Friday, November 15, 2013

AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Republic of Tajikistan - Asia

Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Home > Nov 15: Tajikistan

Nov 15: Tajikistan

Tajikistan

Republic of Tajikistan

Asia

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Geography

Area: 143,100 sq km
Bordering on Afghanistan, China, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The Pamir and Tien-Shan Mountains are 93% of the surface area.
Population: 7,074,845    Annual Growth: 1.60%
Capital: Dushanbe
Urbanites: 26.5%
HDI Rank: 127 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 46 (59% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Tajik    Languages: 33 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Muslim
Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
Christians73,5781.04-2.2
Evangelicals6,9520.16.9
Muslim6,645,40293.93 

Challenges for Prayer

Although Islam is the religion of 94% of the population, only a small fraction practice “pure” Islam. Most are more influenced by folk superstitions and Zoroastrian beliefs. Mosques sprouted up everywhere in the years following independence, but now the government places severe restrictions on mosque building. Tajikistan’s proximity to Iran and Afghanistan makes it vulnerable to Islamism. Pray for extremism to be restrained, and that Muslims might have unprecedented opportunities to discover Christ.
Freedom of religion exists, but barely. The government, to prevent the growth of extremism in Islam, introduced many restrictions that place a stranglehold on Christian ministry. Religious teaching, publishing and proselytism is made very difficult if not illegal. Registering churches is also very difficult. Pray for the gospel to spread and Christians to find ways to teach and minister despite these harsh restrictions.
     For an additional 7 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 Tajikistan.
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Ezekiel 23 NIV

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Ezekiel 23

New International Version (NIV)

Two Adulterous Sisters

23 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, there were two women, daughters of the same mother. 3 They became prostitutes in Egypt, engaging in prostitution from their youth. In that land their breasts were fondled and their virgin bosoms caressed. 4 The older was named Oholah, and her sister was Oholibah. They were mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.
5 “Oholah engaged in prostitution while she was still mine; and she lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors 6 clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all of them handsome young men, and mounted horsemen. 7 She gave herself as a prostitute to all the elite of the Assyrians and defiled herself with all the idols of everyone she lusted after. 8 She did not give up the prostitution she began in Egypt, when during her youth men slept with her, caressed her virgin bosom and poured out their lust on her.
9 “Therefore I delivered her into the hands of her lovers, the Assyrians, for whom she lusted. 10 They stripped her naked, took away her sons and daughters and killed her with the sword. She became a byword among women, and punishment was inflicted on her.
11 “Her sister Oholibah saw this, yet in her lust and prostitution she was more depraved than her sister. 12 She too lusted after the Assyrians—governors and commanders, warriors in full dress, mounted horsemen, all handsome young men. 13 I saw that she too defiled herself; both of them went the same way.
14 “But she carried her prostitution still further. She saw men portrayed on a wall, figures of Chaldeans[a] portrayed in red, 15 with belts around their waists and flowing turbans on their heads; all of them looked like Babylonian chariot officers, natives of Chaldea.[b] 16 As soon as she saw them, she lusted after them and sent messengers to them in Chaldea. 17 Then the Babylonians came to her, to the bed of love, and in their lust they defiled her. After she had been defiled by them, she turned away from them in disgust. 18 When she carried on her prostitution openly and exposed her naked body, I turned away from her in disgust, just as I had turned away from her sister. 19 Yet she became more and more promiscuous as she recalled the days of her youth, when she was a prostitute in Egypt. 20 There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses. 21 So you longed for the lewdness of your youth, when in Egypt your bosom was caressed and your young breasts fondled.[c]
22 “Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will stir up your lovers against you, those you turned away from in disgust, and I will bring them against you from every side— 23 the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, the men of Pekod and Shoa and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them, handsome young men, all of them governors and commanders, chariot officers and men of high rank, all mounted on horses. 24 They will come against you with weapons,[d] chariots and wagons and with a throng of people; they will take up positions against you on every side with large and small shields and with helmets. I will turn you over to them for punishment, and they will punish you according to their standards. 25 I will direct my jealous anger against you, and they will deal with you in fury. They will cut off your noses and your ears, and those of you who are left will fall by the sword. They will take away your sons and daughters, and those of you who are left will be consumed by fire. 26 They will also strip you of your clothes and take your fine jewelry. 27 So I will put a stop to the lewdness and prostitution you began in Egypt. You will not look on these things with longing or remember Egypt anymore.
28 “For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am about to deliver you into the hands of those you hate, to those you turned away from in disgust. 29 They will deal with you in hatred and take away everything you have worked for. They will leave you stark naked, and the shame of your prostitution will be exposed. Your lewdness and promiscuity 30 have brought this on you, because you lusted after the nations and defiled yourself with their idols. 31 You have gone the way of your sister; so I will put her cup into your hand.
32 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“You will drink your sister’s cup,
    a cup large and deep;
it will bring scorn and derision,
    for it holds so much.
33 You will be filled with drunkenness and sorrow,
    the cup of ruin and desolation,
    the cup of your sister Samaria.
34 You will drink it and drain it dry
    and chew on its pieces—
    and you will tear your breasts.
I have spoken, declares the Sovereign Lord.
35 “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Since you have forgotten me and turned your back on me, you must bear the consequences of your lewdness and prostitution.”
36 The Lord said to me: “Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah? Then confront them with their detestable practices, 37 for they have committed adultery and blood is on their hands. They committed adultery with their idols; they even sacrificed their children, whom they bore to me, as food for them. 38 They have also done this to me: At that same time they defiled my sanctuary and desecrated my Sabbaths. 39 On the very day they sacrificed their children to their idols, they entered my sanctuary and desecrated it. That is what they did in my house.
40 “They even sent messengers for men who came from far away, and when they arrived you bathed yourself for them, applied eye makeup and put on your jewelry. 41 You sat on an elegant couch, with a table spread before it on which you had placed the incense and olive oil that belonged to me.
42 “The noise of a carefree crowd was around her; drunkards were brought from the desert along with men from the rabble, and they put bracelets on the wrists of the woman and her sister and beautiful crowns on their heads. 43 Then I said about the one worn out by adultery, ‘Now let them use her as a prostitute, for that is all she is.’ 44 And they slept with her. As men sleep with a prostitute, so they slept with those lewd women, Oholah and Oholibah. 45 But righteous judges will sentence them to the punishment of women who commit adultery and shed blood, because they are adulterous and blood is on their hands.
46 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Bring a mob against them and give them over to terror and plunder. 47 The mob will stone them and cut them down with their swords; they will kill their sons and daughters and burn down their houses.
48 “So I will put an end to lewdness in the land, that all women may take warning and not imitate you. 49 You will suffer the penalty for your lewdness and bear the consequences of your sins of idolatry. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.”

Footnotes:

  1. Ezekiel 23:14 Or Babylonians
  2. Ezekiel 23:15 Or Babylonia; also in verse 16
  3. Ezekiel 23:21 Syriac (see also verse 3); Hebrew caressed because of your young breasts
  4. Ezekiel 23:24 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
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Proverbs 15 (New International Version)

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Proverbs 15

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

5 A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.

11 Death and Destruction [a] lie open before the LORD— how much more the hearts of men!

12 A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.

13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.

17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.

18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

21 Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.

22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave. [b]

25 The LORD tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact.

26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.

27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

29 The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.

32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, [c] and humility comes before honor.
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Psalm 32 (New International Version)

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Psalm 32

Of David. A maskil. [a]

1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.

7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.

11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
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    Thursday, November 14, 2013

    Ezekiel 22 (New International Version)

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    Ezekiel 22

    Jerusalem's Sins

    1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, will you judge her? Will you judge this city of bloodshed? Then confront her with all her detestable practices 3 and say: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O city that brings on herself doom by shedding blood in her midst and defiles herself by making idols, 4 you have become guilty because of the blood you have shed and have become defiled by the idols you have made. You have brought your days to a close, and the end of your years has come. Therefore I will make you an object of scorn to the nations and a laughingstock to all the countries. 5 Those who are near and those who are far away will mock you, O infamous city, full of turmoil.
    6 " 'See how each of the princes of Israel who are in you uses his power to shed blood. 7 In you they have treated father and mother with contempt; in you they have oppressed the alien and mistreated the fatherless and the widow. 8 You have despised my holy things and desecrated my Sabbaths. 9 In you are slanderous men bent on shedding blood; in you are those who eat at the mountain shrines and commit lewd acts. 10 In you are those who dishonor their fathers' bed; in you are those who violate women during their period, when they are ceremonially unclean. 11 In you one man commits a detestable offense with his neighbor's wife, another shamefully defiles his daughter-in-law, and another violates his sister, his own father's daughter. 12 In you men accept bribes to shed blood; you take usury and excessive interest [a] and make unjust gain from your neighbors by extortion. And you have forgotten me, declares the Sovereign LORD.

    13 " 'I will surely strike my hands together at the unjust gain you have made and at the blood you have shed in your midst. 14 Will your courage endure or your hands be strong in the day I deal with you? I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it. 15 I will disperse you among the nations and scatter you through the countries; and I will put an end to your uncleanness. 16 When you have been defiled [b] in the eyes of the nations, you will know that I am the LORD.' "

    17 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 18 "Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to me; all of them are the copper, tin, iron and lead left inside a furnace. They are but the dross of silver. 19 Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: 'Because you have all become dross, I will gather you into Jerusalem. 20 As men gather silver, copper, iron, lead and tin into a furnace to melt it with a fiery blast, so will I gather you in my anger and my wrath and put you inside the city and melt you. 21 I will gather you and I will blow on you with my fiery wrath, and you will be melted inside her. 22 As silver is melted in a furnace, so you will be melted inside her, and you will know that I the LORD have poured out my wrath upon you.' "

    23 Again the word of the LORD came to me: 24 "Son of man, say to the land, 'You are a land that has had no rain or showers [c] in the day of wrath.' 25 There is a conspiracy of her princes [d] within her like a roaring lion tearing its prey; they devour people, take treasures and precious things and make many widows within her. 26 Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. 27 Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain. 28 Her prophets whitewash these deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations. They say, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says'-when the LORD has not spoken. 29 The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the alien, denying them justice.

    30 "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD."

     
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    A Fresh Word in Season TV program #3 "Inflammation is not your Friend"

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    Proverbs 14 (New International Version)

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    Proverbs 14 (New International Version)

    Proverbs 14

    1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

    2 He whose walk is upright fears the LORD, but he whose ways are devious despises him.

    3 A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.

    4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

    5 A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.

    6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

    7 Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.

    8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.

    9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.

    10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.

    11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

    12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

    13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.

    14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man rewarded for his.

    15 A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

    16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

    17 A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.

    18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

    19 Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

    20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.

    21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

    22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find [a] love and faithfulness.

    23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

    24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.

    25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.

    26 He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.

    27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

    28 A large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.

    29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

    30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

    31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

    32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.

    33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known. [b]

    34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

    35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant incurs his wrath.
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    Psalm 31 (New International Version)

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    Psalm 31

    For the director of music. A psalm of David.

    1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.
    2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.

    3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

    4 Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.

    5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

    6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.

    7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.

    8 You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.

    9 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.

    10 My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, [a] and my bones grow weak.

    11 Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends— those who see me on the street flee from me.

    12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.

    13 For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life.

    14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."

    15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

    16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

    17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave. [b]

    18 Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.

    19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.

    20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.

    21 Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city.

    22 In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.

    23 Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.

    24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
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    AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for Syrian Arab Republic of Asia

    Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
    Home > Nov 14: Syria

    Nov 14: Syria

    Syria

    Syrian Arab Republic

    Asia

    See Prayer Information

    Geography

    Area: 185,180 sq km
    Fertile plain on Mediterranean coast; 60% desert in centre and east but crossed by the Euphrates River.
    Population: 22,505,091    Annual Growth: 3.31%
    Capital: Damascus
    Urbanites: 54.9%
    HDI Rank: 107 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

    Peoples

    Peoples: 33 (45% unreached) All peoples
    Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

    Official language: Arabic    Languages: 22 All languages

    Religion

    Largest Religion: Muslim
    Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
    Christians1,426,8236.345.5
    Evangelicals23,6630.14.2
    Muslim20,254,58290.00 

    Challenges for Prayer

    Syrian Christian minorities enjoy freedom and stability, possibly unparalleled through the Middle East. The Orthodox and Catholic churches existed since before Islam and endure still with many godly members. The majority are Arab, but there is also a large Armenian community. Christians are concentrated in the cities, but finding housing and employment is increasingly challenging due to discrimination. Their proportion steadily declines through continual emigration. Pray against this trend. Thank God for their longstanding presence and the wise leadership of the Christian communities, and pray that these communities might flower again. Pray for renewal in these ancient traditions.
    The Protestant presence is small but growing. Most Protestant converts come from Orthodox and Catholic backgrounds. There is an evangelical presence in most cities, but rarely in smaller towns. Growth can only occur if more leaders (ordained and lay) receive theological and leadership training; the signs are that many are willing. TEE is very helpful in this area – pray for more TEE tutors. Pray that all believers might gain a deep desire to grow in godliness and outreach.
         For an additional 7 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 Syria.
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    Wednesday, November 13, 2013

    What do you find in common in the 3 sets of 10




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    Ezekiel 21 NIV

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    Ezekiel 21

    New International Version (NIV)

    Babylon as God’s Sword of Judgment

    21 [a]The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuary. Prophesy against the land of Israel 3 and say to her: ‘This is what the Lord says: I am against you. I will draw my sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked. 4 Because I am going to cut off the righteous and the wicked, my sword will be unsheathed against everyone from south to north. 5 Then all people will know that I the Lord have drawn my sword from its sheath; it will not return again.’
    6 “Therefore groan, son of man! Groan before them with broken heart and bitter grief. 7 And when they ask you, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you shall say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt with fear and every hand go limp; every spirit will become faint and every leg will be wet with urine.’ It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign Lord.”
    8 The word of the Lord came to me: 9 “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord says:
    “‘A sword, a sword,
        sharpened and polished—
    10 sharpened for the slaughter,
        polished to flash like lightning!
    “‘Shall we rejoice in the scepter of my royal son? The sword despises every such stick.
    11 “‘The sword is appointed to be polished,
        to be grasped with the hand;
    it is sharpened and polished,
        made ready for the hand of the slayer.
    12 Cry out and wail, son of man,
        for it is against my people;
        it is against all the princes of Israel.
    They are thrown to the sword
        along with my people.
    Therefore beat your breast.
    13 “‘Testing will surely come. And what if even the scepter, which the sword despises, does not continue? declares the Sovereign Lord.’
    14 “So then, son of man, prophesy
        and strike your hands together.
    Let the sword strike twice,
        even three times.
    It is a sword for slaughter—
        a sword for great slaughter,
        closing in on them from every side.
    15 So that hearts may melt with fear
        and the fallen be many,
    I have stationed the sword for slaughter[b]
        at all their gates.
    Look! It is forged to strike like lightning,
        it is grasped for slaughter.
    16 Slash to the right, you sword,
        then to the left,
        wherever your blade is turned.
    17 I too will strike my hands together,
        and my wrath will subside.
    I the Lord have spoken.”
    18 The word of the Lord came to me: 19 “Son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to take, both starting from the same country. Make a signpost where the road branches off to the city. 20 Mark out one road for the sword to come against Rabbah of the Ammonites and another against Judah and fortified Jerusalem. 21 For the king of Babylon will stop at the fork in the road, at the junction of the two roads, to seek an omen: He will cast lots with arrows, he will consult his idols, he will examine the liver. 22 Into his right hand will come the lot for Jerusalem, where he is to set up battering rams, to give the command to slaughter, to sound the battle cry, to set battering rams against the gates, to build a ramp and to erect siege works. 23 It will seem like a false omen to those who have sworn allegiance to him, but he will remind them of their guilt and take them captive.
    24 “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Because you people have brought to mind your guilt by your open rebellion, revealing your sins in all that you do—because you have done this, you will be taken captive.
    25 “‘You profane and wicked prince of Israel, whose day has come, whose time of punishment has reached its climax, 26 this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Take off the turban, remove the crown. It will not be as it was: The lowly will be exalted and the exalted will be brought low. 27 A ruin! A ruin! I will make it a ruin! The crown will not be restored until he to whom it rightfully belongs shall come; to him I will give it.’
    28 “And you, son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says about the Ammonites and their insults:
    “‘A sword, a sword,
        drawn for the slaughter,
    polished to consume
        and to flash like lightning!
    29 Despite false visions concerning you
        and lying divinations about you,
    it will be laid on the necks
        of the wicked who are to be slain,
    whose day has come,
        whose time of punishment has reached its climax.
    30 “‘Let the sword return to its sheath.
        In the place where you were created,
    in the land of your ancestry,
        I will judge you.
    31 I will pour out my wrath on you
        and breathe out my fiery anger against you;
    I will deliver you into the hands of brutal men,
        men skilled in destruction.
    32 You will be fuel for the fire,
        your blood will be shed in your land,
    you will be remembered no more;
        for I the Lord have spoken.’”

    Footnotes:

    1. Ezekiel 21:1 In Hebrew texts 21:1-32 is numbered 21:6-37.
    2. Ezekiel 21:15 Septuagint; the meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
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    Proverbs 13 (New International Version)

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    Proverbs 13

    1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

    2 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.

    3 He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

    4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

    5 The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

    6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

    7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

    8 A man's riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat.

    9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

    10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

    11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

    12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

    13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.

    14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

    15 Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. [a]

    16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.

    17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.

    18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

    19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.

    20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

    21 Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.

    22 A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.

    23 A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away.

    24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

    25 The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
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    Psalm 30 (New International Version)

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    Psalm 30

    A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. Of David. [a]

    1 I will exalt you, O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
    2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.

    3 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave [b] ; you spared me from going down into the pit.

    4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name.

    5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

    6 When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken."

    7 O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain [c] stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.

    8 To you, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:

    9 "What gain is there in my destruction, [d] in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

    10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help."

    11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

    12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
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    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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