Cloud of Witnesses

Nicaragua
This country is a secular state with freedom of religion.  There has been much devastation from natural disasters as well as civil war, but these things are causing many to seek the Lord and turn to Him.  The Church is seeing unity and mission work is beginning.

Niger
Mostly made up of the Sahara desert.  50% of the population is under the age of 15 and literacy is at 29%.  This is one of the poorest nations in the world.  There is considerable freedom of religion here, but there are tensions between the Muslims and Christians.  Many Muslims are open to the gospel, though.  Pray that Christians would share their faith and that churches would grow to be unified.

Proverbs 27:17
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

Psalm 112
"Blessed is the man who fears the Lord."  The psalm goes on the explain the many ways he is blessed.

Hebrews 11:32-12:13
So many good things in these verses!  Chapter 11 finishes up the list of so many great people of faith, and chapter 12 begins by saying, "Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus..."  To me, these verses are so encouraging.  I can do it, too!  Then it goes on to say that we have not had to endure anything like Jesus did when He died for us, so we need to keep our lives in perspective.  The Lord disciplines us for our own good, just like an earthly father would.

Ezekiel 29-30
Today Ezekiel prophesied against Egypt and the Pharaoh.  God said He would scatter the people and Egypt would be brought low.  Then He also told Ezekiel to lament over Egypt.