Monday, December 23, 2013

Daniel 12 (NIV)





Daniel 12 (New International Version)

Daniel 12

The End Times

1 "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise [a] will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge."
5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and there before me stood two others, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank. 6 One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?"

7 The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, "It will be for a time, times and half a time. [b] When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed."

8 I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, "My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?"

9 He replied, "Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

11 "From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12 Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.

13 "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."

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?"

    Psalm 70 (NIV)



    Psalm 70 (New International Version)

    Psalm 70

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

    1 Hasten, O God, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me.
    2 May those who seek my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.

    3 May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" turn back because of their shame.

    4 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "Let God be exalted!"

    5 Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.

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

    Dec 23: Zambia

    Sunday, December 22, 2013

    Fealing the Love


    Understanding how to breakdown the walls and feel the love that is all around us.
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  • ..."I gave you the best gift I could give"


    Prayercast | Yemen




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

    Dec 22: Yemen

    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.

    Daniel 11 (NIV)


    Daniel 11

    New International Version (NIV)
    11 And in the first year of Darius the Mede, I took my stand to support and protect him.)

    The Kings of the South and the North

    “Now then, I tell you the truth: Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. When he has gained power by his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece. Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great power and do as he pleases. After he has arisen, his empire will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the power he exercised, because his empire will be uprooted and given to others.
    “The king of the South will become strong, but one of his commanders will become even stronger than he and will rule his own kingdom with great power. After some years, they will become allies. The daughter of the king of the South will go to the king of the North to make an alliance, but she will not retain her power, and he and his power[a] will not last. In those days she will be betrayed, together with her royal escort and her father[b] and the one who supported her.
    “One from her family line will arise to take her place. He will attack the forces of the king of the North and enter his fortress; he will fight against them and be victorious. He will also seize their gods, their metal images and their valuable articles of silver and gold and carry them off to Egypt. For some years he will leave the king of the North alone. Then the king of the North will invade the realm of the king of the South but will retreat to his own country. 10 His sons will prepare for war and assemble a great army, which will sweep on like an irresistible flood and carry the battle as far as his fortress.
    11 “Then the king of the South will march out in a rage and fight against the king of the North, who will raise a large army, but it will be defeated. 12 When the army is carried off, the king of the South will be filled with pride and will slaughter many thousands, yet he will not remain triumphant. 13 For the king of the North will muster another army, larger than the first; and after several years, he will advance with a huge army fully equipped.
    14 “In those times many will rise against the king of the South. Those who are violent among your own people will rebel in fulfillment of the vision, but without success. 15 Then the king of the North will come and build up siege ramps and will capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will be powerless to resist; even their best troops will not have the strength to stand. 16 The invader will do as he pleases; no one will be able to stand against him. He will establish himself in the Beautiful Land and will have the power to destroy it. 17 He will determine to come with the might of his entire kingdom and will make an alliance with the king of the South. And he will give him a daughter in marriage in order to overthrow the kingdom, but his plans[c] will not succeed or help him. 18 Then he will turn his attention to the coastlands and will take many of them, but a commander will put an end to his insolence and will turn his insolence back on him. 19 After this, he will turn back toward the fortresses of his own country but will stumble and fall, to be seen no more.
    20 “His successor will send out a tax collector to maintain the royal splendor. In a few years, however, he will be destroyed, yet not in anger or in battle.
    21 “He will be succeeded by a contemptible person who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue. 22 Then an overwhelming army will be swept away before him; both it and a prince of the covenant will be destroyed. 23 After coming to an agreement with him, he will act deceitfully, and with only a few people he will rise to power. 24 When the richest provinces feel secure, he will invade them and will achieve what neither his fathers nor his forefathers did. He will distribute plunder, loot and wealth among his followers. He will plot the overthrow of fortresses—but only for a time.
    25 “With a large army he will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South. The king of the South will wage war with a large and very powerful army, but he will not be able to stand because of the plots devised against him. 26 Those who eat from the king’s provisions will try to destroy him; his army will be swept away, and many will fall in battle. 27 The two kings, with their hearts bent on evil, will sit at the same table and lie to each other, but to no avail, because an end will still come at the appointed time. 28 The king of the North will return to his own country with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant. He will take action against it and then return to his own country.
    29 “At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time the outcome will be different from what it was before. 30 Ships of the western coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and vent his fury against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.
    31 “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. 32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.
    33 “Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. 34 When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere will join them. 35 Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.

    The King Who Exalts Himself

    36 “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. 37 He will show no regard for the gods of his ancestors or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all. 38 Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his ancestors he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. 39 He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price.[d]
    40 “At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood. 41 He will also invade the Beautiful Land. Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand. 42 He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape. 43 He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Cushites[e] in submission. 44 But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many. 45 He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at[f] the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.

    Footnotes:

    1. Daniel 11:6 Or offspring
    2. Daniel 11:6 Or child (see Vulgate and Syriac)
    3. Daniel 11:17 Or but she
    4. Daniel 11:39 Or land for a reward
    5. Daniel 11:43 That is, people from the upper Nile region
    6. Daniel 11:45 Or the sea and

    Psalm 69 (NIV)


    Psalm 69 (New International Version)

    Psalm 69

    For the director of music. To the tune of "Lilies." Of David.

    1 Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.
    2 I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.

    3 I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.

    4 Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.

    5 You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from you.

    6 May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord, the LORD Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me, O God of Israel.

    7 For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face.

    8 I am a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother's sons;

    9 for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.

    10 When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn;

    11 when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me.

    12 Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards.

    13 But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.

    14 Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters.

    15 Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me.

    16 Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.

    17 Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.

    18 Come near and rescue me; redeem me because of my foes.

    19 You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you.

    20 Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none.

    21 They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

    22 May the table set before them become a snare; may it become retribution and [a] a trap.

    23 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.

    24 Pour out your wrath on them; let your fierce anger overtake them.

    25 May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents.

    26 For they persecute those you wound and talk about the pain of those you hurt.

    27 Charge them with crime upon crime; do not let them share in your salvation.

    28 May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.

    29 I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me.

    30 I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

    31 This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.

    32 The poor will see and be glad— you who seek God, may your hearts live!

    33 The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.

    34 Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them,

    35 for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. Then people will settle there and possess it;

    36 the children of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his name will dwell there.

    Saturday, December 21, 2013

    In Him...


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

    Dec 21: Yemen

    Prayercast | Yemen December 21 st 2013




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  • Daniel 10 (NIV)


    Daniel 10 (New International Version)

    Daniel 10

    Daniel's Vision of a Man

    1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. [a] The understanding of the message came to him in a vision.
    2 At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.

    4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, 5 I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around his waist. 6 His body was like chrysolite, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.

    7 I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. 8 So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. 9 Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground.

    10 A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 He said, "Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you." And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.

    12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. 14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come."

    15 While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face toward the ground and was speechless. 16 Then one who looked like a man [b] touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me, "I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I am helpless. 17 How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe."

    18 Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. 19 "Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong." When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength."

    20 So he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; 21 but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.

      Proverbs 21 (NIV)


      Proverbs 21 (New International Version)

      Proverbs 21

      1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

      2 All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.

      3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

      4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!

      5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

      6 A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. [a]

      7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right.

      8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

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

      10 The wicked man craves evil; his neighbor gets no mercy from him.

      11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.

      12 The Righteous One [b] takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.

      13 If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.

      14 A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.

      15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.

      16 A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead.

      17 He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.

      18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright.

      19 Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.

      20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.

      21 He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity [c] and honor.

      22 A wise man attacks the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

      23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.

      24 The proud and arrogant man-"Mocker" is his name; he behaves with overweening pride.

      25 The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.

      26 All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.

      27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with evil intent!

      28 A false witness will perish, and whoever listens to him will be destroyed forever. [d]

      29 A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways.

      30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.

      31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.

      Psalm 68 (NIV)


      Psalm 68 (New International Version)

      Psalm 68

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

      1 May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him.
      2 As smoke is blown away by the wind, may you blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God.

      3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.

      4 Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds [a]— his name is the LORD— and rejoice before him.

      5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

      6 God sets the lonely in families, [b] he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

      7 When you went out before your people, O God, when you marched through the wasteland, Selah

      8 the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.

      9 You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.

      10 Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, O God, you provided for the poor.

      11 The Lord announced the word, and great was the company of those who proclaimed it:

      12 "Kings and armies flee in haste; in the camps men divide the plunder.

      13 Even while you sleep among the campfires, [c] the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold."

      14 When the Almighty [d] scattered the kings in the land, it was like snow fallen on Zalmon.

      15 The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains; rugged are the mountains of Bashan.

      16 Why gaze in envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain where God chooses to reign, where the LORD himself will dwell forever?

      17 The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary.

      18 When you ascended on high, you led captives in your train; you received gifts from men, even from [e] the rebellious— that you, [f] O LORD God, might dwell there.

      19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah

      20 Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.

      21 Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins.

      22 The Lord says, "I will bring them from Bashan; I will bring them from the depths of the sea,

      23 that you may plunge your feet in the blood of your foes, while the tongues of your dogs have their share."

      24 Your procession has come into view, O God, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary.

      25 In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the maidens playing tambourines.

      26 Praise God in the great congregation; praise the LORD in the assembly of Israel.

      27 There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them, there the great throng of Judah's princes, and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.

      28 Summon your power, O God [g] ; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.

      29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring you gifts.

      30 Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may it bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war.

      31 Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush [h] will submit herself to God.

      32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, Selah

      33 to him who rides the ancient skies above, who thunders with mighty voice.

      34 Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies.

      35 You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

        Friday, December 20, 2013

        AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the United States Virgin Islands; Virgin Islands of the USA - Caribbean

        Virgin Islands of the USA

        Daniel 9 (NIV)


        Daniel 9 (New International Version)

        Daniel 9

        Daniel's Prayer

        1 In the first year of Darius son of Ahasuerus [a] (a Mede by descent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian [b] kingdom- 2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. 3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
        4 I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, 5 we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.

        7 "Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah and people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. 8 O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. 9 The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; 10 we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. 11 All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. "Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. 12 You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us great disaster. Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. 13 Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. 14 The LORD did not hesitate to bring the disaster upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him.

        15 "Now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. 16 O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us.

        17 "Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 18 Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name."

        The Seventy "Sevens"

        20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the LORD my God for his holy hill- 21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision:
        24 "Seventy 'sevens' [c] are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish [d] transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. [e]

        25 "Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree [f] to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, [g] the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. 26 After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. [h] The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. 27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' [i] In the middle of the 'seven' [j] he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. "

        Proverbs 20 (NIV)



        Proverbs 20 (New International Version)

        Proverbs 20

        1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

        2 A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who angers him forfeits his life.

        3 It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

        4 A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.

        5 The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.

        6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?

        7 The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.

        8 When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.

        9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"?

        10 Differing weights and differing measures— the LORD detests them both.

        11 Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.

        12 Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.

        13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.

        14 "It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.

        15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

        16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.

        17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.

        18 Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.

        19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.

        20 If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

        21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.

        22 Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

        23 The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.

        24 A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?

        25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.

        26 A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.

        27 The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man [a] ; it searches out his inmost being.

        28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.

        29 The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.

        30 Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.

        Psalm 67 (NIV)


        Psalm 67 (New International Version)

        Psalm 67

        For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song.

        1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah
        2 that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.

        3 May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.

        4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah

        5 May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.

        6 Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us.

        7 God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.