Sunday, November 24, 2013

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

Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Home > Nov 24: Turkey

Nov 24: Turkey


Turkey

Republic of Turkey

Asia

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 779,452 sq km
Straddles two continents; 3% in Europe (Thrace), 97% in Asia (Anatolia). Also controls the Bosphorus Strait and the Dardanelles, vital sea links between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Its strategic position has made the area of prime importance throughout history.
Population: 75,705,147    Annual Growth: 1.24%
Capital: Ankara
Urbanites: 69.6%
HDI Rank: 79 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 60 (63% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Turkish    Languages: 45 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Muslim
Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
Christians163,1400.21-1.4
Evangelicals7,2670.01.2
Muslim73,159,94096.64 

Challenges for Prayer

Other means of witness are bearing fruit and need prayerful support. Relational evangelism remains the most effective – and widespread – way of reaching out to this highly social culture. This can be supplemented by:
a) Bible translation. Two Turkish NT translations published in 1988/89 were well received. A new translation of the Bible – Kutsal Kitap, completed in 2001 – has been widely appreciated and distributed, as has a study Bible based on this translation launched in 2010. Over 500,000 Turkish NTs have been distributed throughout the country.
b) Bible correspondence courses are effective at reaching seekers in a discreet fashion.
c) Christian bookstores around the country. While providing a good opportunity for all to browse and purchase Bibles and Christian material, such shops are subject to fear of vandalism, violence and media opposition.
d) Christian literature. Several Turkish Christian publishing houses produce Bibles, magazines and hundreds of book titles. Literature is often well received, but distributors are sometimes threatened by extremists. There is a great need for Turkish Christian authors.
e) Christian radio. Easing of regulatory controls opened the way for a number of Christian radio stations run locally on FM, 24 hours a day. International broadcasters also have significant input. TWR, partnering with IBRA, broadcasts 15 hours per week.
f) Two TV channels (Kanal Hayat and Turk 7) on satellite are potentially reaching millions with the gospel, both in Turkey and in neighbouring countries, including Europe. Response is encouraging. Follow-up correspondence courses tie into the programmes on these channels.
g) Internet evangelism is another effective means of reaching people, through Christian websites in Turkish, the online Turkish NT, as well as chat rooms. Pre-evangelism, apologetics and even discipleship can be conducted virtually and with anonymity from any location.
h) Telephone and Internet ministry. Telephone hotlines and online chat rooms, running in multiple cities and staffed by Turkish believers, receive many enquiries seeking prayer and guidance and requesting NTs.
Ministry to Turks outside Turkey include:
a) The millions of Turks and Kurds in Western Europe. The diaspora of Turks – all approximate numbers – in Germany (2.8m), France (400,000), Netherlands (350,000), UK (300,000), Austria (200,000), Belgium (150,000), Switzerland (80,000) and Sweden (40,000) are far more accessible to Christian workers but are also often more closed to the gospel. There is also a work among the 150,000 Turks in Australia. A number of churches and international agencies seek to evangelize them, but local hostility to migrant workers impedes this outreach. Organizations working outside of Turkey are OM, WEC, Frontiers, Turkish World Outreach and Orientdienst. There are possibly hundreds of born-again Turks as a result of these ministries, but more Turks still come to Jesus inside Turkey than outside. Pray for the multiplication of Turkish and Kurdish Christian groups in these areas and for them to make an impact on their homelands.
b) Turks in the Balkans. Opportunities for ministry exist among Turkish minorities in Bulgaria (>750,000), Greece (140,000), Macedonia (80,000), Serbia (50,000), and Romania (45,000). Little, if any, specific outreach is directed toward many of these minorities. Given the historical enmity between Turks and most Balkan peoples, ministry to Turkish Muslims in Orthodox-majority European countries may fall to expatriate workers, but a loving witness by born-again Balkan peoples would be a powerful testimony.
     For an additional 10 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 Turkey.
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Ezekiel 33 (NIV)




Ezekiel 33

New International Version (NIV)

Renewal of Ezekiel’s Call as Watchman

33 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, 3 and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, 4 then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. 5 Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’
7 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 8 When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for[a] their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.
10 “Son of man, say to the Israelites, ‘This is what you are saying: “Our offenses and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of[b] them. How then can we live?”’ 11 Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’
12 “Therefore, son of man, say to your people, ‘If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person’s former righteousness will count for nothing. And if someone who is wicked repents, that person’s former wickedness will not bring condemnation. The righteous person who sins will not be allowed to live even though they were formerly righteous.’ 13 If I tell a righteous person that they will surely live, but then they trust in their righteousness and do evil, none of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered; they will die for the evil they have done. 14 And if I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ but they then turn away from their sin and do what is just and right— 15 if they give back what they took in pledge for a loan, return what they have stolen, follow the decrees that give life, and do no evil—that person will surely live; they will not die. 16 None of the sins that person has committed will be remembered against them. They have done what is just and right; they will surely live.
17 “Yet your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But it is their way that is not just. 18 If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, they will die for it. 19 And if a wicked person turns away from their wickedness and does what is just and right, they will live by doing so. 20 Yet you Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But I will judge each of you according to your own ways.”

Jerusalem’s Fall Explained

21 In the twelfth year of our exile, in the tenth month on the fifth day, a man who had escaped from Jerusalem came to me and said, “The city has fallen!” 22 Now the evening before the man arrived, the hand of the Lord was on me, and he opened my mouth before the man came to me in the morning. So my mouth was opened and I was no longer silent.
23 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 24 “Son of man, the people living in those ruins in the land of Israel are saying, ‘Abraham was only one man, yet he possessed the land. But we are many; surely the land has been given to us as our possession.’ 25 Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Since you eat meat with the blood still in it and look to your idols and shed blood, should you then possess the land? 26 You rely on your sword, you do detestable things, and each of you defiles his neighbor’s wife. Should you then possess the land?’
27 “Say this to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: As surely as I live, those who are left in the ruins will fall by the sword, those out in the country I will give to the wild animals to be devoured, and those in strongholds and caves will die of a plague. 28 I will make the land a desolate waste, and her proud strength will come to an end, and the mountains of Israel will become desolate so that no one will cross them. 29 Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I have made the land a desolate waste because of all the detestable things they have done.’
30 “As for you, son of man, your people are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.’ 31 My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. 32 Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.
33 “When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”

Footnotes:

  1. Ezekiel 33:8 Or in; also in verse 9
  2. Ezekiel 33:10 Or away in
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Proverbs 24 (NIV)




Proverbs 24 (New International Version)

Proverbs 24

1 Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company;

2 for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.

3 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;

4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

5 A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength;

6 for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.

7 Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say.

8 He who plots evil will be known as a schemer.

9 The schemes of folly are sin, and men detest a mocker.

10 If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!

11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

12 If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?

13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.

14 Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

15 Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man's house, do not raid his dwelling place;

16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.

17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,

18 or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.

19 Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked,

20 for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

21 Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious,

22 for those two will send sudden destruction upon them, and who knows what calamities they can bring? Further Sayings of the Wise

23 These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good:

24 Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent"— peoples will curse him and nations denounce him.

25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.

26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

27 Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.

28 Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, or use your lips to deceive.

29 Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did."

30 I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;

31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.

32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:

33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-

34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
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    Psalm 41 NIV



    Psalm 41 (New International Version)

    Psalm 41

    For the director of music. A psalm of David.

    1 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.
    2 The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes.

    3 The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.

    4 I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you."

    5 My enemies say of me in malice, "When will he die and his name perish?"

    6 Whenever one comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it abroad.

    7 All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying,

    8 "A vile disease has beset him; he will never get up from the place where he lies."

    9 Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

    10 But you, O LORD, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them.

    11 I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me.

    12 In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.

    13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.
     
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    Saturday, November 23, 2013

    John 3:16-18


    16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
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    AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Republic of Tunisia Africa

    Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
    Home > Nov 23: Tunisia

    Nov 23: Tunisia


    Tunisia

    Republic of Tunisia

    Africa

    See Prayer Information

    Geography

    Area: 154,530 sq km
    Mountainous and agricultural in the north, Sahara desert in the south. The site of notable civilizations: Carthaginian, Berber Christian and Arab Islamic.
    Population: 10,373,957    Annual Growth: 0.98%
    Capital: Tunis
    Urbanites: 67.3%
    HDI Rank: 98 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

    Peoples

    Peoples: 23 (65% unreached) All peoples
    Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

    Official language: Arabic. French widely used but declining as English increases    Languages: 10 All languages

    Religion

    Largest Religion: Muslim
    Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
    Christians22,7850.221.0
    Evangelicals1,1540.04.7
    Muslim10,317,97599.37 

    Challenges for Prayer

    The government still prohibits indigenous churches from owning their own property and having their own bank accounts. Pray for the government to officially recognize the Tunisian Church. Pray for the return of buildings and land that were previously taken by the state; may these provide space for the Tunisian Christians to establish their own places of worship.
    New believers have increased and new church groups have come into being over the past few years. Pray for their continued growth and discipleship. Unity is an issue that is currently in need of much prayer. The Church is still a tiny proportion of the total population. Pray for lasting commitment to Jesus, since few Tunisian believers have stood in the faith for more than 10 years. Among the increasing numbers of new believers, pray for safety, encouragement, and effective discipleship and integration into the body. Pray that Tunisian believers might overcome their fear of sharing their faith. There are also probably significant numbers of isolated and hidden believers – pray for opportunities for their spiritual growth and fellowship.
         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 Tunisia.
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    Ezekiel 32 (NIV)





    Ezekiel 32

    New International Version (NIV)

    A Lament Over Pharaoh

    32 In the twelfth year, in the twelfth month on the first day, the word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, take up a lament concerning Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him:
    “‘You are like a lion among the nations;
        you are like a monster in the seas
    thrashing about in your streams,
        churning the water with your feet
        and muddying the streams.
    3 “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:
    “‘With a great throng of people
        I will cast my net over you,
        and they will haul you up in my net.
    4 I will throw you on the land
        and hurl you on the open field.
    I will let all the birds of the sky settle on you
        and all the animals of the wild gorge themselves on you.
    5 I will spread your flesh on the mountains
        and fill the valleys with your remains.
    6 I will drench the land with your flowing blood
        all the way to the mountains,
        and the ravines will be filled with your flesh.
    7 When I snuff you out, I will cover the heavens
        and darken their stars;
    I will cover the sun with a cloud,
        and the moon will not give its light.
    8 All the shining lights in the heavens
        I will darken over you;
        I will bring darkness over your land,
    declares the Sovereign Lord.
    9 I will trouble the hearts of many peoples
        when I bring about your destruction among the nations,
        among[a] lands you have not known.
    10 I will cause many peoples to be appalled at you,
        and their kings will shudder with horror because of you
        when I brandish my sword before them.
    On the day of your downfall
        each of them will tremble
        every moment for his life.
    11 “‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
    “‘The sword of the king of Babylon
        will come against you.
    12 I will cause your hordes to fall
        by the swords of mighty men—
        the most ruthless of all nations.
    They will shatter the pride of Egypt,
        and all her hordes will be overthrown.
    13 I will destroy all her cattle
        from beside abundant waters
    no longer to be stirred by the foot of man
        or muddied by the hooves of cattle.
    14 Then I will let her waters settle
        and make her streams flow like oil,
    declares the Sovereign Lord.
    15 When I make Egypt desolate
        and strip the land of everything in it,
    when I strike down all who live there,
        then they will know that I am the Lord.’
    16 “This is the lament they will chant for her. The daughters of the nations will chant it; for Egypt and all her hordes they will chant it, declares the Sovereign Lord.”

    Egypt’s Descent Into the Realm of the Dead

    17 In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me: 18 “Son of man, wail for the hordes of Egypt and consign to the earth below both her and the daughters of mighty nations, along with those who go down to the pit. 19 Say to them, ‘Are you more favored than others? Go down and be laid among the uncircumcised.’ 20 They will fall among those killed by the sword. The sword is drawn; let her be dragged off with all her hordes. 21 From within the realm of the dead the mighty leaders will say of Egypt and her allies, ‘They have come down and they lie with the uncircumcised, with those killed by the sword.’
    22 “Assyria is there with her whole army; she is surrounded by the graves of all her slain, all who have fallen by the sword. 23 Their graves are in the depths of the pit and her army lies around her grave. All who had spread terror in the land of the living are slain, fallen by the sword.
    24 “Elam is there, with all her hordes around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword. All who had spread terror in the land of the living went down uncircumcised to the earth below. They bear their shame with those who go down to the pit. 25 A bed is made for her among the slain, with all her hordes around her grave. All of them are uncircumcised, killed by the sword. Because their terror had spread in the land of the living, they bear their shame with those who go down to the pit; they are laid among the slain.
    26 “Meshek and Tubal are there, with all their hordes around their graves. All of them are uncircumcised, killed by the sword because they spread their terror in the land of the living. 27 But they do not lie with the fallen warriors of old,[b] who went down to the realm of the dead with their weapons of war—their swords placed under their heads and their shields[c] resting on their bones—though these warriors also had terrorized the land of the living.
    28 “You too, Pharaoh, will be broken and will lie among the uncircumcised, with those killed by the sword.
    29 “Edom is there, her kings and all her princes; despite their power, they are laid with those killed by the sword. They lie with the uncircumcised, with those who go down to the pit.
    30 “All the princes of the north and all the Sidonians are there; they went down with the slain in disgrace despite the terror caused by their power. They lie uncircumcised with those killed by the sword and bear their shame with those who go down to the pit.
    31 “Pharaoh—he and all his army—will see them and he will be consoled for all his hordes that were killed by the sword, declares the Sovereign Lord. 32 Although I had him spread terror in the land of the living, Pharaoh and all his hordes will be laid among the uncircumcised, with those killed by the sword, declares the Sovereign Lord.”

    Footnotes:

    1. Ezekiel 32:9 Hebrew; Septuagint bring you into captivity among the nations, / to
    2. Ezekiel 32:27 Septuagint; Hebrew warriors who were uncircumcised
    3. Ezekiel 32:27 Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text punishment
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    Proverbs 23 (NIV)





    Proverbs 23 (New International Version)

    Proverbs 23

    1 When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what [a] is before you,

    2 and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.

    3 Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.

    4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.

    5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

    6 Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies;

    7 for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost. [b] "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you.

    8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments.

    9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.

    10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,

    11 for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.

    12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.

    13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.

    14 Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death. [c]

    15 My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad;

    16 my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.

    17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.

    18 There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

    19 Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.

    20 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,

    21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

    22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

    23 Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.

    24 The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.

    25 May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!

    26 My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways,

    27 for a prostitute is a deep pit and a wayward wife is a narrow well.

    28 Like a bandit she lies in wait, and multiplies the unfaithful among men.

    29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

    30 Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.

    31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!

    32 In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.

    33 Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things.

    34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging.

    35 "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?"
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    Psalm 40 (NIV)



    Psalm 40 (New International Version)

    Psalm 40

    For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

    1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
    2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

    3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

    4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. [a]

    5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.

    6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced [b] , [c] ; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.

    7 Then I said, "Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll. [d]

    8 I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."

    9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD.

    10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.

    11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me.

    12 For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.

    13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me.

    14 May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.

    15 May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" be appalled at their own shame.

    16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!"

    17 Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.
     
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    Friday, November 22, 2013

    Ezekiel 31 (NIV)



    Ezekiel 31 (New International Version)

    Ezekiel 31

    A Cedar in Lebanon

    1 In the eleventh year, in the third month on the first day, the word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his hordes: " 'Who can be compared with you in majesty?
    3 Consider Assyria, once a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches overshadowing the forest; it towered on high, its top above the thick foliage.

    4 The waters nourished it, deep springs made it grow tall; their streams flowed all around its base and sent their channels to all the trees of the field.

    5 So it towered higher than all the trees of the field; its boughs increased and its branches grew long, spreading because of abundant waters.

    6 All the birds of the air nested in its boughs, all the beasts of the field gave birth under its branches; all the great nations lived in its shade.

    7 It was majestic in beauty, with its spreading boughs, for its roots went down to abundant waters.

    8 The cedars in the garden of God could not rival it, nor could the pine trees equal its boughs, nor could the plane trees compare with its branches— no tree in the garden of God could match its beauty.

    9 I made it beautiful with abundant branches, the envy of all the trees of Eden in the garden of God.

    10 " 'Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because it towered on high, lifting its top above the thick foliage, and because it was proud of its height, 11 I handed it over to the ruler of the nations, for him to deal with according to its wickedness. I cast it aside, 12 and the most ruthless of foreign nations cut it down and left it. Its boughs fell on the mountains and in all the valleys; its branches lay broken in all the ravines of the land. All the nations of the earth came out from under its shade and left it. 13 All the birds of the air settled on the fallen tree, and all the beasts of the field were among its branches. 14 Therefore no other trees by the waters are ever to tower proudly on high, lifting their tops above the thick foliage. No other trees so well-watered are ever to reach such a height; they are all destined for death, for the earth below, among mortal men, with those who go down to the pit.

    15 " 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: On the day it was brought down to the grave [a] I covered the deep springs with mourning for it; I held back its streams, and its abundant waters were restrained. Because of it I clothed Lebanon with gloom, and all the trees of the field withered away. 16 I made the nations tremble at the sound of its fall when I brought it down to the grave with those who go down to the pit. Then all the trees of Eden, the choicest and best of Lebanon, all the trees that were well-watered, were consoled in the earth below. 17 Those who lived in its shade, its allies among the nations, had also gone down to the grave with it, joining those killed by the sword.

    18 " 'Which of the trees of Eden can be compared with you in splendor and majesty? Yet you, too, will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the earth below; you will lie among the uncircumcised, with those killed by the sword. " 'This is Pharaoh and all his hordes, declares the Sovereign LORD.' "
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    Proverbs 25 (NIV)



    Proverbs 25 (New International Version)

    Proverbs 25

    More Proverbs of Solomon

    1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
    2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

    3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

    4 Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for [a] the silversmith;

    5 remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.

    6 Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men;

    7 it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. What you have seen with your eyes

    8 do not bring [b] hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?

    9 If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence,

    10 or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.

    11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

    12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.

    13 Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.

    14 Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.

    15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

    16 If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.

    17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house— too much of you, and he will hate you.

    18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.

    19 Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.

    20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

    21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

    22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

    23 As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks.

    24 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

    25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

    26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.

    27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.

    28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
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    Proverbs 22 NIV


    Proverbs 22 (New International Version)

    Proverbs 22

    1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

    2 Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.

    3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

    4 Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.

    5 In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

    6 Train [a] a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

    7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

    8 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

    9 A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

    10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.

    11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.

    12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

    13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!" or, "I will be murdered in the streets!"

    14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the LORD's wrath will fall into it.

    15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

    16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

    Sayings of the Wise

    17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,
    18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.

    19 So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you.

    20 Have I not written thirty [b] sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,

    21 teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?

    22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,

    23 for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.

    24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered,

    25 or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.

    26 Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;

    27 if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.

    28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.

    29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.

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    Psalm 39 (NIV)




    Psalm 39 (New International Version)

    Psalm 39

    For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

    1 I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."
    2 But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased.

    3 My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:

    4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.

    5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Selah

    6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

    7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.

    8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.

    9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.

    10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

    11 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin; you consume their wealth like a moth— each man is but a breath. Selah

    12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help; be not deaf to my weeping. For I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger, as all my fathers were.

    13 Look away from me, that I may rejoice again before I depart and am no more."
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    AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Kingdom of Tonga - Pacific and Republic of Trinidad and Tobago - Caribbean

    Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
    Home > Nov 22: Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago

    Nov 22: Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago

    Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago

    Tonga

    Kingdom of Tonga

    Pacific

    See Prayer Information

    Geography

    Area: 747 sq km
    Archipelago of 171 coral and volcanic islands, 36 being inhabited, 600 km east of Fiji.
    Population: 104,260    Annual Growth: 0.46%
    Capital: Nuku'alofa
    Urbanites: 25.3%
    HDI Rank: 99 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

    Peoples

    Official language: Tongan    Languages: 3 All languages

    Religion

    Largest Religion: Christian
    Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
    Christians99,83995.760.4
    Evangelicals16,11015.50.4

    Challenge for Prayer

    The past century has been one of spiritual decline. There is a long and sad history of bitter schisms within Methodism. Politics and Church are inextricable; even the newer denominations’ apolitical stance assumes acceptance of the status quo. Pray for a true spirit of unity among all believers and churches, and pray for leaders who will exemplify unity with gracious and humble spirits.
         For an additional 4 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 Tonga.

    Trinidad & Tobago

    Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

    Caribbean

    See Prayer Information

    Geography

    Area: 5,124 sq km
    Two islands off the coast of Venezuela.
    Population: 1,343,725    Annual Growth: 0.38%
    Capital: Port of Spain
    Urbanites: 13.9%
    HDI Rank: 64 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

    Peoples

    Peoples: 15 (13% unreached) All peoples
    Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

    Official language: English    Languages: 7 All languages

    Religion

    Largest Religion: Christian
    Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
    Christians881,34965.590.5
    Evangelicals271,56820.23.4

    Challenge for Prayer

    The Christian Church is very fragmented among traditional denominations that are rapidly declining, newer evangelical groups and a constantly multiplying swarm of single congregations (mostly charismatic/Pentecostal). There is little cohesion in common spiritual goals, outreach or missions involvement; national vision and purpose are needed. Pray for revival to enliven and empower the Church. Pray for the work of the T&T Council of Evangelical Churches. Pray that the desire for unity in the body of Christ might overcome the still-pervasive divisions.
         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 Trinidad & Tobago.
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    Ezekiel 30 (NIV)



    Ezekiel 30 (New International Version)

    Ezekiel 30

    A Lament for Egypt

    1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, prophesy and say: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: " 'Wail and say, "Alas for that day!"
    3 For the day is near, the day of the LORD is near— a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations.

    4 A sword will come against Egypt, and anguish will come upon Cush. [a] When the slain fall in Egypt, her wealth will be carried away and her foundations torn down.

    5 Cush and Put, Lydia and all Arabia, Libya [b] and the people of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt.

    6 " 'This is what the LORD says: " 'The allies of Egypt will fall and her proud strength will fail. From Migdol to Aswan they will fall by the sword within her, declares the Sovereign LORD.

    7 " 'They will be desolate among desolate lands, and their cities will lie among ruined cities.

    8 Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I set fire to Egypt and all her helpers are crushed.

    9 " 'On that day messengers will go out from me in ships to frighten Cush out of her complacency. Anguish will take hold of them on the day of Egypt's doom, for it is sure to come.

    10 " 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: " 'I will put an end to the hordes of Egypt by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.

    11 He and his army—the most ruthless of nations— will be brought in to destroy the land. They will draw their swords against Egypt and fill the land with the slain.

    12 I will dry up the streams of the Nile and sell the land to evil men; by the hand of foreigners I will lay waste the land and everything in it. I the LORD have spoken.

    13 " 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: " 'I will destroy the idols and put an end to the images in Memphis. [c] No longer will there be a prince in Egypt, and I will spread fear throughout the land.

    14 I will lay waste Upper Egypt, [d] set fire to Zoan and inflict punishment on Thebes. [e]

    15 I will pour out my wrath on Pelusium, [f] the stronghold of Egypt, and cut off the hordes of Thebes.

    16 I will set fire to Egypt; Pelusium will writhe in agony. Thebes will be taken by storm; Memphis will be in constant distress.

    17 The young men of Heliopolis [g] and Bubastis [h] will fall by the sword, and the cities themselves will go into captivity.

    18 Dark will be the day at Tahpanhes when I break the yoke of Egypt; there her proud strength will come to an end. She will be covered with clouds, and her villages will go into captivity.

    19 So I will inflict punishment on Egypt, and they will know that I am the LORD.' "

    20 In the eleventh year, in the first month on the seventh day, the word of the LORD came to me: 21 "Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt. It has not been bound up for healing or put in a splint so as to become strong enough to hold a sword. 22 Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt. I will break both his arms, the good arm as well as the broken one, and make the sword fall from his hand. 23 I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them through the countries. 24 I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon and put my sword in his hand, but I will break the arms of Pharaoh, and he will groan before him like a mortally wounded man. 25 I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, but the arms of Pharaoh will fall limp. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I put my sword into the hand of the king of Babylon and he brandishes it against Egypt. 26 I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them through the countries. Then they will know that I am the LORD."
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