I Will Extol You

Spain
Spain has a high number of immigrants which diversifies their population.  They have a good economy that has had several highs and lows, but are experiencing a recession like so many others.  The Catholic church has been dominant for quite a while, to the point of discriminating others.  More recently there is liberty for religions, but this is leading to a more secular society.  Society has been caught up in materialism, drugs, depression, gambling, and sexual immorality.  The Spanish have one of the lowest fertility rates in the world.  Most people do not try to have children any more.  Pray also for unity among churches.

Zechariah 14
This book has seemed quite a bit like Revelation, as I wrote a few days ago.  This is the last chapter and is about the day of the Lord.  It tells of the events that will lead up to it, and then how those who remain will worship the Lord.

Revelation 20
At this point, all the plagues and signs on earth have happened.  An angel comes and binds the dragon for 1,000 years.  After the 1,000 years, Satan will be released, and then promptly defeated!  He will be thrown in to the lake of fire and sulfur along with all those who did turn to God.  Then John sees a great white throne as well as the one seated on it.  And He had a book and read from it and if your name is not in that book, you will be thrown into the lake of fire.  I'm so glad that I have hope as I read this book.  What fear there must be for those who don't know the Lord and wonder what their fate will be.

Psalm 148
This is a psalm of praise.  Everything in it is about praising the Lord and calling on all things to join in that praise.
A couple of days ago I read this and it really struck me that as I am drawing to an end in my year long study of the Bible I very much want this to be true: "I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.  Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.  Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and is greatness is unsearchable."  Psalm 145:1-2

Proverbs 31:1-9
This is a mother's advice to her son.  She warns him against giving his strength to women and taking strong drink.  She says to give it instead to those who are perishing and in despair.  She also tells him to speak up for the mute and to defend the rights of the poor.