To be on guard against the love of money and quick gain
• To be contented with a moderate lifestyle
• To stand firm and trust God in the midst of corruption
• To use the wealth gain to serve God.

Prayer Shield: for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ ministry: Relevant pulpit ministry

Worship Team 4 September 2011

Chairperson: Caleb R.

Worship Leader: Shankar R
Back-ups: Jocelyn C, Colleen, Gigi Lim

Pianist: Lydia Sim
Synth: Meng Fhui
Guitarist: Terry C.
Bass: Ken Fhui
Drummer: Darren

Projectionist: Joseph Yap

PA Personnel: Hiew FF, Tommy Q.

Day 22: Lifestyle

You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its savor, with what shall it be salted? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and to be trodden underfoot by men. (Matthew 5:13)And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)

The House of God was to be called the House of Prayer. She was to be the influence of change in her world. But

that wasn’t what the Lord discovered when He visited the temple. Instead of bringing change to the marketplace, the House of God became the marketplace. Instead of becoming an influence, she had become one with them. She had strayed from her purpose and lost her influence. Jesus became consumed with the Lord’s holy zeal. He turned the tables and chased the merchants. To transform the marketplace, we must first be transformed. While we are in the world, we are not of the world. We need to keep that distinction clear and only then can we affect change.

Prayer Points:

• Repent for turning the Lord’s House into a marketplace
• Repent for conforming to the world instead of being transformed by the renewing of our minds
• The Church to be true to her values while serving God in the world
• The Church would know how to be different and at the same time remain relevant.

Prayer Shield: for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ ministry: Good personal relation

Sunday Sermon 28-Aug-2011 - Ps Malcolm Dennis

Speaker: Ps Malcolm Dennis
Full Gospel Assembly, Kuala Lumpur

http://www.mediafire.com/?a7z2aynaoz919k9

"Dear Malaysians"

Day 21: Work

Then indeed he addressed the Jews in the synagogue, and those worshiping, and daily in the market, to those happening to be there. (Acts 17:17)

It is not uncommon for an employed individual to work beyond the 9am to 5pm time frame as stipulated in most working contracts. Many of us spend more hours at work than anywhere else. We can either view time spent in the workplace with eternity in mind or be like the moaning Israelites who complained to God of the severe oppression. Besides making a living, God has strategically placed each one of us in the marketplace as an opportunity of bringing God’s Kingdom there. Let us allow God to use us to influence and impact the many and the marketplace we are in.

Prayer Points:

• Change of mindset towards work
• Priesthood in the marketplace
• Shepherding the lost
• Vocation as vehicle to serve God

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ ministry: Effective counselor

A Fresh Look at Money

In today's world, many people are suffering from the pain of debt. Others are troubled with the upheavals of the financial markets. Let me remind you of the words of Jesus: "A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." If you understand that truth it will change your life forever.

Money alone will never bring you happiness. Do you want to a healthy marriage and/or family? It all begins with recognizing that your marriage and family are more important than your money. Money might be a great servant, but it is a terrible master.

Real satisfaction is found not in money, but in loving relationships with God, our spouse, children and friends. Loving relationships are our greatest assets. Most of us could live with less money, and may of necessity have to do so. But, if that helps us focus on relationships, then we still come out winners. Why not have a family 'soup' night - eat only soup and crackers and thank God that you are alive and together.

The greatest satisfaction in life is in investing your life in the lives of others.

GET SOCIAL: Share your questions, thoughts insights, or comments by joining the conversation on Facebook at facebook.com/5lovelanguages

NECF 40-Day Fast & Prayer - Part 5: Marketplace

August 27 - September 2

Christian business owners or professional workforce can be the most powerful vehicle for building the Kingdom of God as well as our nation. It is no secret that a depressed economy is a bed for evil. Therefore, we invite every praying Christian to cover and pray for this vital domain being developed in our nation at this time.

For as many years as I can remember, the Church was taught the doctrine of separating the world by the secular and the spiritual. The business world falls under the secular and therefore, isn’t as important to God as the spiritual. Thank God for paradigm shifts that has taken place in the global church since the renewed call for the WHOLE CHURCH bringing the WHOLE Gospel to the WHOLE world at the Lausanne Forum 2004. We can no longer just be satisfied with spiritual salvation while other needs are ignored.

The Bible is filled with admonitions for God’s children engaging in business for just profit and to play a role in providing various supports in all community. God’s promises include giving us the ability and strength to gain wealth and success. God also promised that He can be counted upon in the day of need as well. He is the true source of Provision in our world. Unfortunately, many have put their trust into the channels rather the Source.

Business for the Christian can be a mission for God. Business as mission means a calling to do business to advance the kingdom of God and to provide for the needs of ourselves and others. The Bible commands, “Work so that you will not be in need and you will have something to share with others,” (Eph 4.28), and “If any man is unwilling to work, then neither shall he eat,” (2 Th. 3.10).

Business as “mission” means to use business skills, resources and structures to seek the Kingdom of God and to “do good to all people, especially those of the household of faith” (Gal 6.10) The mission to do business for the Kingdom of God is not merely doing business for purposes of creating opportunities for evangelism. Work and business are needed in-and-of themselves for the Kingdom of God and the welfare of people.

“What the poor want is not aid, but jobs – real jobs, not subsidized ones. This is the dignity and self-reliance they deserve.”

Rev Daron Tan

Pastor & Businessman

Day 20: Conflict of Jurisdiction

The recent spate of cases ranging from conversion cases like Lina Joy’s case to family issues where one spouse has converted to Islam leaving the rights of the unconverted spouse in areas of custody and maintenance uncertain has shown clearly that supremacy of the civil courts is much needed to resolve with finality the outstanding issue of the jurisdiction between the civil and syariah courts. This outstanding issue has resulted in the non-converting  spouse being left without a real solution apart from the syariah courts to custody matters and also the right of the converting spouse to convert the minor children to Islam without the consent of the non-converting spouse.

Prayer Points:

• Supremacy of civil courts to be recognized and restored
• Civil court to accept jurisdiction over syariah cases when one of the party involved is a non-Muslim
• Civil courts to remain separated from syariah courts.

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ ministry: Capable administrator

1000 SATURDAYS

The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the kitchen with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it. I turned the volume up on my radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning talk show. I heard an older sounding chap with a golden voice. You know the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business himself. He was talking about "a thousand marbles" to someone named "Tom." I was intrigued and sat down to listen to what he had to say.

"Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital."

He continued, "Let me tell you something Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities." And that's when he began to explain his theory of a "thousand marbles."

"You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years."

Day 19: Independence and Accountability

And I commanded your judges at that time saying, Hear the causes between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother, and the stranger with him. You shall not respect persons in judgment. You shall hear the small as well as the great. You shall not be afraid of the face of man, for the judgment is God’s. (Deuteronomy 1:16-17a)

In order for justice and righteousness to be established in our beloved nation, all the respective bodies namely the Judiciary, the MACC, the AG’s Chambers, the Royal Malaysian Police and also the Bar Council need to be independent, without control and with full authority to carry out their respective roles and responsibilities. For greater effectiveness in each of these bodies, they must be held accountable for what they do and do not do. Abuse of power needs to be made known and checked quickly. The setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry when abuse of powers are highlighted is a means by which the matter can be addressed as the powers of the Royal Commission are wider than a judge and can be effective provided the scope given is sufficiently wide

Prayer Points:

• These bodies to be held accountable for any injustice, corruption or power abuse
• Media to play active role in highlighting and holding these bodies accountable for any abuses or corruption
• An effective and independent Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate such abuses and corruption.

Prayer Shield - for our elders, pastors and leaders

Leaders’ ministry: Able leader

The Uncomfortable Reality of Hell

J. Lee Grady Newsletters - Fire In My Bones

Francis Chan’s book Erasing Hell is a prophetic reminder that we can’t compromise the gospel. 

California pastor Francis Chan is one of my heroes, partly because he has given most of his book royalites—reportedly $2 million—to charity. Another reason I admire him: He’s written a new book about hell at a time when many Christians are questioning the idea of eternal punishment. The guy has some chutzpah.

His new book Erasing Hell (David C. Cook) is a direct response to Love Wins, the controversial book by celebrity pastor Rob Bell of Michigan. While Bell’s book flirts with universalism and suggests that a loving God would never send anyone to hell, Chan’s message is blunt and biblical—yet without a hint of self-righteousness.

“Hell is not a popular doctrine. People don’t shout, dance or wave handkerchiefs when we preach about it. They don’t line up to come to conferences about it. Sermons about hell don’t make people feel good.”

Erasing Hell is an answer to prayer and a prophetic response to the spineless gospel many Americans have embraced in recent years. Chan does not wave a “TURN OR BURN” sign, nor does he dangle his readers over hot coals. Yet he forthrightly states that people who reject the merciful gift of salvation through Christ will get what all of us deserve—terrifying separation from God that lasts forever.

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