God, the author and the perfecter of our faith!

Day 3 (9 Aug 2017, Wednesday)

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

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

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

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

Pray for the States of Malaysia  :  Perak

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

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

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





Sources : Necf Malaysia

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

A Loving Father

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 12(KJV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Scripture Meaning:

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

Scripture Application

Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue with the Book of Proverbs with Chapter 12.
In our text today we see a continuing of wisdom's instruction seeing a positive and negative consequence for our decision. As we continue to see wisdom we see the Heart of God as He loves us and wants us to make wise decisions. In making application we see that God wants us to experience His Best.
Not only is the Lord delighted in our wise decisions but loves to see us succeed just as a parent loves to see their Child choose the right path in life. How about you? Do you know the Lord cares about the decisions you make? Let us learn from our text today and the wise instructions in its text to understand how much the Lord wants us succeed by making the right which brings Him joy because He loves us.

Ways to Know if an Open Door is from God

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

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

A God of all possibilities

Day 2 (8 Aug 2017, Tuesday)

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

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

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

Pray for the States of Malaysia  :  Kedah

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

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

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




Sources : Necf Malaysia

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

Wise Decisions

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 10 (KJV)

Proverbs 10 (KJV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scripture Meaning

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

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

Scripture Application

Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue with the Book of Proverbs with Chapter 10.

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