Sunday, August 25, 2013

AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Republic of Mali in Africa

Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Home > Aug 25: Mali

Aug 25: Mali

Mali

Republic of Mali

Africa

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 1,240,192 sq km
Landlocked state. Dry southern grasslands merge into the Sahara Desert. The Niger River runs through the southern part of the country.
Population: 13,323,104    Annual Growth: 2.40%
Capital: Bamako
Urbanites: 33.3%
HDI Rank: 178 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 62 (60% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: French. Trade languages Bambara, Fulbe, Songhai    Languages: 60 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Muslim
Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
Christians351,7302.642.5
Evangelicals93,6300.72.5
Muslim11,641,72887.38 

Challenges for Prayer

The number of Christians has not increased by enough to even keep pace with Mali’s rapid population growth – evangelicals fell from 0.91% of the population in 1990 to 0.69% in 2010. Most growth is biological, and many who make decisions for Christ return to their former religion. This could be addressed with better follow-up through evangelism activities, discipleship programmes, pastoral training and Bible schools, but lack of funds to train for and support such ventures is a real problem. There are nearly 700 evangelical congregations, but most of them are not actively engaged in evangelism and outreach, despite many in Mali being spiritually open. Pray for boldness, passion and a burden for the unsaved to awaken in the churches and for a new wave of evangelism such as happened in the 1980s.
Opportunities abound for a positive impact by caring Christians. Pray for the many agencies actively involved in the following: church planting and evangelism (Avant, CAPRO, World Venture); relief; local development to conserve soil, vegetation and water (CRWM, Norwegian Lutherans); education (UWM); digging wells; and medical outreach (CMA, Allianz Mission). All of these groups minister in more than just one way, and many others work in Mali as well. The door is open to serve in Mali; ask God to send more workers for the harvest.
     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 Mali.
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All of Grace - Charles Spurgeon (2 of 13)


Charles Spurgeon - All of Grace (2 of 13)

Description:

C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), "the prince of preachers", presents the message of salvation--man's need and God's unique provision--simply and sincerely, for honest seekers and zealous witnesses alike. A Moody Classic.

From the Back Cover:

In All of Grace, C.H. Spurgeon outlines the plan of salvation in such clear, simple language that everyone can understand and be drawn to the Father. Any attempt to please God based upon our own works brings self-righteousness and coldness of heart. It is the free grace and mercy of God that makes the heart glow with warmth and thankfulness for God's love.The heartfelt goal of this dynamic classic is summed up in Spurgeon's final cry to the reader, "Meet me in heaven!!""Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." -- Revelation 22:17

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Jeremiah 2 New International Version (NIV)




Jeremiah 2 New International Version (NIV)

Please click on the link below and it will take you to the Audio Feed.
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Israel Forsakes God

2 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem:
“This is what the Lord says:
“‘I remember the devotion of your youth,
    how as a bride you loved me
and followed me through the wilderness,
    through a land not sown.
3 Israel was holy to the Lord,
    the firstfruits of his harvest;
all who devoured her were held guilty,
    and disaster overtook them,’”
declares the Lord.
4 Hear the word of the Lord, you descendants of Jacob,
    all you clans of Israel.
5 This is what the Lord says:
“What fault did your ancestors find in me,
    that they strayed so far from me?
They followed worthless idols
    and became worthless themselves.
6 They did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord,
    who brought us up out of Egypt
and led us through the barren wilderness,
    through a land of deserts and ravines,
a land of drought and utter darkness,
    a land where no one travels and no one lives?’
7 I brought you into a fertile land
    to eat its fruit and rich produce.
But you came and defiled my land
    and made my inheritance detestable.
8 The priests did not ask,
    ‘Where is the Lord?’
Those who deal with the law did not know me;
    the leaders rebelled against me.
The prophets prophesied by Baal,
    following worthless idols.
9 “Therefore I bring charges against you again,”
declares the Lord.
    “And I will bring charges against your children’s children.
10 Cross over to the coasts of Cyprus and look,
    send to Kedar[a] and observe closely;
    see if there has ever been anything like this:
11 Has a nation ever changed its gods?
    (Yet they are not gods at all.)
But my people have exchanged their glorious God
    for worthless idols.
12 Be appalled at this, you heavens,
    and shudder with great horror,”
declares the Lord.
13 “My people have committed two sins:
They have forsaken me,
    the spring of living water,
and have dug their own cisterns,
    broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
14 Is Israel a servant, a slave by birth?
    Why then has he become plunder?
15 Lions have roared;
    they have growled at him.
They have laid waste his land;
    his towns are burned and deserted.
16 Also, the men of Memphis and Tahpanhes
    have cracked your skull.
17 Have you not brought this on yourselves
    by forsaking the Lord your God
    when he led you in the way?
18 Now why go to Egypt
    to drink water from the Nile[b]?
And why go to Assyria
    to drink water from the Euphrates?
19 Your wickedness will punish you;
    your backsliding will rebuke you.
Consider then and realize
    how evil and bitter it is for you
when you forsake the Lord your God
    and have no awe of me,”
declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty.
20 “Long ago you broke off your yoke
    and tore off your bonds;
    you said, ‘I will not serve you!’
Indeed, on every high hill
    and under every spreading tree
    you lay down as a prostitute.
21 I had planted you like a choice vine
    of sound and reliable stock.
How then did you turn against me
    into a corrupt, wild vine?
22 Although you wash yourself with soap
    and use an abundance of cleansing powder,
    the stain of your guilt is still before me,”
declares the Sovereign Lord.
23 “How can you say, ‘I am not defiled;
    I have not run after the Baals’?
See how you behaved in the valley;
    consider what you have done.
You are a swift she-camel
    running here and there,
24 a wild donkey accustomed to the desert,
    sniffing the wind in her craving—
    in her heat who can restrain her?
Any males that pursue her need not tire themselves;
    at mating time they will find her.
25 Do not run until your feet are bare
    and your throat is dry.
But you said, ‘It’s no use!
    I love foreign gods,
    and I must go after them.’
26 “As a thief is disgraced when he is caught,
    so the people of Israel are disgraced—
they, their kings and their officials,
    their priests and their prophets.
27 They say to wood, ‘You are my father,’
    and to stone, ‘You gave me birth.’
They have turned their backs to me
    and not their faces;
yet when they are in trouble, they say,
    ‘Come and save us!’
28 Where then are the gods you made for yourselves?
    Let them come if they can save you
    when you are in trouble!
For you, Judah, have as many gods
    as you have towns.
29 “Why do you bring charges against me?
    You have all rebelled against me,”
declares the Lord.
30 “In vain I punished your people;
    they did not respond to correction.
Your sword has devoured your prophets
    like a ravenous lion.
31 “You of this generation, consider the word of the Lord:
“Have I been a desert to Israel
    or a land of great darkness?
Why do my people say, ‘We are free to roam;
    we will come to you no more’?
32 Does a young woman forget her jewelry,
    a bride her wedding ornaments?
Yet my people have forgotten me,
    days without number.
33 How skilled you are at pursuing love!
    Even the worst of women can learn from your ways.
34 On your clothes is found
    the lifeblood of the innocent poor,
    though you did not catch them breaking in.
Yet in spite of all this
35     you say, ‘I am innocent;
    he is not angry with me.’
But I will pass judgment on you
    because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’
36 Why do you go about so much,
    changing your ways?
You will be disappointed by Egypt
    as you were by Assyria.
37 You will also leave that place
    with your hands on your head,
for the Lord has rejected those you trust;
    you will not be helped by them.
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Proverbs 25 (New International Version)




Proverbs 25 (New International Version)

Please click on the link below and it will take you to the Audio Feed.

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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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Romans 2 (New International Version, ©2010)




Romans 2 (New International Version, ©2010)


Please click on the link below and it will take you to the Audio Feed.
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Romans 2

God's Righteous Judgment

1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God "will repay each person according to what they have done."[a] 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.

12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God judges people's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

The Jews and the Law

17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."[b]
25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26 So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the[c] written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.

28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person's praise is not from other people, but from God.
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    Saturday, August 24, 2013

    Jeremiah 1 (New International Version)

     

    Jeremiah 1 (New International Version)

    Please click on the link below and it will take you to the Audio Feed.
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    Jeremiah 1

    1 The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. 2 The word of the LORD came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, 3 and through the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, down to the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.
    The Call of Jeremiah

    4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
    5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew [a] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

    6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."

    7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

    9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."

    11 The word of the LORD came to me: "What do you see, Jeremiah?" "I see the branch of an almond tree," I replied.

    12 The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching [b] to see that my word is fulfilled."

    13 The word of the LORD came to me again: "What do you see?" "I see a boiling pot, tilting away from the north," I answered.

    14 The LORD said to me, "From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. 15 I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms," declares the LORD. "Their kings will come and set up their thrones in the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem; they will come against all her surrounding walls and against all the towns of Judah.

    16 I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made.

    17 "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. 18 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
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    AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Republic of Mali in Africa

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

    Aug 24: Mali

    Mali

    Republic of Mali

    Africa

    See Prayer Information

    Geography

    Area: 1,240,192 sq km
    Landlocked state. Dry southern grasslands merge into the Sahara Desert. The Niger River runs through the southern part of the country.
    Population: 13,323,104    Annual Growth: 2.40%
    Capital: Bamako
    Urbanites: 33.3%
    HDI Rank: 178 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

    Peoples

    Peoples: 62 (60% unreached) All peoples
    Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

    Official language: French. Trade languages Bambara, Fulbe, Songhai    Languages: 60 All languages

    Religion

    Largest Religion: Muslim
    Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
    Christians351,7302.642.5
    Evangelicals93,6300.72.5
    Muslim11,641,72887.38 

    Answer to Prayer

    The continuing stability, in the midst of poverty, is a reason for praise. Mali stands as a role model of democracy and stability in a sea of troubled nations, free from the coups, civil wars and shady politics of its neighbours. It remains secular despite strong pressure from neighbouring countries to become an Islamic state.
         For an additional Answer to Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

    Challenge for Prayer

    Mali’s socio-economic quandary is sobering. It is one of the poorest nations on earth, with people making on average $1.5US/day. Cotton growing employs one-third of the population but is highly vulnerable to world market fluctuations and competing growers elsewhere. Functional literacy is low and secondary school enrolment is under 20%. About one-fifth of children will not survive to the age of five, and of those who do, one-third will be malnourished. Two-thirds of the land area is desert or semi-desert, and the threat of desertification is ever present. Pray that Mali’s leaders have wisdom and insight in knowing how to provide health, education, gainful employment and long-term stability to their people.
         For an additional 8 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 Mali.
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    Proverbs 24 (New International Version)




    Proverbs 24 (New International Version)

    Please click on the link below and it will take you to the Audio Feed.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhhMoI5e5bw&feature=share&list=PL50CF0F4DEEBE0755     
    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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    Romans 1 (New International Version)



    Romans 1 (New International Version)


    Please click on the link below and it will take you to the Audio Feed.
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    Romans 1

    1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life[a] was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power[b] by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from[c] faith for his name's sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

    7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Paul's Longing to Visit Rome

    8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
    11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters,[d] that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

    14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.

    16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[e] just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."[f]

    God's Wrath Against Sinful Humanity

    18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
    21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

    24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

    26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

    28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
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      Friday, August 23, 2013

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

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

      Aug 23: Maldives

      Maldives

      Republic of Maldives

      Asia

      See Prayer Information

      Geography

      Area: 298 sq km
      1,200 coral islands in 20 administrative groups, 600 km southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. Only 202 islands are inhabited. These have an average size of less than 1 sq km. Average elevation is one metre.
      Population: 313,920    Annual Growth: 1.43%
      Capital: Malé
      Urbanites: 40.5%
      HDI Rank: 95 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

      Peoples

      Peoples: 10 (50% unreached) All peoples
      Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

      Official language: Dhivehi of Sanskrit origin    Languages: 2 All languages

      Religion

      Largest Religion: Muslim
      Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
      Christians5340.174.0
      Evangelicals2350.14.3
      Muslim310,90699.04 

      Challenges for Prayer

      The desire to honour human rights and increase freedoms has been expressed by the current government, but freedom of religion is highly unpopular and violent opposition to it has been promised. Grassroots religion has shifted in a decidedly Islamist and Arabized direction, losing its indigenous Maldivian roots. Pray for the future of the people of the Maldives, torn between oppressive religion and empty freedoms.
      The Maldivians are still among the least evangelized on earth. Neither mission work nor Christian literature has ever been allowed. Paradoxically, the government denies the existence of Christianity among Maldivians while arresting those who do believe. The perception of Christianity is so bad (largely due to Western media and tourist immorality) that political opponents use the term “Christian” to slander one another. Pray for the true name and nature of Jesus to be made known in this nation. Pray that the state’s contradictions and heavy-handedness toward Christianity would generate great curiosity.
           For an additional 5 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 Maldives.
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      Isaiah 66 (New International Version)



      Isaiah 66 (New International Version)

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      Isaiah 66

      Judgment and Hope

      1 This is what the LORD says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be?
      2 Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.

      3 But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a man, and whoever offers a lamb, like one who breaks a dog's neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig's blood, and whoever burns memorial incense, like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and their souls delight in their abominations;

      4 so I also will choose harsh treatment for them and will bring upon them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me."

      5 Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at his word: "Your brothers who hate you, and exclude you because of my name, have said, 'Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy!' Yet they will be put to shame.

      6 Hear that uproar from the city, hear that noise from the temple! It is the sound of the LORD repaying his enemies all they deserve.

      7 "Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son.

      8 Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children.

      9 Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says the LORD. "Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?" says your God.

      10 "Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her.

      11 For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance."

      12 For this is what the LORD says: "I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees.

      13 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."

      14 When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the hand of the LORD will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his foes.

      15 See, the LORD is coming with fire, and his chariots are like a whirlwind; he will bring down his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.

      16 For with fire and with his sword the LORD will execute judgment upon all men, and many will be those slain by the LORD.

      17 "Those who consecrate and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following the one in the midst of [a] those who eat the flesh of pigs and rats and other abominable things—they will meet their end together," declares the LORD.

      18 "And I, because of their actions and their imaginations, am about to come [b] and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory.

      19 "I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of those who survive to the nations—to Tarshish, to the Libyans [c] and Lydians (famous as archers), to Tubal and Greece, and to the distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations. 20 And they will bring all your brothers, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the LORD -on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels," says the LORD. "They will bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings, to the temple of the LORD in ceremonially clean vessels. 21 And I will select some of them also to be priests and Levites," says the LORD.

      22 "As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me," declares the LORD, "so will your name and descendants endure. 23 From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me," says the LORD. 24 "And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind."

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      Proverbs 23 (New International Version)




      Proverbs 23 (New International Version)


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      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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      Romans 16 (New International Version, ©2010)

       
      Romans 16 (New International Version, ©2010)


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      Romans 16

      Personal Greetings

      1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon[a][b] of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.
      3 Greet Priscilla[c] and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

      5 Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.

      6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.

      7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among[d] the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

      8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.

      9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.

      10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.

      11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

      12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.

      13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.

      14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.

      15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord's people who are with them.

      16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.

      17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

      20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

      21 Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.

      22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

      23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. [24] [e]

      25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from[f] faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
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