Please note our special report on Venezuela, below.
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief Friday, July 12, 2013
"Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield
to those who take refuge in Him." (Proverbs 30:5)
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The Daily Brief
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1. In the Jury's Hands - Fox News
Six Women Set to Decide Zimmerman's Fate
After hearing closing arguments from George Zimmerman's attorney and the rebuttal from a prosecutor, jurors in the murder trial involving the shooting death of Trayvon Martin are handed the case.
- Continue to stand in agreement with the work that has been done onsite, in prayer, over this case. Ask for a fair and just ruling, and for peace to yet reign in Florida and throughout the nation. Thank you for your prayers, in Jesus' Name, amen.
- "They overcame him through the Blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death." (Revelation 12:11)
2. Homeland Security chief Napolitano to resign - Fox News
Janet Napolitano is resigning as head of the Homeland Security Department and seeking a post as president of the University of California, the long-time Obama confidant announced Friday.
Officials told Fox News that Napolitano does not plan to leave her post until September. (Read more)
- Father, we thank You for Secretary Napolitano's service to her country during her tenure with Homeland Security, and the opportunity to appoint another person for that position. We pray for wisdom for our President as he considers her replacement, especially in the face of all the revelations now coming forth regarding that Department. We pray that he will appoint the person of Your choice, someone well qualified to hold that position, and a person of integrity and forthrightness. We pray for Secretary Napolitano to have a smooth transition to her new career choice, and we pray she comes to know You as her Savior and her Lord. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
- "So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:34)
3. Appeals court rejects Liberty University's lawsuit against Obamacare - Washington Times
A federal appeals court has rejected a Virginia college's challenge to key mandates in President Obama's health care law. Liberty University, a Christian institution founded by the late pastor Jerry Falwell, challenged the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate requiring most Americans to obtain health insurance; the contraception mandate requiring employers to insure FDA-approved forms of birth control; and a mandate requiring employers of 50 or more workers to provide adequate insurance or pay fines. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday upheld a lower court's decision to dismiss their suit.
For its part, the university's lawyers focused on the positive aspects of the ruling. "Liberty Counsel is encouraged that the court reached the merits on the employer mandate, even though the court got it wrong, because this clears the way for the case to now go to the Supreme Court," they said in a statement. (Read more)
- Abba, we thank You that Liberty University is taking a stance for righteousness, and that You said that if we honor You and Your Word, You would honor us. We ask that this appeal's court verdict will be overturned when it reaches the Supreme Court. We know that You are our Advocate and Attorney, and also our Judge. We ask that You will reward this University with Your favor and justice. In Your Name, we pray, Amen.
- "Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided. When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone's way, He causes their enemies to make peace with them. Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice." (Proverbs 16:6-8)
4. House passes farm bill; strips out food-stamp program - USA Today
House lawmakers approved a scaled-back version of the farm bill Thursday after stripping out the popular food-stamp program used by 48 million Americans. (Read more)
- According to this week's Madison Report, severing these bills by splitting food stamps off of the agriculture portion, constitutes a major victory for conservatives -- even as these same members remain concerned for the welfare of the needy. The two issues are indeed unique and need not be intertwined into one piece of legislation. As this bill now goes to conference committee, pray that the food stamp portion not be added back in; and for wisdom for all members to be able to address the needs of the farmers, and the needy, in the compassion of Christ. This is a complicated issue . . . please pray.
- "This is what the LORD says-- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." (Psalm 48:17)
"God is the One Who gives seed to the farmer and bread for food. He will give you all the seed you need and make it grow so there will be a great harvest from your goodness. He will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely. And your giving through us will cause many to give thanks to God." (2 Corinthians 9:9-11)
5. Revealed: how Microsoft handed the NSA access to encrypted messages
- UK Guardian
Microsoft has collaborated closely with US intelligence services to allow users' communications to be intercepted, including helping the National Security Agency to circumvent the company's own encryption, according to top-secret documents obtained by the Guardian. (Read more)
- Abba, thank You for revealing these hidden things, that need to be known. We pray that our government would honor our Constitution, and the right to privacy of our citizens, who abide by its laws. We ask that You would continue to reveal what needs to be exposed, and that accountability will come to those who have abused the "ill-gotten" information. We ask for integrity of hearts and minds of those involved in these cover-ups. In Your Name we pray, Amen.
- "I will sing of mercy and loving-kindness and justice, to You, O Lord, will I sing. I will behave myself wisely and give heed to the blameless way-O when will You come to me? I will walk within my house in integrity and with a blameless heart." (Psalm 101:1,2)
6. Texas pumping more oil than some OPEC countries - Houston Chronicle
The Houston Chronicle is reporting; we all know oil production in Texas has soared in recent years. But putting the rise in graphic form shows just how phenomenal the energy turnaround has been: The surge looks exponential.
In March, Texas oil production reached its highest level since 1984. That month, the Lone Star State pumped more than 74 million barrels of crude from the ground. (Read more)
- Lord, we thank You for the large area of oil resources in Texas, and other places in the U.S. We know that You have placed these treasures in the earth to be used wisely in fulfilling our needs for fuel. We ask that You would our leaders to use our own resources that are available, rather than being dependent upon the huge costs of foreign oil. We ask for wisdom for our leaders who make these decisions, and thank You for Your rich supply. In Your Name, amen.
- "The earth, from which food comes, is transformed below as by fire; lapis lazuli comes from its rocks, and its dust contains nuggets of gold." (Job 28:5,6)
7. Pennsylvania AG refuses to defend state marriage law - Washington Times
A lawsuit filed this week by gay couples against Pennsylvania's marriage law got a major boost Thursday when the state's top law officer said she would not defend the law. (Read more)
- Father, we are grieved at the lawlessness that is actually being praised. When a state Attorney General does not enforce and protect its own laws, how do we expect the people to do so? Must we only obey the laws we like? We ask, Lord, that this issue will be resolved, and, if necessary, another Attorney General be installed in the State of Pennsylvania who will defend and protect its Constitution, as they have sworn to do. We ask this prayer, in Jesus' name, Amen.
- "Then any false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 2411-13)
8. Airman Punished for Objecting to Gay Marriage in Military Chapel - Fox News
A 27-year veteran of the Utah Air National Guard said he was reprimanded after he wrote an email objecting to a gay wedding in the West Point chapel and was later told to prepare for retirement because his personal beliefs about homosexuality were not compatible with the military's policies. (Read more)
- Father, we are grieved to hear this lop-sided "justice", discriminating against those who wish to honor Your Word concerning marriage. We thank You for the bravery of this veteran, who has served his country for many years. We ask that You will show him Your favor, and that You are pleased with his stance in this matter. It seems so recent that the military's policy was "Don't ask, don't tell," -- now it appears to elevate and favor those who pervert Your Word. We know that You have said that if we follow You, there will be persecution. We pray that this veteran will bear his persecution well, bringing praise to Your Name. Amen.
- "This service you do not only helps the needs of God's people, it also brings many more thanks to God. It is a proof of your faith. Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News of Christ--the Gospel you say your believe--and because you freely share with them and all others. And when they pray, they will wish they could be with you because of the great grace that God has given you."
(2 Corinthians 9:12-14)
9. Dominicans Freak Out Over Obama's Gay Ambassador Pick - Foreign Policy
Opposition to President Obama's nominee for U.S. ambassador to the Dominican Republic reached a fever pitch this week as religious organizers stage a "Lunes Negro" or Black Monday protest against James "Wally" Brewster. (Read more)
- Abba, we praise You that the Dominicans feel so strongly about this issue, and we ask that it would be resolved in accordance with Your will and theirs. We pray that our President would be sensitive to their views and not force this appointment upon them. In Your Name we pray, Amen.
- "Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves." (Romans 12:10)
10. U.S. justices block generic drug liability lawsuits - Reuters
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday that generic drugmakers cannot be sued under state law for adverse reactions to their products, a decision that consumer advocates called a blow to patient safety.
In a 5-4 vote, the court ruled for Mutual Pharmaceutical Co, owned by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, overturning a multimillion-dollar jury award to a badly injured patient in New Hampshire who alleged a generic drug she had taken was unsafe based on its chemical design.
The majority opinion, written by Justice Samuel Alito, said the state's law could not run against federal laws on prescription medicines whose design has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Read more here . . . and here . . .)
- Lord God, the balance between seeking medical help and seeking You, only, for our healing is a delicate and a sensitive issue. Please help us to hear Your direction in these matters. Thank You that as we pray, You can and will protect us from harmful substances, because it is written, " . . . if they drink (take into their system) any deadly poison, it will not hurt them . . ." (Mark 16:18).
At the same time, You also showed us Your own honoring of physicians when You called Luke, a physician, to follow You as one of Your disciples. Thank You, Father, for the Whole Word of Your counsel. We praise You, Lord, amen.
- "But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You . . . For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield." (Psalm 5:11-12)
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The Middle East in Focus
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The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
""Praise YHWH; for it is good to sing praises to our God; for praise is delightful and becoming. YHWH builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel." (Psalms 147:1-2)
1. New Christian Arab party calls for IDF enlistment - Times of Israel
Christian Arab citizens of Israel are forming a new political party that calls for Arab enlistment into the IDF. The party's Hebrew name -- B'nei Brit Hahadasha -- means "Sons of the New Testament," although the word "allies" is hidden in the title as well.
2. Smuggling into Gaza at a near-standstill - Times of Israel
After years of intense smuggling activity, transfer of goods and weapons through the tunnels between Egypt and the Gaza Strip has ceased in the last 10 days, according to Israeli, Egyptian and Palestinian officials who spoke to The Times of Israel.
3. Israel strengthens Syria border with an eye on Hezbollah - Reuters
Israel is bolstering its forces on the once-quiet frontier with Syria where it believes Lebanese Hezbollah militants are preparing for the day when they could fight Israel.
4. White House to name new liaison to Jewish community - Times of Israel
The White House is set to name Matt Nosanchuk, a lawyer who has been prominent in advancing the Obama administration's gay rights policies, as its new full-time Jewish liaison.
5. Military outlines reform plan for smaller, smarter IDF - Israel Hayom
The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday outlined some of the dramatic changes it plans to make to its order of battle over the next few years, saying the reform will result in a smaller, more streamlined military that will be able to face future threats more effectively while complying with government-mandated cuts to defense spending.
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The Persecuted Church
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Today's Focus: The Persecuted Church
"Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." (Hebrews 13:3)
1. China House Church Alliance Celebrates Anniversary, Discusses Persecution - ChinaAid
As the China House Church Alliance celebrated its eighth anniversary, 40 pastors and church co-workers from various places in China such as Sichuan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong, Shanxi, Beijing, and Henan successfully held a three-day worship service in Baihe, Nanyang, Henan. During this special occasion, the participants carefully studied the Scripture. Church co-workers shared their experiences about the growth and development of their churches in recent years. They also exchanged their own knowledge about recent persecutions of various churches by the department of religious affairs and the local police. Rev. Jingxiang Lu from Anhui shared his experiences of being persecuted by the local police; Rev. Wu from Wuhan, who served many years in a Three-Self church, claimed that the police expelled him from the church he built with his congregants and then occupied the church. Sister Xu from Xianling told a similar story. Rev. Tieling Zhang from Fanxian, Henan, experienced persistent persecution ranging from forced closure of his home to his wife's being beating and arrest.
2. Egypt's Christians Target Of Islamist Anger In Wake Of Morsi's Ouster
- Fox News
Egypt's Muslim extremists, angry over the ouster of Mohammed Morsi from the presidency, have zeroed in on the nation's Christian minority, scapegoating them even though the Islamist leader was widely unpopular.
On Thursday, the body of a Christian merchant abducted last week from the town of Sheikh Zweid was found decapitated in Egypt's northern Sinai Peninsula. The grisly discovery came as attacks on Copts and their churches have escalated amid rumors that Christian leaders masterminded Morsi's removal.
Last Saturday, Coptic Christian priest Mina Abboud Sharobeen was shot dead by gunmen in an outdoor market.
Historically, Egypt's Coptic community, numbering only six to 12 million, approximately 10 percent of the country's 85 million population, have faced severe marginalization and often have been imprisoned and tortured for their Christian faith. While they were undeniably part of the movement that ultimately pressured the military to oust Morsi, they were hardly alone.
3. Freedom House Lists Uzbekistan Among 17 Worst Countries - UZ News
The human rights organization Freedom House has added Uzbekistan to the list of the 17 least free places in the world, with its suppression of political dissent and civic activity. "As Americans celebrate Independence Day and the world looks nervously toward uncertain political developments in Egypt, it's worth remembering the countries that have little to celebrate"-says the preamble to the yearly "Freedom in the World" report by Freedom House experts.
According to the human rights workers, Uzbekistan is one of the countries where citizens, business, political and social groups have the least freedom.
In the same shameful list, along with Uzbekistan are: Turkmenistan, Syria, Equatorial Guinea, North Korea, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Chad, Sudan and eight more totalitarian states.
Despite the fact that Uzbekistan's Constitution supports the principle of free elections and transition of power, the country cannot be considered an electoral democracy, said the human rights group.
For more news about the Persecuted Church, and how you can be more involved in intercession for these precious saints, go here.
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The Daily Jot
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Turnkey Tyranny or Liberty in Christ?
Are you aware that on April 25, 2000, President Bill Clinton signed into law Public Law 106-185? This set up the framework for property seizure as a political tool and also to fund over zealous police forces. Section C parts 2 and 3 says the government can use evidence from a "complaint" to justify seizing the property upon "theory" that it was involved in a criminal offense. Section d part 1 says that the property owner has the burden of proof of innocence in court to retrieve his property. The General Accounting Office reports that the White House used this statute to seize a record $1.8 billion in property, paying out a record $445 million to local police agencies in 2011.
On June 6, the UK Guardian interviewed NSA Whistleblower Edward Snowden who had this to say: "The government has granted itself power it is not entitled to. There is no public oversight. The result is people like myself have the latitude to go further than they are allowed to...Even if you're not doing anything wrong, you're being watched and recorded. ...it's getting to the point where you don't have to have done anything wrong, you simply have to eventually fall under suspicion from somebody, even by a wrong call, and then they can use this system to go back in time and scrutinize every decision you've ever made, every friend you've ever discussed something with, and attack you on that basis, to sort of derive suspicion from an innocent life and paint anyone in the context of a wrong doer."
The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution states: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." This government has taken great liberty to suppress your liberty. Probable cause must be supported by oath, affirmation and particular description and inscribed by warrant. Where are your Constitutional rights if government can record your every movement and seize your property from a mere complaint or theory?
Snowden went on to say: "The great fear that I have regarding the outcome for America of these disclosures is that nothing will change. [People] won't be willing to take the risks necessary to stand up and fight to change things... And in the months ahead, the years ahead, it's only going to get worse. [The NSA will] say that... because of the crisis, the dangers that we face in the world, some new and unpredicted threat, we need more authority, we need more power, and there will be nothing the people can do at that point to oppose it. And it will be turnkey tyranny." Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." In my opinion, it is not in the best interest of spreading the gospel or of overcoming evil to live under tyranny.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
Sources:
Public Law 107-185: go here.
Guardian interview of Snowden: go here.
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Emergency Prayer for Venezuela
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Emergency Prayer for Venezuela:
ONE PHOTO SAYS IT ALL . . .
> > > Many of you prayed during the recent elections in the nation of Venezuela, as her people voted to elect a new president in the wake of the passing of Cesar Chavez. Unfortunately . . . the wrong man has won: Nicolas Maduro.
What follows is a brief "inside look" at the situation in Venezuela now: a photo and a description of the Trauma-Shock Unit in one of the major hospitals in the nation. This information was submitted to us from a reliable source inside the country, and was NOT reported by President Maduro at the recent global conference in Geneva.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SUFFERING CITIZENS OF VENEZUELA.
May our Lord visit their new leader, President Maduro, and turn his heart towards mercy for his people -- not tyranny.
And, if Maduro's heart does not change, may he be removed from power by the Hand of God.
Thank you for joining us in this prayer, in Jesus' Name, amen.
"Lord, who is like You, Delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, Yes, the poor and the needy from him who plunders him?" (Psalm 35:10)
Source: one of the best surgeons in the country, and a professor in the medical university. He wants the world to see this picture of what Nicolas Maduro has done to the once wealthiest, prosperous, and advanced country of Latin America. It is much worse than when Chavez was the president. Still, no toilet paper. People are storing water in barrels for their baths and to flush toilets at the end off the day. Unbelievable.
This picture, which Maduro failed to show in Geneva, was taken in the Trauma-Shock Unit of (a major hospital) in Venezuela. The patient is on an improvised surgical table made of 3 garbage cans. The title of the email is "Economic model of clinical bed in Venezuela."
Short text description:
"This is what the once advanced, and well equipped hospitals have come to during the past and present Chavez-Maduro era. The patient who is in critical condition is laying on a board supported by three garbage cans. There are now no surgical tables or stretchers in the Intensive care trauma unit of the main hospital of the large city of Valencia, Venezuela. (Mr. Maduro did not show this picture in Geneva), and there is no toilet paper in the country. The Maduro government turns water and electricity on and off at whim."
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At the U.N.: "Taliban will not silence
me"
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Malala's Bravery: "Taliban will not silence me"
"This frail young girl who was seriously injured has become such a powerful symbol not just for the girls' right to education, but for the demand that we do something about it immediately." -UN Special Envoy for Global Education, Gordon Brown.
(New York, NY)-Marking her 16th birthday, Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teen who was shot by members of the Taliban last year and survived, addressed the United Nations on Friday.
She told a UN Youth Assembly, "They thought that the bullet would silence us, but they failed."
Malala, a student in Pakistan who had been known for speaking out for children and women's educational rights, was shot in the head by a Taliban member while she was in a vehicle on her way to school.
Amazingly, after extensive surgery in the UK, she recovered; today was Malala's first public speech since the attack.
Addressing the audience of young people from some 80 different countries, Malala said, "Today is for every woman, boy and girl raising their voice for human rights."
The courageous young woman presented UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon with a petition signed by 3 million people, calling for support from the UN for educational rights of children around the world.
Click here to read the petition.
Malala is also reportedly writing a book about her life and the attempt to end it a year ago by the Taliban.
(Reported by: Breaking Christian News)
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Prayers During Ramadan
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Prayers During Ramadan:
An Islamic cult casting magic in Bangladesh
For Saturday July 13, Ramadan 2013 - Day 05.
"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"
The influence of orthodox Islam has been growing strongly in Bangladesh. The Sylhetis are among the most conservative Muslims in the whole region. Bangladesh has the world's fourth largest Muslim population, and Islam plays a big role in politics, life and the culture of the people.
There are about 11 million Sylheti Muslims. About 7 million live in Bangladesh, about 2 million in India and the rest scattered around the world. Many Sylheti families have family members who live and work abroad. The majority of Sylhetis still live and die in abject poverty.
PRAYER IDEAS
- Pray that the Sylhetis will soon have their own Bible and the skills to read it. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
- Pray that the Sylheti will find freedom and help, not from the grave, but from Jesus, who conquered death. "Our Saviour, Christ Jesus . . . has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (2 Timothy 1:10)
- Pray for Sylhetis living abroad, that they would meet Christians who can tell them about Jesus and pass His message to their families.
Read more here.
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The Good News Corner
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The Good News Corner:
Defenders of Prop 8 Ask California Supreme Court to Protect Marriage Law
Attorneys for the coalition that defended Prop 8 in the federal courts have today asked the California Supreme Court to order county clerks to enforce the state's constitutional marriage amendment defining the institution as a union between one man and one woman.
This is in response to one of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent marriage decisions. On June 26, the high court dismissed a case challenging Prop 8 - passed in 2008 by more than 7 million California voters. A few days later, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order that would immediately allow same-sex marriages to go forward in California.
State Registrar Tony Agurto then ordered all county clerks to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The new lawsuit argues there is a problem with that. (CitizenLink) Read more.
> > > Why is this good news? Because God's people have not yet given up the fight! Please join your prayers with theirs, so that righteousness can once again be exalted in the State of California. Thank you!
- "People of one city will go to another and say, 'come seek the Lord with me, I myself am going.'" (Zechariah 8:20-21)
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Pray for the Harvest!
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Pray for the Harvest!
"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35)
Every day, in every nation on earth, tens of thousands of men and women are making decisions for Christ. Now, you can monitor this amazing fact online by literally "watching" as these souls are born again into the Kingdom.
Of course, the identities of those who are coming to the Lord are never revealed, but our God knows who they are!
Join us as we monitor these "names" daily, praying over each one to be mentored and to grow in his or her faith . . . even in these perilous times. You may visit either or both of the sites below, to pray for fields that are ripe for harvest.
> > > OPTION ONE: AboutJesus.net
Go here!
> > > OPTION TWO: The Great Commission Map!
Go here!
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Worship With Us Today!
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Worship With Us Today!
Grace
by laura story
At times I may grow weak and feel a bit discouraged,
knowing that someone, somewhere could do a better job.
For who am I to serve You?I know I don't deserve You.
And that's the part that burns in my heart and keeps me
hanging on.
