Verse of the Day 022912

“Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.  Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”  Deuteronomy 4:1-2 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Deuteronomy 4 – 5

Verse of the Day 022812

“Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.  And the LORD said unto me, ‘Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.’  So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining.”  Deuteronomy 3:1-3 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Deuteronomy 2 – 3

Verse of the Day 022712

“And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites, as the LORD our God commanded us; and we came to Kadeshbarnea.  And I said unto you, ‘Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us.  Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.’” Deuteronomy 1:19-21 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 34 – Deuteronomy 1

Verse of the Day 022612

“And Moses said unto them, ‘If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war, and will go all of you armed over Jordan before the LORD, until He hath driven out His enemies from before Him, and the land be subdued before the LORD: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the LORD, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD.  But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.’”  Numbers 32:20-23 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 32 – 33

VOM Prayer Requests – Mali, Turkey and Burma

VOM-USA Prayer Update for February 24, 2012

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Mali—Safe Houses Foster Evangelism
Source: VOM Contacts

Jeremiah 10:6–7

Inasmuch as there is none like You, O Lord
(You are great, and Your name is great in might),
Who would not fear You, O King of the nations?
For this is Your rightful due.
For among all the wise men of the nations,
And in all their kingdoms,
There is none like You.

Conversions to Christianity have increased dramatically in Mali in recent months, due in part to the evangelistic work of Muslim Background Believers (MBBs) who have been trained at VOM-supported safe houses. “Not only are the safe houses a hiding place [for new converts running from Muslim families], but they are also places where MBBs can strengthen their faith,” a VOM worker said. “With their training … they become real national leaders who embark courageously on the evangelization of their compatriots and support the building of a true local or indigenous church.” These evangelists are the main distributors of Christian materials in the country. “That explains the explosion of conversions they are noting these days,” the VOM worker said. “The Muslim communities note now a real drop of their members.” Pray for the continued spread of the gospel in Mali and for the protection of these courageous believers.

Turkey—Visa Restrictions Hinder Missionaries
Source: VOM Contacts

Phillippians 3:14–16

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

The Turkish government recently tightened its visa regulations, hindering the work of foreign missionaries in the country. The new visa policy, which became effective on Feb. 1, 2012, allows 180-day multiple-entry visas, but visitors may spend only 90 consecutive days in the country and must wait 90 days between visits. Christian workers will have to leave Turkey every three months and remain outside the country for three months before returning. “We will only be able to spend half our time in Turkey,” wrote one worker. Since the beginning of February, the Turkish government has expelled a number of missionaries who had resident permits. Others who have left the country and tried to re-enter have been turned away at the border under the new visa regulations. Please pray that the Church in Turkey will continue to grow and develop mature leaders despite increasing government restrictions.

Burma—Evicted Christians Get New Homes
Source: VOM Contacts

Ephesians 3:16–17

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

Forty families that were evicted from their villages because of their faith recently began construction on their new homes. After a local Buddhist monk drove the families, including about 300 people, out of their homes, VOM and a partner organization helped them buy land, pay taxes and begin construction on the first five houses. The Buddhist monk took offense when the believers refused to sponsor Buddhist activities. The situation remained tense for two months, until the monk eventually expelled them from their villages. Pray that these believers will remain rooted in Jesus Christ and that their new community will be a blessing.

-posted by Tim A. Blankenship

Verse of the Day 022512

“And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, ‘This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded.  If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.’”  Numbers 30:1-2 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 30 – 31

Verse of the Day 022412

“And the LORD said unto Moses, ‘Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.  And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.  And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.’  And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: and he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.”  Numbers 27:18-23 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 27 – 29

Verse of the Day 022312

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,  ‘Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned My wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for My sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in My jealousy.   Wherefore say, ‘Behold, I give unto him My covenant of peace: and he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.’” Numbers 25:10-13 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 25 – 26

Wednesday Bible Study 022212

GRACE: NOT BY MAN

Troublers of Liberty – Galations 5:7-15

Verses 7 – 10 -  Paul compares the Galations faith to that of running a race (2:2; Romans 9:16;  1Corinthians 9:24).”Ye did run well” is praise for the way they began their faithwalk.  Now someone has come along, the Judaizers, and hindered that walk, by teaching contrary to the truth.

Paul tells them this “persuasion” is not from Christ.  He also tells them it is as “Leaven” permeating the whole lump.

The apostle is confident that they will not be ultimately persuaded away from the gospel he had proclaimed to them – the unmerited favor of God.

He does assure us that the false teacher – the Judaizers – will face the consequences of their teachings.

Verses 11 – 12 -  There had apparently been some rumors going around by the legalists that Paul was preaching circumcison and works.  Paul’s answer for that was, “If it is true then, why are they still persecuting me?”  There would be no more offense of the cross.

The MacArthur Study Bible note states,

“5:12 cut themselves off.  Better translated ‘mutilate themselves.’  The Gr. word was often used of castration, such as in the cult of Cybele, whose priests were self-made eunuchs.  Paul’s ironic point is that since the Judaizers were so insistent on circumcision as a means of pleasing God, they should go to the extreme of religious devotion and mutilate themselves.”  From the NKJV edition.

The Troublers of Liberty are those who teach contrary of the gospel of grace.

Verses 13 – 15 -  Those who have heard the gospel of Christ, the gospel of grace have a liberty which is beyond that of any other.  It is not however, freedom from the law, but rather the freedom which love gives.  We receive freedom to love God and to love others.

Verse 14 says it well “the law is fulfilled in love”  love is fulfilled by loving our neighbors as we love ourselves.

There is a picture in v. 15 given of street dogs constantly fighting.  Not just the casual brawl, but the biting, tearing of flesh.  It is a picture of devouring, destroying another.
That is not the way of liberty or love.  The liberty of loving one another seeks the welfare of others even above your own welfare.

Two dogs come to a bowl of meat, and as dogs do they will fight over it until one is beaten and leaves bloody, bruised, and battered.  That is not the freedom and liberty of the Christian.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Verse of the Day 022212

“And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, ‘If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.  Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more.’  And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, ‘If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.’   And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.”  Numbers 22:18-21 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 22 – 24

Verse of the Day 022112

“And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.   And the people spake against God, and against Moses, ‘Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.’  And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.  Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that He take away the serpents from us.’ And Moses prayed for the people.  And the LORD said unto Moses, ‘Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.’  And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.”  Numbers 21:4-9 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 19 – 21

Verse of the Day 022012

“And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods.   And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness. And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.  And Moses brought out all the rods from before the LORD unto all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every man his rod.”  Numbers17:6-9 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 16 – 18

Verse of the Day 021912

“And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: and they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, ‘The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.  If the LORD delight in us, then He will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.  Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.’   But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.”  Numbers 14:6-10 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 14 – 15

Verse of the Day 021812

“And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. And He said, ‘Hear now My words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make Myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.  My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.  With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?”  Numbers 12:5-8 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 11 – 13

VOM Prayer Update – Sudan, Bosnia, & Algeria

VOM-USA Prayer Update for February 17, 2012

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Algeria—Church Attacked in Ouargla, Algeria
Sources: VOM Contacts, International Christian Concern

Psalm 54:1–3

Save me, O God, by Your name,
And vindicate me by Your strength.
Hear my prayer, O God;
Give ear to the words of my mouth.
For strangers have risen up against me,
And oppressors have sought after my life;
They have not set God before them. Selah

On Feb. 1, Muslim extremists attacked a church in Ouargla, eastern Algeria, damaging church property. According to VOM contacts, Pastor Mourad had received a threatening letter two weeks earlier demanding that he leave the area but had not taken the threat seriously. However, around midnight on Feb.1, several men broke through the rear gate of the church and destroyed some church equipment. They also tried to break into the church building but were unsuccessful. In 2009, Pastor Mourad’s wife was beaten and seriously injured by an unknown group of attackers. And last year, an angry mob shouted death threats while throwing heaps of trash over the church walls. Despite these attacks, Pastor Mourad is convinced that the Lord has called him to serve in Ouargla, and he refuses to leave. “No matter what happens, we will stay here,” he says. Praise God for his faithfulness.

Bosnia—Believer Uses VOM-Provided Book to Share Gospel
Source: VOM Contacts

John 20:30–31

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

A Christian in Bosnia recently shared the gospel with his neighbors by giving them some humanitarian supplies along with a VOM-provided gospel story book. After receiving a package of supplies from the Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, “Henry” offered the supplies to his neighbors, along with an illustrated Jesus: He Lived Among Us story book, which tells the story of Jesus from the gospels. A 25-year-old woman kept asking Henry questions about the difference between Croatian Christmas celebrations and Christian celebrations. “It came to my mind to use the book to talk more about Jesus and his plan for humanity,” Henry said. “In the end, I told her to read the book and find out more about the life of this wonderful and unique man.” Praise God for the creativity and willingness believers all over the world have to share Christ’s message.

Sudan—School Bombed by Government Forces
Sources: Samaritan’s Purse, State Department, VOM Contacts

Psalm 61:1–3

Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, Sudanese forces bombed a school run by Samaritan’s Purse in the Nuba mountains in Southern Kordofan. The bombing occurred on the first day of school, when the Heiban Bible College campus was crowded with students, teachers and families. Although Sudanese forces dropped eight bombs, destroying two buildings, no one was killed. A statement from the United States’ ambassador to the United Nations said the attack “underscores the viciousness of Sudan’s ongoing military campaign in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states” in a conflict affecting 50,000 people. Samaritan’s Purse reported that four churches in the region have been destroyed since August. Nearly 30,000 refugees from the Nuba mountain have filled a camp across the border in South Sudan. Please pray for those affected by the ongoing violence and for those who are bringing Jesus’ name to the area.

-posted by Tim A. Blankenship

Verse of the Day 021712

“And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.  So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.  And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.  At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.” Numbers 9:15-18 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 8 – 10

Verse of the Day 021612

“And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them; that the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered: and they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.” Numbers 7:1-3 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 7

Wednesday Bible Study 021512

GRACE: NOT BY MAN

Standing Fast in Liberty – Galations 5:1-6

Verse 1 -  The liberty Christians have in Christ is often attacked; as it was in Paul’s day; so too in our own day.  There are many who want to attach requirements for salvation way beyond grace.

“Stand fast” to be stationary; to persevere; in this care stay put concerning the matter of grace.  One is not saved by the keeping of rituals and laws; but completely contrary to them.  Yet, let us not think that this freedom is a freedom to sin; it is rather freedom to live for GOD, through His Son Jesus.

“Liberty” freedom from sin’s condemnation, and the law’s condemnation.  Freedom to live as we should not as we please.

Verse 2 -  “If ye be circumcised…” for the purpose of obtaining salvation; securing God’s favor, then, “Christ will profit you nothing”.

Any requirement outside of grace through faith for God’s favor is a human work, ritual, and a curse to the freedom we have in Christ.

When an individual is resting in their own efforts, rather than Christ and grace, for favor with God; then there is no gain for them in Christ.

Verses 3-4  -  When one is inclined to work for the favor of God, then they are “a debtor to do the whole law” to obey it to the letter, thus be judged and condemned by it.  If one lives by the law they are still indebted to God.

By grace through faith in Christ all the sin debt has been paid.  There is nothing more that can be done to earn the favor of God.

“Christ is become of no effect unto you…”  Grace or favor which is earned is not grace, but a debt.  God owes us no debt.  He owes no one anything.  To earn grace would cancel the work of the cross of Christ, and grace would be a debt which God owes to those who earn it.

“Ye are fallen from grace”  this is a popular verse for the armenian who believes one can lose their salvation that is by grace.  Paul, of course, is speaking to the legalizers who made the law a requirement for salvation.  They had departed from grace, thus, were probably not recipients of it.

Verses 5-6 -  “We through the Spirit” the Spirit of God within those who have received His grace “wait” with full expectation and confidence; “the hope of righteousness by faith”.  “Righteousness” being the declaration by God, because of the cross of Christ, that we are “Just” before Him; without the deeds of the law.

The works of the law can  do nothing compared to the cross of Jesus Christ.  “Faith” the assurance based on the promises of God; and the conviction that God will bring all to pass that He has said.  “Which worketh by love” effective, fervent, accomplishing much by Godly love; unconditional, undeserved, unmerited favor = GRACE.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Verse of the Day 021512

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, ‘Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is defiled by the dead: both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell.’  And the children of Israel did so, and put them out without the camp: as the LORD spake unto Moses, so did the children of Israel.” Numbers 5:1-4 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 5 – 6

Verse of the Day 021412

“And the LORD said unto Moses, ‘Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.  And thou shalt take the Levites for Me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.’  And Moses numbered, as the LORD commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel.  And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, ‘Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be Mine: I am the LORD.’”  Numbers 3:40-43 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 3 – 4

Verse of the Day 021312

“And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, ‘Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls; from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.  And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers.’” Numbers 1:1-4 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Numbers 1 – 2

Verse of the Day 021212

“And I will set My tabernacle among you: and My soul shall not abhor you.  And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be My people.  I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.”  Leviticus 26:11-13 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Leviticus 26 – 27

Verse of the Day 021112

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, ‘Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.   Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the morning before the LORD continually: it shall be a statute for ever in your generations.  He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the LORD continually.’” Leviticus 24:1-4 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Leviticus 24 – 25

VOM Prayer Update – Laos, Pakistan and Azerbaijan

VOM-USA Prayer Update for February 10, 2012

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Laos—Village Leaders Retract Demands
Source: VOM Contacts

Proverbs 15:1–2

A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

A pastor’s wise words turned away the demands of a village leader in Laos recently. On Nov. 21, 2011, seven village officials demanded that a pastor and his church members sign documents promising they would stop witnessing. The church members refused to sign, explaining that to do so would be a betrayal of God’s teachings. The village head continued to pressure them, saying, “Christians are not good people. They do not drink, smoke or participate in the important [village] occasions.” The pastor finally agreed to sign the documents under the condition that he receive copies to show Lao Communist party officials, the governor and leaders of his church denomination. The village leaders then immediately backed off of their demands. Our VOM contact wrote, “The Christians in this village are poor and uneducated people, but the Holy Spirit puts the words in their hearts to say!” Thank God for these faithful villagers, and pray that they will remain strong in the face of harassment from local officials.

Pakistan—Evangelist Faces Harassment and Spiritual Attack
Sources: VOM Contacts

Acts 1:8

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

A VOM-supported evangelist in the Afghan-Pakistan border region reports that he is being harassed by a local Muslim leader and is also under attack by spiritual forces. After a recent Christmas service that was attended by a few Muslims, the evangelist received a letter warning him that his congregation was not respecting the Muslim call to prayer. Police have monitored the evangelist’s activities, and the local mullah has told his audience that Christian activities “must be stopped.” The evangelist says the region historically has been difficult for mission workers and that he is affected spiritually when he goes on prayer walks. Pray that God will grant supernatural strength to this brother and his church.

Azerbaijan—New Laws Further Restrict Religious Freedom
Sources: Forum 18 News, VOM Canada

1 Timothy 2:1–4

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Under new amendments to Azerbaijan’s Criminal and Administrative Codes, anyone who distributes religious materials that haven’t been through state censorship may be imprisoned for two to five years or fined the equivalent of nine years’ salary. President Ilham Aliyev signed the amendments into law on Dec. 12, 2011, the latest in a series of increasingly restrictive legislative actions by the government. In July 2011, amendments introduced new controls on religious education among other restrictions. In December 2010, fines for illegal religious activity under the Administrative Code were greatly increased, and in 2009, the Religion Law was twice amended to restrict rights and freedoms related to religion. Pray that President Aliyev will stop enacting laws that restrict the religious freedoms of his people, and pray that believers in Azerbaijan will continue to be bold in sharing their faith.

-posted by Tim A. Blankenship

Verse of the Day 021012

“Therefore shall ye keep My commandments, and do them: I am the LORD.  Neither shall ye profane My holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you, that brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD.”  Leviticus 22:31-33 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Leviticus 21 -23

Verse of the Day 020912

“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.  Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.  Therefore shall ye observe all My statutes, and all My judgments, and do them: I am the LORD.”  Leviticus 19:35-37 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Leviticus 19 – 20

Verse of the Day 020812

“And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set My face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.  For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.  Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, ‘No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood.”  Leviticus 17:10-12 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Leviticus 15 – 17

Verse of the Day 020712

“And if the plague come again, and break out in the house, after that he hath taken away the stones, and after he hath scraped the house, and after it is plaistered; then the priest shall come and look, and, behold, if the plague be spread in the house, it is a fretting leprosy in the house: it is unclean.”  Leviticus 14:43-44 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Leviticus 13 – 14

Verse of the Day 020612

“For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.  For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.”  Leviticus 11:44-45 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Leviticus 11 – 12

Verse of the Day 020512

“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He commanded them not.  And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.”  Leviticus 10:1-2 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Leviticus 8 – 10