Wednesday, November 13, 2013

AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Swiss Confederation - Switzerland - Europe

Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Home > Nov 13: Switzerland

Nov 13: Switzerland

Switzerland

Swiss Confederation

Europe

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 41,293 sq km
Mountainous land; 25.7% agriculturally unproductive. The Swiss Alps are one of the greatest tourist attractions in the world.
Population: 7,594,561    Annual Growth: 0.41%
Capital: Bern (admin); Lausanne (judical)
Urbanites: 73.6%
HDI Rank: 9 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 40 (18% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: German, French, Italian, Romansh    Languages: 26 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian
Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
Christians5,753,63975.76-0.3
Evangelicals336,2754.41.2
Prayercast

Answer to Prayer

Continued Swiss commitment to world evangelization, despite the relatively small community of evangelicals, is a real blessing.
     For an additional 2 Answers to Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

Challenge for Prayer

Stagnation and decline have sapped the Church. In the Catholic Church, lack of clergy is reaching crisis proportions, and the spreading liberal theology undermines the faith of many Catholic and Reformed congregations. Yet changes are afoot. Modest growth continues in Free churches, an active movement for renewal lives in Reformed churches and Catholics are returning to a more conservative and traditional faith. Pray that:
a) Men and women of God in leadership and in congregations may be used to bring renewal to the State Churches and revival to the entire Swiss nation.
b) The high level of unity in prayer and vision among evangelical leaders within the Evangelical Alliance and the Federation of Free Churches – across denominations – may be protected and grow in depth and witness.
c) Congregational outreach may increase through personal evangelism, home Bible studies and cell/house church planting. Pray that true believers in State and Free Churches may be more effectively motivated and activated for outreach.
     For an additional 9 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

More Information

The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Switzerland.
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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Ezekiel 20 NIV

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Ezekiel 20

New International Version (NIV)

Rebellious Israel Purged

20 In the seventh year, in the fifth month on the tenth day, some of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the Lord, and they sat down in front of me.
2 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 3 “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Have you come to inquire of me? As surely as I live, I will not let you inquire of me, declares the Sovereign Lord.’
4 “Will you judge them? Will you judge them, son of man? Then confront them with the detestable practices of their ancestors 5 and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On the day I chose Israel, I swore with uplifted hand to the descendants of Jacob and revealed myself to them in Egypt. With uplifted hand I said to them, “I am the Lord your God.” 6 On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of Egypt into a land I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of all lands. 7 And I said to them, “Each of you, get rid of the vile images you have set your eyes on, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
8 “‘But they rebelled against me and would not listen to me; they did not get rid of the vile images they had set their eyes on, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and spend my anger against them in Egypt. 9 But for the sake of my name, I brought them out of Egypt. I did it to keep my name from being profaned in the eyes of the nations among whom they lived and in whose sight I had revealed myself to the Israelites. 10 Therefore I led them out of Egypt and brought them into the wilderness. 11 I gave them my decrees and made known to them my laws, by which the person who obeys them will live. 12 Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the Lord made them holy.
13 “‘Yet the people of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness. They did not follow my decrees but rejected my laws—by which the person who obeys them will live—and they utterly desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and destroy them in the wilderness. 14 But for the sake of my name I did what would keep it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out. 15 Also with uplifted hand I swore to them in the wilderness that I would not bring them into the land I had given them—a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of all lands— 16 because they rejected my laws and did not follow my decrees and desecrated my Sabbaths. For their hearts were devoted to their idols. 17 Yet I looked on them with pity and did not destroy them or put an end to them in the wilderness. 18 I said to their children in the wilderness, “Do not follow the statutes of your parents or keep their laws or defile yourselves with their idols. 19 I am the Lord your God; follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 20 Keep my Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.”
21 “‘But the children rebelled against me: They did not follow my decrees, they were not careful to keep my laws, of which I said, “The person who obeys them will live by them,” and they desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and spend my anger against them in the wilderness. 22 But I withheld my hand, and for the sake of my name I did what would keep it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out. 23 Also with uplifted hand I swore to them in the wilderness that I would disperse them among the nations and scatter them through the countries, 24 because they had not obeyed my laws but had rejected my decrees and desecrated my Sabbaths, and their eyes lusted after their parents’ idols. 25 So I gave them other statutes that were not good and laws through which they could not live; 26 I defiled them through their gifts—the sacrifice of every firstborn—that I might fill them with horror so they would know that I am the Lord.’
27 “Therefore, son of man, speak to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In this also your ancestors blasphemed me by being unfaithful to me: 28 When I brought them into the land I had sworn to give them and they saw any high hill or any leafy tree, there they offered their sacrifices, made offerings that aroused my anger, presented their fragrant incense and poured out their drink offerings. 29 Then I said to them: What is this high place you go to?’” (It is called Bamah[a] to this day.)

Rebellious Israel Renewed

30 “Therefore say to the Israelites: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Will you defile yourselves the way your ancestors did and lust after their vile images? 31 When you offer your gifts—the sacrifice of your children in the fire—you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. Am I to let you inquire of me, you Israelites? As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I will not let you inquire of me.
32 “‘You say, “We want to be like the nations, like the peoples of the world, who serve wood and stone.” But what you have in mind will never happen. 33 As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I will reign over you with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with outpoured wrath. 34 I will bring you from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered—with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with outpoured wrath. 35 I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations and there, face to face, I will execute judgment upon you. 36 As I judged your ancestors in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will judge you, declares the Sovereign Lord. 37 I will take note of you as you pass under my rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant. 38 I will purge you of those who revolt and rebel against me. Although I will bring them out of the land where they are living, yet they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
39 “‘As for you, people of Israel, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you! But afterward you will surely listen to me and no longer profane my holy name with your gifts and idols. 40 For on my holy mountain, the high mountain of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord, there in the land all the people of Israel will serve me, and there I will accept them. There I will require your offerings and your choice gifts,[b] along with all your holy sacrifices. 41 I will accept you as fragrant incense when I bring you out from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will be proved holy through you in the sight of the nations. 42 Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I bring you into the land of Israel, the land I had sworn with uplifted hand to give to your ancestors. 43 There you will remember your conduct and all the actions by which you have defiled yourselves, and you will loathe yourselves for all the evil you have done. 44 You will know that I am the Lord, when I deal with you for my name’s sake and not according to your evil ways and your corrupt practices, you people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”

Prophecy Against the South

45 The word of the Lord came to me: 46 “Son of man, set your face toward the south; preach against the south and prophesy against the forest of the southland. 47 Say to the southern forest: ‘Hear the word of the Lord. This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am about to set fire to you, and it will consume all your trees, both green and dry. The blazing flame will not be quenched, and every face from south to north will be scorched by it. 48 Everyone will see that I the Lord have kindled it; it will not be quenched.’”
49 Then I said, “Sovereign Lord, they are saying of me, ‘Isn’t he just telling parables?’”[c]

Footnotes:

  1. Ezekiel 20:29 Bamah means high place.
  2. Ezekiel 20:40 Or and the gifts of your firstfruits
  3. Ezekiel 20:49 In Hebrew texts 20:45-49 is numbered 21:1-5.
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Proverbs 12 (New International Version)

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Proverbs 12

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a crafty man.

3 A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

4 A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

5 The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

7 Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.

8 A man is praised according to his wisdom, but men with warped minds are despised.

9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

10 A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

11 He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.

12 The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.

13 An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble.

14 From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

17 A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.

18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20 There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace.

21 No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22 The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.

23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.

24 Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.

25 An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

26 A righteous man is cautious in friendship, [a] but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 The lazy man does not roast [b] his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.

28 In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
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Psalm 29 (New International Version)

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Psalm 29

A psalm of David.

1 Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his [a] holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.

4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion [b] like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.

8 The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks [c] and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"

10 The LORD sits [d] enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.

11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
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AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Kingdom of Sweden - Europe

Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Home > Nov 12: Sweden

Nov 12: Sweden

Sweden

Kingdom of Sweden

Europe

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 449,964 sq km
The largest of the Scandinavian countries, a land of mountains and forests. Only 10% of the land is cultivated.
Population: 9,293,026    Annual Growth: 0.49%
Capital: Stockholm
Urbanites: 84.7%
HDI Rank: 7 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 64 (14% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Swedish, with five official minority languages    Languages: 30 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian
Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
Christians5,314,68257.20-0.7
Evangelicals642,2486.9-0.6

Challenges for Prayer

The Church of Sweden is no longer the State Church. Its size, political influence and social impact are large, but on the wane. Liberal theology and practice dominate the Church, from endorsing same-sex marriage to universalism and rejecting the divine authority of Scripture. Politicians (often without any clear faith in Jesus) are frequently chosen to sit on parish councils. Unsurprisingly, the Church is in numerical decline and attendance is between 1-2% of membership. On the local level, there are a number of evangelical congregations, pastors and members, but the national structures are dominated by a liberal agenda. Pray for God to shake and refine this Church. Movements such as Taizé, Oasis and Pilgrimage are having a positive and inspirational influence on the Lutheran Church.
The spiritual decline of Sweden is apparent on many levels. Only 23% of people believe in a personal God. Nearly every religious group faces dropping numbers of members and attendees. The number of active Christian youth and of missionaries sent from Sweden drastically declined in the last 30 years. Society, especially the younger generation, is so effectively secularized that any discussion of the gospel must involve a painstaking amount of pre-evangelism. Materialism, hedonism and individualism are among the most cherished of values, and adherence to absolute values or truth is regarded as “intolerance”. Pray for a new awakening for this spiritually struggling nation; recent signs are that young people are moving back toward more traditional values.
     For an additional 6 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

More Information

The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Sweden.
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Let's remember to Pray for our schools.

Here's a declaration that some have been using:

 We pray the PEACE, PROTECTION, PROVISION, PURITY AND PRESENCE OF GOD for ______________ school -- over every administrator, teacher, student and the families associated with this school, in Jesus Name.
 
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Monday, November 11, 2013

What ever you do get Wisdom!


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Ezekiel 19 NIV

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Ezekiel 19

A Lament for Israel's Princes

1 "Take up a lament concerning the princes of Israel 2 and say: " 'What a lioness was your mother among the lions! She lay down among the young lions and reared her cubs.
3 She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a strong lion. He learned to tear the prey and he devoured men.

4 The nations heard about him, and he was trapped in their pit. They led him with hooks to the land of Egypt.

5 " 'When she saw her hope unfulfilled, her expectation gone, she took another of her cubs and made him a strong lion.

6 He prowled among the lions, for he was now a strong lion. He learned to tear the prey and he devoured men.

7 He broke down [a] their strongholds and devastated their towns. The land and all who were in it were terrified by his roaring.

8 Then the nations came against him, those from regions round about. They spread their net for him, and he was trapped in their pit.

9 With hooks they pulled him into a cage and brought him to the king of Babylon. They put him in prison, so his roar was heard no longer on the mountains of Israel.

10 " 'Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard [b] planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of abundant water.

11 Its branches were strong, fit for a ruler's scepter. It towered high above the thick foliage, conspicuous for its height and for its many branches.

12 But it was uprooted in fury and thrown to the ground. The east wind made it shrivel, it was stripped of its fruit; its strong branches withered and fire consumed them.

13 Now it is planted in the desert, in a dry and thirsty land.

14 Fire spread from one of its main [c] branches and consumed its fruit. No strong branch is left on it fit for a ruler's scepter.' This is a lament and is to be used as a lament."
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Proverbs 11 (New International Version)

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Proverbs 11

1 The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.

2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

5 The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.

7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.

8 The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.

9 With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.

10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.

12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.

15 He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe.

16 A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

17 A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.

18 The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.

19 The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.

20 The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.

21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.

22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.

24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

26 People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.

27 He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.

28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

29 He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

31 If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
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Psalm 28 (New International Version)

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Psalm 28

Of David.

1 To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.
2 Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.

4 Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve.

5 Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again.

6 Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

8 The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

9 Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
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Sunday, November 10, 2013

AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Republic of Sudan - Africa

Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Home > Nov 10: Sudan

Nov 10: Sudan

Sudan

Republic of Sudan

Africa

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 2,503,890 sq km
Africa’s largest country. Desert in the north, merging into grasslands and mountains in the centre and tropical bush in the south. Straddling the Nile Rivers. Nuba Mountains in the centre.
Population: 43,192,438    Annual Growth: 2.22%
Capital: Khartoum
Urbanites: 45.2%
HDI Rank: 150 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 246 (56% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Arabic and English    Languages: 134 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Muslim
Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
Christians11,277,54626.114.8
Evangelicals6,336,01814.76.4
Muslim26,511,51861.38 

Challenges for Prayer

The Church is growing amid suffering and persecution – incredibly so. Catholics, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Church of Christ in Sudan (Pioneers) and African Inland Church (AIM) see remarkable turnings to Christ.
a) The faith and optimism of Christians is an inspiration. Their churches, bombed out multiple times, keep getting rebuilt. Long-term planning for church planting, mission, education and others continues. Some of the persecutors have even been won to faith in Christ.
b) People movements have broken down barriers of customs and languages to bring many to Christ from hitherto unreached peoples, such as the Nuer, Mabaan, Uduk, Dinka, Moru, Toposa, Acholi and some of the Nuba tribes. Pray that Christians may demonstrate love and concern for others that transcends ethnic and racial divisions – these persist even among Christianized groups in the south.
The pressing needs of the Church include:
a) Unity that transcends tribal boundaries and denominational lines. Great church growth into a relative vacuum – spiritually and politically – has resulted in power struggles. Working to consolidate the unity that was strong during the peak of persecution is crucial. The Sudan Council of Churches and the Cush Consultation (expat and indigenous ministries) all work toward this end. Pray that ethnic and denominational considerations as well as the lure of power might be placed at the foot of the cross.
b) Discipling, teaching and strengthening the millions of believers who have come into the Church. Many were drawn to Christianity as an expression of opposition to Islam. Nominalism and tribalism still retain a hold over large numbers. Most new believers have an animist background and do not fully understand the gospel beyond the most basic elements. The Church stands at risk of widespread syncretism. Pray for churches to raise new believers to a maturity that enables them to stand in the face of persecution and not be overwhelmed by Islam, or instead not be seduced by worldliness or idols. Growing secularism adds new challenges for the Church.
c) Recovery. Many churches, villages and towns in the south have been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Education and health services have scarcely functioned for two decades. Various ministries are required to build a stable future:
     i Physical infrastructure and needs. Christians, assisted by the global Church, could lead the way in restoring devastated schools, hospitals and other services crucial to society. Transparency in using funds given for building projects is also essential; the temptation to impoverished pastors is great, since lack of organizational skills and experience in handling such sizeable funds is widespread.
     ii Basic human needs such as food, medicine and agricultural supplies are still scarce, but generosity must be wed to wisdom in distributing these. Health care and doctors are extremely sparse. Many agencies risked much to bring help to Christians during the war. Of special note is the work of Open Doors, Voice of the Martyrs, Frontline Fellowship, Samaritan’s Purse and WVI. Numerous indigenous NGOs are also springing up. Pray for a wise and appropriate approach to material assistance for Sudan.
     iii Spiritual and emotional healing is essential; every family in the south has been traumatized in one way or another. Training in counselling, reconciliation and peacemaking is needed.
     For an additional 11 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

More Information

The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Sudan.
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Do you understand what is meant by firstfruits?


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Ezekiel 18 New International Version

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Ezekiel 18

New International Version (NIV)

The One Who Sins Will Die

18 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel:
“‘The parents eat sour grapes,
    and the children’s teeth are set on edge’?
3 “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. 4 For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child—both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die.
5 “Suppose there is a righteous man
    who does what is just and right.
6 He does not eat at the mountain shrines
    or look to the idols of Israel.
He does not defile his neighbor’s wife
    or have sexual relations with a woman during her period.
7 He does not oppress anyone,
    but returns what he took in pledge for a loan.
He does not commit robbery
    but gives his food to the hungry
    and provides clothing for the naked.
8 He does not lend to them at interest
    or take a profit from them.
He withholds his hand from doing wrong
    and judges fairly between two parties.
9 He follows my decrees
    and faithfully keeps my laws.
That man is righteous;
    he will surely live,
declares the Sovereign Lord.
10 “Suppose he has a violent son, who sheds blood or does any of these other things[a] 11 (though the father has done none of them):
“He eats at the mountain shrines.
He defiles his neighbor’s wife.
12 He oppresses the poor and needy.
He commits robbery.
He does not return what he took in pledge.
He looks to the idols.
He does detestable things.
13 He lends at interest and takes a profit.
Will such a man live? He will not! Because he has done all these detestable things, he is to be put to death; his blood will be on his own head.
14 “But suppose this son has a son who sees all the sins his father commits, and though he sees them, he does not do such things:
15 “He does not eat at the mountain shrines
    or look to the idols of Israel.
He does not defile his neighbor’s wife.
16 He does not oppress anyone
    or require a pledge for a loan.
He does not commit robbery
    but gives his food to the hungry
    and provides clothing for the naked.
17 He withholds his hand from mistreating the poor
    and takes no interest or profit from them.
He keeps my laws and follows my decrees.
He will not die for his father’s sin; he will surely live. 18 But his father will die for his own sin, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was wrong among his people.
19 “Yet you ask, ‘Why does the son not share the guilt of his father?’ Since the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live. 20 The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.
21 “But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die. 22 None of the offenses they have committed will be remembered against them. Because of the righteous things they have done, they will live. 23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
24 “But if a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked person does, will they live? None of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness they are guilty of and because of the sins they have committed, they will die.
25 “Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? 26 If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed they will die. 27 But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. 28 Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die. 29 Yet the Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are my ways unjust, people of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?
30 “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. 31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

Footnotes:

  1. Ezekiel 18:10 Or things to a brother
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Proverbs 10 (New International Version)

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Proverbs 10

Proverbs of Solomon

1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.
2 Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.

3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

4 Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

5 He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. [a]

7 The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

9 The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

10 He who winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.

11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.

14 Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

16 The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.

17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

18 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

21 The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.

22 The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.

23 A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.

24 What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.

25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.

26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is a sluggard to those who send him.

27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

28 The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.

29 The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.

30 The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land.

31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
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    Psalm 27 (New International Version)

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    Psalm 27

    Of David.

    1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
    2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, [a] when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.

    3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

    4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

    5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.

    6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

    7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.

    8 My heart says of you, "Seek his [b] face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.

    9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.

    10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

    11 Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

    12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

    13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

    14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
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