Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 2: 1-3
Memory Verse: When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29:2 (NKJV)
Friday, 8th November, 2024
North and South Korea were unified until the end of World War II, when the peninsula was divided along the 38th parallel. The Korean War (1950-1953) solidified the division, and the two Koreas have remained separate ever since. Like someone said, “The difference between these two countries is a similitude of the difference between day and night.” Interestingly, the aerial view of the two countries at night via satellite attests to this. Here’s a breakdown of some key areas:
1. Political System: North Korea is a one-party communist state. The Kim family holds absolute power whereas South Korea is a multi-party democracy with regular elections and a separation of powers.
2. Economy: North Korea is centrally planned, isolated economy with limited free market activity whereas South Korea is highly developed, export-oriented mixed economy. A global leader in industries like semiconductors.
3. Freedom: North Korea is extremely limited individual freedoms. It has strict control over information and movement whereas South Korea has a vibrant democracy with freedom of speech, press, and assembly.
4. Standard of Living: North Korea struggles to meet the basic needs of its citizens having widespread poverty and malnutrition whereas South Korea has high standard of living with a developed infrastructure and access to modern amenities.
5. Culture: North Korea has a strong focus on nationalism and loyalty to the Kim regime and they have limited exposure to foreign culture whereas South Korea is a blend of traditional and modern culture; and open to foreign influences, especially from the West.
6. Military: North Korea has a large, well-armed military with a focus on nuclear weapons development whereas South Korea maintains a strong military with close ties to the United States.
Can you guess what is largely responsible for the wide differences between these two countries after about 70 years of separation? Leadership! Indeed, everything rise and fall on leadership. Where the righteous rule, the people rejoice. Brethren, let’s pray for our leaders.
Quote: Everything rises and falls on leadership – John C. Maxwell
Prophetic Decree: The sun, moon and stars shall cooperate with our nation, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. Thank you Father because you have the supreme power.
2. O Lord, please give us leaders after your own heart, in Jesus name.
3. My Father, equip me as a leader in my own sphere with capacity to create positive change in the lives of my followers, in Jesus name.
4. We scatter by fire every territorial altar that cripple the economy of nations, in Jesus name.
5. O Lord, please help us as a people and a nation to thirst after righteousness and holy living, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 25