Friday, September 13, 2013

The Fathers Love Letter




My Child,
You may not know me, But I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…

Will you be my child? John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

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AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Kingdom of Nepal - Asia

Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Home > Sep 13: Nepal

Sep 13: Nepal

Nepal

Kingdom of Nepal

Asia

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 147,181 sq km
A mountainous Himalayan state between China (Tibet) and India. It contains 8 of the 10 highest mountain peaks in the world.
Population: 29,852,682    Annual Growth: 1.86%
Capital: Kathmandu
Urbanites: 18.2%
HDI Rank: 144 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 380 (93% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Nepali    Languages: 127 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Hinduism
Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
Christians850,8012.855.3
Evangelicals850,8012.95.3
Hinduism22,392,49775.01 

Answer to Prayer

Praise God for increased unity within Christianity and for greater cooperation between Christianity and other faiths. The Nepal Christian Society was formed in 1996 as a coordinating fellowship for Evangelicals, the National Council of Churches of Nepal in 1999 for social and national development and Christian Efforts for Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation (CEPJAR) was formed in 2003. CEPJAR later joined a multi-faith peacebuilding process with representatives of all other faiths.
     For an additional 3 Answers to Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

Challenge for Prayer

Freedom of religion is guaranteed by law, but only in limited measures. Non-Hindus cannot proselytize. If they do, they risk fines, imprisonment and, in the case of expatriates, expulsion. Despite this law, the Church in Nepal grows because of courageous evangelism. Hindu fundamentalists as well as Maoists often single out Christians; their non-violent nature and connections to the West make them soft targets. Pray for perseverance for believers, that neither laws of man nor threats of violence deter them from sharing the gospel.
     For an additional 10 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

More Information

The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Nepal.
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Jeremiah 21 (New International Version)




Jeremiah 21

God Rejects Zedekiah's Request

1 The word came to Jeremiah from the LORD when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur son of Malkijah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah. They said: 2 "Inquire now of the LORD for us because Nebuchadnezzar [a] king of Babylon is attacking us. Perhaps the LORD will perform wonders for us as in times past so that he will withdraw from us."
3 But Jeremiah answered them, "Tell Zedekiah, 4 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I am about to turn against you the weapons of war that are in your hands, which you are using to fight the king of Babylon and the Babylonians [b] who are outside the wall besieging you. And I will gather them inside this city. 5 I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm in anger and fury and great wrath. 6 I will strike down those who live in this city—both men and animals—and they will die of a terrible plague. 7 After that, declares the LORD, I will hand over Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials and the people in this city who survive the plague, sword and famine, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to their enemies who seek their lives. He will put them to the sword; he will show them no mercy or pity or compassion.'

8 "Furthermore, tell the people, 'This is what the LORD says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death. 9 Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague. But whoever goes out and surrenders to the Babylonians who are besieging you will live; he will escape with his life. 10 I have determined to do this city harm and not good, declares the LORD. It will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon, and he will destroy it with fire.'

11 "Moreover, say to the royal house of Judah, 'Hear the word of the LORD; 12 O house of David, this is what the LORD says: " 'Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done— burn with no one to quench it.

13 I am against you, Jerusalem, you who live above this valley on the rocky plateau, declares the LORD— you who say, "Who can come against us? Who can enter our refuge?"

14 I will punish you as your deeds deserve, declares the LORD. I will kindle a fire in your forests that will consume everything around you.' "
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    Proverbs 13 (New International Version)




    Proverbs 13

    1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

    2 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.

    3 He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

    4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

    5 The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

    6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

    7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

    8 A man's riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat.

    9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

    10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

    11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

    12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

    13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.

    14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

    15 Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. [a]

    16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.

    17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.

    18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

    19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.

    20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

    21 Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.

    22 A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.

    23 A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away.

    24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

    25 The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
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    Romans 5 (New International Version, ©2010)




    Romans 5

    Peace and Hope

    1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
    6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

    9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

    Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ

    12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—
    13 To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone's account where there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.

    15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16 Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

    18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

    20 The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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    Thursday, September 12, 2013

    Jeremiah 20 (New International Version)




    Jeremiah 20

    Jeremiah and Pashhur

    1 When the priest Pashhur son of Immer, the chief officer in the temple of the LORD, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things, 2 he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin at the LORD's temple. 3 The next day, when Pashhur released him from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, "The LORD's name for you is not Pashhur, but Magor-Missabib. [a] 4 For this is what the LORD says: 'I will make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends; with your own eyes you will see them fall by the sword of their enemies. I will hand all Judah over to the king of Babylon, who will carry them away to Babylon or put them to the sword. 5 I will hand over to their enemies all the wealth of this city—all its products, all its valuables and all the treasures of the kings of Judah. They will take it away as plunder and carry it off to Babylon. 6 And you, Pashhur, and all who live in your house will go into exile to Babylon. There you will die and be buried, you and all your friends to whom you have prophesied lies.' "
    Jeremiah's Complaint

    7 O LORD, you deceived [b] me, and I was deceived [c] ; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me.
    8 Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day long.

    9 But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

    10 I hear many whispering, "Terror on every side! Report him! Let's report him!" All my friends are waiting for me to slip, saying, "Perhaps he will be deceived; then we will prevail over him and take our revenge on him."

    11 But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten.

    12 O LORD Almighty, you who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.

    13 Sing to the LORD! Give praise to the LORD! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.

    14 Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me not be blessed!

    15 Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, who made him very glad, saying, "A child is born to you—a son!"

    16 May that man be like the towns the LORD overthrew without pity. May he hear wailing in the morning, a battle cry at noon.

    17 For he did not kill me in the womb, with my mother as my grave, her womb enlarged forever.

    18 Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?
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    Proverbs 12 (New International Version)




    Proverbs 12

    1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

    2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a crafty man.

    3 A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

    4 A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

    5 The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

    6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

    7 Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.

    8 A man is praised according to his wisdom, but men with warped minds are despised.

    9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

    10 A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

    11 He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.

    12 The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.

    13 An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble.

    14 From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

    15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

    16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

    17 A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.

    18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

    19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

    20 There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace.

    21 No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

    22 The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.

    23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.

    24 Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.

    25 An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

    26 A righteous man is cautious in friendship, [a] but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

    27 The lazy man does not roast [b] his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.

    28 In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
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    Romans 4 (New International Version, ©2010)





    Romans 4

    Abraham Justified by Faith

    1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."[a]
    4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

    7 "Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
    8 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them."[b]

    9 Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness. 10 Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before! 11 And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. 12 And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

    13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

    16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations."[c] He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

    18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be."[d] 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." 23 The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
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    AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Kingdom of Nepal - Asia

    Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
    Home > Sep 12: Nepal

    Sep 12: Nepal


    Nepal

    Kingdom of Nepal

    Asia

    See Prayer Information

    Geography

    Area: 147,181 sq km
    A mountainous Himalayan state between China (Tibet) and India. It contains 8 of the 10 highest mountain peaks in the world.
    Population: 29,852,682    Annual Growth: 1.86%
    Capital: Kathmandu
    Urbanites: 18.2%
    HDI Rank: 144 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

    Peoples

    Peoples: 380 (93% unreached) All peoples
    Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

    Official language: Nepali    Languages: 127 All languages

    Religion

    Largest Religion: Hinduism
    Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
    Christians850,8012.855.3
    Evangelicals850,8012.95.3
    Hinduism22,392,49775.01 

    Answer to Prayer

    There is a church planted in every one of the 75 districts of Nepal, and there are at least some believers in almost every people and caste group.
         For an additional 3 Answers to Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

    Challenge for Prayer

    Socio-economic needs remain a huge challenge in this beautiful but troubled land.
    a) Poverty and unemployment keep Nepal from progressing. Fully 47% are underemployed (working less than 40% of their available working hours). Pray for creative and sustainable means of gainful employment.
    b) Young people comprise two-thirds of Nepal’s population, which is one of the world’s youngest and fastest growing. Most live in rural areas, deprived of education and opportunity. Illiteracy is widespread. Young people are vulnerable to economic exploitation, sex trafficking, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and radicalization (political or religious). Pray for changes here that offer young people hope and a future.
    c) Despite becoming a secular democracy, Nepal’s social structures remain dominated by Hinduism. This perpetuates the caste system, which oppresses many, most notably Dalits who make up as much as 14% of the population. Caste discrimination is technically illegal but ubiquitous nonetheless. Converts from Hinduism to Christ usually become outcastes as well. Pray for the shattering of this unjust system.
         For an additional 10 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

    More Information

    The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Nepal.
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    Wednesday, September 11, 2013

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

    Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
    Home > Sep 11: Namibia, Nauru

    Sep 11: Namibia, Nauru

    Namibia, Nauru

    Namibia

    Republic of Namibia

    Africa

    See Prayer Information

    Geography

    Area: 823,144 sq km
    Predominantly arid, semi-desert; the driest African land south of the equator.
    Population: 2,212,037    Annual Growth: 1.94%
    Capital: Windhoek
    Urbanites: 38%
    HDI Rank: 128 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

    Peoples

    Peoples: 35 (6% unreached) All peoples
    Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

    Official language: English, though few speak it; most speak Afrikaans    Languages: 37 All languages

    Religion

    Largest Religion: Christian
    Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
    Christians2,022,68791.441.7
    Evangelicals270,32612.22.2

    Challenge for Prayer

    German and Finnish Lutheran and then Anglican missionaries gave birth to large denominations in the 19th Century. Liberal theology and syncretistic Afro-Spiritism eroded that spiritual heritage, and now many self-styled Christians are either nominal or incorporate unbiblical practices into their faith. Reformation is greatly needed, but first there needs to be an opening of hearts to the Spirit. Pray for a biblical faith to be restored throughout Namibia’s many churches.
         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 Namibia.


    Nauru

    Republic of Nauru

    Pacific

    See Prayer Information

    Geography

    Area: 21 sq km
    A raised coral atoll ringed with sandy beaches, with a central plateau of phosphates from fossilized bird droppings; 300 km west of Banaba, Kiribati.
    Population: 10,254    Annual Growth: 0.28%
    Capital: None, but administrative centre in Yaren
    Urbanites: 100%

    Peoples

    Official language: Nauruan, English    Languages: 9 All languages

    Religion

    Largest Religion: Christian
    Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
    Christians9,38291.500.3
    Evangelicals1,24512.12.3

    Challenge for Prayer

    Spiritual awareness grows as the economy shrinks. Materialism’s decline is faith’s gain. Church life is reawakening and evangelical numbers are growing. The Nauru Independent Church is the largest evangelical group, but there are believers in the other denominations as well. The JESUS film has been seen by almost the entire population.
         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
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    Jeremiah 19 (New International Version)





    Jeremiah 19

    1 This is what the LORD says: "Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take along some of the elders of the people and of the priests 2 and go out to the Valley of Ben Hinnom, near the entrance of the Potsherd Gate. There proclaim the words I tell you, 3 and say, 'Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and people of Jerusalem. This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Listen! I am going to bring a disaster on this place that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle. 4 For they have forsaken me and made this a place of foreign gods; they have burned sacrifices in it to gods that neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah ever knew, and they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent. 5 They have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I did not command or mention, nor did it enter my mind. 6 So beware, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when people will no longer call this place Topheth or the Valley of Ben Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter.

    7 " 'In this place I will ruin [a] the plans of Judah and Jerusalem. I will make them fall by the sword before their enemies, at the hands of those who seek their lives, and I will give their carcasses as food to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth. 8 I will devastate this city and make it an object of scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and will scoff because of all its wounds. 9 I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and they will eat one another's flesh during the stress of the siege imposed on them by the enemies who seek their lives.'

    10 "Then break the jar while those who go with you are watching, 11 and say to them, 'This is what the LORD Almighty says: I will smash this nation and this city just as this potter's jar is smashed and cannot be repaired. They will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room. 12 This is what I will do to this place and to those who live here, declares the LORD. I will make this city like Topheth. 13 The houses in Jerusalem and those of the kings of Judah will be defiled like this place, Topheth—all the houses where they burned incense on the roofs to all the starry hosts and poured out drink offerings to other gods.' "

    14 Jeremiah then returned from Topheth, where the LORD had sent him to prophesy, and stood in the court of the LORD's temple and said to all the people, 15 "This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Listen! I am going to bring on this city and the villages around it every disaster I pronounced against them, because they were stiff-necked and would not listen to my words.' "
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    Proverbs 11 (New International Version)



    Proverbs 11 (New International Version)

    Proverbs 11

    1 The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.

    2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

    3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

    4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

    5 The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.

    6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.

    7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.

    8 The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.

    9 With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.

    10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

    11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.

    12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

    13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

    14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.

    15 He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe.

    16 A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

    17 A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.

    18 The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.

    19 The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.

    20 The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.

    21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.

    22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

    23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.

    24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

    25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

    26 People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.

    27 He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.

    28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

    29 He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

    30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

    31 If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
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    Romans 3 (New International Version, ©2010)






    Romans 3

    God's Faithfulness

    1 What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2 Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.
    3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."[a]

    5 But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6 Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7 Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" 8 Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is just!

    No One Is Righteous

    9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written:
    "There is no one righteous, not even one;
    11 there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.
    12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless;
    there is no one who does good, not even one."[b]
    13 "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit."[c]
    "The poison of vipers is on their lips."[d]
    14 "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."[e]
    15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood;
    16 ruin and misery mark their ways,
    17 and the way of peace they do not know."[f]
    18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes."[g]

    19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

    Righteousness Through Faith

    21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[h] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,[i] through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
    27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
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      Tuesday, September 10, 2013

      AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Union of Myanmar - Asia

      Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
      Home > Sep 10: Myanmar

      Sep 10: Myanmar

      Myanmar

      Union of Myanmar

      Asia

      See Prayer Information

      Geography

      Area: 676,577 sq km
      Basin and delta of the Irrawaddy River ringed by a horseshoe of high mountains that isolates the country from India, China and Thailand.
      Population: 50,495,672    Annual Growth: 0.87%
      Capital: Naypyidaw
      Urbanites: 33.9%
      HDI Rank: 138 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

      Peoples

      Peoples: 142 (36% unreached) All peoples
      Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

      Official language: Burmese    Languages: 116 All languages

      Religion

      Largest Religion: Buddhist
      Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
      Christians4,534,5118.982.7
      Evangelicals2,517,1845.02.5
      Buddhist40,416,73680.04 

      Challenges for Prayer

      The military regime seeks to destroy Christianity (which it calls “the C-virus”), yet faith keeps spreading. Christians are generally kept out of positions of power and influence. Military campaigns against Christian minorities are well publicized, and over 3,000 Christian villages have been burned out in the last 10 years. Churches are not given permission to register and are thereby considered illegal and subject to harassment. The expulsion of foreign Christian workers in 1966 left a young church to cope on its own with little mature leadership or infrastructure. Adversity, persecution and isolation have helped shape a resilient, enduring faith.
      The Church faces many challenges in Myanmar. Pray about these issues:
      a) Limitations on the freedom to function as the Church, since many restrictions exist. Authorities generally disallow new church buildings from being constructed. The importation of Christian literature is severely limited. In many cases Christians are pressured or forced to convert to Buddhism.
      b) Nominalism and revival are simultaneous dynamics. Several generations after the arrival of Christianity through Adoniram Judson and others, it is to some more a tradition with irrelevant forms than a living faith. In some circles, Western humanism erodes the Bible’s authority. But at the same time, many mainline and traditional denominations find themselves in the midst of revival and renewal, which is happening across previously entrenched denominational lines.
      c) Most Christians are from minority groups that are embroiled in military actions against the central government. Pray that this may not cause bitterness, hatred of other peoples, compromise of their faith or blunting of a missions vision. Isolation, poverty and lack of training hamper the ability of these groups to be a witness, but this is changing.
      d) Reconciliation and unity among Christians is a crucial issue. There were many causes of division – ethnic, political, passivism or military activism, and doctrinal. Strong centralized control under one authoritarian church/denominational leader along with parochialism kept Christians apart and growth limited. Pray for:
           i The forces of spiritual unity. The burgeoning prayer movement, those impacted by renewal and the emerging generation of leaders are joining to stand as one.
           ii The organizational bodies fostering fellowship. Pray that the Myanmar Council of Churches (MCC), the Myanmar Evangelical Christian Fellowship (MECF) and the Myanmar Biblical Christian Fellowship (MBCF) may effectively promote Christian unity.
           iii Cultural leadership patterns combining with imported sectarianism from abroad. The need to start one’s own denomination, the foreign money available for ministry and the sectarian principles imbued upon nationals who studied abroad is a dangerous cocktail. Pray for wisdom for national leaders in learning to deal with these challenges.
           For an additional 10 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

      More Information

      The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Myanmar.
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      Jeremiah 18 (New International Version)







      Jeremiah 18

      At the Potter's House

      1 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD : 2 "Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message." 3 So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
      5 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 6 "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. 7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.

      11 "Now therefore say to the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, 'This is what the LORD says: Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.' 12 But they will reply, 'It's no use. We will continue with our own plans; each of us will follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.' "

      13 Therefore this is what the LORD says: "Inquire among the nations: Who has ever heard anything like this? A most horrible thing has been done by Virgin Israel.

      14 Does the snow of Lebanon ever vanish from its rocky slopes? Do its cool waters from distant sources ever cease to flow? [a]

      15 Yet my people have forgotten me; they burn incense to worthless idols, which made them stumble in their ways and in the ancient paths. They made them walk in bypaths and on roads not built up.

      16 Their land will be laid waste, an object of lasting scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and will shake their heads.

      17 Like a wind from the east, I will scatter them before their enemies; I will show them my back and not my face in the day of their disaster."

      18 They said, "Come, let's make plans against Jeremiah; for the teaching of the law by the priest will not be lost, nor will counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophets. So come, let's attack him with our tongues and pay no attention to anything he says."

      19 Listen to me, O LORD; hear what my accusers are saying!

      20 Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember that I stood before you and spoke in their behalf to turn your wrath away from them.

      21 So give their children over to famine; hand them over to the power of the sword. Let their wives be made childless and widows; let their men be put to death, their young men slain by the sword in battle.

      22 Let a cry be heard from their houses when you suddenly bring invaders against them, for they have dug a pit to capture me and have hidden snares for my feet.

      23 But you know, O LORD, all their plots to kill me. Do not forgive their crimes or blot out their sins from your sight. Let them be overthrown before you; deal with them in the time of your anger.
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      Proverbs 10 (New International Version)





      Proverbs 10

      Proverbs of Solomon

      1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.
      2 Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.

      3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

      4 Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

      5 He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

      6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. [a]

      7 The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

      8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

      9 The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

      10 He who winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.

      11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

      12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

      13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.

      14 Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

      15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

      16 The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.

      17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

      18 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

      19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

      20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

      21 The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.

      22 The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.

      23 A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.

      24 What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.

      25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.

      26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is a sluggard to those who send him.

      27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

      28 The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.

      29 The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.

      30 The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land.

      31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.

      32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
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      Romans 2 (New International Version, ©2010)







      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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      Monday, September 9, 2013

      Its Monday and time again to Pray for our Schools.


      Here's a declaration that some have been using:

       We pray the PEACE, PROTECTION, PROVISION, PURITY AND PRESENCE OF GOD for ______________ school -- over every administrator, teacher, student and the families associated with this school, in Jesus Name.

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