Weakness = Power

Iran-
There are so many things to pray for.  The Islamic Revolution has not lived up to the promises it made and instead it has produced much bloodshed, cruelty extremism, and economic deprivation.  Pray for a government that offers justice and safety.  Religious persecution is targeted at several minorities, Christians being one... especially Muslim background Christians.  The revolution has led to church growth, even though many of those churches meet in secret.  Pray for jobs and income for believers who are discriminated against, courage in the face of persecution, and protection for believers.  Young people are very responsive to the gospel and make up a large percentage of the underground church.  There are several very large people groups that are not evangelized.  And TV ministry is a great tool for outreach.  Pray for the development of more programs.

Isaiah 8-9
Isaiah is telling the people all the things that are going to happen to them.  Not pleasant things.  He is talking about the people not following the Lord and how they will be broken and shattered.  Chapter 9 also includes the well known scripture that says "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given..."  This child is to uphold the government and bring peace.  He will establish righteousness and justice.  Any guesses who this might be?!  :)

2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Paul is still boasting.  And he says he has the right to, but he doesn't want to boast on his own behalf too much so that no one thinks too much of him.  He goes on to say that to keep him from becoming conceited, a messenger of Satan came to harass him.  He pleaded with the Lord take it away, but the Lord said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Paul then says he will boast only of his weaknesses so that the power of Christ can be displayed.  Wouldn't it be nice if we learned to be content in our weaknesses so that Christ could show himself to us and others.

Psalm 55
David is asking the Lord for mercy and talking about being taunted, then we find out it is not an enemy, but someone who is close to him, his companion.  I think this is something most people can relate to- feeling betrayed by a friend.  Then he says that God is the one who will deal with the betrayer.  Hopefully we will remember to let the Lord fight for us, and not try to do it on our own.

Proverbs 23:4-5
We are not to desire what those who are rich may have.  We should not toil to gain wealth because it can sprout wings and be gone suddenly.