Tell It Like It Is

Isaiah 1-2
I really like the book of Isaiah, but normally just read a few verses here and there, so I am excited to read through the whole book.  Isaiah is a prophet who literally speaks on behalf of God.  In these first couple of chapters, Isaiah would speak what God told him to, and then give some commentary about his own thoughts.  Basically, we are reading that Judah has not followed God like they should have.  He is speaking about the things they have done to displease the Lord.  God speaks about how He will avenge and restore the city, and then Isaiah finishes us by talking about the day of the Lord and says, "and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day."

Psalm 52
Mighty men boast of evil and destruction and lying and deceit, but God's steadfast love endures all day and He will break down the mighty forever.

Proverbs 22:26-27
Do not try to buy things you cannot pay for.

2 Corinthians 10
Paul is talking a lot about the way he acts when he is with people as compared to the way he writes to them.  He says his letters are much more bold than he would like to be in person.  He speaks about some people not understanding that they do not walk according to the flesh.  "Our weapons of warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." v. 4  He goes on to say that we have the ability to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.  These verses changed my life a little over a year ago.  I finally understood that my biggest battlefield is in my mind with the thoughts I have.  Once we are able to recognize the lies that Satan feeds us, we are told we have divine power to take those thoughts captive!  This is great news!  We know Truth!  Paul then goes on to talk about all the boasting that he does, and ends with "let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." v. 17

Indonesia-
Maluku- In 1999-2000 there was an Islamist jihad against all Christians resulting in 500,000 refugees and 20,000 killed.  Peace has been restored and nearly all groups are working toward maintaining that peace.  The majority is Muslim and little evangelized.
Papua- Western half of the Papua New Guinea island.  Over the last 100 years, a majority of the tribes have come to Christ.  Of these, over 90% are Christian!  The need for strong, mature leaders centered on the Bible is essential in dealing with the challenges of Papua society.  Travel is very difficult due to the rough terrain, so there are high aviation needs.  Migrants are entering the island at very high rates and taking over in many different areas of life.  Pray that Christians would witness to them and the country will continue to love God.