Proverbs 19 (NIV)

Proverbs 19 (New International Version)

Proverbs 19

1 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.

2 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.

3 A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD.

4 Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man's friend deserts him.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will not go free.

6 Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of a man who gives gifts.

7 A poor man is shunned by all his relatives— how much more do his friends avoid him! Though he pursues them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found. [a]

8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will perish.

10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

12 A king's rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13 A foolish son is his father's ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.

14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15 Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry.

16 He who obeys instructions guards his life, but he who is contemptuous of his ways will die.

17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.

18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.

19 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.

20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

22 What a man desires is unfailing love [b] ; better to be poor than a liar.

23 The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!

25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

26 He who robs his father and drives out his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

27 Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.

29 Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

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Amos 9 (NIV)

Amos 9 (New International Version)

Amos 9

Israel to Be Destroyed

1 I saw the Lord standing by the altar, and he said: "Strike the tops of the pillars so that the thresholds shake. Bring them down on the heads of all the people; those who are left I will kill with the sword. Not one will get away, none will escape.
2 Though they dig down to the depths of the grave, [a] from there my hand will take them. Though they climb up to the heavens, from there I will bring them down.

3 Though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, there I will hunt them down and seize them. Though they hide from me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them.

4 Though they are driven into exile by their enemies, there I will command the sword to slay them. I will fix my eyes upon them for evil and not for good."

5 The Lord, the LORD Almighty, he who touches the earth and it melts, and all who live in it mourn— the whole land rises like the Nile, then sinks like the river of Egypt-

6 he who builds his lofty palace [b] in the heavens and sets its foundation [c] on the earth, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land— the LORD is his name.

7 "Are not you Israelites the same to me as the Cushites [d] ?" declares the LORD . "Did I not bring Israel up from Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor [e] and the Arameans from Kir?

8 "Surely the eyes of the Sovereign LORD are on the sinful kingdom. I will destroy it from the face of the earth— yet I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob," declares the LORD.

9 "For I will give the command, and I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, and not a pebble will reach the ground.

10 All the sinners among my people will die by the sword, all those who say, 'Disaster will not overtake or meet us.'

Israel's Restoration

11 "In that day I will restore David's fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be,
12 so that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear my name, [f] " declares the LORD, who will do these things.

13 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills.

14 I will bring back my exiled [g] people Israel; they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit.

15 I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them," says the LORD your God.

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Psalm 96 (NIV)

Psalm 96 (New International Version)

Psalm 96

1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.

5 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.

6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.

9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his [a] holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.

10 Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.

11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it;

12 let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;

13 they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.

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AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Major Great Commission Challenges of Africa

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

Home > Jan 17: Africa, Major Great Commission Challenges

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Jan 17: Africa, Major Great Commission Challenges

Africa, Major Great Commission Challenges

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Africa

World

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Geography

Area: 30,244,000 sq km
20.3% of the world's surface area. Of this, 20.6 million sq km are in countries south of the Sahara, and 9.68 million in the nations of North Africa.
Population: 1,033,042,510    Annual Growth: 2.30%
Urbanites: 40%

Peoples

Peoples: 2,500 (0% unreached)
    Languages: 2,110

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	503,742,508	48.77	2.6
Evangelicals	182,442,247	17.7	3.6

Answer to Prayer

The impact of the gospel on the educated. The ministries of SU, IFES and others among students have been remarkable; through these and the ministries of churches and agencies, a large proportion of Africa’s professionals and leaders in Anglophone and Francophone countries are committed Christians. Their influence is becoming decisive in addressing corruption and social evils and in affecting the power structures of society; the fruit of this can be seen in the positive changes all over Africa in the last decade. Pray for this to continue!
     For an additional 6 Answers to Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

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Major Great Commission Challenges

Africa

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Challenge for Prayer

Nations with the smallest number of evangelicals. These are priority countries with less than 1% evangelicals: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Guinea, Niger, Djibouti, Somalia, Mayotte and Comoros. They fall into four main groups – North Africa, West Africa, Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.
     For an additional 2 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

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The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Major Great Commission Challenges.

Amos 8 (NIV)

Amos 8 (New International Version)

Amos 8

A Basket of Ripe Fruit

1 This is what the Sovereign LORD showed me: a basket of ripe fruit. 2 "What do you see, Amos?" he asked. "A basket of ripe fruit," I answered. Then the LORD said to me, "The time is ripe for my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.
3 "In that day," declares the Sovereign LORD, "the songs in the temple will turn to wailing. [a] Many, many bodies—flung everywhere! Silence!"

4 Hear this, you who trample the needy and do away with the poor of the land,

5 saying, "When will the New Moon be over that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath be ended that we may market wheat?"— skimping the measure, boosting the price and cheating with dishonest scales,

6 buying the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the sweepings with the wheat.

7 The LORD has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: "I will never forget anything they have done.

8 "Will not the land tremble for this, and all who live in it mourn? The whole land will rise like the Nile; it will be stirred up and then sink like the river of Egypt.

9 "In that day," declares the Sovereign LORD, "I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight.

10 I will turn your religious feasts into mourning and all your singing into weeping. I will make all of you wear sackcloth and shave your heads. I will make that time like mourning for an only son and the end of it like a bitter day.

11 "The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.

12 Men will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.

13 "In that day "the lovely young women and strong young men will faint because of thirst.

14 They who swear by the shame [b] of Samaria, or say, 'As surely as your god lives, O Dan,' or, 'As surely as the god [c] of Beersheba lives'— they will fall, never to rise again."

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Proverbs 17 (NIV)

Proverbs 17 (New International Version)

Proverbs 17

1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, [a] with strife.

2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.

3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.

4 A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.

5 He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.

6 Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

7 Arrogant [b] lips are unsuited to a fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler!

8 A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds.

9 He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

10 A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.

11 An evil man is bent only on rebellion; a merciless official will be sent against him.

12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.

13 If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house.

14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both.

16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?

17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

18 A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.

19 He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction.

20 A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.

21 To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool.

22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

23 A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.

24 A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.

26 It is not good to punish an innocent man, or to flog officials for their integrity.

27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

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Psalm 95 (NIV)

Psalm 95 (New International Version)

Psalm 95

1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

3 For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.

4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.

5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.

6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;

7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if you hear his voice,

8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, [a] as you did that day at Massah [b] in the desert,

9 where your fathers tested and tried me, though they had seen what I did.

10 For forty years I was angry with that generation; I said, "They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways."

11 So I declared on oath in my anger, "They shall never enter my rest."

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Demand pray back in school

Proverbs 16 (NIV)

Proverbs 16 (New International Version)

Proverbs 16

1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.

2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.

3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends— even the wicked for a day of disaster.

5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.

7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.

11 Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.

13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.

14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.

15 When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.

18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. [a]

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.

23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. [b]

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

26 The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.

27 A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.

30 He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.

32 Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

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Psalm 94 (NIV)

Psalm 94 (New International Version)

Psalm 94

1 O LORD, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth.

2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.

3 How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked be jubilant?

4 They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting.

5 They crush your people, O LORD; they oppress your inheritance.

6 They slay the widow and the alien; they murder the fatherless.

7 They say, "The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed."

8 Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?

9 Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?

10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?

11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile.

12 Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law;

13 you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.

14 For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.

15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?

17 Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.

18 When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me.

19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.

20 Can a corrupt throne be allied with you— one that brings on misery by its decrees?

21 They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.

22 But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

23 He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the LORD our God will destroy them.

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AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for The Unreached of Africa

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

Home > Jan 16: Africa, The Unreached of Africa

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Jan 16: Africa, The Unreached of Africa

Africa, The Unreached of Africa

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Africa

World

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Geography

Area: 30,244,000 sq km
20.3% of the world's surface area. Of this, 20.6 million sq km are in countries south of the Sahara, and 9.68 million in the nations of North Africa.
Population: 1,033,042,510    Annual Growth: 2.30%
Urbanites: 40%

Peoples

Peoples: 2,500 (0% unreached)
    Languages: 2,110

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	503,742,508	48.77	2.6
Evangelicals	182,442,247	17.7	3.6

Answer to Prayer

Prayer movements have a remarkable impact in Africa. The Global Day of Prayer originated in Cape Town through Transformation Africa and now involves tens, if not hundreds, of millions of Christians each year. The all-night prayer meetings of the Redeemed Christian Church in Nigeria – called the Holy Ghost Services – attract an average of 500,000, but this is merely the most well known of many such meetings. The familiarity of Africans with the reality of spiritual warfare, and their willingness to faithfully put in many hours of intercession, are possibly the most significant factors in the remarkable church growth on this continent.
     For an additional 6 Answers to Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

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The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Africa.

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The Unreached of Africa

Africa

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Challenge for Prayer

The Tamacheq (Tuareg) are related to the Berber, but have a unique culture and live in the central Sahara Desert. They number 2.5 million in seven countries and comprise 16 sub-groups. Believers among them are increasing, but only in Niger and Mali are there established groups. A number of agencies have formed a partnership for their evangelization.
     For an additional 11 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

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Amos 7 (NIV)

Amos 7 (New International Version)

Amos 7

Locusts, Fire and a Plumb Line

1 This is what the Sovereign LORD showed me: He was preparing swarms of locusts after the king's share had been harvested and just as the second crop was coming up. 2 When they had stripped the land clean, I cried out, "Sovereign LORD, forgive! How can Jacob survive? He is so small!"
3 So the LORD relented. "This will not happen," the LORD said.

4 This is what the Sovereign LORD showed me: The Sovereign LORD was calling for judgment by fire; it dried up the great deep and devoured the land. 5 Then I cried out, "Sovereign LORD, I beg you, stop! How can Jacob survive? He is so small!"

6 So the LORD relented. "This will not happen either," the Sovereign LORD said.

7 This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. 8 And the LORD asked me, "What do you see, Amos?" "A plumb line," I replied. Then the Lord said, "Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.

9 "The high places of Isaac will be destroyed and the sanctuaries of Israel will be ruined; with my sword I will rise against the house of Jeroboam."

Amos and Amaziah

10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent a message to Jeroboam king of Israel: "Amos is raising a conspiracy against you in the very heart of Israel. The land cannot bear all his words. 11 For this is what Amos is saying: " 'Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will surely go into exile, away from their native land.' "
12 Then Amaziah said to Amos, "Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. 13 Don't prophesy anymore at Bethel, because this is the king's sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom."

14 Amos answered Amaziah, "I was neither a prophet nor a prophet's son, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. 15 But the LORD took me from tending the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' 16 Now then, hear the word of the LORD. You say, " 'Do not prophesy against Israel, and stop preaching against the house of Isaac.'

17 "Therefore this is what the LORD says: " 'Your wife will become a prostitute in the city, and your sons and daughters will fall by the sword. Your land will be measured and divided up, and you yourself will die in a pagan [a] country. And Israel will certainly go into exile, away from their native land.' "

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AFWIS Joins Operation World In Prayer for The Church in Africa

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

Home > Jan 15: Africa, The Church in Africa

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Jan 15: Africa, The Church in Africa

Africa, The Church in Africa

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Africa

World

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Geography

Area: 30,244,000 sq km
20.3% of the world's surface area. Of this, 20.6 million sq km are in countries south of the Sahara, and 9.68 million in the nations of North Africa.
Population: 1,033,042,510    Annual Growth: 2.30%
Urbanites: 40%

Peoples

Peoples: 2,500 (0% unreached)
    Languages: 2,110

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	503,742,508	48.77	2.6
Evangelicals	182,442,247	17.7	3.6

Answer to Prayer

A number of countries experienced significant growth in the Church – either large-scale church growth or breakthrough among previously unevangelized peoples. These include Ethiopia, Sudan, Benin, Nigeria, Algeria, Mozambique and Angola, just to name a few.
     For an additional 6 Answers to Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

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The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Africa.

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The Church in Africa

Africa

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Challenge for Prayer

Pray for unity in such great diversity. There are over 15,000 denominations, church clusters and networks in Africa. Countless independent congregations exist with no overarching accountability or relationships. Pray:
a) That leaders might place their agendas at the foot of the cross. The desire for influence and power, the ethnocentric bias that lies behind many splits, the personal pride and carnality behind many divisions in churches and ministries – all must be crucified with Christ.
b) For pan-African bodies such as the AEA (Association of Evangelicals of Africa). The role of the AEA is strategic in linking national evangelical denominations in fellowship, in stimulating vision and in promoting leadership training, culturally relevant biblical theology and social action. The AEA is present in 33 countries, with 34 parachurch associate members. It represents over 70 million African evangelicals.
     For an additional 5 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

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The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of The Church in Africa.

Amos 6 (NIV)

Amos 6 (New International Version)

Amos 6

Woe to the Complacent

1 Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!
2 Go to Calneh and look at it; go from there to great Hamath, and then go down to Gath in Philistia. Are they better off than your two kingdoms? Is their land larger than yours?

3 You put off the evil day and bring near a reign of terror.

4 You lie on beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves.

5 You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments.

6 You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.

7 Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end.

The LORD Abhors the Pride of Israel

8 The Sovereign LORD has sworn by himself—the LORD God Almighty declares: "I abhor the pride of Jacob and detest his fortresses; I will deliver up the city and everything in it."
9 If ten men are left in one house, they too will die. 10 And if a relative who is to burn the bodies comes to carry them out of the house and asks anyone still hiding there, "Is anyone with you?" and he says, "No," then he will say, "Hush! We must not mention the name of the LORD."

11 For the LORD has given the command, and he will smash the great house into pieces and the small house into bits.

12 Do horses run on the rocky crags? Does one plow there with oxen? But you have turned justice into poison and the fruit of righteousness into bitterness-

13 you who rejoice in the conquest of Lo Debar [a] and say, "Did we not take Karnaim [b] by our own strength?"

14 For the LORD God Almighty declares, "I will stir up a nation against you, O house of Israel, that will oppress you all the way from Lebo [c] Hamath to the valley of the Arabah."

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Proverbs 15 (NIV)

Proverbs 15 (New International Version)

Proverbs 15

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

5 A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.

11 Death and Destruction [a] lie open before the LORD— how much more the hearts of men!

12 A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.

13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.

17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.

18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

21 Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.

22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave. [b]

25 The LORD tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact.

26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.

27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

29 The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.

32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, [c] and humility comes before honor.

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Psalm 93 (NIV)

Psalm 93 (New International Version)

Psalm 93

1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.

2 Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.

3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea— the LORD on high is mighty.

5 Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O LORD.

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The Lord is faithful...

AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for Africa, Trends to Watch

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

Home > Jan 14: Africa, Trends to Watch - Africa

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Jan 14: Africa, Trends to Watch - Africa

Africa, Trends to Watch - Africa

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Africa

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Geography

Area: 30,244,000 sq km
20.3% of the world's surface area. Of this, 20.6 million sq km are in countries south of the Sahara, and 9.68 million in the nations of North Africa.
Population: 1,033,042,510    Annual Growth: 2.30%
Urbanites: 40%

Peoples

Peoples: 2,500 (0% unreached)
    Languages: 2,110

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	503,742,508	48.77	2.6
Evangelicals	182,442,247	17.7	3.6

Answer to Prayer

Third Wave Pentecostal groups, strongly evangelical, have become a major element in the African Church. They are strong on the Scriptures and outreach, expectant of miracles, fervent in prayer and courageous against the powers of darkness. The Redeemed Christian Church and Deeper Life Bible Church were both started in Nigeria and have planted churches in dozens of countries. Groups such as the Church of Pentecost (Ghana), the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God, and others in Kenya, Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire and elsewhere continue to grow and plant new churches.
     For an additional 6 Answers to 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 Africa.

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Trends to Watch - Africa

Africa

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Challenge for Prayer

African democratic institutions remain vulnerable, but are strengthening with time. Authoritarian, autocratic leadership that suppresses opposition and robs from its own people still exists, but in many parts of the continent, there are signs of it being replaced by more responsible governments. Pray for more Christian politicians who are undefiled by corruption and resolute in transparency and righteousness. Sub-Saharan Africa is majority Christian – surely its elected officials should likewise be. Some Christian leaders have lost credibility in the past decade, but others have maintained a good testimony. The increased involvement of women in politics, both grassroots and leadership, should help to point the way forward to more egalitarian and accountable political structures. Pray that a revolution in African power structures might occur as communication and information technologies spread, empowering local movements to keep leaders accountable.
     For an additional 5 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

More Information

The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Trends to Watch - Africa.

Amos 5 (NIV)

Amos 5 (New International Version)

Amos 5

A Lament and Call to Repentance

1 Hear this word, O house of Israel, this lament I take up concerning you:
2 "Fallen is Virgin Israel, never to rise again, deserted in her own land, with no one to lift her up."

3 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "The city that marches out a thousand strong for Israel will have only a hundred left; the town that marches out a hundred strong will have only ten left."

4 This is what the LORD says to the house of Israel: "Seek me and live;

5 do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will be reduced to nothing. [a] "

6 Seek the LORD and live, or he will sweep through the house of Joseph like a fire; it will devour, and Bethel will have no one to quench it.

7 You who turn justice into bitterness and cast righteousness to the ground

8 (he who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns blackness into dawn and darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land— the LORD is his name-

9 he flashes destruction on the stronghold and brings the fortified city to ruin),

10 you hate the one who reproves in court and despise him who tells the truth.

11 You trample on the poor and force him to give you grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine.

12 For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. You oppress the righteous and take bribes and you deprive the poor of justice in the courts.

13 Therefore the prudent man keeps quiet in such times, for the times are evil.

14 Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is.

15 Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.

16 Therefore this is what the Lord, the LORD God Almighty, says: "There will be wailing in all the streets and cries of anguish in every public square. The farmers will be summoned to weep and the mourners to wail.

17 There will be wailing in all the vineyards, for I will pass through your midst," says the LORD.

The Day of the LORD

18 Woe to you who long for the day of the LORD! Why do you long for the day of the LORD ? That day will be darkness, not light.
19 It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear, as though he entered his house and rested his hand on the wall only to have a snake bite him.

20 Will not the day of the LORD be darkness, not light— pitch-dark, without a ray of brightness?

21 "I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies.

22 Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, [b] I will have no regard for them.

23 Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.

24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

25 "Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the desert, O house of Israel?

26 You have lifted up the shrine of your king, the pedestal of your idols, the star of your god [c]— which you made for yourselves.

27 Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus," says the LORD, whose name is God Almighty.

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Proverbs 14 (NIV)

Proverbs 14 (New International Version)

Proverbs 14

1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

2 He whose walk is upright fears the LORD, but he whose ways are devious despises him.

3 A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.

4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

5 A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.

6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

7 Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.

9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.

14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man rewarded for his.

15 A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

17 A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.

21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find [a] love and faithfulness.

23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.

25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.

26 He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.

27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

28 A large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.

29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.

33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known. [b]

34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant incurs his wrath.

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