Sunday, June 30, 2013

CHPP The Israel Report Volume I, Number 5





Please pray for protection for all our citizens who are suffering from this record-breaking heatwave. (Psalm 91)

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net


The Israel Report Volume I, Number 5

June 29, 2013


"I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord."
(Hosea 2:20)




Israel in the time of the Dire Straits

A narrow gorge near SdeBoker in the Negev south of Beer Sheva.


THE 17TH OF TAMMUZ AND THREE WEEKS "BETWEEN THE STRAITS"

Tuesday, June 25 to Tuesday, July 16

"When I call, answer me my Righteousness-God. In a narrow place you have made wideness for me. Grace me and hear my prayer!" (Psalm 4:1; Robert Alter translation)



Tuesday, June 25, or "The 17th of Tammuz," commemorated the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of both temples. 21-days later, this period of mourning and fasting will culminate on Tuesday, July 16, with Tisha B'Av, or the Ninth of Av, that commemorates the destruction of the First Temple built by Solomon in 586 BC, and the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. These tragic destructions occurred about 656-years apart, and as tradition has it, both were destroyed on the Hebrew Calendar's Ninth Day of Av.

This three-week period is a period sometimes known as "the Dire Straits" or in Hebrew Bein haMetzarim -"between the narrow places." The expression comes from Lamentations 1:3: "All her persecutors overtake her in dire straits." (NKJV), and alludes to terrible things which according to tradition have historically overtaken Jews and Israel itself during this time of the year.
Tisha B'Av, or the "Ninth Day of Av," has been called the "Saddest Day in Jewish History." The 17th of Tammuz also marks the day that Moses broke the Ten Commandment Tablets as he returned from Mount Sinai and found the Israelites worshipping a golden calf. If you would like to read more about The 17th of Tammuz and The Ninth of Av, go here.
We do indeed believe these three weeks to be a time for special sobriety and watchfulness - especially as regards Israel and the seed of Jacob. Yet it is a time attended often attended by unease, dread and superstition - especially as it culminates with the 9th of Av.

God has not given us a spirit of fear. We believe it to be a time for stressing the sovereignty and omnipotence of Elohei-Yisrael -The God of Israel! Of Magen-Avraham-the "Shield of Abraham!" The Earth is the LORD'S - and He is expanding His Kingdom through both space and time!

This is a time for believers in Israel to look forward with the spirit of Caleb and Joshua, to 'take the territory', and the very giants which loom shall be "our bread; their protection [Hebrew: "shadow"] has departed from them, and YHVH is with us. Do not fear them!" (Numbers 14:9).
(Source: Martin and Norma Sarvis; Jerusalem)


PLEASE PRAY:

- Angelic protection over Israel, over her borders, over the minds and integrity of her leaders during this three-week period.

- Protection over Jews throughout the world during this time.

- For spiritual discernment and integrity over the Body of Messiah in separating the true from the superstitious!

- For the merciful conviction of Jewish hearts during this period by the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) of God-conviction of sin and righteousness and judgment-and revelation of the ONE who came to redeem us from the straits of sin to release us into a place of freedom and life!


- "From the straits I called to Yah. Yah answered me in a wide-open place. The LORD is for me, I shall not fear. What can humankind do to me . . . All the nations surrounded me. With the LORD's name I cut them down. They swarmed round me, oh they surrounded me. With the LORD's name I cut them down.You pushed me hard to knock me down, but the LORD helped me. My strength and my might [song] is Yah, and He has become my rescue." [Hebrew: yeshuah-'salvation'](Psalm 118:5-14-Robert Alter translation).


Kerry Visits Israel

Kerry Visits Israel:

Adds pressure to Israel/Palestinian peace process,
by presenting requirements and "opportunities" for both parties


Kerry has been making repeated trips (5 in all) to Israel since March, and with each visit, the situation becomes more dangerous. Kerry keeps insisting that this is the time for peace and that huge sacrifices must be made to produce an independent PA State. Naturally, the sacrifices are demanded of Israel, while largely giving the Palestinians a pass. The fact that there are no raw materials for a functional, legitimate, Palestinian State is a moot point in the discussions. One simply must conclude that the international and Arab goal (in this Palestinian State mess) is the annihilation of Israel. The whole Palestinian claim and demand for their own state, is a Trojan horse; perched on top of a feeble house of cards. And yet . . . this seems to be the #1 project of the entire world community!!

The latest word is that P.M. Netanyahu is being told to release 120 Palestinian prisoners, who have been jailed since before the Oslo Accords were signed in 1993. As a goodwill gesture to entice the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table, Israel is supposed to release terrorists with Jewish blood on their hands. How ridiculous is that? Just to get these Palestinian negotiators to the table to talk, Jewish lives are already being put at risk by such a demand . . . and justice is being thrown out the window to be trampled underfoot.
How about if everyone dumps that prisoner release idea, and begins discussions with the basic demand that ALL of the Palestinians agree that Israel has a right to exist? Now that is a reasonable (and a just) STARTING PLACE worth demanding!! Think about it! No one releases terrorists, to bring other terrorists to a negotiating table, so that they can give a massive number of terrorists (who have already covenanted together to kill you) a permanent home on your own property. Such an endeavor is the definition of insanity . . . but that is what Washington is demanding of Israel.
With this kind of help from Washington, we would soon be crushed under the Palestinian agenda, if not for the Lord! Oh, and I should add that the Palestinians are demanding that ALL construction of Jewish homes in East Jerusalem and the "West Bank" be stopped immediately, if we want any Palestinian to talk peace with Kerry. (Private source)
PLEASE PRAY:

- Pray that NOT ONE SINGLE PALESTINIAN PRISONER is released, and that Israel will have the chutzpah to say, "NO!"

- Pray that Israel will stop trying so hard to please the Obama administration, and the EU, and the Arab League, and the UN, and instead begin to make it a priority and our goal to please YHVH the most.

- There are people, like Deputy Defense Minister, Danny Danon, who are committed to holding onto the truth and onto the Land . . . those, who want to annex the disputed territories and to build upon them legally, rather than kowtow to the Palestinian lies/agenda. Pray for these visionaries to have increased authority, credibility and opportunity. Also pray for their protection.

- Pray that the eyes of Israel's leaders will look to the Lord and not be swayed by the world. Pray for a reverent fear to arise in this nation, that no one would be willing to give up the Land-their inheritance from God-and all would put their trust in Him.

(To read more prayer points, please go here.)

- "Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been upheld by Me from birth, who have been carried from the womb; even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs, I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry and will deliver you!" (Isaiah 46:3-4)

Inside Israel

Inside Israel


1. ELECTED ARAB MK CALLS FOR INTIFADA DURING KNESSET SPEECH

An elected Arab member of Knesset this week called for an Intifada (violent uprising) during the heated debate on a law which proposes solutions to pirate Bedouin settlements in the Negev. MK Afou Agbaria was one of several Arab MKs who got up to the podium to denounce the bill, because one section stipulates Bedouins who have no proof of ownership of the land on which they built their homes will need to relocate to alternative land, which will be given by the government. The plan, proposed by former Minister Benny Begin just before the last elections, will add more Bedouin settlements to the list of those that will receive official recognition, and increase the amount of land that will be handed over to Bedouins as part of an agreement.

The Arab MKs, however, chose to ignore this. While most of the Arab MKs who spoke during the discussion chose to tear up a copy of the proposed bill, MK Agbaria took things one step further. As he spoke at the plenum, he said, "I am in favor of a new Intifada, because you are causing a new Nakba in the Negev." (Nakba, meaning catastrophe in Arabic, is the word described by Arabs to describe the founding of the Jewish State.) Responding to Agbaria, Deputy Finance Minister Mickey Levy said, "Shame on you, a member of Knesset calls for aggression against Israel? You're calling to hurt the country in which you live?" MK Ahmed Tibi also turned to Levy and said, "It is not the right of Arabs in the south to rebel. It is their duty." (Arutz-7) [Reported by: JNN News]
Prayer Request:

- Pray that the treasonous, hateful, Palestinian members of the Knesset will resign from their posts and not be replaced by others like them . . . or that they will be run out of the Knesset, and have their citizenship revoked on the basis of treason, Those, who call for the destruction of Israel, should not be allowed to be legislators for the State of Israel.

- "You have plowed wickedness, you have reaped injustice, You have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your way, in your numerous warriors, Therefore a tumult will arise among your people, And all your fortresses will be destroyed . . ." (Isaiah 10:13,14)


2. ARAB MKs' INCITEMENT HAS TO STOP

The Knesset must put a stop to unbridled anti-Israel incitement in its halls, MK Nissim Ze'ev said Wednesday in an impassioned speech from the Knesset podium. "The time has come to put a stop to the wild incitement that Members of Knesset voice here," he declared. "They curse the state, attack the state, they insult it. Mr. Knesset Speaker," he said, addressing MK Yuli Edelstein,

"I am begging you, when a Member of Knesset gets up here and says, 'you are criminals, you are thieves, you are cursed,' when he reads a verse of the Quran with all of the curses - stop him!"

Ze'ev said patience had gone too far. "They eat here, drink here, what don't they do? Then they vomit all this excrement on us. Enough." His angry reproach followed a stormy debate during which Arab MKs made a display of ascending to the Knesset podium and ripping up a proposed solution to the ongoing land dispute between Bedouin tribes in the Negev and the government. (Arutz-7) [Reported by JNN]

Prayer Request:

- Pray that blatant enemy attacks from within Israel's own government will be penalized and blocked. May those who continue to perpetrate them be excluded from the Knesset.

- "I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war." (Ps. 120:7)


3. LIEBERMAN: ANOTHER ABBAS GESTURE OF DEFIANCE

MK Avigdor Lieberman said, Wednesday, that the recently-reported readiness by Chairman Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority to re-open direct talks with Israel was not a matter of peace talks. Lieberman said the strategy Abbas is preparing is one of "more defiance and incitement against Israel which will happen in the framework of the UN General Assembly in September." He added that at the center of the move Abbas is preparing will again be accusations against Israel that it does not want to achieve peace, one more hate speech and requests to be accepted into the various UN agencies, as well as an appeal to be received as a full member of the UN.

Lieberman concluded, "To enable this process Abu-Mazen knows he should first make a few moves to make it look as if he wants peace and so that he will be able to blame Israel." Economics and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett, like Benny Begin and others in the last Netanyahu government, thinks nothing will come of the talks. He believes they will be no more than a game of guilt. Netanyahu is aware of this possibility, but Israel is in a position in which it can't say no to a meeting with Abbas. (INN)
Prayer Request:

- Pray against this deceptive, manipulative, and entirely illegal scheme on the part of the Palestinian Authority to gradually achieve statehood, via the UN, while sidestepping negotiations with Israel. Pray Israel's leaders will stand strong against US pressures to bend to Palestinian Authority demands and preconditions.


Rockets Fired into Israel Again

Rockets are being fired into Israel from Gaza again!


Supposedly a power struggle of disagreement between Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza is playing a role in these rocket launches. However, it could be that the terrorists are baiting Israel into a larger confrontation with them, to gain greater sympathy and support from the whole Arab Islamic world; manipulating them into coming forth into a war with Israel, on behalf of the "Palestinian struggle."

Whatever this is all about, the IAF will be hitting back hard on Gaza. There are currently some discussions going on, in some circles, about the Jews re-taking Gaza and cleaning it out. After all, Gaza is part of Judah's biblical inheritance from YHVH. Israel handed it over a few years ago for a promise of peace . . . and got increased terror attacks in return. (Private source)


Prayer Requests:

- Pray that the terror factions in Gaza and elsewhere would really begin to battle each other for ascendency . . . destroying each other and making it clear to the world that this will never work.

- Pray protection over all the Jews (and over the sojourners with Israel) against these rocket attacks.

- Pray for the IAF to have skill, wisdom, supernatural intelligence, and accuracy when it comes to responding to these attacks.

- Thank the Lord for the period of quiet that southern Israel has enjoyed since the end of Operation Pillar of Defense (November 2012). Ask the Lord to shield this part of the country from the violence in Gaza and calm their hearts.

(Read more prayer points here.)

- "Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their hearts; they continually gather together for war."
(Psalm 140:1, 2)


The Situation in Syria

The Situation in Syria


1. THE SITUATION IN SYRIA

The situation in Syria continues to intensify; with Russia standing firmly with Assad.  The message is clear from Putin. An attack on Assad's forces is an attack on Russia.  Western powers, including the USA, have been joining with Sunni forces from various Islamic nations, to train and to discuss how to support rebel forces so that they can oust Assad.  They are also preparing for some potential cross border fighting from Syria into Jordan and Turkey (by land or by air.)  

Of course Israel is watching her borders to the north for the same threat from hostile forces on either side of the conflict.  To add to the tension, Hizbullah is now being embroiled with conflict in Lebanon's city of Sidon, with Sunni forces, who are in favor of the Syria rebels. Many of the members of the Lebanese army are Sunni, even as the government of Lebanon includes (Shiite) Hizbullah leadership . . .as well as Hizbullah infiltration into that nation's army. What a tangled, Islamic mess!! 

The USA and the west would do well to stand back and let the Moslem's fight it out, as Israel's enemies sometimes battled each other in Bible times. YHVH could be blessing Israel by putting her enemies at odds with each other.  We shouldn't get into the middle of what YHVH is doing and thereby try to change it.  Father knows best!


Prayer Requests:

- Pray that the Lord would sort out all this mess, and in doing so, fulfill His word to Israel.

- Pray that Israel's enemies would be continually stirred up against each other to the point that they forget about Israel altogether. Pray that the destruction of Israel would not be raised up by satan, in their minds and hearts, as a renewed, common, goal around which, they can all rally in common purpose for Islam.

- Pray that YHVH would make Russia too busy to threaten Israel on behalf of her Islamic allies. Pin Russia down, Lord!

- Pray that YHVH would put up a roadblock against any US involvement in the Syria conflict.  Pray that there would not be any American boots on the ground in Syria, or pilots flying over Syria.

- Pray that YHVH would sort out the leadership and power struggles in Syria; putting His own people into leadership posts.

- Pray for revival to fall upon the Syrian people. Pray strength, wisdom, and courage into the hearts and minds of the Syrian believers.

- Although Prime Minister Netanyahu has said, "This is not our war," the conflict in Syria has great potential to involve Israel. Continue to pray for the protection of Jewish communities near the Syrian border. Ask God to give wisdom to the IDF commanders who are on the frontline.

- "Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? He who sits in the heavens shall laugh the LORD shall hold them in derision." (Psalm 2:1, 4)

(Verse decreed by Bridges for Peace)


2. OBAMA AND PUTIN HOLD TALKS ON SYRIA

Admit to Differences on Syria, But Share 'United' Goal of Ending Violence

Russia said on sidelines of G-8 that it would prevent no-fly zone in Syria, to which U.S. said such option not on table at NATO.

U.S.President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a tense meeting on Monday, where they both admitted to differing views on the war in Syria but said they shared an interest in stopping violence and ensuring chemical weapons were not used. Speaking to reporters during a meeting at a G-8 summit in Northern Ireland, Obama said the two leaders had instructed their teams to work on a peace conference about Syria in Geneva. Obama also said he and Putin expressed cautious optimism aboutthe ability to move forward on a dialogue with Iran after amoderate cleric was elected president there. Putin, meanwhile, said both he and Obama wanted the bloodshed in Syria to stop and the warring parties brought to the negotiating table. "Our positions do not fully coincide, but we are united by the common intention to end the violence, to stop the number of victims increasing in Syria, to resolve the problems by peaceful means, including the Geneva talks," Putin said. (Haaretz) Read more.
[Reported by Hebrew Nation News]


What does it mean? Commentary from HN News editor.

Is this news headline "doublespeak" or what? Putin's actions are CLEARLY propping up the Assad regime and he is adamantly opposed to regime change that would give authority and power to the Muslim Brotherhood backed Syrian rebels.

When the showdown occurs, there will be no gray or blurred lines: it will be Sunnis v/s Shiites. Here is how it stacks up:

ON ONE SIDE: (Shiites) - Assad's Syria; Iran; Russia

ON THE OTHER SIDE: (Sunnis/Muslim Brotherhood) - Syrian rebels; Saudi Arabia; US/EU/UN troops


3. OBAMA LEADS US INTO A NEW HOLY WAR OUT OF SYRIA

Early releases of security notes circulating in the Kremlin today, provided to the Office of the President by diplomats accompanying President Putin during his G-8 meetings with Western leaders, are confirming that US President Barack Obama, along with British Prime Minister David Cameron, are preparing for "all-out Holy War" in the Middle East and are siding with Sunni Muslims against both the Shiite and Christian minorities of this most volatile of regions.

Not being told to the masses of Western peoples by their propaganda media organs is that the current war in Syria has morphed into one of the most dangerous religious wars in all of human history, and was confirmed this past September by Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, and as we can, in part, read:
"While discussing the bloodshed in Syria at a September 7 conference held in Turkey, Prime Minister Erdogan drew a chilling parallel. "What happened in Karbala 1,332 years ago is what is happening in Syria today," he said, comparing the Syrian revolution to the most divisive event in Islamic history, the Battle of Karbala.

Those in the West with any interests in the region have much to learn from Erdogan's history lesson. What was originally depicted as a popular uprising against tyranny is now undeniably a war for religious supremacy in the Middle East. In this war, those Syrians who originally took to the streets in their aspirations for democracy have become the only guaranteed losers. (EU Times) Read more.

> > > Perversely, however, where one would logically think that the Western powers would be natural allies to Shiite run nations (Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Syria), they instead have used their immense power to support Sunni backed nations (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, etc.) which continue to outlaw freedom for women, openly persecute Christians and Jews, do not allow their citizens to vote in free elections, and are now calling for a "Global Jihad" against all Shiites.
- As we see the enemies of Israel closing in from all sides, and yet lining up against each other, too, let's follow the example of the warriors in the day of Jehoshaphat: Let's just PRAISE THE LORD, trust Him to send a spirit of confusion over the enemies, and see the enemies of Israel turn on each other and, in the end, devour each other.

Thank the LORD for the souls that will be saved as a result of this debacle. Praise You, Yeshua!

- "When he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to the LORD and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, "Give thanks to the LORD, for His lovingkindness is everlasting." When they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed. For the sons of Ammon and Moab rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir destroying them completely; and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another."
(2 Chronicles 20:21-23)


This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .


GOD OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS
(Eh-lo-hay Tseed-kee)

"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! Ypu have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer." (Psalm 4:1)


Oh God, my righteousness is all because of Yeshua, Jesus, living in my heart. Messiah in me, the Hope of Glory, is the praise on my mouth today. For God made Messiah who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Messiah. Oh how I praise You for the bounty of blessings You give! Amen!


(Source: THE NAME- HaShem: Daily Devotional Worship by Dr. Barri Cae Mallin)

Available on Amazon.com by going here.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

CHPP Daily Brief Friday, June 28, 2013





"Hold the Fort!" - (See our worship section, below!)
 
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P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970


The Daily Brief Friday, June 28, 2013


"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Gal. 6:9)



Guidelines for today's American Prayer Initiative can be found by going here.

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The Daily Brief

1. Hobby Lobby Gets Obamacare Fee Reprieve While Battling Contraception Mandate - Charisma News

Arts and crafts chain Hobby Lobby may be exempt from a requirement in U.S. President Barack Obama's 2010 healthcare overhaul to provide free contraception coverage in its employee health insurance plans, a federal appeals court ruled. Thursday's decision by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver could spare the family-owned company from potentially paying millions of dollars in fines as soon as next week for not complying with the law. (Read more.)

- Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for this answer to prayer, all the while continuing to bring this case before the Throne of Grace. More appeals are forthcoming, so please continue to lift up Hobby Lobby in prayer so that our rights to religious freedom will be sustained in the next court of law to hear this case. Praise the Lord.

- ". . . in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
(I Thess. 5:18)


2. Gay lobby's next target: Benefits in all 50 states - The Hill

Gay rights lobbyists plan to use their victory at the Supreme Court to push legislation that would ensure married same-sex couples are eligible for federal benefits in all 50 states.

- Lift up the hands of the watchmen and the gatekeepers in all of these 50 states, that they would be strengthened to continue to STAND for God's law to prevail in their states regarding marriage. Thank Him that He is able to stop the onslaught at the gate, as we each stand in repentance and continue in prayer. In Jesus' Name, amen.

- "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
(I Samuel 17:47)


3. Senate passes sweeping rewrite of immigration laws - USA Today

The U.S. Senate passed a sweeping immigration bill Thursday that would allow the nation's 11 million unauthorized immigrants to become U.S. citizens, overhaul the country's immigration system and spend billions to secure the southwest border with Mexico.

- Dear Lord, we pray that the House leadership will continue to stand strong against this very flawed bill. We pray against a spirit of compromise which has afflicted our lawmakers in the past. Thank You, Lord, for working in the hearts of the House members to vote against this bill that would not do what it is supposed to do and would reportedly harm America.

- "Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers."
(Isaiah 1:7)


4. Obama on Snowden: 'I'm not going to be scrambling jets to get a 29-year-old hacker' - Washington Times

President Obama said Thursday he hasn't spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin about extraditing confessed NSA leaker Edward Snowden, even though he's concerned that the fugitive might reveal more top-secret information about U.S. surveillance programs.

- Pray in the Spirit over this report. Only the Lord knows all the details about this shadowy figure and his actions; and only the Lord can bring justice in this case. In Jesus' Name, amen.

- "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." (Romans 8:26)


5. Secret Believers Share Faith under Fire - CBN News

One-hundred-thousand Christians are murdered because of their faith each year. In many cases, governments are to blame because they pass laws that restrict religious freedom.

- Oh, Lord, how disturbing is this report of the appalling number of Your Saints who are murdered each year!. Even as the enemy of Your people thinks he is winning, we speak Your divine protection over Your people and pray that You would both hide them from the persecutors and change policies of the many nations who are determined to stamp out Christianity from the face of the earth. Lord, we pray for You to turn back the tide of evil that seems planned for Christians in this country as well.

- "Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die." (Psalms 79:11)


6. Gay rights clash: Obama, African host are at odds - Yahoo

Laying bare a clash of cultures, President Barack Obama on Thursday urged African leaders to extend equal rights to gays and lesbians but was bluntly rebuked by Senegal's president, who said his country "still isn't ready" to decriminalize homosexuality.

- Pray that this rebuke by the president of Senegal would be used by the Hand of God to cause Obama to reassess his own position on gay rights. It is time for the light to shine in the darkness; pray!

- "My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke . . ." (Proverbs 3:11)


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:

" "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His mercies endure forever." (Psalm 118:1)


1. UN Security Council renews Golan peacekeeping mission - Ynet News

The UN Security Council renewed for six months on Thursday a peacekeeping mission in the Israeli Golan Heights monitoring a decades-old truce between Israel and Syria that has been shaken by a spillover of violence from Syria's civil war.


2. Israel's biometric database to begin operating in two weeks - Ha'aretz

Israel's pilot biometric database will begin operations in two weeks, Deputy Interior Minister Fania Kirshenbaum announced Monday.


3. Peres, Netanyahu reject idea of bi-national state - Ynet News

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres on Thursday rejected the idea of a bi-national state during a memorial for Theodore Herzl in Jerusalem.


4. Netanyahu: Without security, any peace we have will unravel - Israel Hayom

In a continuation of his efforts to renew Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to arrive in Israel on Thursday and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.


5. Netanyahu, Kerry meet in Jerusalem - Ynet News

US Secretary of State John Kerry met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem Thursday, in an attempt to discuss a renewal of the diplomatic process between Israel and the Palestinians.


The Persecuted Church

Today's Focus: The Persecuted Church

"The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry." (Psalm 34:15)


1. Algeria's Protestants Want Their Churches Back - World Watch Monitor

The Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA) has reaffirmed its desire to regain control of several former churches used today for other purposes. Christians are the distinct minority in Algeria, representing less than 1% of Algeria's 38 million inhabitants, and often face restrictions when seeking to build new churches.

The presence of Protestant Christians in Algeria dates back to the French colonial era, when a number of churches were built. However, after the country gained independence in 1962, many of these buildings were given to other purposes.


2. Suicide Blast in Christian Neighborhood of Damascus Claims Four Lives - BBC

A blast in an old Christian quarter of the Syrian capital Damascus has left four people dead, in what Syrian state TV describes as a suicide attack. Several people were injured in the attack in the Bab Sharqi neighbourhood, near a church. Rebel sources confirmed the number of dead, but said the attack was caused by a mortar bomb.

More than 90,000 people have died and millions have been displaced by Syria's two-year conflict, the UN says.

Reports say that the bomber was wearing a suicide belt and blew himself up outside the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox church.


3. United States Called on to Strengthen Religious Freedom Policies - CSW

The US-based International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable, a multi-faith network of organizations and individuals advocating for freedom of religion or belief, will publish a letter today calling on the US government to further protect and promote international religious freedom.

The letter will be published following today's second annual IRF event on Capitol Hill, co-hosted by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), and expresses the IRF Roundtable's concern "regarding the current state of international religious freedom (IRF), which is one of deepening crisis." It includes recommendations "on how the United States can strengthen its IRF policy such that freedom of religion, conscience, and belief-the foundation of human dignity-is protected and promoted, resulting in reduced persecution and repression, as well as greater security and stability worldwide."


For more news about the Persecuted Church, and how you can be more involved in intercession for these precious saints, go here.


Now is the time to pray for America

Now is the time to pray for America

Tony Perkins, President

Family Research Council


The decisions issued Wednesday by our nation's highest court only magnify the need for God's people in America: individuals, families and churches, to heed His remarkable appeal found in 2nd Chronicles 7:14.

The moral and spiritual blindness of our many of our nation's top political leaders and judges is clearly stunning. But we should not be surprised by this darkened understanding (Eph 4:18), it is the by-product of a people who have forgotten God. Every follower of Christ should be troubled by our nation's continued rejection of God's revealed truth. However, we must not become discouraged in our call to live by and be a witness for the Truth. Jesus, Himself gives us very clear instruction in Luke 18 that we must not be discouraged, rather we should pray.

I remind you there is a higher Court of Appeal whom our nation's Founders addressed as the "Supreme Judge of the World." That is the Court where you and I have been appointed to serve as advocates, under the authority of our Chief Advocate, our Lord Jesus Christ (see Heb 7:25).
This Sunday, June 30th is Call2Fall.
In 2009, the Lord led FRC to launch a Call2Fall, which is based upon 2 Chronicles 7:14. This call in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is not to the political, it's not to the powerful or the prominent, it's to God's people.
Will you join over 1.7 million other Christians on their knees this Sunday crying out for the Church, for America?
If you have not already done so, I urge you to ask your pastor to lead your church in Call2Fall, and if he cannot, for you to lead your family in a private time on your knees, uniting with over 1.7 million believers and churches who have already pledged to do so this Sunday, June 30th. Please join us. Everything you need to know can be found at www.Call2Fall.com. Please visit the site and let us know you will be with us by clicking, "I'm In!"
And when we rise from our knees, may we heed the Apostle Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 6:10-20. May we be strong in the Lord, protected by His armor, equipped for spiritual warfare, and engage in the struggle ahead, and after we have done all, stand and pray -- especially for the successful proclamation of the Gospel!

Standing (Ephesians 6:13),

Tony Perkins, President

Family Research Council


Business As Usual

Business As Usual

By Congressman Randy Forbes

June 27, 2013


> > > Forbes Introduces Resolution on President's Trip to Africa

Read the text of this resolution here.


The first family recently departed on their travels to Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania as a part of a week-long visit across the continent of Africa. The agenda lists efforts to boost economic partnerships and promote democratic development in African nations, all at a cool cost of $100 million to American taxpayers.

An elaborate security infrastructure for the first family is a major contributor in the cost of the trip, which will involve airlifting bullet-proof support vehicles, sending hundreds of U.S. Secret Service agents to each country, and stationing a Navy aircraft carrier or amphibious ship offshore to be made available in case of an emergency.

But while the President flies across the world with his family, civil servants continue to receive furlough letters in the mail. Families sit around the kitchen table over spreadsheets and calculators, working and reworking their budgets, trying to decide whether they can afford, not vacations, but life's everyday essentials.
Our nation faces austere times. Thousands of civil servants have had their regular salaries reduced. No sequestration solution is in sight. Our federal spending is a mess. Quite simply, using millions of taxpayer dollars to fund such an elaborate trip is not only symbolically reckless, but shows a lack of focus on cutting spending and solving sequestration. . .
. . . This week, I introduced a resolution expressing those concerns.
Specifically, H.Res.275 brings to attention that the $100 million used to fund the President's trip is a misguided use of taxpayer dollars at a time when thousands of families face furloughs and with no sequestration solutions in sight. It is important for Americans to see that our government leaders are tuned in to the ramifications of sequestration, the current state of our federal budget, and our national debt. They need to know leaders are laser-focused on bringing resolution to these issues, rather than continuing to operate under business as usual.
[To read the entire article, go here.]

Gov. Perry Takes Action

Gov. Perry Calls Special Session to Begin July 1


AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today announced a Special Session of the Texas Legislature will begin at 2 p.m. Monday, July 1.


"I am calling the Legislature back into session because too much important work remains undone for the people of Texas. Through their duly elected representatives, the citizens of our state have made crystal clear their priorities for our great state. Texans value life and want to protect women and the unborn. Texans want a transportation system that keeps them moving. Texans want a court system that is fair and just. We will not allow the breakdown of decorum and decency to prevent us from doing what the people of this state hired us to do."

The special session will consider the following issues:

- Legislation relating to the regulation of abortion procedures, providers and facilities.

- Legislation relating to the funding of transportation infrastructure projects.

- Legislation relating to establishing a mandatory sentence of life with parole for a capital felony committed by a 17-year-old offender.

> > > Footnote from Mike and Cindy Jacobs:

We'd like to thank all of you who participated in calling Texas Governor Rick Perry's office yesterday concerning the pro-life bill that was being filibustered. Your actions truly had positive impact! Please read the report below, and continue praying for life to win in Texas!


An Explosion of Pro-Life Legislation

An Explosion of Pro-Life Legislation

Allan Parker, President
The Justice Foundation


Several States Move to Restrict Abortion on Demand


As many of you know, January 22, 2013, was the fortieth anniversary of the infamous Supreme Court decision known as Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. These two cases brought abortion on demand to America up to the moment of birth. The full horror of those decisions can perhaps be known only in eternity, but the recent Kermit Gosnell horror story in Philadelphia has been used by God to help expose some of the deeds of this terrible darkness.

Many of you were praying that after forty years, 2013 would be the year of exodus from the wilderness to the pro-life Promised Land. I believe it is actually happening. In a very unexpected and surprising development, at least four states independently and without national coordination, led by sincere legislators, have passed legislation which might very well lead to the end of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. This is in addition to incremental legislation under current law like regulations of clinics, informed consent, etc.
It reminds me that after the forty years in the wilderness, there was not an immediate occupation of all of the Promised Land. Rather it was the beginning of a series of victories (with a small defeat at Ai) that ultimately led to conquest after state by state and city by city battles for occupation of the territory. I believe that is what we are seeing with this explosion of significant pro-life legislation.
[To read the entire article, including a list of prayer points for different states, go here.]

The Good News Corner

The Good News Corner:

Robert De Niro in Jerusalem to Encourage Israelis


The actor's appearance contributed to what some see as a major defeat for the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to put pressure on Israel to surrender to Arab demands by getting A-listers like De Niro to shun the Jewish state.


(Jerusalem, Israel)-On Wednesday, June 19, A-list American actor Robert De Niro spoke at the annual President's Conference in Jerusalem. A veteran of many "tough guy" movie roles, De Niro said he had a lot of admiration for the aggressive "tough guy" Israeli character.

"Israelis are warm, they're energetic people. Forthright. Very smart. I always like smart people. They're nice people, you know. Aggressive, and I respect that aggressiveness because you need it in their situation," he said.
De Niro is one of only many international celebrities and political figures attending the "Tomorrow" presidential conference, an annual gathering started by Israeli President Shimon Peres several years ago.
On Thursday, the last day of the conference, the podium was dominated by the CEOs of the world's technology and communications giants, who all unanimously crowned Israel as the most innovative hi-tech nation on earth.
The star-studded turn-out at the conference was seen locally as a major defeat for the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to put pressure on Israel to surrender to Arab demands by getting A-listers like De Niro to shun the Jewish state.

Pray for the Harvest!


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!


Worship With Us Today!

Worship With Us Today!

HOLD THE FORT!

"That which you have hold fast till I come." (Revelation 2:25)


The Ottawa Christian Men's Chorus sings a Civil War era hymn, "Hold The Fort" This was performed during the Church Service in conjunction with the 150th Anniversary of the first Lincoln-Douglas Debate held in Ottawa, Illinois in 1858.

To sing along with these mighty men of God, go here.


HOLD THE FORT!

1) Ho, my comrades! see the signal waving in the sky! Reinforcements now appearing, victory is nigh.
Refrain:

"Hold the fort, for I am coming," Jesus signals still; Wave the answer back to Heaven, "By Thy grace we will."

2) See the mighty host advancing, Satan leading on; Mighty ones around us falling, courage almost gone!

Refrain

3) See the glorious banner waving! Hear the trumpet blow! In our Leader's Name we triumph over ev'ry foe.

Refrain

4) Fierce and long the battle rages, but our help is near; Onward comes our great Commander, cheer, my comrades, cheer!

Refrain:
"Hold the fort, for I am coming!" Jesus signals still; Wave the answer back to Heaven, "By Thy grace we will!"



To learn about the history of this Civil War hymn, go here.