Dennis was the first to arrive at 7pm bringing along with him his mentee Stephen. Dennis says Rick the other mentee will be coming later on his own. By 8.30pm most of the team had come and we began dinner. Felicia brought with her a bowl of ginger chicken which everyone thought was just great. Pamela made a plate of nonya kueh and Glenda brought persimmons which she said she grew in her garden. (She was joking of course). After dinner we settled in to our favorite place in the living room to watch Tim Elmore talk about ‘Pivotal Prayer.’ I had the privilege of meeting with Tim whilst he visited Malaysia to introduce 'Habitudes.' Tim is surely an anointed communicator.
In Pivotal Prayer Tim gave his observations on 'How Leaders Pray.'
1. Effective leaders learn to THINK like God thinks and pray those thoughts.
2. Effective leaders pray from RELATIONSHIP, not just routine.
3. Effective leaders learn pivotal prayer as they MATURE spiritually.
4. Effective leaders recognize CRITICAL moments and pray strategically.
5. Effective leaders learn to pray UNSELFISHLY.
6. Effective leaders don't pursue eloquence, but simply CONNECT with God's heart.
7. Effective leaders learn to pray from MISSION, not maintenance. Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not lose heart.
Luke 18:1 There are times when WHAT we pray and HOW we pray are more critical because of WHEN we pray. The moment introduces an opportunity for significant change. As Paul Hendricks was to return to South Africa on the 29th November we all prayed for him. Paul is a very soft spoken gentleman that came to be with us since April 08. Paul said he really had a great time here in Malaysia where he says his leadership grew by leaps and bounds.
The meeting continued with the other appointments for the DLT.
Growth Champion – Winifred Chin
Bridge Champion – Chris Lim
Connect Champion – Serena Wong
Prayer Leader – Sonya Liew
Men’s Leader – Paul Lau
Women’s Leader – yet to be appointed.
All appointments is valid for the period ending 31st December 2009.
Bridge Champion Report – Chris Lim
Prayer Report - Winifred Chin
The RR-DLT Meetings for December 2008 is on the 14th and 28th December.
The DLT Leaders Meeting is on the 4th December at SJ.
The RR-DLT Leadership Meeting is on the 21st December at RR’s home.
27 January 2009
06 January 2009
Night Prayer - 31st December 2008
Attendance: Ray Lee, Sharon, Andrew, Paul, Jessica, DJ, Chee Chung, Serena, Beatrice, Sonia, Wini, Chris, Josephine, Kenny, Laurence, Kim Ygau, Victoria and Richard,
Being the last day of 2008 which also happens to fall on Wednesday, we decided to get-together earlier at 8pm for dinner before starting the Praise & Worship session lead by Sonia. Andrew's parents and his 2 sisters joined us for fellowship.
The vision & revelation received during the session are as follows:
Wini
Got Isaiah 58 as a whole but believe that God has promised His blessing if we obey His instructions.
11 The LORD will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
12 Those from among you
Shall build the old waste places;
You shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach,
The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.
13 “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath,
From doing your pleasure on My holy day,
And call the Sabbath a delight,
The holy day of the LORD honorable,
And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways,
Nor finding your own pleasure,
Nor speaking your own words,
14 Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD;
And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth,
And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father.
The mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
2) Also got the word Maranatha
According to Ray’s finding, Maranatha (either מרנא תא; maranâ' thâ' or מרן אתא; maran 'athâ')is an Aramaic phrase occurring once only in the New Testament(see Aramaic of Jesus) and also in the Didache which is part of the Apostolic Fathers collection. It is transliterated into Greek letters rather than translated, and is found at the end of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Cor 16:22) as a farewell. The NRSV translates it as: "Our Lord, come!" but notes that it could also be translated as:
"Our Lord has come"; the NIV translates:"Come, O Lord"; the NAB notes:
"As understood here ("O Lord, come!"), it is a prayer for the early return of Christ. If the Aramaic words are divided differently (Maran atha, "Our Lord has come"), it becomes a credal declaration. The former interpretation is supported by what appears to be a Greek equivalent of this acclamation in Rev 22:20 "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!""
DJ
1) Saw flags, then saw Richard holding the flags on the mountain. It’s like the scene at the graduation dinner where MLC/DLT members are holding flags and waving the flags!
Impression: It’s a Victorious moment!
2) Saw a piece of log, smoke coming up in the middle, log spinning in the air. Impression: CONFUSION..
Jessica
1) Saw some political faces and Sonia's face.
2) Jesus throwing stars to us on the mountain cliff. Impression : Stars of blessings).
3) Also saw arrows on the map of Malaysia. Saw 2009, with the number ‘9” made from the curved shape of the Snake.
Sharon
Psalm 111
1 Praise the LORD!
I will praise the LORD with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
2 The works of the LORD are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
3 His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
6 He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of His hands are verity and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
8 They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.
Both Sharon & Jessica got Psalm 123 - songs of stars of blessings..
1 Unto You I lift up my eyes,
O You who dwell in the heavens.
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the LORD our God,
Until He has mercy on us.
3 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us!
For we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
4 Our soul is exceedingly filled
With the scorn of those who are at ease,
With the contempt of the proud.
Sonia
1) Saw a ball of fire coming from the heaven, represent the altar of worship, fire very bright.. we are in the outer court of the holy of holies..
2) Got Isaiah 58:4
4 Indeed you fast for strife and debate,
And to strike with the fist of wickedness.
You will not fast as you do this day,
To make your voice heard on high.
(Simplified version: You even get angry and ready to fight. No wonder God won't listen to your prayers! )
Impression: in 2008, there's lot of shaking & shaking in 2009, expect sons & daughters to do what God says (verse 6 till 14); cross reference Habakuk 3:19 on verse Isaiah 58:14
Ray
1) First vision, saw a tunnel slidepool, sliding down deep to nowhere...The second vision, continues with the sliding down, finally reaching inside a room, that is fully painted in RED.. Red wall, ceiling, carpet, sofa set (with tiger skins-like side lace), floor, etc. Impression : Being TRAPPED.. then suddenly off-shoot (burst-out) from the room roof-top & shoot up to the sky (reaching the 1st heaven) & have peace/calm.
Kenny
1) Decipher Ray’s vision as RED room representing crisis. Outburst from room means coming out of crisis.
2) Got 2 Samuel, where Samuel carry the Philistine's holy ark...In line with Psalm 123, we are not to mock the mercy of God. If we do, the merciful seat of Jesus Christ will become the Judgement Seat instead.
Serena
Saw a Silver Cross
Josephine
1) Saw a fortress protecting us. Saw a group of us inside the circle, many arrows shooting at us but not coming through because we are praying (it’s like a shield protecting us). Impression: Be ALERT..
Paul
Felt pressure on his head..
Sonia summarised to focus on what Isaiah 58 says - our church is going into a battle nationwide & politically, not at ease..
Richard emphasized and shared further on Isaiah 58 but on verse 6-10 and Psalm 123.
6 “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
“ If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
10 If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday.
Before ending the session at 1am, we were asked to share our PRIORITIES for 2009
1) Wini – Discovering God, Discovering life. Only when we start discovering God, can we truly start discovering life for what it really is.
2) Chris - Love God & Love HIS people..
3) Paul (for Jessica) - Saw Jessica is being oppressed by her current employer; saw Jessica speaking with a lot of people & with authority (Psalm 114)
4) DJ - cut down on activities & be focused & to prioritize...
5) Kenny - start a Children Program company, with a message of David & Goliath - to touch the youth thru the Internet..
6) Jessica (for Paul) - saw a purpose for the children (the orphanage/the needy); be stronger in faith together as a family; to be a role example in men's ministry..
Richard said the Closing Prayer.
Being the last day of 2008 which also happens to fall on Wednesday, we decided to get-together earlier at 8pm for dinner before starting the Praise & Worship session lead by Sonia. Andrew's parents and his 2 sisters joined us for fellowship.The vision & revelation received during the session are as follows:
Wini
Got Isaiah 58 as a whole but believe that God has promised His blessing if we obey His instructions.
11 The LORD will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
12 Those from among you
Shall build the old waste places;
You shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach,
The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.
13 “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath,
From doing your pleasure on My holy day,
And call the Sabbath a delight,
The holy day of the LORD honorable,
And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways,
Nor finding your own pleasure,
Nor speaking your own words,
14 Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD;
And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth,
And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father.
The mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
2) Also got the word Maranatha
According to Ray’s finding, Maranatha (either מרנא תא; maranâ' thâ' or מרן אתא; maran 'athâ')is an Aramaic phrase occurring once only in the New Testament(see Aramaic of Jesus) and also in the Didache which is part of the Apostolic Fathers collection. It is transliterated into Greek letters rather than translated, and is found at the end of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Cor 16:22) as a farewell. The NRSV translates it as: "Our Lord, come!" but notes that it could also be translated as:
"Our Lord has come"; the NIV translates:"Come, O Lord"; the NAB notes:
"As understood here ("O Lord, come!"), it is a prayer for the early return of Christ. If the Aramaic words are divided differently (Maran atha, "Our Lord has come"), it becomes a credal declaration. The former interpretation is supported by what appears to be a Greek equivalent of this acclamation in Rev 22:20 "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!""
DJ
1) Saw flags, then saw Richard holding the flags on the mountain. It’s like the scene at the graduation dinner where MLC/DLT members are holding flags and waving the flags!
Impression: It’s a Victorious moment!
2) Saw a piece of log, smoke coming up in the middle, log spinning in the air. Impression: CONFUSION..
Jessica
1) Saw some political faces and Sonia's face.
2) Jesus throwing stars to us on the mountain cliff. Impression : Stars of blessings).
3) Also saw arrows on the map of Malaysia. Saw 2009, with the number ‘9” made from the curved shape of the Snake.
Sharon
Psalm 111
1 Praise the LORD!
I will praise the LORD with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
2 The works of the LORD are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
3 His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
6 He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of His hands are verity and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
8 They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.
Both Sharon & Jessica got Psalm 123 - songs of stars of blessings..
1 Unto You I lift up my eyes,
O You who dwell in the heavens.
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the LORD our God,
Until He has mercy on us.
3 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us!
For we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
4 Our soul is exceedingly filled
With the scorn of those who are at ease,
With the contempt of the proud.
Sonia
1) Saw a ball of fire coming from the heaven, represent the altar of worship, fire very bright.. we are in the outer court of the holy of holies..
2) Got Isaiah 58:4
4 Indeed you fast for strife and debate,
And to strike with the fist of wickedness.
You will not fast as you do this day,
To make your voice heard on high.
(Simplified version: You even get angry and ready to fight. No wonder God won't listen to your prayers! )
Impression: in 2008, there's lot of shaking & shaking in 2009, expect sons & daughters to do what God says (verse 6 till 14); cross reference Habakuk 3:19 on verse Isaiah 58:14
Ray
1) First vision, saw a tunnel slidepool, sliding down deep to nowhere...The second vision, continues with the sliding down, finally reaching inside a room, that is fully painted in RED.. Red wall, ceiling, carpet, sofa set (with tiger skins-like side lace), floor, etc. Impression : Being TRAPPED.. then suddenly off-shoot (burst-out) from the room roof-top & shoot up to the sky (reaching the 1st heaven) & have peace/calm.
Kenny
1) Decipher Ray’s vision as RED room representing crisis. Outburst from room means coming out of crisis.
2) Got 2 Samuel, where Samuel carry the Philistine's holy ark...In line with Psalm 123, we are not to mock the mercy of God. If we do, the merciful seat of Jesus Christ will become the Judgement Seat instead.
Serena
Saw a Silver Cross
Josephine
1) Saw a fortress protecting us. Saw a group of us inside the circle, many arrows shooting at us but not coming through because we are praying (it’s like a shield protecting us). Impression: Be ALERT..
Paul
Felt pressure on his head..
Sonia summarised to focus on what Isaiah 58 says - our church is going into a battle nationwide & politically, not at ease..
Richard emphasized and shared further on Isaiah 58 but on verse 6-10 and Psalm 123.
6 “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
“ If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
10 If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday.
Before ending the session at 1am, we were asked to share our PRIORITIES for 2009
1) Wini – Discovering God, Discovering life. Only when we start discovering God, can we truly start discovering life for what it really is.
2) Chris - Love God & Love HIS people..
3) Paul (for Jessica) - Saw Jessica is being oppressed by her current employer; saw Jessica speaking with a lot of people & with authority (Psalm 114)
4) DJ - cut down on activities & be focused & to prioritize...
5) Kenny - start a Children Program company, with a message of David & Goliath - to touch the youth thru the Internet..
6) Jessica (for Paul) - saw a purpose for the children (the orphanage/the needy); be stronger in faith together as a family; to be a role example in men's ministry..
Richard said the Closing Prayer.
01 January 2009
2009 Year of Opportunity for Transformation
The fastest way to gain leadership is to solve problems in a spirit of submission. You cannot pursue love and power simultaneously. Choose love and you will have the other also.
Mark 1:15
"The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. REPENT, and BELIEVE in the gospel."
Psalm 37:8b, 18-19, 39b-40
Do not fret, it only causes harm.
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance will be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
He is their strength in the time of trouble,
And the Lord shall help them and deliver them.
He shall deliver them from the wicked and save them,
Because they trust in Him.
These are the WORDS the Lord has given us,
WORDS OF LIFE, and LIFE ABUNDANTLY.
Year 2009
Mark 1:15
"The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. REPENT, and BELIEVE in the gospel."
Psalm 37:8b, 18-19, 39b-40
Do not fret, it only causes harm.
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance will be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
He is their strength in the time of trouble,
And the Lord shall help them and deliver them.
He shall deliver them from the wicked and save them,
Because they trust in Him.
These are the WORDS the Lord has given us,
WORDS OF LIFE, and LIFE ABUNDANTLY.
Year 2009
Year 2008
Psalm 123:3-4
Have mercy on us, O Lord have mercy on us!
For we are exceedingly filled with contempt,
Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorn of those who are at ease,
With the contempt of the proud.
We ushered in the New Year in prayer. Prayer began at 10pm and ended at 1am. It was a wonderful time with the Lord. Visions were abound "it is fasting and prayer that pleases God." 2009 will be a year of prayer and fasting. So consistent with the season a 40 day fast is called from the 1st January to 9th February. Details of the fast is as follows:
- 40 day fast lunch only
- fast and prayer will center on 'priority' and 'process' focusing on the family
- a journal is required to be maintained of the 40 day period of fasting and prayer
Here are some THOUGHTS regarding fasting.
The practice of fasting goes much deeper than the act of simply going without food. God not only delights in His people fasting and praying but also in loosing the bonds of wickedness and undoing heavy burdens of those they have oppressed. Fasting is fine and good but to fast while continuing to harbor destructive thoughts and oppressive attitudes does not reflect godly leadership.
Consider what God expects from the "fasted life" as stated in Isaiah 58.
1. Liberate those who are oppressed (v.6)
2. Share resources with the needy (v. 7)
3. Provide shelter to the homeless (v. 7)
4. Supply clothing to the naked (v.7)
5. Stop accusing and judging others (v.9)
THE POWER TO BELIEVE IS ALSO THE POWER TO REPENT
As we enter into 2009 it would be asked 'what kind of leadership is required?'
Jesus' Leadership of course.
Jesus' Leadership differed from all others.
Jesus doesn't merely reform - Jesus TRANSFORMS.
Jesus knew that if He got our heart and spirit right, the rest would follow.
Jesus had a unwavering commitment to speak the truth.
Jesus came into our lives to EMPOWER us.
In Matthew 2:3-18, Matthew tells us that King Herod and all Jerusalem was 'troubled' when they heard that "A King of the Jews" had been born in the town of Bethlehem. As a king, Herod failed to empower anyone. In fact he drained power from people in a continual grab for power. Herod abused power instead of sharing it. Here are some of the ugly symptoms we see in King Herod's leadership that we should avoid:
1. He felt disturbed and threatened when he learned of a coming king (v.3)
2. He leveraged his power against any possible competitor (v.4)
3. He used people to serve his own purposes (v.7,8)
4. He lied in order to project the right image (v.8)
5. He reacted with fury when he didn't get his way (v.16)
6. He concerned himself only with his own benefit (v.16)
7. He sought to destroy any potential threat to his leadership (v.16-18)
KING HEROD FELT THE THREAT OF COMPETITION AND BECAME INSECURE.
Is your 'personal security' able to stand up to the competition in 2009?
Leaders cannot do anything of significance in the kingdom of God until they 'humble themselves' before God and seek His face.
* Spend time alone with God, remove all distractions
* Be hungry for God, receive what God wants for you
* Allow God to break you and change you
* Be honest with God, stop pretending, let God work in your life
A very blessed new year to one and all. Let me leave you with this question for the year 2009.
What is your; mission, message, motive, manner, method, mind and ministry???????
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