Massive Christian Outreach Kicks Off in Brazil
with World Cup (For details, go here)
Also: Breaking News from the International Prayer Council
(See below . . . last article . . . not on our blog.)
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"A National Prayer Alliance"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief:
"Praying for All in Authority"
Monday, June 16, 2014
"I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." (Isaiah 44:22)
Please visit the website for the International Christian Concern to find ongoing needs for prayer among the persecuted around the world. Thank you.
|
The Daily Brief
|
|||
 |
||||
1. US willing to work with Iran to halt advance of extremists in Iraq - Kerry - The Guardian
The US and Iran are poised to enter into a potentially groundbreaking military cooperation to halt the advance of Sunni extremists fighters in Iraq, in a desperate effort to halt the country's slide into a sectarian civil war.
The US secretary of state John Kerry announced on Monday that Washington is willing to talk to Tehran over the deteriorating security in Iraq. Asked specifically about possible military cooperation with Iran, Kerry said he would "not rule out anything that would be constructive".
- Father, we cry out for wisdom over our leaders as they collaborate over the conditions in Iraq. Holy Spirit, You know all things. Guide our leaders, In Jesus Name.
- God will instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. He will guide me with His eye. (Psalm 32:8)
2. Iraq crisis: Kerry says US air strikes 'may well be' an option - The Independent
The US Secretary of State John Kerry has said that drone strikes "may well" be an option for an intervention to halt the advance of Sunni militants in Iraq.
This morning saw the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isis) group made further territorial gains in the north of the country, with the town of Tal Afar falling into militant hands just before dawn.
And the US, UN and others around the world have expressed horror at images that emerged over the weekend appearing to show Sunni fighters "executing" dozens of captive Iraqi government forces and Shia militiamen.
- Father, we intercede over the violence in Iraq. This movement must be stopped. Help our leaders to move swiftly, accurately, and cunningly. In Jesus Name.
- "Look, I'm sending you as sheep among wolves. Therefore, be wise as snakes and innocent as doves.(Matthew 10:16)
3. Netanyahu confirms: 'Our boys were kidnapped by a terrorist organization' - Times of Israel
In his first statement since the disappearance of Eyal Yifrach, Gil-ad Shaar and Naftali Frenkel nearly 48 hours ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Saturday that the three yeshiva students were kidnapped by a terrorist organization.
"Our boys were kidnapped by a terrorist organization. There is no doubt about that," said Netanyahu in a statement to the press Saturday night, following a security meeting with Defense Minister Moshe (Bougie) Ya'alon and IDF chief Benny Gantz. (Read more)
See also this video: "Mother of Kidnapped Teen Speaks Out"
- Please continue to press in, in continuous prayer, until these three boys have been found.
- "For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light." (Mark 4:22)
4. Kerry points at Hamas in Israel kidnappings that include teen with US citizenship - Fox News
The Obama administration on Sunday joined Israel in implicating the militant group Hamas in connection with the kidnapping of three Israeli teens and called the move a "despicable terrorist act." The teens, including one who holds US citizenship, disappeared late Thursday apparently while hitchhiking in the country's West Bank region. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already accused Hamas of being responsible for the kidnappings. (Read more)
- Father God, we ask You to cause this tragedy to be used by Your Hand as a "wake-up call" for our leaders: that they would see that Hamas IS indeed, the ruthless, terrorist organization that it is. We ask that the U.S. would, from now on, refuse to negotiate with this group of Islamic thugs. We ask that You would turn this entire episode to good, in Jesus Name, amen.
- "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
5. BREAKING: Feds Threaten the Entire State of Oklahoma- Conservative Tribune
The federally-backed educational standards known as Common Core are a bad idea, as evidenced by the overly confusing method of solving math problems and the overtly progressive socialist liberal bias in the history and social studies curriculum.
Common Core is making kids cry, making parents angry, and frustrating some teachers so much they are quitting their chosen profession rather than continue to perpetuate the "standard of mediocrity".
The states of Oklahoma and South Carolina recently joined Indiana in pulling out of Common Core and implementing their own educational standards on the state and local level, as it should be.
In response to Oklahoma pulling out of Common Core, Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan issued a thinly veiled threat at the state, and any others that are thinking of dropping the standards, according to the Daily Caller. [From Capitalism Institute email newsletter]
- Heavenly Father, we offer praise for these states rising up to seek the best for their children and to put aside the confusing and highly political Common Core curriculum that the federal Department of Education is attempting to force upon them. We ask You, Father, to rise up and protect the innocent children, and youth, from this insidious move to manipulate and control their minds. Have mercy, Father, in the Name of Jesus we pray, Amen and Amen.
- "He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord." (Proverbs 17:15)
6. Inhofe plan reins in federal authority over schoolsWND
Washington know-it-all approach 'has failed our nation's children'. Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., has introduced legislation to curb the U.S. Department of Education's regulatory power, which, he contends, has grown out of control under President Obama.
His Senate Bill 2451, also known as the Local School Board Governance and Flexibility Act, would return education decision-making to state and local officials.
Unable to kill the agency, Inhofe is hoping he can rein it in. He said the federal government's controversial push for states to implement the Common Core curriculum standards is only one of many reasons he authored the bill.
"Our education system has grown to operate as if Washington knows best, but this approach has failed our nation's children and silenced the most important voices in the room - parents, teachers and local leaders," Inhofe said in a statement released June 11.
Read more
- Heavenly Father, we offer praise for Sen. James Inhofe's federal bill that limits the ever expanding regulatory power that the Federal Department of Education has assumed under the current administration. Father, we ask that You raise up Your right hand to protect this bill and assist it's passage, in Jesus' Name we pray, Amen and Amen.
-"Honest weights and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are His work." (Proverbs 16:11)
7. Methodist pension board divests from company supplying Israel- Times of Israel
The United Methodist Church's pension board is selling its shares in a British company that supplies security equipment to Israel for use in prisons and in the West Bank.
The move comes just days before another mainline Protestant denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA), is scheduled to consider five resolutions that would advance divestment from companies that deal with Israel's military and one that would reconsider whether the church supports a two-state solution.
Read more
- Heavenly Father, we fall in repentance for these two mainline denominations for rising up to further betray Your special land and people, Israel. Have mercy by confronting them on their actions, and awaken them to what Your Word says. We pray this in the Name of Jesus, Amen and Amen.
-"Because they have forsaken Me - and have not walked in My ways to do what is right in My eyes and keep My statutes and My judgments - I will afflict the descendants of David because of this, but not forever." (1 Kings 11:33-39)
8. AZ Gov. Jan Brewer to Congress: End 'Unconscionable' and 'Manufactured' Border Crisis- Breitbart
On Thursday evening, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer asked Congress to end the "intentional and unconscionable" humanitarian crisis at the border that the Obama administration has created and ignored.
In a letter to House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Brewer mentioned that illegal immigrants are actually flagging down border patrol agents so they can enter the United States, where the Obama administration has led them to believe they will receive amnesty. She said it was also their responsibility to do something about the crisis at the border.
"As congressional leaders, you have the ability to take action, get answers and stop the lawlessness that is unfolding. On behalf of the State of Arizona, I ask you to do so," she said. "I urge you to use your voice, and the authority of your offices and the institutions you lead, to immediately and permanently terminate this atrocious policy and stop this massive, unfettered influx of illegal crossings into our country."
Brewer said that the federal government's "primary and fundamental responsibility" is "protecting our nation and its citizens," "but it cannot be done as long as we have an unsecured border and a federal executive that invites and encourages illegal activity."
Read more
- Heavenly Father, may Governor Jan Brewer's plea to the key leaders of Congress be heard and acted upon as to the illegal immigrant crisis. Lives are being endangered, both within our nation and for these children crossing the border. Father, rise up and confront those in power to follow the laws that already exist, for the sake of all involved and for the future of this nation, in Jesus' Name we pray, Amen and Amen.
- "Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it." (Proverbs 16:22a)
9. Hagel Orders US Aircraft Carrier to Persian Gulf as Iraq Tensions Rise- Newsmax
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered an aircraft carrier - the USS George H.W. Bush - to move from the northern Arabian Sea to the Persian Gulf as President Barack Obama considers possible military options for Iraq.
Hagel's press secretary, Rear Adm. John Kirby, says the order will give the president added flexibility if military action is required to protect American lives, citizens and interests in Iraq.
Accompanying the carrier will be the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea and the guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun. The ships are expected to complete their move into the Gulf later Saturday.
The ships carry Tomahawk missiles, which could reach Iraq. The Bush is carrying fighter jets that could also easily get to Iraq, where a fast-moving Islamic insurgency is gaining territory.
Read more
- Heavenly Father, may this move of key US ships, planes, and equipment to Iraq, be the correct option for this crisis. We pray that You be in the midst of all actions by the US regarding Iraq, and let it be Your timing, plans, and will. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen and Amen.
- "It is time for You to act, O Lord, for they have regarded Your law as void." (Psalm 119:126)
10. Bachmann issues call to prayer- WND
Asks Americans to join lawmakers during troubled times. With the Mideast in flames, the Obama administration engulfed in a seemingly endless parade of scandals and Congress in perpetual disarray, one lawmaker believes it is time to turn to divine guidance.
As the nation faces serious challenges, Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., is asking Americans to join members of Congress in serious prayer next week.
She is inviting everyone to pray with lawmakers in spirit, humbly, on behalf of the nation.
Read more
- Abba Father, we offer praise for what Rep. Michele Bachmann is asking. May this nation's citizens, especially Your remnant, hear this call for national repentance and prayer, to revive our nation and assist our members of Congress. May this call cover all state lawmakers as well as federal lawmakers. We pray this in the Name of Jesus, Amen and Amen.
- "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." (Psalm 127:1)
|
The Middle East in Focus
|
|||
|
||||
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)
This week, please enjoy these headlines from Hebrew Nation News. Shalom.
|
Iraq Disintegrates
|
|||
|
||||
Iraq Disintegrates, U.S. Could Strike Within Days
[Caution: not for children to see]
Rebels from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) (AKA Islamic State of Iraq and the Sham, AKA Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant - ISIL), a jihadist group so completely lunatic and out of control that they were actually expelled from Al Qaeda's global network in February of this year, have overrun Iraqi government forces and now control major swaths of territory equating to about 1/4 to 1/3rd of the country. Included in this area is Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city with a population of over 1.5 million, as well as Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's former hometown. As of the time of this report's preparation late Friday, ISIS rebels had advanced to within 30 miles of the capital of Baghdad.
UK media outlets are reporting that roads in the conquered areas are lined with the bodies of executed and beheaded police and soldiers and that thousands of others have been taken prisoner.
The massive U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is executing plans for a possible evacuation and hundreds of non-essential personnel, contractors and U.S. military advisers have already left the country, with more on the way.
The Turkish consulate in Mosul was also overrun with more than 3 dozen diplomats and embassy workers kidnapped. Turkey, a NATO member, has called for an emergency meeting of the alliance and the U.S. has offered military assistance to help Turkey recover the staff. The Turkish parliament has given their military authorization to conduct unlimited military operations in the country until at least October.
On Thursday of this week Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina called for U.S. air strikes on ISIS rebels and urged the Obama administration to immediately withdraw U.S. embassy staff in Baghdad to prevent "another Benghazi incident." Senator Graham made his appeal moments after he left a top-secret Senate Armed Services Committee briefing within which he was told information about the extremists that he says "scared the hell" out of him.
. . . And in a stunning development, late this week the government of Iran offered to partner with the U.S. in helping Iraq fight back. Iranian officials have told Reuters that the country will send advisers and weaponry, but probably not troops, though there are already widespread reports of several battalions of Iranian troops already on the ground.
Friday afternoon President Obama stated that the United States "will not be sending U.S. troops back into combat in Iraq," but that he would be reviewing a range of other options to support the Iraqi government against a sweeping advance by militant fighters. He went on to say that any decision on U.S. military support for Iraq "is going to take several days," adding that "this is not going to happen overnight." Within minutes of his announcement, sources within the defense community indicated that U.S. air strikes could start as soon as Saturday. (Threat Journal)
|
Rally Held for Meriam's Release
|
|||
|
||||
Friends of Jubilee Campaign at White House Rally
June 12, 2014
Dear Friends,
"Meriam and her babies are languishing in a prison cell for the crime of being a Christian. That's not a crime and shouldn't be a crime anywhere on the face of this planet." Senator Ted Cruz kicked off the "Save Meriam" rally on Thursday with this powerful statement in front of the White House. Senator Cruz implored President Obama to use his influence for Meriam and other persecuted individual's freedom. Over 30 people gathered around the White House fence holding signs stating, "Save American Babies from Sudanese Prisons," "#RescueMeriam," "Stop Genocide in Sudan," and "U.S. Citizenship for Meriam." Congressman Trent Franks also joined the rally and called for Meriam's release.
It was encouraging to see so many individuals from all walks of life gathered for one cause-to protest Sudan's inhumane treatment of a woman who has the courage to stand for her own convictions. Representatives from human rights organizations such as Coptic Solidarity, Mute No More, Nuba Mountains Advocacy Group, Institute on Religion & Democracy, International Christian Concern, and Concerned Women for America gathered together to educate politicians and tourists alike about Meriam's fate. These advocates urged concerned citizens to call their congressmen and demand that the U.S. take immediate action. Since Meriam's husband is a U.S. citizen, her infants deserve American passports, not the degrading treatment they are currently receiving. The American embassy in Sudan has demanded that the children be DNA tested for parentage before receiving passports. This action is unprecedented, especially given that the Meriam is being punished for the crime of having these children with her Christian husband Daniel. Tourists and politicians were shocked to discover that the U.S. embassy is treating American babies with such disrespect.
A Coptic Christian addressed the crowd, noting that while he is not Sudanese, the persecution of Christian's is a worldwide problem. A victory for Meriam is a victory for us all; and a defeat for Meriam is an egregious step backwards for our entire modern civilization. Imprisoning, torturing, or killing an individual for their faith should be unacceptable in every culture and in every country.
Shortly after the rally, the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry released a statement, "U.S. Condemns Sudanese Conviction and Continued Imprisonment of Meriam Ishag." Although there is no mention of the two children in the statement, it is the first public statement from the administration; our voices are being heard!
Please ACT NOW to join us by adding your voice in support of Meriam. Please go to the Jubilee Campaign's Rescue Meriam PETITION PAGE to automatically send an important letter to you U.S. representatives on Meriam's behalf.
Click Here to ACT NOW
You can also write Meriam a letter of encouragement at: Dr. Meriam Yahia, Omdurman Prison for Women, P.O. Box 65, Omdurman Sudan.
Furthermore, members of Congress are debating a private bill granting Meriam U.S. Citizenship. Call your congressman today and insist that this courageous woman be granted U.S. citizenship, that Daniel's two children be recognized as U.S. citizens, and that the entire Ibrahim family be allowed to live peacefully in America.
Please send this link to your followers in social media: Rescue Meriam - Jubilee Campaign and encourage them to also send an advocacy letter to their specific U.S. representatives.
In HIS Grace and Peace,
Ann Buwalda, Esq.
Executive Director
Jubilee Campaign USA
> > >
Please see also:
FRC, 40 Groups Rally Outside White House to Save Meriam Ibrahim
To read this article, please go here.
|
Update: Conditions in Syria
|
|||
|
||||
Update: Conditions in Syria
This article, written by Ron Cantor of "Messiah Mandate Ministries, gives us an up-to-date, behind-the- scenes of the horrible conditions that men, women and' children are now living in inside Syria. Information about Iraq is also included.
To read this article, please go here.
|
Rumble in Nineveh
|
|||
|
||||
Rumble in Nineveh
by Avner Boskey
This past week has seen the collapse of central U.S. strategies in the Middle East. Ayatollah Khomeini's fateful plane ride from Paris to Tehran in 1979 generated a spiritual earthquake in the region. Current events in Iraq are a similar major shock. The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS - a group spiritually connected with al Qa'eda) have taken over Iraq's second largest city Mosul, as well as Tiqrit, Saddam Hussein's ancestral town. They have stampeded over a half million mostly Muslim refugees who have fled from before the black flags of jihad, The jihadi convoys of captured American Humvees leave bloody trails of decapitated opponents in their wake. Nineveh, once ancient Assyria's proud capitol city, has witnessed Christians fleeing for their lives and shari'a law being imposed with much savagery.
The ISIS now controls vast swaths of territory in both Syria and Iraq. Its goal is to establish a jihadi caliphate in both countries and then to spread al Qa'eda influence further across the entire Middle East. The U.S. invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan had different original goals originally - the establishment of a threefold cord - Western democracy, a solid economy and a pro-Western military power. This week all three of those pillars have shattered. (Read more here)
|
The Good News Corner
|
|||
|
||||
The Good News Corner:
Hawaii Sex-Ed Policy Change a Victory for Parents, Students
(Caution: Mature content; not appropriate for children.)
After the tenacious efforts spearheaded by one Hawaii lawmaker, the state has revised a policy related to a controversial sex-ed program. Many say the change will help protect young people from inaccurate, dangerous information provided by the Planned Parenthood-affiliated curriculum.
The Center for Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii paid nearly $1 million to purchase and edit a sex-ed curriculum called "Proud Choices." The edited curriculum, called "Pono Choices," taught middle school students as young as 11 about sexual acts including oral sex, vaginal sex and anal sex. These included descriptions of sexual activities between same-sex-partners. Piloted in 2011, officials are currently studying the program in 34 Hawaii middle schools at the same time the students are experiencing puberty.
The Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) has recently agreed to change some of the program's language as well as create a parental opt-in policy.
"This is a return of parental empowerment," said Hawaii Rep. Bob McDermott. "State government should have never been competing for control of children's moral development, or their version of it."
McDermott was concerned about the program's age-appropriateness and medical accuracy. Some of his concerns also stemmed from the curriculum's lack of information on sexually transmitted diseases. He also said the program "sexualized the innocent." (CitizenLink) Read more.
|
Signs and Wonders
|
|||
|
||||
Signs and Wonders:
13 planes vanish from radars over Europe
An air-safety investigation has been launched after 13 planes flying over Europe disappeared from radar screens in two "unprecedented" blackouts, leading to reports stating air traffic control systems had been hacked. The aircraft went missing from screens across the region in early June, leaving air traffic controllers with no information about their position, direction and height - instead relying on voice communication alone.
The aircraft went missing from screens across the region in early June, leaving air traffic controllers with no information about their position, direction and height - instead relying on voice communication alone.
Air traffic control centres in Austria, southern Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia all reported the same problem with each period of interference lasting around 25 minutes but varying from flight to flight.
Marcus Pohanka, from Austro Control, described the incidents, which occurred on June 5 and June 10 as "unprecedented," although the authorities stressed that all the aircraft involved continued with their flights as normal.
Concerns over air safety and radar have been heightened since the disappearance of a Malaysian Airlines flight in March. (UK Telegraph) Read more here.
"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
(Luke 21:25-28)
|
Worship With Us Today!
|
|||
|
||||
Worship With Us Today!
"We Exalt Your Name" - Kari Jobe
Worship Here
