Iran-
Most of the information provided in the Operation World book is from recent years.  I know there is much history in this country, but so many things have happened recently, that they are focused on.  Oil and natural gas make the country very wealthy, but there are inefficiencies in the industry and corruption politically that undermine profitability.  Unemployment is very high due to rapid urbanization and population growth.  In 1979 a theocratic Islamic Republic was declared.  Then Iraq invaded, led by Saddam Hussein.  All these things led to presidential elections in 1997.  After the 2009 elections, there were intense anti-government demonstrations, with a ruthless response from the government.  The people of Iran are united by one thing- the belief in the right to, and desire to create nuclear power.  Shi'a and Sunni Islam are the two main religions followed.  Some minorities are recognized by the constitution, but many are not.  People are not satisfied with the Islamic way of war, government, and lack of freedom.  This makes them open to the gospel!  Pray that those hungry for true spirituality would be able to hear the gospel.  There has been much growth in ministry to the Iranians.

2 Corinthians 11:1-15
Today, Paul is speaking to the Corinthians about people who speak to them, but are not true apostles of Christ.  He says they sound good, but he does not consider himself inferior to them, even though he is unskilled in speaking because his skill is in knowledge.  He has been sustained by various churched that have supplied his need, not by charing for his preaching... which makes me think that the others are charging them!  He continues to speak out against theses false apostles because they are deceptive.  Paul says that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, and so his servants disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.  There are still people around today who claim to bring good news, but we must be careful to measure what they say against the Word of God rather than just listening to what we want to hear.

Proverbs 22:28-29
We should regard the things taught to us from our fathers before us.
"Do you see a man skillful in his work?  He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men."

Psalm 53
Sometimes is seems like everyone around us has fallen away, like all are corrupt, like they work evil.  But salvation will come from Zion, God will restore His people!

Isaiah 3-5
Wow.  Isaiah really knows how to use his words!  I am captivated reading what he spoke.  These chapters talks about the judgement of Judah.  He tells them very bluntly and boldly all the things they will have to answer for.  Here is just a little portion.
"For the look on their faces bears witness against them; they proclaim their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it.  Woe to them!  For they have brought evil on themselves.  Tell the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds.  Woe to the wicked!  It shall be ill with him, for what his hands have dealt out shall be done to him."  Isaiah uses his beautiful words to describe the way the Lord will take care of those who have chosen Him.  "There will be a booth for shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain."  This section is relatively short, though, because he returns to the woes that will befall the people.