Thursday, April 25, 2013

Psalm 117 (New International Version)




Psalm 117

1 Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.

2 For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.
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3 John 1 (New International Version, ©2010)




3 John 1

1 The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters,[a] even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.

9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10 So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.

11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.
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Nehemiah 12 (New International Version)




Nehemiah 12

Priests and Levites

1 These were the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,
2 Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

3 Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,

4 Iddo, Ginnethon, [a] Abijah,

5 Mijamin, [b] Moadiah, Bilgah,

6 Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah,

7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah and Jedaiah. These were the leaders of the priests and their associates in the days of Jeshua.

8 The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and also Mattaniah, who, together with his associates, was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving. 9 Bakbukiah and Unni, their associates, stood opposite them in the services.

10 Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim the father of Eliashib, Eliashib the father of Joiada, 11 Joiada the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan the father of Jaddua.

12 In the days of Joiakim, these were the heads of the priestly families: of Seraiah's family, Meraiah; of Jeremiah's, Hananiah;

13 of Ezra's, Meshullam; of Amariah's, Jehohanan;

14 of Malluch's, Jonathan; of Shecaniah's, [c] Joseph;

15 of Harim's, Adna; of Meremoth's, [d] Helkai;

16 of Iddo's, Zechariah; of Ginnethon's, Meshullam;

17 of Abijah's, Zicri; of Miniamin's and of Moadiah's, Piltai;

18 of Bilgah's, Shammua; of Shemaiah's, Jehonathan;

19 of Joiarib's, Mattenai; of Jedaiah's, Uzzi;

20 of Sallu's, Kallai; of Amok's, Eber;

21 of Hilkiah's, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah's, Nethanel.

22 The family heads of the Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan and Jaddua, as well as those of the priests, were recorded in the reign of Darius the Persian. 23 The family heads among the descendants of Levi up to the time of Johanan son of Eliashib were recorded in the book of the annals. 24 And the leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, Jeshua son of Kadmiel, and their associates, who stood opposite them to give praise and thanksgiving, one section responding to the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.

25 Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. 26 They served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra the priest and scribe.

Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem

27 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. 28 The singers also were brought together from the region around Jerusalem—from the villages of the Netophathites, 29 from Beth Gilgal, and from the area of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built villages for themselves around Jerusalem. 30 When the priests and Levites had purified themselves ceremonially, they purified the people, the gates and the wall.
31 I had the leaders of Judah go up on top [e] of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed on top [f] of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate. 32 Hoshaiah and half the leaders of Judah followed them, 33 along with Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam, 34 Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, Jeremiah, 35 as well as some priests with trumpets, and also Zechariah son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph, 36 and his associates—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah and Hanani—with musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession. 37 At the Fountain Gate they continued directly up the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east.

38 The second choir proceeded in the opposite direction. I followed them on top [g] of the wall, together with half the people—past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall, 39 over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah [h] Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. At the Gate of the Guard they stopped.

40 The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; so did I, together with half the officials, 41 as well as the priests—Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah and Hananiah with their trumpets- 42 and also Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malkijah, Elam and Ezer. The choirs sang under the direction of Jezrahiah. 43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

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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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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

You ARE MY SHEILD

 

Psalm 3

A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.

1 O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." "Selah" 3 But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. 4 To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. "Selah" 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. 6 I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. 7 Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. 8 From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. "Selah"
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AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for Colombia

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

Apr 24: Colombia

Colombia

Republic of Colombia

Latin America

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 1,141,748 sq km
Northwest corner of South America. The fourth-largest country on the continent. Mountains in west; plains, forests and jungles in east.
Population: 46,300,196    Annual Growth: 1.47%
Capital: Santa Ré de Bogotaá
Urbanites: 75.1%
HDI Rank: 77 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 93 (4% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Spanish    Languages: 83 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian
Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
Christians43,716,64594.421.4
Evangelicals3,460,8477.56.0

Answer to Prayer

The success story of Bellavista Prison, a maximum-security prison in Medellin that was often called “hell on earth”, is an inspiration. Through prayer and bold Christian witness, the prison has seen a remarkable turning of hardened criminals to Christ and the end of rampant murderousness. Many inmates are now believers, and there is regular prayer, fasting, evangelism and even a Christian radio station. A Bible Institute has formed in the prison, training inmates to minister in prison and after release.
     For an additional 2 Answers to Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

Challenge for Prayer

Satan's hold on Colombia must be broken by prayer. Christ’s lordship must be proclaimed over the spirits of violence, revenge, lawlessness and corruption as well as the occult practices that have brought the nation so low. The web of drug barons, guerrillas, paramilitaries, corrupt politicians and occult groups generates great violence against the saints through intimidation, property destruction, murder and assassination. Every year, dozens of pastors and priests are killed.
     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 Colombia.
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2 John 1 (New International Version, ©2010)




2 John 1

1 The elder, To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth— 2 because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever:

3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love.

4 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

7 I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch out that you do not lose what we[a] have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. 11 Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.

12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

13 The children of your sister, who is chosen by God, send their greetings.
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Nehemiah 10 (New International Version)




Nehemiah 10

1 Those who sealed it were: Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah. Zedekiah, 2 Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,

3 Pashhur, Amariah, Malkijah,

4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,

5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,

6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,

7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,

8 Maaziah, Bilgai and Shemaiah. These were the priests.

9 The Levites: Jeshua son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel,

10 and their associates: Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,

11 Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah,

12 Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,

13 Hodiah, Bani and Beninu.

14 The leaders of the people: Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,

15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,

16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,

17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur,

18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai,

19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,

20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,

21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua,

22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,

23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub,

24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek,

25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,

26 Ahiah, Hanan, Anan,

27 Malluch, Harim and Baanah.

28 "The rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand- 29 all these now join their brothers the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the LORD our Lord.

30 "We promise not to give our daughters in marriage to the peoples around us or take their daughters for our sons.

31 "When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel all debts.

32 "We assume the responsibility for carrying out the commands to give a third of a shekel [a] each year for the service of the house of our God: 33 for the bread set out on the table; for the regular grain offerings and burnt offerings; for the offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moon festivals and appointed feasts; for the holy offerings; for sin offerings to make atonement for Israel; and for all the duties of the house of our God.

34 "We—the priests, the Levites and the people—have cast lots to determine when each of our families is to bring to the house of our God at set times each year a contribution of wood to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law.

35 "We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the LORD each year the firstfruits of our crops and of every fruit tree.

36 "As it is also written in the Law, we will bring the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, of our herds and of our flocks to the house of our God, to the priests ministering there.

37 "Moreover, we will bring to the storerooms of the house of our God, to the priests, the first of our ground meal, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees and of our new wine and oil. And we will bring a tithe of our crops to the Levites, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all the towns where we work. 38 A priest descended from Aaron is to accompany the Levites when they receive the tithes, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of the tithes up to the house of our God, to the storerooms of the treasury. 39 The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain, new wine and oil to the storerooms where the articles for the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers and the singers stay. "We will not neglect the house of our God."
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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 116 (New International Version)




Psalm 116

1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.

2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave [a] came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.

4 Then I called on the name of the LORD : "O LORD, save me!"

5 The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.

6 The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.

7 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.

8 For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,

9 that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

10 I believed; therefore [b] I said, "I am greatly afflicted."

11 And in my dismay I said, "All men are liars."

12 How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?

13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.

14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

16 O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant [c] ; you have freed me from my chains.

17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.

18 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,

19 in the courts of the house of the LORD— in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.
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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Republic of China, Taiwan

Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Home > Republic of China, Taiwan

Republic of China, Taiwan

Republic of China, Taiwan

Republic of China, Taiwan

Asia

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 36,000 sq km
A mountainous island 160 km east of mainland China, together with the Penghu archipelago and the islands of Matsu and Kinmen close to the mainland. One of the world’s most densely populated countries.
Population: 23,561,660    Annual Growth: 0.58%
Capital: Taipei
Urbanites: 81%

Peoples

Peoples: 41 (32% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: language and language of education Mandarin. Hoklo and Hakka are widely spoken    Languages: 28 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Chinese
Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
Christians1,371,2895.821.4
Evangelicals648,5062.82.2
Chinese14,311,35260.74 
Prayercast

Challenges for Prayer

Taiwan remains a stronghold of Buddhism and Taiwanese folk religion. Over 90% of Taiwanese see themselves somewhere in the spectrum of Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism and Taiwanese folk religion. Many adherents mix Buddhist ideas with a folk religion worldview, seemingly unconcerned by the contradictions.
a) “Purer” Buddhism is growing steadily in influence, most evident at universities and among educated professionals; at the grassroots level, Buddhism faces the same challenges Christians faced in overcoming thousands of years of traditional Chinese folk religions. The largest of the Buddhist organizations has millions of adherents and uses its influence to build temples and monasteries overseas and spread Buddhism throughout the world.
b) Folk religions are ubiquitous and underlie most of Taiwanese society. These believe in a host of gods arranged in a heavenly hierarchy similar in structure to the ancient Chinese court. Entrenched ancestor worship and occult practices such as consulting spirit mediums, fortune telling and offerings to ghosts are all essential parts of this animistic and informal set of practices and beliefs.
Taiwan is politically open but spiritually closed. Visitors from mainland China often comment on the spiritual darkness and the hardness of people’s hearts in Taiwan. Ministry in Taiwan is difficult and fruit is hard won. Taiwan is still the only major Han Chinese population in the world where a significant spiritual breakthrough has not occurred. Only recently has Christianity started growing again after decades of stagnation; Christianity’s percentage of the population in 1965 (5.6%) was only surpassed in 2008. The major challenges to be faced by the Church are the following:
a) Spiritual opposition to the gospel is very real. Powerful opposition from non-Christian religions makes breaking away from one’s past to embrace Christianity a real challenge.
b) Unity must be cultivated. There are frequent prayer events and evangelistic meetings to foster unity, but much more work must be done. A biblical view of the body of Christ must be cultivated.
c) Materialism is one of the greatest barriers to the good news in today’s Taiwan. Many people are very focused on their career, on their children’s education and on how to live the most affluent life possible. There is very little time left for spiritual nourishment or ministry. Ask God to pour out His Spirit to create a true hunger for Him.
d) Low levels of commitment and sanctification. Only a minority of converts become disciples deeply engaged in the life of the local congregation and active in ministry; nominalism is a problem and the dropout rate significant. Vices such as gambling and the sex industry, which sadly permeate much of Taiwanese society, are constant temptations.
e) Lack of pastors and full-time workers – a long-standing problem that requires either the calling of more workers or the mobilization of the laity, or both.
f) The disparity in the distribution of Christians. The majority of Christians are found in bigger cities among Mandarin speakers (or Mainlanders). There are far fewer churches in rural areas and among Taiwanese- and Hakka-speaking peoples. Minority groups, both indigenous and immigrant, are either strongly Christianized or very unreached.
     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 Republic of China, Taiwan.
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1 John 5 (New International Version, ©2010)




1 John 5

Faith in the Incarnate Son of God

1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the[a] Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 9 We accept human testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Concluding Affirmations

13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
16 If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.

18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. 19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

21 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.
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    Nehemiah 9 (New International Version)




    Nehemiah 9

    The Israelites Confess Their Sins

    1 On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and having dust on their heads. 2 Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers. 3 They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God. 4 Standing on the stairs were the Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani and Kenani—who called with loud voices to the LORD their God. 5 And the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah and Pethahiah—said: "Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. [a] " "Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. 6 You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
    7 "You are the LORD God, who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and named him Abraham. 8 You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendants the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites and Girgashites. You have kept your promise because you are righteous.

    9 "You saw the suffering of our forefathers in Egypt; you heard their cry at the Red Sea. [b] 10 You sent miraculous signs and wonders against Pharaoh, against all his officials and all the people of his land, for you knew how arrogantly the Egyptians treated them. You made a name for yourself, which remains to this day. 11 You divided the sea before them, so that they passed through it on dry ground, but you hurled their pursuers into the depths, like a stone into mighty waters. 12 By day you led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they were to take.

    13 "You came down on Mount Sinai; you spoke to them from heaven. You gave them regulations and laws that are just and right, and decrees and commands that are good. 14 You made known to them your holy Sabbath and gave them commands, decrees and laws through your servant Moses. 15 In their hunger you gave them bread from heaven and in their thirst you brought them water from the rock; you told them to go in and take possession of the land you had sworn with uplifted hand to give them.

    16 "But they, our forefathers, became arrogant and stiff-necked, and did not obey your commands. 17 They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them, 18 even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said, 'This is your god, who brought you up out of Egypt,' or when they committed awful blasphemies.

    19 "Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. 20 You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. 21 For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.

    For more text press: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?...
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    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 115 (New International Version)



    Psalm 115

    1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

    2 Why do the nations say, "Where is their God?"

    3 Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

    4 But their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.

    5 They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see;

    6 they have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but they cannot smell;

    7 they have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but they cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound with their throats.

    8 Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.

    9 O house of Israel, trust in the LORD— he is their help and shield.

    10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD— he is their help and shield.

    11 You who fear him, trust in the LORD— he is their help and shield.

    12 The LORD remembers us and will bless us: He will bless the house of Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron,

    13 he will bless those who fear the LORD— small and great alike.

    14 May the LORD make you increase, both you and your children.

    15 May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

    16 The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man.

    17 It is not the dead who praise the LORD, those who go down to silence;

    18 it is we who extol the LORD, both now and forevermore. Praise the LORD.
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    Monday, April 22, 2013

    AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for China, Macau

    Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
    Home > China, Macau

    China, Macau

    China, Macau

    Special Administrative Region of China

    Asia

    See Prayer Information

    Geography

    Area: 29 sq km
    A tiny peninsula and two islands 64 km west of Hong Kong on the coast of Guangdong Province of China.
    Population: 547,591    Annual Growth: 2.35%
    Capital: Macau
    Urbanites: 100%

    Peoples

    Peoples: 12 (33% unreached) All peoples
    Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

    Official language: Chinese and Portuguese. The majority (86%) speak Cantonese, but Mandarin is also widely spoken

    Religion

    Largest Religion: Chinese
    Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
    Christians29,2965.350.7
    Evangelicals8,5271.63.2
    Chinese339,56162.01 

    Challenges for Prayer

    Macau is one of the least-discipled Chinese communities in the world. The major hindrances to evangelism and breakthrough are the strength of the gambling industry, the social cohesion of Chinese culture, Buddhist/Daoist beliefs and fear of offending A-Ma, the local god after which the city was named. The Church is small, weakened by emigration and a high turnover of leadership. Pray for local leaders to be raised up who will help the Church survive and grow and be a blessing to China and the world. The Macau Bible Institute was the first theological school; there are several other practical ministry training programmes in place as well.
    Macau’s reputation as a “City of Sin” is well founded; gambling revenues here surpass even those of Las Vegas and are still growing. The government regulates the industry, and local owners control a majority share with large foreign investors also present; the historic association with Triad influence is much less than in the past. Pray about the following:
    a) Materialism and greed are the harvests reaped from this seed. Such an environment strangles spirituality as testified to by tiny churches but burgeoning casinos, the cathedrals of mammon.
    b) Gambling is a religion that takes much and gives little. Addiction and desperation are epidemics taking on a massive scale. The Church has largely failed to minister to gambling addicts, but groups such as the Macau Evangelical Church, Industrial Evangelical Fellowship and Horizon Christian Fellowship are beginning to address this.
    c) Prostitution and substance abuse are natural parasites of the gambling industry. Most sex workers are trafficked in, often against their will, from the mainland or other Southeast Asian countries. Rahab Ministries reaches out to mainland women involved in prostitution in Macau. Pray for this ministry and for more such groups to reach out to these at-risk people.
    d) Lucrative salaries in casinos encourage young people and Christians to seek employment there at the expense of university education or involvement in church or the community. Pray for viable work alternatives to the gambling industry.
         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 China, Macau.
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    1 John 4 (New International Version, ©2010)




    1 John 4

    On Denying the Incarnation

    1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
    4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

    God's Love and Ours

    7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
    13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

    19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
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    Nehemiah 8 (New International Version)




    Nehemiah 8

    1 all the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.

    2 So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. 3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

    4 Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

    5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. 6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

    7 The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear [a] and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.

    9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

    10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

    11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve."

    12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.

    13 On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the scribe to give attention to the words of the Law. 14 They found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in booths during the feast of the seventh month 15 and that they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem: "Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make booths"-as it is written. [b]

    16 So the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves booths on their own roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the square by the Water Gate and the one by the Gate of Ephraim. 17 The whole company that had returned from exile built booths and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great.

    18 Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the feast for seven days, and on the eighth day, in accordance with the regulation, there was an assembly.
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    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 114 (New International Version)




    Psalm 114

    1 When Israel came out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue,

    2 Judah became God's sanctuary, Israel his dominion.

    3 The sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back;

    4 the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs.

    5 Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back,

    6 you mountains, that you skipped like rams, you hills, like lambs?

    7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob,

    8 who turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water.
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