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

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Feb 27: Azerbaijan

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Azerbaijan

Republic of Azerbaijan

Asia

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Geography

Area: 86,600 sq km
Caucasian republic on the Caspian Sea, including a 5,632 sq km enclave, Nakhichevan, between Armenia and Iran, and the disputed 4,400 sq km region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Population: 8,933,928    Annual Growth: 1.11%
Capital: Baku
Urbanites: 52.2%
HDI Rank: 86 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 40 (63% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Azerbaijani    Languages: 34 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Muslim

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	244,790	2.74	-0.3
Evangelicals	18,517	0.2	3.7
Muslim	7,824,334	87.58

Prayercast

Challenges for Prayer

Azerbaijani believers continue to increase in number, although most Christians (at least in name) are still of foreign ethnicities. The majority of believers are in Baku, where there are many Azeri-led and Azeri-language congregations. Pray for the maturing of upcoming Azeri leaders and for good fellowship among believers. Cooperation and discipleship/training ministries are key needs. There are a handful of small Bible schools in Baku, most under threat of closure. Unregistered house church networks are spreading. They possess a vision to reach every town and village in the nation. Pray for a strong Church with an effective witness to non-Christians.
The Church faces intensifying opposition, even as it grows. Many churches find intimidation, surveillance and obstructionist tactics increasingly common. Despite these, there is relative freedom to share the gospel sensitively – many Azeris are Muslim out of cultural affiliation rather than deliberate choice. Pray that Christian witness to the majority Muslim population may be with humility, wisdom and love.
     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 Azerbaijan.

Proverbs 27 (NIV)

Proverbs 27 (New International Version)

Proverbs 27

1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.

3 Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both.

4 Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

7 He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.

8 Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home.

9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.

10 Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.

12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

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

14 If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.

15 A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day;

16 restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand.

17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

18 He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.

19 As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

20 Death and Destruction [a] are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man.

21 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.

22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding him like grain with a pestle, you will not remove his folly from him.

23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;

24 for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.

25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in,

26 the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field.

27 You will have plenty of goats' milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.

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1 Corinthians 14 Geneva Study Bible

1 Corinthians 14 Geneva Study Bible

Chapter 14
14:1 Follow ¹ after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may ^a prophesy.

(1) He infers now of what he spoke before: therefore seeing charity is the chiefest of all, before all things set it before you as chief and principal. And so esteem those things as most excellent which profit the greater part of men (such as prophecy, that is to say, the gift of teaching and applying the doctrine: which was condemned in respect of other gifts, although it is the chiefest and most necessary for the Church) and not those who for a show seem to be marvellous, as the gifts of tongues. This was when a man was suddenly endowed with the knowledge of many tongues, which made men greatly amazed and yet of itself was not greatly of any use, unless there was an interpreter.
(a) What prophecy is he shows in the third verse.

14:2 ² For he that speaketh in an [unknown] ^b tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the ^c spirit he speaketh mysteries.

(2) He reprehends their perverse judgment concerning the gift of tongues. For why was it given? The answer: so that the mysteries of God might be the better known to a greater number. By this it is evident that prophecy, which the gift of tongues ought to serve, is better than this: and therefore the Corinthians judged incorrectly, in that they made more account of the gift of tongues than of prophesying: because no doubt the gift of tongues was a thing more to be bragged of. And hereupon followed another abuse of the gift of tongues, in that the Corinthians used tongues in the congregation without an interpreter. And although this thing might be done to some profit of him that spoke them, yet he corrupted the right use of that gift because there came by it no profit to the hearers. And common assemblies were instituted and appointed not for any private mans commodity, but for the profit of the whole company.
(b) A strange language, which no man can understand without an interpreter.
(c) By that inspiration which he has received of the Spirit, which nonetheless he abuses, when he speaks mysteries which none of the company can understand.

14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] ^d edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

(d) Which may further men in the study of godliness.

14:4 He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the ^e church.

(e) The company.

14:7 ³ And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

(3) He sets forth that which he said by a similitude, which he borrows and takes from instruments of music, which although they speak not perfectly, yet they are distinguished by their sounds, that they may be the better used.

14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words ^f easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

(f) That fitly utter the matter itself.

14:10 ⁴ There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them [is] without signification.

(4) He proves that interpretation is necessarily to be joined with the gift of tongues, by the manifold variety of languages, insomuch that if one speak to another without an interpreter, it is as if he did not speak.

14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that ^g speaketh [shall be] a barbarian unto me.

(g) As the papists in all their sermons, and they that ambitiously pour out some Hebrew or Greek words in the pulpit before the unlearned people, by this to get themselves a name of vain learning.

14:12 ⁵ Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

(5) The conclusion: if they will excel in those spiritual gifts, as it is proper, they must seek the profit of the church. And therefore they must not use the gift of tongues, unless there is an interpreter to expound the strange and unknown tongue, whether it is himself that speaks, or another interpreter.

14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue ^h pray that he may interpret.

(h) Pray for the gift of interpretation.

14:14 ⁶ For ⁱ if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my ^k spirit prayeth, but my understanding is ^l unfruitful.

(6) A reason: because it is not sufficient for us to speak so in the congregation that we ourselves worship God in spirit (that is according to the gift which we have received), but we must also be understood of the company, lest that is unprofitable to others which we have spoken.
(i) If I pray, when the church is assembled together, in a strange tongue.
(k) The gift and inspiration which the spirit gives me does its part, but only to myself.
(l) No fruit comes to the church by my prayers.

14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the ^m understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

(m) So that I may be understood by others, and may instruct others.

14:16 ⁷ Else when thou shalt bless with the ⁿ spirit, how shall he that ^o occupieth the room of the unlearned say ^p Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

(7) Another reason: seeing that the whole congregation must agree with him that speaks, and also witness this agreement, how will they give their assent or agreement who know not what is spoken?
(n) Alone, without any consideration of the hearers.
(o) He that sits as a private man.
(p) So then one uttered the prayers, and all the company answered "amen".

14:18 ⁸ I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

(8) He sets himself as an example, both that they may be ashamed of their foolish ambition, and also that he may avoid all suspicion of envy.

14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak ^q five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue.

(q) A very few words.

14:20 ⁹ Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

(9) Now he reproves those freely for their childish folly, who do not see how this gift of tongues which was given to the profit of the Church, is turned by their ambition into an instrument of cursing, seeing that this same cursing is also contained among the punishments with which God punished the stubbornness of his people, that he dispersed them amongst strangers whose language they did not understand.

14:21 In the ^r law it is written, With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

(r) By the "law" he understands the entire scripture.

14:22 ¹⁰ Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

(10) The conclusion: therefore the gift of tongues serves to punish the unfaithful and unbelievers, unless it is referred to prophecy (that is to say, to the interpretation of scripture) and that what is spoken is by the means of prophecy is understood by the hearers.

14:23 ¹¹ If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] ^s unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

(11) Another argument: the gift of tongues without prophecy is not only unprofitable to the faithful, but also hurts very much, both the faithful as well as the unfaithful, who should be won in the public assemblies. For by this means it comes to pass that the faithful seem to others to be mad, much less can the unfaithful be instructed by it.
(s) See ( Acts 4:13 ).

14:26 ¹² How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

(12) The conclusion: the edifying of the congregation is a rule and measure of the right use of all spiritual gifts.

14:27 ¹³ If any man speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret.

(13) The manner how to use the gift of tongues. It may be lawful for one or two, or at the most for three, to use the gift of tongues, one after another in an assembly, so that there is someone to expound their utterances. But if there are none to expound, let him that has the gift speak to himself alone.

14:29 ¹⁴ Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

(14) The manner of prophesying: let two or three propound, and let the others judge of that which is propounded, whether it is agreeable to the word of God or not. If in this examination the Lord indicates that nothing was wrong, let them give him leave to speak. Let every man be admitted to prophesy, severally and in his order, so far forth as it is required for the edifying of the church. Let them be content to be subject to each others judgment.

14:32 And the ^t spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

(t) The doctrine which the prophets bring, who are inspired with Gods Spirit.

14:34 ¹⁵ Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

(15) Women are commanded to be silent in public assemblies, and they are commanded to ask of their husbands at home.

14:36 ¹⁶ What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

(16) A general conclusion of the treatise of the right use of spiritual gifts in assemblies. And this is with a sharp reprehension, lest the Corinthians might seem to themselves to be the only ones who are wise.

14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or ^u spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

(u) Skilful in knowing and judging spiritual things.

14:38 ¹⁷ But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

(17) The church ought not to care for those who are stubbornly ignorant, and will not abide to be taught, but to go forward nonetheless in those things which are right.

14:39 ¹⁸ Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

(18) Prophecy ought certainly to be retained and kept in congregations, and the gift of tongues is not to be forbidden, but all things must be done orderly

Proverbs 26 (NIV)

Proverbs 26 (New International Version)

Proverbs 26

1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.

2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.

3 A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!

4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.

6 Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.

7 Like a lame man's legs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

8 Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.

9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

10 Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or any passer-by.

11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.

12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!"

14 As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.

15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.

17 Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.

18 Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows

19 is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!"

20 Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.

21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.

23 Like a coating of glaze [a] over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.

24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit.

25 Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.

26 His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

27 If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

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Psalm 136 NIV

Psalm 136 (New International Version)

Psalm 136

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.

4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.

5 who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.

6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.

7 who made the great lights— His love endures forever.

8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.

9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever.

11 and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever.

12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.

13 to him who divided the Red Sea [a] asunder His love endures forever.

14 and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever.

15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever.

16 to him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever.

17 who struck down great kings, His love endures forever.

18 and killed mighty kings— His love endures forever.

19 Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever.

20 and Og king of Bashan— His love endures forever.

21 and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever.

22 an inheritance to his servant Israel; His love endures forever.

23 to the One who remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever.

24 and freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever.

25 and who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

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Put on the Armor of GOD!

1 Corinthians 13 Geneva Study Bible

1 Corinthians 13 Geneva Study Bible
Chapter 13
13:1 Though ¹ I speak with the tongues of men and of ^a angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a ^b tinkling cymbal.

(1) He reasons first of charity, the excellency of which he first shows by this, that without it, all other gifts are as nothing before God. And this he proves partly by an induction, and partly also by an argument taken of the end, for what reason those gifts are given. For, to what purpose are those gifts but to Gods glory, and the profit of the Church as is before proved? So that those gifts, without charity, have no right use.
(a) A very earnest amplifying of the matter, as if he said, "If there were any tongues of angels, and I had them, and did not use them to the benefit of my neighbour, it would be nothing else except a vain and prattling type of babbling."
(b) That gives a rude and uncertain sound.

13:2 And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all ^c faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

(c) By "faith" he means the gift of doing miracles, and not that faith which justifies, which cannot be void of charity as the other may.

13:4 ² Charity ^d suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

(2) He describes the force and nature of charity, partly by a comparison of opposites, and partly by the effects of charity itself. And by this the Corinthians may understand both how profitable it is in the church, and how necessary: and also how far they are from it, and therefore how vainly and without cause they are proud.
(d) Literally, "defers wrath".

13:5 Doth ^e not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

(e) It is not insolent, or reproachful.

13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but ^f rejoiceth in the truth;

(f) Rejoices at righteousness in the righteous. For by "truth" the Hebrews mean "righteousness".

13:8 ³ Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] ^g knowledge, it shall vanish away.

(3) Again he commends the excellency of charity, in that it will never be abolished in the saints, whereas the other gifts which are necessary for the building up of the church, so long as we live here, will have no place in the world to come.
(g) The getting of knowledge by prophesying.

13:9 ⁴ For we know in ^h part, and we prophesy in part.

(4) The reason: because we are now in the state that we have need to learn daily, and therefore we have need of those helps, that is, of the gift of tongues, and knowledge, and also of those that teach by them. But to what purpose serve they then, when we have obtained and gotten the full knowledge of God, which serve now but for those who are imperfect and go by degrees to perfection?
(h) We learn imperfectly.

13:11 ⁵ When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

(5) He sets forth that which he said by an excellent similitude, comparing this life to our infancy, or childhood, in which we mutter and stammer rather than speak, and think and understand childish things, and therefore have need of such things as may form and frame our tongue and mind. But when we become men, to what purpose should we desire that stammering, those childish toys, and such like things, by which we are formed in our childhood by little and little?

13:12 ⁶ For ⁱ now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

(6) The applying of the similitude of our childhood to this present life, in which we darkly behold heavenly things, according to the small measure of light which is given to us, through the understanding of tongues, and hearing the teachers and ministers of the Church. And our mans age and strength is compared to that heavenly and eternal life, in which when we behold God himself present, and are enlightened with his full and perfect light, to what purpose would we desire the voice of man, and those worldly things which are most imperfect? But yet then all the saints will be knit both with God, and between themselves with most fervent love. And therefore charity will not be abolished, but perfected, although it will not be shown forth and entertained by such manner of duties as belong only and especially to the infirmity of this life.
(i) All this must be understood by comparison.

13:13 ⁷ And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.

(7) The conclusion: as if the apostle should say, "Such therefore will be our condition then: but now we have three things, and they remain sure if we are Christs, without which, true religion cannot consist, that is, faith, hope, and charity. And among these, charity is the chiefest because it ceases not in the life to come as the rest do, but is perfected and accomplished. For seeing that faith and hope tend to things which are promised and are to come, when we have presently gotten them, to what purpose would we have faith and hope? But yet there at length we will truly and perfectly love both God and one another."

Proverbs 25 N.I.V. and also in the Geneva Study Bible Version.

Proverbs 25 (New International Version)

Proverbs 25

More Proverbs of Solomon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Proverbs 25 Geneva Study Bible

Chapter 25
25:1 These [are] also proverbs of Solomon, which the ^a men of Hezekiah king of Judah ^b copied out.

(a) Whom Hezekiah appointed for this purpose.
(b) That is, gathered out of various books of Solomon.

25:2 [It is] the glory of God to ^c conceal a thing: but the honour of ^d kings [is] to search out a matter.

(c) God does not reveal the cause of his judgments to man.
(d) Because the king rules by the revealed word of God, the cause of his doings must appear, and therefore he must use diligence in trying causes.

25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of ^e kings [is] unsearchable.

(e) He shows that it is too hard for man to attain the reason of all the secret doings of the king, even when he is upright and does his duty.

25:4 Take away the ^f dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the refiner.

(f) When vice is removed from a king, he is a meet vessel for the Lords use.

25:5 Take ^g away the wicked [from] before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

(g) It is not enough that he is pure himself, but that he put away others who are corrupted.

25:10 Lest he that heareth [it] put thee to shame, and thy infamy ^h turn not away.

(h) Lest while you think by this means to have an end of the matter, it put you to further trouble.

25:13 As the cold of snow ⁱ in the time of harvest, [so is] a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

(i) In the time of great heat, when men desire cold.

25:14 Whoever boasteth himself of a false gift [is like] ^k clouds and wind without rain.

(k) Which have an outward appearance, and are nothing within.

25:15 By long ^l forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the ^m bone.

(l) By not creating opportunity to provoke him further.
(m) That is, the heart that is bent to anger, as in ( Proverbs 15:1 ).

25:16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is ⁿ sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled with it, and vomit it.

(n) Use moderately the pleasures of this world.

25:20 [As] he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, [and as] vinegar upon ^o soda, so [is] he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

(o) Which melts it, and consumes it.

25:22 For thou shalt heap ^p coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

(p) You will, as if by force, overcome him, in so much that his own conscience will move him to acknowledge the benefits, and his heart will be inflamed.

25:28 He that [hath] no rule over his own spirit [is like] a city [that is] ^q broken down, [and] without walls.

(q) And so is in extreme danger.

Psalm 135 (NIV)

Psalm 135 (New International Version)

Psalm 135

1 Praise the LORD. [a] Praise the name of the LORD; praise him, you servants of the LORD,

2 you who minister in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God.

3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.

4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob to be his own, Israel to be his treasured possession.

5 I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.

6 The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.

7 He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

8 He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, the firstborn of men and animals.

9 He sent his signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants.

10 He struck down many nations and killed mighty kings-

11 Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan and all the kings of Canaan-

12 and he gave their land as an inheritance, an inheritance to his people Israel.

13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever, your renown, O LORD, through all generations.

14 For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.

15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.

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

17 they have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths.

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

19 O house of Israel, praise the LORD; O house of Aaron, praise the LORD;

20 O house of Levi, praise the LORD; you who fear him, praise the LORD.

21 Praise be to the LORD from Zion, to him who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.

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Just a reminder to prayer for our schools

AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Commonwealth of Australia, Norfolk Island - Pacific

Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)

Home > Feb 24: Australia, Norfolk Island

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Feb 24: Australia, Norfolk Island

Australia, Norfolk Island

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Australia

Commonwealth of Australia

Pacific

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Geography

Area: 7,682,300 sq km
This island continent is the world’s driest, but better watered in the east, southeast and southwest coastal regions, where most live in highly concentrated urban areas. There are three permanently inhabited dependent territories: Norfolk Island (35 sq km; 2,037 pop), Christmas Is. (135 sq km; 1,408 pop), Cocos Is. (14 sq km; 591 pop).
Population: 21,507,384    Annual Growth: 1.07%
Capital: Canberra
Urbanites: 89.1%
HDI Rank: 2 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 143 (8% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: English. 20% of the population use English as a second language    Languages: 207 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	14,947,632	69.50	0.5
Evangelicals	3,106,949	14.4	1.1

Prayercast

Challenge for Prayer

The 550,000 indigenous Aborigines have been demoralized in their contacts with Western culture and greed; they are frustrated about their lack of control over their lands and their heritage. Recognition of the land rights of first Australians is a major political issue. Reconciliation between black and white Australians made a significant step forward with the prime minister’s apology, along with National “Sorry” Day. Some Aborigines have adapted to the immigrant and majority cultures, but many are marginalized. Some retreated into the more inaccessible and inhospitable parts of the country, while others moved into larger towns and cities. Insensitivities at times and even cruelties by whites are to a degree offset by the loving contribution of many missionaries to the Aborigines over the years. Widespread abuse occurring within some Christian communities is also mitigated by the influence of some excellent, outspoken Aboriginal leaders who are catalyzing positive changes.
a) Most Aborigines are Christian, the result of considerable missionary effort in the past. But nominalism, a cultural disconnect from “Western religion”, poverty and often substance abuse stunt the spiritual growth of these unique peoples. Church leaders are trying to combine Christian values with Aboriginal culture in the best possible way for both worship and for outreach. In a number of areas, especially in the north and west of the country, there are strong congregations with effective outreach.
b) Pray for the Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship, a key coordinating body of Aboriginal Christians, as it encourages leadership development through its training college, outreach and church planting in every Aboriginal community. Pray that believers may boldly proclaim the liberating power of the gospel in the face of hostility from political activists.
c) Pray for the nearly 500 missionaries in 26 denominational and interdenominational agencies working among these people (such as the Australian Indigenous Ministries, Australian Churches of Christ Indigenous Mission, United Aborigine Mission, CMS, MAF, World Outreach and Baptists). Two Aboriginals have been elected to the Sydney Anglican Synod.
d) Bible translation is in progress in 13 of these small language groups; 28 languages have Scripture portions, 12 have the entire NT. Up to 20 still need translation. The entire Bible now exists in Kriol, the most widespread Aboriginal language – a job requiring 30 years and 100 linguists!
e) GRN recordings in several languages are vital contributions to the task because of the great linguistic variety and the lower functional literacy among the Aborigines.
     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 Australia.

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Norfolk Island

Pacific

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Geography

Area: 14 sq km
One main and two smaller islands. 1,500 km east of Australia.
Population: 2,234    Annual Growth: 0.74%
Capital: Kingston

Peoples

    Languages: 2 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	1,533	68.60	0.5
Evangelicals	508	22.7	1.3

Challenge for Prayer

The isolation of the islands and their limited resources make Christian ministry difficult. Isolation also makes their communities’ very existence somewhat precarious – depending on assistance from Australia, potential disaster from violent weather and a great distance from immediate help. Pray for God to move among the existing churches to foster renewal and awakening, and for believers to reach out effectively to others, particularly to the Malays of Cocos Island and the Chinese of Christmas Island.
     For an additional Challenge 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 Norfolk Island

No Looking Back!

1 Corinthians 12, Geneva Study Bible

1 Corinthians 12 Geneva Study Bible

Chapter 12
12:1 Now ¹ concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ^a ignorant.

(1) Now he enters into the third part of this treatise touching the right use of spiritual gifts, in which he gives the Corinthians plainly to understand that they abused them. For they that excelled bragged ambitiously of them, and so robbed God of the praise of his gifts: and having no consideration of their brethren, abused them to a vain display, and so robbed the church of the use of those gifts. On the other side the inferior sort envied the better, and went about to make a departure, so that all the body was as it were scatted and rent in pieces. So then, going about to remedy these abuses he wills them first to consider diligently that they have not these gifts of themselves, but from the free grace and liberality of God, to whose glory they ought to bestow them all.
(a) Ignorant to what purpose these gifts are given to you.

12:2 ² Ye know that ye were ^b Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

(2) He reproves the same by comparing their former state with that in which they were at this time, being endued with those excellent gifts.
(b) As touching Gods service and the covenant, mere strangers.

12:3 ³ Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus ^c accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

(3) The conclusion: know you therefore that you cannot so much as move your lips to honour Christ at all, except by the grace of the Holy Spirit.
(c) Does curse him, or by any means whatever diminish his glory.

12:4 ⁴ Now there are diversities of gifts, but the ^d same Spirit.

(4) In the second place, he lays another foundation, that is, that these gifts are different, as the functions also are different and their offices different, but that one self same Spirit, Lord, and God is the giver of all these gifts, and that to one end, that is, for the profit of all.
(d) The Spirit is plainly distinguished from the gifts.

12:6 And there are diversities of ^e operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

(e) So Paul calls that inward power which comes from the Holy Spirit, and makes men fit for wonderful things.

12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is ^f given to every man to ^g profit withal.

(f) The Holy Spirit opens and shows himself freely in the giving of these gifts.
(g) To the use and benefit of the church.

12:8 ⁵ For to one is given by the Spirit the word of ^h wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

(5) He declares this manifold diversity, and reckons up the principal gifts, beating that into their heads which he said before, that is, that all these things proceeded from one and the very same Spirit.
(h) Wisdom is a most excellent gift, and very needed, not only for those who teach, but also for those that exhort and comfort. And this thing is proper to the pastors office, as the word of knowledge agrees to the teachers.

12:10 To another the ⁱ working of miracles; to another ^k prophecy; to another ^l discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

(i) By "working" he means those great workings of Gods mighty power, which pass and excel among his miracles, as the delivery of his people by the hand of Moses: that which he did by Elijah against the priests of Baal, in sending down fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice: and that which he did by Peter, in the matter of Ananias and Sapphira.
(k) Foretelling of things to come.
(l) By which false prophets are know from true, in which Peter surpassed Philip in exposing Simon Magus; ( Acts 8:20 ).

12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally ⁶ as he will.

(6) He adds moreover somewhat else, that is, that although these gifts are unequal, yet they are most wisely divided, because the will of the Spirit of God is the rule of this distribution.

12:12 ⁷ For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: ⁸ so also [is] ^m Christ.

(7) He sets forth his former saying by a similitude taken from the body: this, he says, is manifestly seen in the body, whose members are different, but yet so joined together, that they make but one body. (8) The applying of the similitude. So must we also think, he says, of the mystical body of Christ: for all we who believe, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, are by one person by the same baptism, joined together with our head, that by that means, there may be framed one body compact of many members. And we have drunk one self same spirit, that is to say, a spiritual feeling, perseverance and motion common to us all out of one cup.
(m) Christ joined together with his Church.

12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into ⁿ one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to ^o drink into one Spirit.

(n) To become one body with Christ.
(o) By one quickening drink of the Lords blood, we are made partakers of his Spirit alone.

12:14 ⁹ For the body is not one member, but many.

(9) He amplifies that which followed of the similitude, as if he should say, "The unity of the body is not prevented by this diversity of members, and furthermore it could not be a body if it did not consist of many members, and those being different."

12:15 ¹⁰ If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

(10) Now he builds his doctrine upon the foundations which he has laid: and first of all he continues in his purposed similitude, and afterward he goes to the matter plainly and simply. And first of all he speaks unto those who would have separated themselves from those whom they envied, because they had not such excellent gifts as they. Now this is, he says, as if the foot should say it were not of the body, because it is not the hand, or the ear, because it is not the eye. Therefore all parts ought rather to defend the unity of the body, being coupled together to serve one another.

12:17 ¹¹ If the whole body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [were] the smelling?

(11) Again speaking to them, he shows them that if that should come to pass which they desire, that is, that all should be equal one to another, there would follow a destruction of the whole body, indeed and of themselves. For it could not be a body unless it were made of many members knit together, and different from one another. And that no man might find fault with this division as unequal, he adds that God himself has joined all these together. Therefore all must remain joined together, that the body may remain in safety.

12:21 ¹² And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

(12) Now on the other hand, he speaks to those who were endued with more excellent gifts, exhorting them not to despise the inferiors as unprofitable, and as though they served to no use. For God, he says, has in such sort tempered this inequality, that the more excellent and beautiful members can in no wise lack the more abject and such as we are ashamed of, and that they should have more care to see to them and to cover them: that by this means the necessity which is on both parts, might keep the whole body in peace and harmony. And that even though if each part is considered apart, they are of different degrees and conditions, yet because they are joined together, they have a community both in prosperity and affliction.

12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be ^p more feeble, are necessary:

(p) Of the smallest and vilest offices, and therefore mentioned last among the rest.

12:23 And those [members] of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant ^q honour; and our uncomely [parts] have more abundant comeliness.

(q) We more carefully cover them.

12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same ^r care one for another.

(r) Should bestow their operations and offices to the profit and preservation of the whole body.

12:26 ¹³ And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

(13) Now he applies this same doctrine to the Corinthians without any allegory, warning them that as there are different functions and different gifts, it is their duty not to offend one another, either by envy or ambition. Instead, in being joined together in love and charity with one another, every one of them should bestow to the profit of all that which he has received, according as his ministry requires.

12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in ^s particular.

(s) For all churches, wherever they are dispersed through the whole world, are different members of one body.

12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, ^t helps, ^u governments, diversities of tongues.

(t) The offices of deacons.
(u) He sets forth the order of elders, who were the maintainers of the churchs discipline.

12:31 ¹⁴ But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

(14) He teaches those who are ambitious and envious, a certain holy ambition and envy. That is, if they give themselves to the best gifts, and such as are most profitable to the church, and so if they contend to excel one another in love, which far surpasses all other gifts.

Psalm 134 (NIV)

Psalm 134 (New International Version)

Psalm 134

A song of ascents.

1 Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.

3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.

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Proverbs 23 NIV

Proverbs 23 (New International Version)

Proverbs 23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Psalm 133 (NIV)

Psalm 133 (New International Version)

Psalm 133

A song of ascents. Of David.

1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes.

3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

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Proverbs 22 (NIV)

Proverbs 22 (New International Version)

Proverbs 22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sayings of the Wise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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