TURNED ON BY PRAYER

Ephesians 1:18 – I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened…

The eyes of the heart is a strange expression, isn’t it? Eyes are the instrument by which we perceive things. The mind also has eyes. If you listen to truth in any area, the eyes of your mind are grasping ideas. But Paul tells us that not only does the mind have eyes, but the heart as well. The heart needs to see things, needs to grasp truth and understand it. And the heart is always used in Scripture as the seat of our emotions.

Remember the episode in Luke 24—that walk to Emmaus when the risen Lord appears to the two disciples? The Lord joins them, but they don’t know who He is. He walks along with them and unfolds to them all the Scriptures concerning the promised Messiah. Afterward, they said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

That burning of the heart represents the heart’s eyes being opened. It is the inflaming of the heart, so that it comes alive and is deeply moved. It is this burning of the heart that Paul desires for the Ephesian Christians. When the heart begins to burn with truth, when it takes root in you and you simply must respond to it, that is when you know with certainty that God is real, that the hope of your calling is genuine, that the power of His presence is available, and that the riches of His ministry through you is manifest to others as well.

I remember when a young man became a Christian, came into the church, and married a girl who had grown up in the church. At first his Christian life was glorious to behold. He eagerly read the Scriptures. But after a while it all began to ebb away. He lost his interest in the Scriptures, and quit coming to church. He was no longer interested in fellowship with other believers.

Naturally his wife became concerned. So she and a friend decided that they would pray together for her husband every day. She decided in her heart that she would not nag him, because she didn’t want him to come unless his heart genuinely directed him to. She resolved simply to pray daily. For a month or more nothing happened. But she kept on praying.

Gradually her husband’s attitude began to change a bit. One day she found him reading the Bible. She didn’t say anything to him, but it was a note of encouragement. Then, one Sunday, he announced that he was going to church with her. Again she rejoiced inwardly. After a while, he said to her, You know, dear, I’ve really been way out of it! Somehow or other I lost all my interest in the Lord. But God has moved in and met me and brought me back. What a wonderful testimony to the power of prayer to open eyes!

It isn’t enough simply to teach truth. You never affect the whole person until the eyes of the heart are enlightened. When truth is moved from the head down to the heart, it has gripped the emotions. Then the will is properly motivated. Then the person begins to grow tremendously.

(RAY STEDMAN MINISTRIES)

CHURCH & CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

The Church and church office will be closed until MCO is lifted. All staff will be working from home. If you need assistance, kindly call or whatsapp any one of them:

Pastor Gaurri @ 012-5594537
Chee Kai @ 012-2360457
Taeko @ 012-2360458
Pelita @ 016-6256188
Jane @ 017-6227226

WORSHIP SERVICE

Please log on to www.klangwesley.com to follow the weekend services.

WEBINAR ON ALDERSGATE & RENEWAL IN METHODISM – ITS IMPLICATION TODAY

Date : Saturday, May 22, 2021
Time : 7:30 p.m.
Panelists: Bishop Emeritus Dr Hwa Yung & Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon
Zoom ID: 98370406234
Passcode: 250522

YouTube: https://youtu.be/6P7fgABNhH8

Mark this date and join the Webinar as we re-visit our roots and remind ourselves of our origin and identity of being a Methodist.

ALDERSGATE & PENTECOST WEEKEND PRE-RECORDED SERMON (MAY 22 & 23, 2021)

Speaker: Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon
Sermon Title: The Wesleyan Flame
Scripture Text: Luke 24: 13-25

YOUTH BAPTISM & MEMBERSHIP CLASS

Dates : May 15 & 16, 2021 (Sat & Sun)
Saturday at 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday at 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

2nd OFFERING

The 2nd Offering for the month on May will go to TRAC MW Sunday Project (Haknook Jenang and TRAC Mission Fund). You may give through online banking to Wesley Methodist Church Klang, Account No: UOB 171-315-561-1

D6 FAMILY CONFERENCE 2021
(HAPPENING VIA ZOOM)

Date : July 30 & 31, 2021
Time : 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Speaker : Tim Goodyear
(COO of HomePointe Inc)
Fee : SGD60 per person
Special Rate for D6 Malaysia: SGD30

For this special rate key in Promo Code: D6SR30 upon check-out from registration at: www.bible.org.sg/registration/?e=37
For more information, visit webpage at d6family.sg
Closing Date : July 15, 2021

ONLINE BANKING

While we acknowledge that many people are affected by the current pandemic situation, we encourage you to continue giving your tithes/offering during this time through online banking. The details are below:

Pledge Payment can be done via Online to Wesley Methodist Church Klang Bank Account No: UOB 171-315-561-1

Sunday, (May 16) – Pray that God will give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that we may know Him better. Pray that He will open the eyes of our hearts that we might see what He sees and love what He loves. Pray that God will draw us into deeper levels of intimacy and knowledge of who He is and what He has done for us, so that our faith in Him will grow. Pray that we will know God’s resurrection power, the power that saves, sanctifies, and sustains us, that when we know this power, it will move us to deeper trust, awe, and wonder of our God.

Monday, (May 17) – Pray for the Prayer Ministry in our church. As our nation enters into another full lock-down, pray that we as a Church will come together in prayer more intensively. Interceding for others is one of the ways we show love to one another. Interceding for others is one of the ways we can be in solidarity with all that is happening in and around us. Pray that our Church will continue to come together to pray and intercede for one another. We pray for more participation in our Morning Prayers and as well as our Thursday Night Prayer Meetings. Pray that these prayer meetings will be centred upon our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, (May 18) – Faced with a more vicious third wave of COVID-19 infections, the entire country has come under MCO 3.0 until June 7, 2021, with the danger of the nation’s healthcare system becoming overwhelmed by the escalating daily infections and the rising number of deaths. Pray for the healthcare frontliners, for God’ protection upon them, and that they will stay physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. Pray for God’s protection upon the police, and that they will be vigilant to ensure that no one crosses districts and state lines. Above all, pray that the public will comply with all the SOPs, and will refrain from unnecessary inter-district and inter-state travels, as well as social activities.

Wednesday, (May 19) – Pray for the World: Pray that the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militants will not spiral out of control and escalate into a full-scale war. The latest violence followed a month of rising tensions in Jerusalem. Pray for wisdom for the United Nations, as the international body works with all sides to restore calm. Pray that both Israel and the Palestinians will agree to resolve complex issues, leading to a peace treaty between the two sides.

Thursday, (May 20) – Pray for the Nation: Pray for the government that God will give the nation’s leaders wisdom and insight to make the right and necessary decisions to prevent the pandemic situation deteriorating further, even though some of the decisions may not go down well with some members of the public. Pray that the political leaders from all the various political parties will choose to put aside their differences and work together to balance the saving of lives and keeping the economic sector open to mitigate the impact on incomes and employment. Pray also that the rakyat will be proactive and do their part to help bring down the daily infections rather than criticise and blame the government for the current COVIC-19 situation in our nation.

Friday, (May 21) – Pray for TRAC: Pray for all TRAC Churches. Pray for the pastors and leaders of all our TRAC Churches as they guide and lead their congregations. Pray that God would bestow upon them wisdom as they navigate church life through this 3rd phase of MCO. Pray especially for churches who have members who have contracted the Covid-19 virus. Pray that these churches will learn to journey with those being affected by the virus. Pray also that our TRAC Churches will remain united with one another. Pray that our churches would not allow petty differences to draw us apart.

Saturday, (May 22) – Pray for the safety of the Orang Asli (OA) community during this pandemic situation, that they will have sufficient food supplies after the sudden announcement of the MCO last week. Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance for the OA pastors, Pastor Reso and Pastor Norainni, as they see to the spiritual lives of the OA community. Pray that the OA from Kg Kachau & Kg Lalang will continue to come for the worship weekly worship services. Pray also for the safety of all the OA children in the Raub Hostel, and that they will be able to return to their homes at the proper time.

While Jesus was God, He was also fully man. Did Mary fully grasp the significance of who Jesus would be to all eternity? Did she worry about whether or not she had adequately prepared Him for a life of ministry? Jesus began His ministry at a young age. In fact, she encouraged His first miracle. After that, there was no turning back. Did she ever worry about whether or not she had done enough?

Every year as I read the Biblical account leading up to Christ’s birth, I try to put myself in Mary’s position. Surely she must have felt honored that God chose her to carry His Son and be the mother of Jesus. But as a mother who is preparing to send her sons out into the world, and wondering what I forgot or perhaps could have or should have done a better job at preparing them for, I wonder if perhaps Mary ever doubted herself and her capabilities as a mother.

First, being told she would give birth to a Son when she was still a virgin. And then knowing that she could be rejected by Joseph and the community if he refused to marry his pregnant bride. What fear and doubt that could have brought. Then on the night of Jesus’ birth, there was no room in the inn. Did it ever concern her that the King of kings was going to be born in such lowly conditions? Did she ever doubt her ability to provide adequately for Him?

And ultimately, she had to release Jesus into the world to perform His ministry, hoping, believing she had done all God expected of her as His mother to prepare Him. Yet as I read the account, Mary was given an assurance: “Gabriel appeared to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!’…’Don’t be afraid, Mary,’ the angel told her, ‘for you have found favor with God!’” …“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” (Luke 1:28, 30 & 35).

Mary was given a very important role to play, but after Mary’s obedient submission to the will of God, the ultimate responsibility rested with God.

As I parent my own sons, I take my responsibility as a parent quite seriously, as I know Mary did as well. But I also take solace in the fact that “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from Him” (Psalm 127:3) and that just as Jesus, being God’s son, was loved even more by God than Mary could ever humanly love Him, my sons are also loved more by God than I can love them, and He is looking out for them.

Just as the angel encouraged Mary that she did not need to be afraid because the Lord was with her, neither do I need to fear because God is with me, to guide and direct me.

Just as the angel assured Mary that the Holy Spirit would be with her, and the power of the Most High would overshadow her, I too have the Holy Spirit within me every step of this mothering journey.

Just as Mary ultimately had to release Jesus back to God to fulfill His calling on earth, I too, prepare my heart and mind to release my sons to God to be used by Him for His service, in whatever way He sees fit according to how He has gifted them. (DR MICHELLE BENGTSON

CHURCH & CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
The Church and church office will be closed until MCO is lifted. All staff will be working from home. If you need assistance, kindly call or whatsapp any one of them:
Pastor Gaurri @ 012-5594537
Chee Kai @ 012-2360457
Taeko @ 012-2360458
Pelita @ 016-6256188
Jane @ 017-6227226

WORSHIP SERVICE
Please log on to www.klangwesley.com to follow the weekend services.

YOUTH BAPTISM & MEMBERSHIP CLASS
Dates: May 8 & 9, 2021 (Sat & Sun)
Saturday at 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday at 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Participants to attend either Saturday or Sunday Class. The Class is conducted via Zoom.

NEXT WEEKEND SERVICE
(MAY 15 & 16, 2021)
Speaker: Rev Gaurri Maniam
Sermon Title: A Prayer For The Ephesians
Scripture Text: Ephesians 1: 15-23

2nd OFFERING
The 2nd Offering for the month on May will go to TRAC MW Sunday Project (Haknook Jenang and TRAC Mission Fund). You may give through online banking to Wesley Methodist Church Klang, Account No: UOB 171-315-561-1

ONLINE BANKING
While we acknowledge that many people are affected by the current pandemic situation, we encourage you to continue giving your tithes/offering during this time through online banking. The details are below:

Pledge Payment can be done via Online to Wesley Methodist Church Klang Bank Account No: UOB 171-315-561-1

Sunday, (May 9) – Praise and thank God for all mothers on this Mother’s Day. Pray for all mothers to emulate Mary, the mother of Jesus, that like her, they will love God with all their hearts and respond favorably whenever God calls. As Mary offered a magnificent prayer to God not long after she became pregnant, pray that mothers will follow her example, and are deeply prayerful, and speak to God from their hearts day-by-day. As Mary presented Jesus in the Temple, pray that mothers will consecrate their children to God and do everything possible to help their children do what God wants in their lives. As Mary stood at the foot of the cross and suffered with her Son, pray that mothers will stand with their children throughout life, especially when things go bad, to offer love and support in whatever way they can.

Monday, (May 10) – The daily COVID-19 cases remained above 3,500 in the past week with nearly half of the infections recorded in the Klang Valley. Pray that the MCO reimposed in KL and various districts in certain states in the nation will help to bring down the daily cases. Pray that the authorities will give clear SOPs, and that the public will comply with all the directives. Mass screenings to detect COVID-19 infections among local communities in Selangor started last week. Pray that this will be effective in curbing the infections in Selangor which has the highest number of daily infections. Pray also that the vaccination roll-out will continue smoothly.

Tuesday, (May 11) – Pray for the CG ministries of Wesley Methodist Church Klang to thrive. Pray that through the CG ministries, each of our members would be able to experience love and care. Pray that through the CG ministries, we would be able to offer one another companionship as we navigate life through this season of the pandemic. Pray that God would help us, through our CG ministries, to learn to love and serve one another. Pray for our CG Leaders, that God’s wisdom would be upon them as they lead and guide their respective CGs.

Wednesday, (May 12) – Pray for the World: Since the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, more than 750 people have been killed, including children as young as six years old, several thousand activists, journalists, civil servants and politicians have been detained, and hundreds have disappeared. Pray for wisdom and courage for the UN Security Council to intervene in this situation and help protect civilians peacefully protesting the military coup. Pray for a peaceful solution and for democracy to be restored to the country.

Thursday, (May 13) – Pray for the Nation: Pray for the government, that the weakened foundations of good and stable governance be rebuilt and restored in all three branches of government, that is, the Legislature (Parliament), the Executive and the Judiciary. Pray for the upholding of the rule of law and justice to be done in all portfolios, departments and institutions of governance – from the Prime Minister’s office to the civil service and security forces, including the police, the immigration and the army.

Friday, (May 14) – Pray for TRAC: Pray for all TRAC Churches in Central District 2. Pray for the pastors and leaders of CD2 as they give guidance to their respective congregations regarding church ministries during this 3rd phase of MCO. Although many ministries would have to be put on hold, pray that nonetheless, our churches would be able to reach out and remain connected as one body in Christ. Pray for the leadership team of each of our CD2 churches to remain united in one heart and spirit. Pray that our leadership teams would stand in the gap and pray unceasingly for God’s intervention

Saturday, (May 15) – With the implementation of MCO 3.0, many businesses have been adversely affected. Pray for business recoveries, and protection from despair and stress for those who have lost their jobs. Pray that God will provide them with creative ways and resources to be able to continue to make a living. Pray that employers will be compassionate to all employees affected, especially for daily wage earners and migrant workers. Pray that business owners and operators will exercise caution, and adhere to the directives from the authorities at all times to prevent the spreading of the virus.