Hasty Words Are No Good

Russia-
Russia is a very large country and therefore has lots of things to report about, but I am going to keep it brief.  For such a big place, the population is relatively small and is declining rapidly.  This is due to many factors.  There is a very low birth rate, while the abortion rate is one of the world's highest.  Alcoholism can turn deadly due to the availability of vodka that is often poisonous.  Drugs are prominent in society.  And they have Europe's highest and fastest growing rate of HIV/AIDS.  There are many people groups.  Christianity has limited influence.  The strong history of the Orthodox Church means that it has power, even politically, but the faith of the Church is minimal.

Revelation 2:1-17
Messages are being given to each of the seven churches.  To the church in Ephesus Jesus says that He knows the good they are doing, but they have abandoned the love they first had.  He tells them to repent and return to the works they first did.  To the church in Smyrna Jesus says he knows about their tribulations.  He tells them that there will be ten days of tribulation and to not fear but be faithful.  To the church in Pergamum Jesus says He knows they do not deny Him even though they live where Satan dwells.  He also says that He knows how some of them are following the ways of men who were not faithful.  He tells them to repent or there will be consequences.

Psalm 129
The writer is asking that Israel would be able to endure affliction from their enemies.  He asks for specific things to happen to those who afflict them and recognizes that the Lord is righteous.

Proverbs 29:19-20
v. 20 "Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?  There is more hope for a fool than for him."

Amos 1-3
The Lord is pronouncing judgement through Amos.  He tells each city or region what He is going to do the them and why.  He judges the peoples around Israel and Judah, as well as Israel and Judah.  But He definitely goes into more detail with His own people.