Guinea- There have been improvements in freedom for Christianity. There is a very low literacy level that makes certain outreach hard and there is also a very great need for leaders. Pray for things like The Jesus film and radio broadcasts that can reach everyone.
1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4
Paul is making sure to explain that the wisdom and words that he uses are not his own, but come from the Spirit. We cannot comprehend the thoughts of God, but the Spirit allows us to understand.
Psalm 28
The Lord is the strength of His people. He keeps us from becoming like the wicked and saves us from them.
Proverbs 20:24-25
This speaks again about not being able to understand the thoughts of the Lord. The Lord guides man's steps, so how could he know the right way to go on his own?
Ezra 3-4
The people began to rebuild the temple and when the foundation was laid, there were great cries of rejoicing from some, and weeping from others who had seen the first temple. The cries were so loud and mixed together that you could not tell them apart. They were making progress on the temple when the king of the region was persuaded to make them stop because he did not want them to rebel against him. So, they were forced to stop.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Homecoming
My sweet Timothy has returned from India! His trip was wonderful and I have heard bits and pieces about it, but most of the stories have been postponed because he got off the plane sick and we are working on getting him better. He has some medicine so hopefully it will really start to help. It doesn't seem like anything major, but we are being extra careful since he picked it up while out of the country. Any and all prayers for him would be appreciated!
Ezra 1-2
The people of the Lord had been taken captive and scattered for a while when Cyprus, king of Persia proclaimed that the Lord spoke to him and told him to send His people to Jerusalem to rebuild His temple. The king also told all the people from the areas they would be leaving to give them gold, silver, and supplies. So, the people of the Lord returned to Jerusalem and took up jobs according to their fathers.
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5
The Corinthians are having some trouble with divisions among themselves. They are arguing over who to follow. Paul tells them they are all to follow Christ, not any man. Then he explains that he did not come in his own wisdom or power, but that of Christ. He says, "The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
Psalm 27
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" And the psalm continues with the desire to see the Lord and know Him.
Proverbs 20:22-23
The Lord will deliver you when you wait on Him.
Guinea-
On Africa's west coast. French is the official language, but there are 38 languages used in the country. Only 1 has a full Bible translation. The country has rich mineral deposits, but because of corrupt government there is poverty and rioting. A history of a Marxist government that destroyed the country. Recently, outside countries stepped in to help and democratic elections were held in 2010. The majority of the population is Muslim, but there is relative freedom for Christians. In certain areas, though, there is high intolerance.
Ezra 1-2
The people of the Lord had been taken captive and scattered for a while when Cyprus, king of Persia proclaimed that the Lord spoke to him and told him to send His people to Jerusalem to rebuild His temple. The king also told all the people from the areas they would be leaving to give them gold, silver, and supplies. So, the people of the Lord returned to Jerusalem and took up jobs according to their fathers.
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5
The Corinthians are having some trouble with divisions among themselves. They are arguing over who to follow. Paul tells them they are all to follow Christ, not any man. Then he explains that he did not come in his own wisdom or power, but that of Christ. He says, "The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
Psalm 27
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" And the psalm continues with the desire to see the Lord and know Him.
Proverbs 20:22-23
The Lord will deliver you when you wait on Him.
Guinea-
On Africa's west coast. French is the official language, but there are 38 languages used in the country. Only 1 has a full Bible translation. The country has rich mineral deposits, but because of corrupt government there is poverty and rioting. A history of a Marxist government that destroyed the country. Recently, outside countries stepped in to help and democratic elections were held in 2010. The majority of the population is Muslim, but there is relative freedom for Christians. In certain areas, though, there is high intolerance.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Kidnapped!
I have some wonderful friends (who will all be standing up with me at my wedding soon) that "kidnapped" me this weekend! They literally blindfolded me, stuck me in a car, packed my bag and whisked me away. We had so much fun! But that means I am a day behind in reading. It's ok... it's summertime!!!! School is officially out until the middle of August. :)
Psalm 25
A plea for the Lord to remember His child: teach me, lead me, remember, turn to me, consider me.
Proverbs 20:13-18
Do not love sleep, but be productive. Knowledge is more valuable than gold and gems. "Plans are established by counsel."
Romans 15-16:9
Paul is talking again about including Gentiles in the blessings intended for all believers. He also tells them of his plans to visit Rome and sends many greeting to specific people.
2 Chronicles 30-33:13
Hezekiah was a good king who followed God. He lead the people to the Lord and tore down the high places. God saved His people from the Assyrians and at one point Hezekiah became proud, but he humbled himself before the Lord so he would not have to experience the wrath of God. His son did not follow in his ways in the beginning, but finally turned to God.
Psalm 25
A plea for the Lord to remember His child: teach me, lead me, remember, turn to me, consider me.
Proverbs 20:13-18
Do not love sleep, but be productive. Knowledge is more valuable than gold and gems. "Plans are established by counsel."
Romans 15-16:9
Paul is talking again about including Gentiles in the blessings intended for all believers. He also tells them of his plans to visit Rome and sends many greeting to specific people.
2 Chronicles 30-33:13
Hezekiah was a good king who followed God. He lead the people to the Lord and tore down the high places. God saved His people from the Assyrians and at one point Hezekiah became proud, but he humbled himself before the Lord so he would not have to experience the wrath of God. His son did not follow in his ways in the beginning, but finally turned to God.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
I Want To Go To Greece Someday
2 Chronicles 29
Hezekiah becomes king and he follows the Lord. The first thing he does is have the Levites clean out the temple and get rid of all the things that shouldn't have been there. And then they make sacrifices to the Lord. Lots and lots of them.
Psalm 24
"Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, ..." Lord, may I be found with hand and a heart that are ready to stand before you, for that is where I long to be! Let the King of Glory come!
Proverbs 20:12
The Lord has given purpose to His creations- ears to hear and eyes to see.
Romans 14
We are not bound up by rules about eating and drinking, but we need to be careful to not cause someone else to stumble because of what we do. We are to be fully convinced, though, of what we believe is right. Differences of opinion are ok! These are not salvation issues, merely day to day living that all points back to the Lord, so it's not important if someone eats something different than someone else. This seems pretty common sense to me, but I guess we do get upset over petty things now and again.
Gibraltar-
Very small peninsula in the south of Spain that is a British Territory. Have become less dependent on Britain for economic stability. In 2007 a constitution was written that reflects the autonomy of the nation. They are not interested in returning to Spain. Full religious freedom. The church is growing. There is much potential for outreach, and Muslim visitors seem to be open to hear about Jesus.
Greece-
Southeast Europe, made up of 150 islands that account for 20% of the land area. The economy is in the midst of a downward spiral. The outlook is not good. Independent from Turkish rule in 1827, civil wars and unrest in the last 100 years. Relations with Turkey have improved some after each country helped the other after earthquakes in both countries. Lots of immigration happening. Strong Orthodox roots, but that is changing as well.
Hezekiah becomes king and he follows the Lord. The first thing he does is have the Levites clean out the temple and get rid of all the things that shouldn't have been there. And then they make sacrifices to the Lord. Lots and lots of them.
Psalm 24
"Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, ..." Lord, may I be found with hand and a heart that are ready to stand before you, for that is where I long to be! Let the King of Glory come!
Proverbs 20:12
The Lord has given purpose to His creations- ears to hear and eyes to see.
Romans 14
We are not bound up by rules about eating and drinking, but we need to be careful to not cause someone else to stumble because of what we do. We are to be fully convinced, though, of what we believe is right. Differences of opinion are ok! These are not salvation issues, merely day to day living that all points back to the Lord, so it's not important if someone eats something different than someone else. This seems pretty common sense to me, but I guess we do get upset over petty things now and again.
Gibraltar-
Very small peninsula in the south of Spain that is a British Territory. Have become less dependent on Britain for economic stability. In 2007 a constitution was written that reflects the autonomy of the nation. They are not interested in returning to Spain. Full religious freedom. The church is growing. There is much potential for outreach, and Muslim visitors seem to be open to hear about Jesus.
Greece-
Southeast Europe, made up of 150 islands that account for 20% of the land area. The economy is in the midst of a downward spiral. The outlook is not good. Independent from Turkish rule in 1827, civil wars and unrest in the last 100 years. Relations with Turkey have improved some after each country helped the other after earthquakes in both countries. Lots of immigration happening. Strong Orthodox roots, but that is changing as well.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Come On Summer!
It's the last day of school! I love summertimes! (Especially this summer)
Ghana-
In Africa. Had the largest man-made lake in Africa. About 100 ethnic groups. Agriculture is a main source of revenue, but has been in decline due to overuse. They now struggle with poverty. Stable democratic government since 1992. Secular state with freedom of religion. Islam is making a big push to take over. Bible translations have at least been started in every language needed for the country. There are divisions between north and south. Missionaries are needed throughout the country.
2 Chronicles 26-28
Uzziah was king and he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord... until he became strong. Then he got too big for his britches and tried to go offer incense on the alter even though it was the priests' job. So he got leprosy and could not be in the house for the rest of his life. His son, Jotham was next and did what war right in the eyes of the Lord. Then there was Ahaz. He did NOT follow the Lord at all. Judah was defeated during his reign and lots of the people were taken captive. When he died, the people did not bury him with the kings.
Romans 13
The end of 12 along with this chapter gives instructions for Christian living. Listen to the authorities and pay what you owe. Love each other because love fulfills the law. All of the other commandments are summed up in "love your neighbor as yourself" because if we do that, the other things won't be an issue. Live in the light and do not give in to the flesh.
Psalm 23
The Lord provides.
Proverbs 20:11
We make ourselves known through our actions.
Ghana-
In Africa. Had the largest man-made lake in Africa. About 100 ethnic groups. Agriculture is a main source of revenue, but has been in decline due to overuse. They now struggle with poverty. Stable democratic government since 1992. Secular state with freedom of religion. Islam is making a big push to take over. Bible translations have at least been started in every language needed for the country. There are divisions between north and south. Missionaries are needed throughout the country.
2 Chronicles 26-28
Uzziah was king and he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord... until he became strong. Then he got too big for his britches and tried to go offer incense on the alter even though it was the priests' job. So he got leprosy and could not be in the house for the rest of his life. His son, Jotham was next and did what war right in the eyes of the Lord. Then there was Ahaz. He did NOT follow the Lord at all. Judah was defeated during his reign and lots of the people were taken captive. When he died, the people did not bury him with the kings.
Romans 13
The end of 12 along with this chapter gives instructions for Christian living. Listen to the authorities and pay what you owe. Love each other because love fulfills the law. All of the other commandments are summed up in "love your neighbor as yourself" because if we do that, the other things won't be an issue. Live in the light and do not give in to the flesh.
Psalm 23
The Lord provides.
Proverbs 20:11
We make ourselves known through our actions.
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