Saturday, February 1, 2014

Zephaniah 2 (NIV)


Zephaniah 2 (New International Version)

Zephaniah 2

1 Gather together, gather together, O shameful nation,

2 before the appointed time arrives and that day sweeps on like chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD comes upon you, before the day of the LORD's wrath comes upon you.

3 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD's anger.

Against Philistia

4 Gaza will be abandoned and Ashkelon left in ruins. At midday Ashdod will be emptied and Ekron uprooted.
5 Woe to you who live by the sea, O Kerethite people; the word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines. "I will destroy you, and none will be left."

6 The land by the sea, where the Kerethites [a] dwell, will be a place for shepherds and sheep pens.

7 It will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; there they will find pasture. In the evening they will lie down in the houses of Ashkelon. The LORD their God will care for them; he will restore their fortunes. [b]

Against Moab and Ammon

8 "I have heard the insults of Moab and the taunts of the Ammonites, who insulted my people and made threats against their land.
9 Therefore, as surely as I live," declares the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, "surely Moab will become like Sodom, the Ammonites like Gomorrah— a place of weeds and salt pits, a wasteland forever. The remnant of my people will plunder them; the survivors of my nation will inherit their land."

10 This is what they will get in return for their pride, for insulting and mocking the people of the LORD Almighty.

11 The LORD will be awesome to them when he destroys all the gods of the land. The nations on every shore will worship him, every one in its own land.

Against Cush

12 "You too, O Cushites, [c] will be slain by my sword."
Against Assyria

13 He will stretch out his hand against the north and destroy Assyria, leaving Nineveh utterly desolate and dry as the desert.
14 Flocks and herds will lie down there, creatures of every kind. The desert owl and the screech owl will roost on her columns. Their calls will echo through the windows, rubble will be in the doorways, the beams of cedar will be exposed.

15 This is the carefree city that lived in safety. She said to herself, "I am, and there is none besides me." What a ruin she has become, a lair for wild beasts! All who pass by her scoff and shake their fists.
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Zephaniah 1 (NIV)


Zephaniah 1 (New International Version)

Zephaniah 1

1 The word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, during the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah:

Warning of Coming Destruction

2 "I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth," declares the LORD.
3 "I will sweep away both men and animals; I will sweep away the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. The wicked will have only heaps of rubble [a] when I cut off man from the face of the earth," declares the LORD.

Against Judah

4 "I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the pagan and the idolatrous priests-
5 those who bow down on the roofs to worship the starry host, those who bow down and swear by the LORD and who also swear by Molech, [b]

6 those who turn back from following the LORD and neither seek the LORD nor inquire of him.

7 Be silent before the Sovereign LORD, for the day of the LORD is near. The LORD has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited.

8 On the day of the LORD's sacrifice I will punish the princes and the king's sons and all those clad in foreign clothes.

9 On that day I will punish all who avoid stepping on the threshold, [c] who fill the temple of their gods with violence and deceit.

10 "On that day," declares the LORD, "a cry will go up from the Fish Gate, wailing from the New Quarter, and a loud crash from the hills.

11 Wail, you who live in the market district [d] ; all your merchants will be wiped out, all who trade with [e] silver will be ruined.

12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, 'The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.'

13 Their wealth will be plundered, their houses demolished. They will build houses but not live in them; they will plant vineyards but not drink the wine.

The Great Day of the Lord

14 "The great day of the LORD is near— near and coming quickly. Listen! The cry on the day of the LORD will be bitter, the shouting of the warrior there.
15 That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness,

16 a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers.

17 I will bring distress on the people and they will walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their entrails like filth.

18 Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD's wrath. In the fire of his jealousy the whole world will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live in the earth."
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Zephaniah 3 (NIV)


Zephaniah 3 (New International Version)

Zephaniah 3

The Future of Jerusalem

1 Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled!
2 She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD, she does not draw near to her God.

3 Her officials are roaring lions, her rulers are evening wolves, who leave nothing for the morning.

4 Her prophets are arrogant; they are treacherous men. Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law.

5 The LORD within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame.

6 "I have cut off nations; their strongholds are demolished. I have left their streets deserted, with no one passing through. Their cities are destroyed; no one will be left—no one at all.

7 I said to the city, 'Surely you will fear me and accept correction!' Then her dwelling would not be cut off, nor all my punishments come upon her. But they were still eager to act corruptly in all they did.

8 Therefore wait for me," declares the LORD, "for the day I will stand up to testify. [a] I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them— all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger.

9 "Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder.

10 From beyond the rivers of Cush [b] my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings.

11 On that day you will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from this city those who rejoice in their pride. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill.

12 But I will leave within you the meek and humble, who trust in the name of the LORD.

13 The remnant of Israel will do no wrong; they will speak no lies, nor will deceit be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid."

14 Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem!

15 The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.

16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, "Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.

17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

18 "The sorrows for the appointed feasts I will remove from you; they are a burden and a reproach to you. [c]

19 At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you; I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they were put to shame.

20 At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes [d] before your very eyes," says the LORD.
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Psalm 111 (NIV)


Psalm 111 (New International Version)

Psalm 111

1[a] Praise the LORD. [b] I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.

2 Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.

3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.

4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.

5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations.

7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.

8 They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness.

9 He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name.

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
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Friday, January 31, 2014

Psalm 110 (NIV)


Psalm 110 (New International Version)

Psalm 110

Of David. A psalm.

1 The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."
2 The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies.

3 Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth. [a]

4 The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."

5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath.

6 He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth.

7 He will drink from a brook beside the way [b] ; therefore he will lift up his head.
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    Habakkuk 3 (NIV)


    Habakkuk 3 (New International Version)

    Habakkuk 3

    Habakkuk's Prayer

    1 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. On shigionoth . [a]
    2 LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.

    3 God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah [b] His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth.

    4 His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden.

    5 Plague went before him; pestilence followed his steps.

    6 He stood, and shook the earth; he looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains crumbled and the age-old hills collapsed. His ways are eternal.

    7 I saw the tents of Cushan in distress, the dwellings of Midian in anguish.

    8 Were you angry with the rivers, O LORD ? Was your wrath against the streams? Did you rage against the sea when you rode with your horses and your victorious chariots?

    9 You uncovered your bow, you called for many arrows. Selah You split the earth with rivers;

    10 the mountains saw you and writhed. Torrents of water swept by; the deep roared and lifted its waves on high.

    11 Sun and moon stood still in the heavens at the glint of your flying arrows, at the lightning of your flashing spear.

    12 In wrath you strode through the earth and in anger you threshed the nations.

    13 You came out to deliver your people, to save your anointed one. You crushed the leader of the land of wickedness, you stripped him from head to foot. Selah

    14 With his own spear you pierced his head when his warriors stormed out to scatter us, gloating as though about to devour the wretched who were in hiding.

    15 You trampled the sea with your horses, churning the great waters.

    16 I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.

    17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,

    18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

    19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.
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    Habakkuk 2 (NIV)


    Habakkuk 2 (New International Version)

    Habakkuk 2

    1 I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. [a]

    The LORD's Answer

    2 Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald [b] may run with it.
    3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it [c] will certainly come and will not delay.

    4 "See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous will live by his faith [d] -

    5 indeed, wine betrays him; he is arrogant and never at rest. Because he is as greedy as the grave [e] and like death is never satisfied, he gathers to himself all the nations and takes captive all the peoples.

    6 "Will not all of them taunt him with ridicule and scorn, saying, " 'Woe to him who piles up stolen goods and makes himself wealthy by extortion! How long must this go on?'

    7 Will not your debtors [f] suddenly arise? Will they not wake up and make you tremble? Then you will become their victim.

    8 Because you have plundered many nations, the peoples who are left will plunder you. For you have shed man's blood; you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone in them.

    9 "Woe to him who builds his realm by unjust gain to set his nest on high, to escape the clutches of ruin!

    10 You have plotted the ruin of many peoples, shaming your own house and forfeiting your life.

    11 The stones of the wall will cry out, and the beams of the woodwork will echo it.

    12 "Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by crime!

    13 Has not the LORD Almighty determined that the people's labor is only fuel for the fire, that the nations exhaust themselves for nothing?

    14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

    15 "Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies.

    16 You will be filled with shame instead of glory. Now it is your turn! Drink and be exposed [g] ! The cup from the LORD's right hand is coming around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory.

    17 The violence you have done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and your destruction of animals will terrify you. For you have shed man's blood; you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone in them.

    18 "Of what value is an idol, since a man has carved it? Or an image that teaches lies? For he who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.

    19 Woe to him who says to wood, 'Come to life!' Or to lifeless stone, 'Wake up!' Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.

    20 But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him."
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    Habakkuk 1 (NIV)


    Habakkuk 1 (New International Version)

    Habakkuk 1

    1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet received.

    Habakkuk's Complaint

    2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not save?
    3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.

    4 Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.

    The Lord 's Answer

    5 "Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.
    6 I am raising up the Babylonians, [a] that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwelling places not their own.

    7 They are a feared and dreaded people; they are a law to themselves and promote their own honor.

    8 Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their cavalry gallops headlong; their horsemen come from afar. They fly like a vulture swooping to devour;

    9 they all come bent on violence. Their hordes [b] advance like a desert wind and gather prisoners like sand.

    10 They deride kings and scoff at rulers. They laugh at all fortified cities; they build earthen ramps and capture them.

    11 Then they sweep past like the wind and go on— guilty men, whose own strength is their god."

    Habakkuk's Second Complaint

    12 O LORD, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, we will not die. O LORD, you have appointed them to execute judgment; O Rock, you have ordained them to punish.
    13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?

    14 You have made men like fish in the sea, like sea creatures that have no ruler.

    15 The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks, he catches them in his net, he gathers them up in his dragnet; and so he rejoices and is glad.

    16 Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet, for by his net he lives in luxury and enjoys the choicest food.

    17 Is he to keep on emptying his net, destroying nations without mercy?
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    Thursday, January 30, 2014

    Nahum 3 NIV


    Nahum 3 (New International Version)

    Nahum 3

    Woe to Nineveh

    1 Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims!
    2 The crack of whips, the clatter of wheels, galloping horses and jolting chariots!

    3 Charging cavalry, flashing swords and glittering spears! Many casualties, piles of dead, bodies without number, people stumbling over the corpses-

    4 all because of the wanton lust of a harlot, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft.

    5 "I am against you," declares the LORD Almighty. "I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness and the kingdoms your shame.

    6 I will pelt you with filth, I will treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle.

    7 All who see you will flee from you and say, 'Nineveh is in ruins—who will mourn for her?' Where can I find anyone to comfort you?"

    8 Are you better than Thebes, [a] situated on the Nile, with water around her? The river was her defense, the waters her wall.

    9 Cush [b] and Egypt were her boundless strength; Put and Libya were among her allies.

    10 Yet she was taken captive and went into exile. Her infants were dashed to pieces at the head of every street. Lots were cast for her nobles, and all her great men were put in chains.

    11 You too will become drunk; you will go into hiding and seek refuge from the enemy.

    12 All your fortresses are like fig trees with their first ripe fruit; when they are shaken, the figs fall into the mouth of the eater.

    13 Look at your troops— they are all women! The gates of your land are wide open to your enemies; fire has consumed their bars.

    14 Draw water for the siege, strengthen your defenses! Work the clay, tread the mortar, repair the brickwork!

    15 There the fire will devour you; the sword will cut you down and, like grasshoppers, consume you. Multiply like grasshoppers, multiply like locusts!

    16 You have increased the number of your merchants till they are more than the stars of the sky, but like locusts they strip the land and then fly away.

    17 Your guards are like locusts, your officials like swarms of locusts that settle in the walls on a cold day— but when the sun appears they fly away, and no one knows where.

    18 O king of Assyria, your shepherds [c] slumber; your nobles lie down to rest. Your people are scattered on the mountains with no one to gather them.

    19 Nothing can heal your wound; your injury is fatal. Everyone who hears the news about you claps his hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?
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    Nahum 2 (NIV)


    Nahum 2 (New International Version)

    Nahum 2

    Nineveh to Fall

    1 An attacker advances against you, Nineveh . Guard the fortress, watch the road, brace yourselves, marshal all your strength!
    2 The LORD will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and have ruined their vines.

    3 The shields of his soldiers are red; the warriors are clad in scarlet. The metal on the chariots flashes on the day they are made ready; the spears of pine are brandished. [a]

    4 The chariots storm through the streets, rushing back and forth through the squares. They look like flaming torches; they dart about like lightning.

    5 He summons his picked troops, yet they stumble on their way. They dash to the city wall; the protective shield is put in place.

    6 The river gates are thrown open and the palace collapses.

    7 It is decreed [b] that the city be exiled and carried away. Its slave girls moan like doves and beat upon their breasts.

    8 Nineveh is like a pool, and its water is draining away. "Stop! Stop!" they cry, but no one turns back.

    9 Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold! The supply is endless, the wealth from all its treasures!

    10 She is pillaged, plundered, stripped! Hearts melt, knees give way, bodies tremble, every face grows pale.

    11 Where now is the lions' den, the place where they fed their young, where the lion and lioness went, and the cubs, with nothing to fear?

    12 The lion killed enough for his cubs and strangled the prey for his mate, filling his lairs with the kill and his dens with the prey.

    13 "I am against you," declares the LORD Almighty. "I will burn up your chariots in smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will leave you no prey on the earth. The voices of your messengers will no longer be heard."
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    Nahum 1 (NIV)


    Nahum 1 (New International Version)

    Nahum 1

    1 An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

    The Lord 's Anger Against Nineveh

    2 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies.
    3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.

    4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up; he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither and the blossoms of Lebanon fade.

    5 The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it.

    6 Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him.

    7 The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,

    8 but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh ; he will pursue his foes into darkness.

    9 Whatever they plot against the LORD he [a] will bring to an end; trouble will not come a second time.

    10 They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine; they will be consumed like dry stubble. [b]

    11 From you, O Nineveh , has one come forth who plots evil against the LORD and counsels wickedness.

    12 This is what the LORD says: "Although they have allies and are numerous, they will be cut off and pass away. Although I have afflicted you, O Judah , I will afflict you no more.

    13 Now I will break their yoke from your neck and tear your shackles away."

    14 The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh : "You will have no descendants to bear your name. I will destroy the carved images and cast idols that are in the temple of your gods. I will prepare your grave, for you are vile."

    15 Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.
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    Proverbs 30 (NIV)


    Proverbs 30 (New International Version)

    Proverbs 30

    Sayings of Agur

    1 The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an oracle [a] : This man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal: [b]
    2 "I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding.

    3 I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.

    4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!

    5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

    6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

    7 "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die:

    8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.

    9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

    10 "Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will pay for it.

    11 "There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers;

    12 those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth;

    13 those whose eyes are ever so haughty, whose glances are so disdainful;

    14 those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth, the needy from among mankind.

    15 "The leech has two daughters. 'Give! Give!' they cry. "There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!':

    16 the grave, [c] the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, 'Enough!'

    17 "The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.

    18 "There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand:

    19 the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden.

    20 "This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, 'I've done nothing wrong.'

    21 "Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up:

    22 a servant who becomes king, a fool who is full of food,

    23 an unloved woman who is married, and a maidservant who displaces her mistress.

    24 "Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:

    25 Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;

    26 coneys [d] are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;

    27 locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks;

    28 a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings' palaces.

    29 "There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing:

    30 a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing;

    31 a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king with his army around him. [e]

    32 "If you have played the fool and exalted yourself, or if you have planned evil, clap your hand over your mouth!

    33 For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife."
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    Psalm 108 (NIV)


    Psalm 108 (New International Version)

    Psalm 108

    A song. A psalm of David.

    1 My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.
    2 Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.

    3 I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.

    4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

    5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth.

    6 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.

    7 God has spoken from his sanctuary: "In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth.

    8 Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my scepter.

    9 Moab is my washbasin, upon Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph."

    10 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?

    11 Is it not you, O God, you who have rejected us and no longer go out with our armies?

    12 Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless.

    13 With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.
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    Wednesday, January 29, 2014

    Micah 7 (NIV)


    Micah 7 (New International Version)

    Micah 7

    Israel's Misery

    1 What misery is mine! I am like one who gathers summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster of grapes to eat, none of the early figs that I crave.
    2 The godly have been swept from the land; not one upright man remains. All men lie in wait to shed blood; each hunts his brother with a net.

    3 Both hands are skilled in doing evil; the ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the powerful dictate what they desire— they all conspire together.

    4 The best of them is like a brier, the most upright worse than a thorn hedge. The day of your watchmen has come, the day God visits you. Now is the time of their confusion.

    5 Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with her who lies in your embrace be careful of your words.

    6 For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man's enemies are the members of his own household.

    7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

    Israel Will Rise

    8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.
    9 Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the LORD's wrath, until he pleads my case and establishes my right. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness.

    10 Then my enemy will see it and will be covered with shame, she who said to me, "Where is the LORD your God?" My eyes will see her downfall; even now she will be trampled underfoot like mire in the streets.

    11 The day for building your walls will come, the day for extending your boundaries.

    12 In that day people will come to you from Assyria and the cities of Egypt, even from Egypt to the Euphrates and from sea to sea and from mountain to mountain.

    13 The earth will become desolate because of its inhabitants, as the result of their deeds.

    Prayer and Praise

    14 Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, which lives by itself in a forest, in fertile pasturelands. [a] Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead as in days long ago.
    15 "As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show them my wonders."

    16 Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their power. They will lay their hands on their mouths and their ears will become deaf.

    17 They will lick dust like a snake, like creatures that crawl on the ground. They will come trembling out of their dens; they will turn in fear to the LORD our God and will be afraid of you.

    18 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.

    19 You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

    20 You will be true to Jacob, and show mercy to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our fathers in days long ago.
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    Proverbs 28 (NIV)


    Proverbs 28 (New International Version)

    Proverbs 28

    1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

    2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

    3 A ruler [a] who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

    4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.

    5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.

    6 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

    7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

    8 He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.

    9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable.

    10 He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

    11 A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

    12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.

    13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

    14 Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

    15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people.

    16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life.

    17 A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him.

    18 He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall.

    19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

    20 A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

    21 To show partiality is not good— yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

    22 A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.

    23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.

    24 He who robs his father or mother and says, "It's not wrong"— he is partner to him who destroys.

    25 A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

    26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

    27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

    28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
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    Psalm 107 (NIV)


    Psalm 107 (New International Version)

    Psalm 107

    1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
        his love endures forever.
    2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
        those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
    3 those he gathered from the lands,
        from east and west, from north and south.[a]
    4 Some wandered in desert wastelands,
        finding no way to a city where they could settle.
    5 They were hungry and thirsty,
        and their lives ebbed away.
    6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
        and he delivered them from their distress.
    7 He led them by a straight way
        to a city where they could settle.
    8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
        and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
    9 for he satisfies the thirsty
        and fills the hungry with good things.
    10 Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,
        prisoners suffering in iron chains,
    11 because they rebelled against God’s commands
        and despised the plans of the Most High.
    12 So he subjected them to bitter labor;
        they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
    13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
        and he saved them from their distress.
    14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
        and broke away their chains.
    15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
        and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
    16 for he breaks down gates of bronze
        and cuts through bars of iron.
    17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways
        and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
    18 They loathed all food
        and drew near the gates of death.
    19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
        and he saved them from their distress.
    20 He sent out his word and healed them;
        he rescued them from the grave.
    21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
        and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
    22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings
        and tell of his works with songs of joy.
    23 Some went out on the sea in ships;
        they were merchants on the mighty waters.
    24 They saw the works of the Lord,
        his wonderful deeds in the deep.
    25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
        that lifted high the waves.
    26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
        in their peril their courage melted away.
    27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
        they were at their wits’ end.
    28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
        and he brought them out of their distress.
    29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
        the waves of the sea[b] were hushed.
    30 They were glad when it grew calm,
        and he guided them to their desired haven.
    31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
        and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
    32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
        and praise him in the council of the elders.
    33 He turned rivers into a desert,
        flowing springs into thirsty ground,
    34 and fruitful land into a salt waste,
        because of the wickedness of those who lived there.
    35 He turned the desert into pools of water
        and the parched ground into flowing springs;
    36 there he brought the hungry to live,
        and they founded a city where they could settle.
    37 They sowed fields and planted vineyards
        that yielded a fruitful harvest;
    38 he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased,
        and he did not let their herds diminish.
    39 Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled
        by oppression, calamity and sorrow;
    40 he who pours contempt on nobles
        made them wander in a trackless waste.
    41 But he lifted the needy out of their affliction
        and increased their families like flocks.
    42 The upright see and rejoice,
        but all the wicked shut their mouths.
    43 Let the one who is wise heed these things
        and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.

    Footnotes:

    1. Psalm 107:3 Hebrew north and the sea
    2. Psalm 107:29 Dead Sea Scrolls; Masoretic Text / their waves
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    Tuesday, January 28, 2014

    AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for The Church in the Country of Asia

    Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
    Home > Jan 28: Asia, The Church in Asia

    Jan 28: Asia, The Church in Asia

    Asia, The Church in Asia

    Asia

    World

    See Prayer Information

    Geography

    Area: 31,829,200 sq km
    Approximately 23.5% of the world’s surface area. Russia east of the Ural Mountains is geographically part of Asia, but here all of the Russian Federation is included with Europe. Included here are the Trans-Caucasus states (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia) as well as the West Asian/Middle Eastern countries. Includes amazing geographic and ecological diversity – tropical rain forest, desert, alluvial plains, hills and the world’s highest
    Population: 4,166,741,314    Annual Growth: 1.10%
    Urbanites: 43%

    Peoples

    Peoples: 4,860 (0% unreached)
        Languages: 2,322

    Religion

    Largest Religion: Muslim
    Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
    Christians368,075,9848.832.3
    Evangelicals146,854,0853.53.0
    Muslim1,100,825,42826.42 

    Answer to Prayer

    Lands previously cut off from overt Christian ministry are now home to dynamic, growing churches and unprecedented numbers of believers. This started with China in earlier decades, then moved to the former Soviet countries in Central Asia, the Caucasus Republics and Mongolia in the 1990s, and most recently in a number of Southeast Asian countries. Even in the heart of the Muslim world, thriving ministry to Christian populations (and other expatriate, non-Muslim peoples) is happening. Only in Saudi Arabia and Maldives are there no public-meeting Christian congregations; even in these countries (and many others), there are numbers of believers meeting together privately or in secret.
         For an additional 8 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 Asia.

    The Church in Asia

    Asia

    See Prayer Information

    Challenge for Prayer

    Central Asia.
    a) Indigenous evangelical Christians have multiplied to number tens of thousands in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and even Turkey, but in all of these places they face pressures from many sides – the government, Islamist groups, the Orthodox hierarchy and family members/society at large. The perception of evangelicalism as being foreign is one reason for such trouble; the hard line taken by many governments against religious extremism has unintended consequences for Christian groups. Pray for the rooting of the Christian faith in Central Asian cultural forms, for continued growth, for the positive witness of believers and for the further development of mature indigenous leadership. Pray also for Russian, Ukrainian, German, Korean and other expatriate believers who still comprise a majority of evangelicals in these lands.
    b) Pressures on Christians are more severe in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and especially Turkmenistan. Foreign workers have been expelled from these countries, congregations scattered and church leaders imprisoned. Pray that the remnant might stand strong and even grow amid these tribulations. In Afghanistan, despite the defeat of the Taliban as a military force, indigenous believers face great risks and must be very cautious in meeting together.
    c) Multi-national partnerships of expatriate believers exist for each of these nations. They have raised up intercession, mobilized mission, fostered cooperation and encouraged local believers. Pray that their continued carrying of these burdens might bring forth greater harvest in these needy regions.
         For an additional 4 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

    More Information

    The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of The Church in Asia.
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    Micah 6 (NIV)


    Micah 6 (New International Version)

    Micah 6

    The LORD's Case Against Israel

    1 Listen to what the LORD says: "Stand up, plead your case before the mountains; let the hills hear what you have to say.
    2 Hear, O mountains, the LORD's accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel.

    3 "My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer me.

    4 I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam.

    5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD."

    6 With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?

    7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

    8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

    Israel's Guilt and Punishment

    9 Listen! The LORD is calling to the city— and to fear your name is wisdom— "Heed the rod and the One who appointed it. [a]
    10 Am I still to forget, O wicked house, your ill-gotten treasures and the short ephah, [b] which is accursed?

    11 Shall I acquit a man with dishonest scales, with a bag of false weights?

    12 Her rich men are violent; her people are liars and their tongues speak deceitfully.

    13 Therefore, I have begun to destroy you, to ruin you because of your sins.

    14 You will eat but not be satisfied; your stomach will still be empty. [c] You will store up but save nothing, because what you save I will give to the sword.

    15 You will plant but not harvest; you will press olives but not use the oil on yourselves, you will crush grapes but not drink the wine.

    16 You have observed the statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab's house, and you have followed their traditions. Therefore I will give you over to ruin and your people to derision; you will bear the scorn of the nations. [d] "
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    Proverbs 28 (NIV)


    Proverbs 28 (New International Version)

    Proverbs 28

    1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

    2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

    3 A ruler [a] who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

    4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.

    5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.

    6 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

    7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

    8 He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.

    9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable.

    10 He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

    11 A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

    12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.

    13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

    14 Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

    15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people.

    16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life.

    17 A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him.

    18 He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall.

    19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

    20 A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

    21 To show partiality is not good— yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

    22 A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.

    23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.

    24 He who robs his father or mother and says, "It's not wrong"— he is partner to him who destroys.

    25 A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

    26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

    27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

    28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
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    Psalm 106 (NIV)


    Psalm 106

    New International Version (NIV)

    Psalm 106

    1 Praise the Lord.[a]
    Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
        his love endures forever.
    2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord
        or fully declare his praise?
    3 Blessed are those who act justly,
        who always do what is right.
    4 Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people,
        come to my aid when you save them,
    5 that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
        that I may share in the joy of your nation
        and join your inheritance in giving praise.
    6 We have sinned, even as our ancestors did;
        we have done wrong and acted wickedly.
    7 When our ancestors were in Egypt,
        they gave no thought to your miracles;
    they did not remember your many kindnesses,
        and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea.[b]
    8 Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,
        to make his mighty power known.
    9 He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up;
        he led them through the depths as through a desert.
    10 He saved them from the hand of the foe;
        from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them.
    11 The waters covered their adversaries;
        not one of them survived.
    12 Then they believed his promises
        and sang his praise.
    13 But they soon forgot what he had done
        and did not wait for his plan to unfold.
    14 In the desert they gave in to their craving;
        in the wilderness they put God to the test.
    15 So he gave them what they asked for,
        but sent a wasting disease among them.
    16 In the camp they grew envious of Moses
        and of Aaron, who was consecrated to the Lord.
    17 The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan;
        it buried the company of Abiram.
    18 Fire blazed among their followers;
        a flame consumed the wicked.
    19 At Horeb they made a calf
        and worshiped an idol cast from metal.
    20 They exchanged their glorious God
        for an image of a bull, which eats grass.
    21 They forgot the God who saved them,
        who had done great things in Egypt,
    22 miracles in the land of Ham
        and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.
    23 So he said he would destroy them—
        had not Moses, his chosen one,
    stood in the breach before him
        to keep his wrath from destroying them.
    24 Then they despised the pleasant land;
        they did not believe his promise.
    25 They grumbled in their tents
        and did not obey the Lord.
    26 So he swore to them with uplifted hand
        that he would make them fall in the wilderness,
    27 make their descendants fall among the nations
        and scatter them throughout the lands.
    28 They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor
        and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods;
    29 they aroused the Lord’s anger by their wicked deeds,
        and a plague broke out among them.
    30 But Phinehas stood up and intervened,
        and the plague was checked.
    31 This was credited to him as righteousness
        for endless generations to come.
    32 By the waters of Meribah they angered the Lord,
        and trouble came to Moses because of them;
    33 for they rebelled against the Spirit of God,
        and rash words came from Moses’ lips.[c]
    34 They did not destroy the peoples
        as the Lord had commanded them,
    35 but they mingled with the nations
        and adopted their customs.
    36 They worshiped their idols,
        which became a snare to them.
    37 They sacrificed their sons
        and their daughters to false gods.
    38 They shed innocent blood,
        the blood of their sons and daughters,
    whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan,
        and the land was desecrated by their blood.
    39 They defiled themselves by what they did;
        by their deeds they prostituted themselves.
    40 Therefore the Lord was angry with his people
        and abhorred his inheritance.
    41 He gave them into the hands of the nations,
        and their foes ruled over them.
    42 Their enemies oppressed them
        and subjected them to their power.
    43 Many times he delivered them,
        but they were bent on rebellion
        and they wasted away in their sin.
    44 Yet he took note of their distress
        when he heard their cry;
    45 for their sake he remembered his covenant
        and out of his great love he relented.
    46 He caused all who held them captive
        to show them mercy.
    47 Save us, Lord our God,
        and gather us from the nations,
    that we may give thanks to your holy name
        and glory in your praise.
    48 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
        from everlasting to everlasting.
    Let all the people say, “Amen!”
    Praise the Lord.

    Footnotes:

    1. Psalm 106:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 48
    2. Psalm 106:7 Or the Sea of Reeds; also in verses 9 and 22
    3. Psalm 106:33 Or against his spirit, / and rash words came from his lips
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