Let Not The Wise Man Boast

Lebanon
Sad history of many years of civil war and invasion from other countries.  The capitol, Beirut, has seen much devastation.  This is the only Arab state that is not officially Muslim.  There is freedom of religion and much opportunity for Christian training.  Pray for the leaders of the government, that they would be able to lead for the good of the country.  Pray for leaders of the Church.  Even though there is much opportunity for training, leadership is scarce.  There are many areas of rebuilding Lebanon that could be used as ministry.

Colossians 3:1-17
Paul is advising the Colossians to put away things that are earthly passions since they now belong to Christ and should set their minds on things above.  It's easy to say that other people need to do that, but he is talking to us, too!  We belong to Christ as well.  Some of the things he tells them to get rid of are sexual immorality, idolatry, anger, obscene talk...  We are to trade these things out for compassionate hearts, humility, patience, and above all, love.  He tells us to have the peace of Christ and to be thankful. Paul says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..."  And no matter what we do, "do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus."

Proverbs 24:27
"Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house."

Psalm 78:32-55
Continuing the story of the Israelites.  The writer is talking about how the people had seen God's miracles when he brought them out of Egypt with the plagues and the parting of the sea, but they still rebelled and did not listen to God.

Jeremiah 8:8-9:26
The Lords speaks about the ways the people have not followed Him.  Then Jeremiah grieves for the sins of his people.  After Jeremiah has time to speak about the ways the people have turned their backs on the Lord and the ways He is going to deal with them, God says, "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth.  For in these things I delight, declares the Lord."