Wrap up: Boston tragedy

Wrap up: Boston tragedy

1. Boston marathon bombs suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev captured - BBC News

A teenager suspected of carrying out the Boston Marathon bombings is in custody after a local resident found him hiding in a boat in his backyard. Police said they exchanged gunfire with Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, after cornering him in Watertown, near Boston. He had escaped on foot early on Friday, apparently wounded, after a police shootout that claimed the life of his elder brother, an alleged accomplice.
- Like all of you, we too watched the stunning conclusion of this tragedy last night, as the second suspect was safely apprehended. We thank the Lord for the thousands of law enforcement personnel who were involved in this arrest, and for the discipline of the good people of Watertown, MA as they obeyed authorities and remained at home yesterday.
Offer praise for the succesful conclusion to this matter.

- "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." (Psalm 150:6)

2. As Manhunt ends, new questions emerge in Boston bombings - USA Today

The surviving suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing remained hospitalized with serious injuries this morning as the hunt for answers goes full tilt to discover why the alleged terrorists turned against a country they once embraced. Police captured Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Friday night, ending a tense, five-day drama that gripped Massachusetts with fear and rekindled the specter of terror across the nation. He and his brother Tamerlan Tsarnaev, killed in an earlier gun battle with police, are Chechens who came to the U.S. and - for a time - seemed to want to succeed in America.
- Now that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has been apprehended, our job as intercessors is not yet done. Please pray specifically that:

a) Unlike the days of Jack Ruby and Lee Harvey Oswald, this young man's life will be PROTECTED while he is in the hospital and/or jail. He must remain alive and well until justice has been served.
b) Any network that is working with him be exposed, brought to light, and brought to justice.

c) The Lord would move by the power of His divine intervention to reach the heart of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, leading him to salvation. We ask these prayers in Jesus' name, amen.
- "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
(Matthew 6:10)

4. Capitol Hill Republicans want 'combatant status' for bombing suspect, Obama yet to say - Fox News

Top Republican senators say the suspect captured in the Boston Marathon bombing should be held as a potential enemy combatant, denying him a court-appointed attorney and other legal rights under the "Law of War" so investigators can learn about other possible attacks.

Sens. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina, and John McCain, Arizona, made the statement Friday night -- hours after suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was captured in Watertown, Mass., about eight miles from the bombing site.

President Obama in the immediate aftermath of the bombings declared them an "act of terrorism." And he vowed after Tsarnaev's capture to get answers but has yet to say whether the administration will use the combatant status. (Read more)
- Again, pray that justice is fully served in this case.

- " . . . behold, I in turn will bring your conduct down on your own head," declares the Lord God . . . (Ezek. 16:43)

5. MIT officer killed by Boston bombing suspects was well liked, chief says
- Fox News

Sean Collier had only worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for about a year. But he was already popular with his colleagues in the campus police department, as well as with students, often joining them on hiking and skiing trips. Authorities say the 26-year-old Collier was shot and killed by the Boston Marathon bombing suspects. (Read more)
- Ask our Lord to comfort the family of Officer Sean Collier, and all others who are grieving lost loved ones in this hour. May the God of All Comfort bring His peace to each one, carrying them through the days ahead.

- "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort . . ."
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)
- Lift up a special prayer today for the thousands of police officers who have worked tirelessly during these past five days to find and apprehend these suspects. May they enjoy a weekend of rest and refreshing with family and friends, for more work surely will yet lie ahead.

- 'Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:23)

Commentaries on Boston (I)

WHO IS JUDGING WHOM?

Concerning responses to the Boston bombing, apparently a group is announcing that this is divine retribution because of the passage of gay marriage rights.

Will there ever be a balanced interpretation of truth?

Will Christians cease to do the judging for God?

Please bear with me for a short explanation:
In the Hebrew language there is what is called a permissive verb. When The OT Bible interprets destruction as from God in our language, what it mostly means in the original is that He could not stop it because they were disobedient and He follows the laws of sowing and reaping. When sin takes over God is forced into taking up the position of the Old testament sowing and reaping laws.

It is simply this, - the sowing and reaping principle exists, and He DID put that in place.
Jesus died on the cross so that if man would receive Him, and repent from evil ways and follow Him, His Blood could protect them from reaping the full punishment of their sin. He heaped it upon Himself, with God's very painful OK. It was as painful for The Father as it was for His Son, the man Jesus.

When people say God is mad at this nation and is punishing us, they simply do not know God. Jesus said these things would happen by men who do not KNOW God. Unfortunately some who think they know God may not really know HIM.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IS THAT WHEN SCRIPTURAL LAWS ARE BROKEN, THE ENEMY HAS BEEN GIVEN A LEGAL OPENING TO PERSECUTE, DESTROY, AND KILL. HE REJOICES EVEN FURTHER WHEN WE BLAME GOD AND TURN FOOLISH PEOPLE TO ANOTHER GOD.
In such times, we, if we act and talk like God's children, may be the only God they see, if they know we know Him.

This can be quite a task in such a world where iniquity abounds and the love of men grows cold. Futility tries to overcome the believer. BUT GOD, He can do it through us.

Worship of the TRUE GOD, and prayer, and the ability to leave The Judgment to Him (for it is HIS alone), can bring forth truth and light, and usher in His revival, in which
He will be seen as a Glorious Father.

"There is a wideness in God's Mercy."

In Messiah's love,

Carol in Rhode Island

Commentaries on Boston (II)

A CONVERSATION WITH GOD

If we change our evil ways, God will change His mind about disasters

[Note: this article has been posted on the blog for The National Day of Repentance. It was written by one of the members of the NDR ministry, Mike Dietz. To see more, go here.]

Son, your nation began with Me, but now they dishonor My Name. Therefore, they have become full of darkness and violence! Your leaders think no one can touch them. I have warned and warned them, but they refuse to pay attention to My warnings. They have eyes only for greed and dishonesty. They say, "Who is the Lord? Why should I listen to Him?"
Lord, forgive me for I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies seem so healthy and strong. They don't have troubles like other people; they're not plagued with problems like so many others. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. They have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they slander Your Holy Name.

Lord, they have no idea that they are on a slippery path that will send them sliding over the "cliff," but to destruction. Forgive me for my heart was bitter. I was torn up inside because of my envy. You told me in the last days people will turn away from the truth, and will follow deceptive teachings. You reminded me that when people refuse to listen to You they will become discouraged.
Son, do not waste time arguing over godless ideas. Be an example, in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. I will hold your right hand, and will guide you with My counsel. I have claimed you as Mine and I will be your God.

Son, My Words cannot be chained, and it is My desire that everyone listen to them and turn from their evil ways. Then I will change My mind about the disaster I am ready to pour out. Soon all people will know that there is no one like Me in all the earth.

People today do not want to hear the truth; but still you must tell others about the life I promised through faith in Christ Jesus. So be ready to suffer for the sake of this Good News. For you will be mocked, seen as a worthless person and ridiculed by those around you. They will treat you as a joke. When you speak up they will call you a traitor, and say that you must not speak! They will even want to kill you. So you must endure suffering and don't get tied up in the affairs of this life.

Guard the precious truth of My Word that has been entrusted to you. Teach these truths to your children, and to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on Me with pure hearts. Do not quarrel, but be kind to everyone, and be patient with those difficult people.
Lord, if I must die; then I will live with You. If I must endure hardship; then I know I will reign with You. If I slip and am unfaithful; I know that You remain faithful, for You cannot deny who You are. So please strengthen me for the task before me. For You have given me every word that I have written or spoken. I am not ashamed of it, for I know You are the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that You are able to guard what I have entrusted to You until the day You return.

-- Mike Dietz

Thursday, May 2: National Day of Prayer

AMERICANS TO UNITE AND PRAY ON THURSDAY, MAY 2ND, FOR THE 62ND ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

This year's theme: "Pray for America"

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (April 8, 2013) - As our nation struggles with continued economic insecurity, vast healthcare reform, and countless challenges to our constitutional rights, citizens of the United States are preparing to exercise their freedom to gather, worship, and pray. Millions will answer the call to prayer on May 2nd in observance of the 62st annual National Day of Prayer. Organized events will be held in thousands of public venues where intercession will be made for America and its leadership.
This year's theme, "Pray for America", is based on Matthew 12:21 which reminds us that "In His name the nations will put their hope." National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force Chairman Shirley Dobson, wife of Family Talk founder Dr. James Dobson, has said that, "The American people continue to be plagued with challenges that defy simple answers, and our hope lies in humbly seeking the Almighty's guidance, protection, and blessing - not only on the National Day of Prayer, but throughout the year."
Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship and Founder of Harvest Crusades - Greg Laurie - will serve as the 2013 Honorary Chairman of the NDP Task Force and will give the keynote address at the National Observance in Washington, D.C., to be held at the Cannon House Office Building.
> > > To learn more, or to find a National Day of Prayer event in your community, visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org

About the National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress' proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.

About National Day of Prayer Task Force

The mission of the National Day of Prayer Task Force is to mobilize prayer in America and to encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the culture.

View all posts by National Day of Prayer Task Force by going here.

Tuesday, April 30: National Day of Repentance

Tuesday, April 30: National Day of Repentance . . . and more!

1. What is the "National Day of Repentance?"

The National Day of Repentance is a grass roots coalition of more than one hundred fifty ministries located in thirty-nine states and twelve nations. Participants set aside days of repentance to seek God's purity and His mercy for ourselves and our nations.

We recognize that God's promise of another Great Awakening requires a "zealousness" to repent, (Revelation 3:19), a lifestyle of repentance led by the Holy Spirit. Repentance brings a new intimacy with God, real joy to every soul, enabling us to refocus on God's purity individually and for our nations.

We see Scripture promising that repentance changes the destiny of individuals and nations. Our nation has become increasingly distant from the God of our founders. God has allowed recent disasters to get our attention to repent and depend on Him. God will forgive our sin and will heal our land when we humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways. We define "wicked" as including all our human inadequacies; we all fall short of God's glory.

To learn more about the National Day of Repentance, please visit their website by going here.

2. BULLETIN!

National Day of Repentance Calls for Three Days of Repentance, Fasting, and Prayer: April 30 - May 2
The National Day of Repentance has proclaimed Tuesday, April 30, as the next designated day for repentance. This day coincides with the anniversary of George Washington's first inaugural, and with Abraham Lincoln's 1863 proclamation of a national day of humiliation, fasting and prayer. That day will begin a 72 hour period of repentance, fasting and prayer with other ministries culminating with the National Day of Prayer on May 2. Support for this three day key event has come from the national prayer teams in Australia and New Zealand who are seeking to spread news of this three day event internationally to bring alive the body of Christ and reset the Godly foundations of the United States.
To learn more about this year's call to prayer, and how other nations are now aligning with its purpose, go here.

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners "Daily Brief"

Saturday, April 20, 2013

CHPP Special - April 20, 2013