Friday, March 7, 2014

CHPP Daily Brief - Friday, March 7, 2014





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"

Friday, March 7, 2014

"You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end." (Matthew 24:6)
Thank you for praying for the Persecuted Church!
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. Putin and Obama speak by phone as US moves on several fronts to counter Russian aggression - Fox News

President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke for an hour by phone Thursday as the administration moved on several fronts to counter Russia's aggression in Ukraine's Crimean peninsula.

~Father, we bring this whole situation to You, and ask wisdom for our President as he deals with this volatile situation whether real, or contrived. We do ask again that the secret things will be revealed and dealt with appropriately. You alone know men's hearts, and the thoughts and intents of their hearts. We pray not only for Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S., but especially for these two men that speak for these countries. We ask that You reveal Yourself to them as the King of all kings, that they may humble themselves before You and seek Your counsel. You are the Lord of Hosts! Amen and Amen.

- "For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nought; He makes the thoughts and plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart through all generations." (Psalm 33:9-11)


2. Washington React: US Imposes Visa Ban Amid Ukraine Crisis - VOA

President Barack Obama says the United States considers an upcoming referendum on Ukraine's future illegal and on Thursday he ordered restrictions on U.S. visas and financial sanctions for Russians and Ukrainians who are impeding the democratic process in Ukraine. The new set of visa restrictions and financial sanctions are part of what Obama says is the cost that Russia will have to pay for interfering in Ukraine.

~Abba, we ask that these financial sanctions and visa restrictions against both Russians and Ukrainians will be helpful in influencing the actions of these nations for good, and not evil. We pray for cooler heads to prevail, and bring sanity and accountability to these heads of nations. We bind up, and come against arrogance and pride from these men. We ask that they will do what is best for the people of these nations.

- "Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You." (2 Chronicles 20:12)


3. U.S. tasks Navy destroyer to Black Sea amid Ukraine tensions - Washington Times

The United States has ordered a dozen F-16 fighter jets to Poland and a guided-missile destroyer to the Black Sea in moves that are being billed as "scheduled" deployments -- but that nonetheless come amid heightening tensions in the region, from Russia-Crimea relations.

~O Lord of Hosts, and our Father, we come to You with gratitude for our nation, and for our military forces. We ask that our military be a force under Your leadership that will carry out their assignments with excellence, and be a force for peace in that troubled region of the world. We thank You for Your presence with them, and us. Amen.

-"Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry."(Psalm 34:14,15)


4. Obama administration rewrites some health-care policies -Washington Post

The Obama administration announced Wednesday that it has rewritten an array of far-reaching rules under the Affordable Care Act, the most significant of which will let people keep bare-bones health insurance policies for three more years.

~Father, we have heard nothing of this regarding Congress being involved in the rewriting of health care policies. O Lord, deliver us from this dictatorial spirit that disregards the law, and "re-writes" it to its own liking. We call out for Your mercy, and for the alignment of this nation with You, and with our Constitution. Give wisdom to our Senators and Representatives that they may pass laws that will control this healthcare reform and bring it into conformity with our Constitution, and the will of the majority of the electorate. Amen.

-"The balance and scales of justice have their origin in Adonai; all the weights in the bag are His doing. It is an abomination for a king to do evil, for the throne is made secure by righteousness." (Proverbs 16:11,12)


5. Bill to Make the Fine $0 for Violating the Individual Mandate Passes by 90 Votes - Weekly Standard

The House of Representatives passed legislation Wednesday afternoon to make the fine/"tax" for violating Obamacare's individual mandate $0 for this year, and it did so by the wide margin of 90 votes (250 to 160). That's 83 more than the 7-vote margin (219 to 212) by which Obamacare passed the House four Marches ago.

~Abba, we are grateful that Congress is involved in voting concerning the "tax" for violating the mandate for healthcare. We are reminded how miniscule the vote margin was back in 2010 when this House voted to enact the Healthcare act, even as many members admitted to not reading it before passage. We do ask that these same individuals will interact with their constituents in their various states, and vote to undo parts of this bill that are not in line with the will of the people. We ask that they undo the damage they have done, in Your Name we pray, Amen.

-"And if that nation I warned repents of its evil then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned." (Jeremiah 18:8)


6. Tom DeLay returns to CPAC to find GOP without 'backbone' - Washington Times

Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay has rejoined the fray, regaining his seat on the American Conservative Union/Conservative Political Action Conference board, taking up the sword against the progressiveness of Democrats and battling what the Texan says is the wimpishness of his fellow Republicans.

~Lord, we ask that You would bless our two-party system of government, and that all our legislators will display the courage of their commitments to their constituents. We do pray fortitude for those Representatives and Senators to vote their consciences, and with the paramount motive of pleasing You, and doing what is best for the people they represent. We know the pressure in Washington is enormous, and many wish to compromise in order to further their own political futures - and for selfish gain - but we ask that they be reminded that there is a power higher than themselves. We pray they would submit to You and be wise stewards of the power they do have. Amen.

- "Like a muddied fountain and a polluted spring is a righteous man who yields, falls down, and compromises his integrity before the wicked. It is not good to eat much honey; so for men to seek glory, their own glory, causes suffering and is not glory." (Proverbs 25:26,27)


7. Republicans Call President's Budget 'Campaign Document' - VOA

Republicans in the U.S. Congress Wednesday criticized President Obama's 2015 budget proposal. The president's spending plan raises taxes on the wealthy, creates new tax breaks for the poor and middle class, and increases spending on domestic programs - likely setting up a year-long battle with congressional Republicans. The president sent his $3.9 trillion budget proposal to Congress Tuesday. On Wednesday, Republicans responded. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan said plans to shrink the United States military to levels not seen since World War II are not sitting well with many U.S. lawmakers. Some expressed their frustration and anger to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel during a hearing Wednesday on Capitol Hill. With U.S. troops in Afghanistan, waiting to come home, anger is boiling over in Washington over the Defense Department's proposed budget cuts.

~Abba, we realize this nation and this administration has spent us into enormous unprecedented debt, and that cuts must be made to pay the bills. It seems the president's priorities are domestic issues, and immigration reform, while continuing to decrease military spending back to the level at the end of WWII in the 1940's. Unfortunately, these military personnel face the same economic realities of 2014, like the rest of us. Our military should be treated with respect and honor for the sacrifices they have made for us and our security. We pray for a good, public debate on these issues, and that Congress will realize, as we do, that each dollar can only be spent once. We ask that the "pork" be cut from the budget, and that the paramount concern will be to do what is best for the vast majority of the people of this nation. Amen.

-"Let the Lord judge the peoples. Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure-you, the righteous God Who probes minds and hearts. My Shield is God Most High, Who saves the upright in heart." (Psalm 7:8-10)


8. US Seeks Flexibility with Shrinking Foreign Aid Budget - VOA

The U.S. State Department will be working with $46.2 billion in funding next year under President Barack Obama's proposed budget for fiscal year 2015, a slight decrease from this year. The proposal includes cuts to foreign aid. The spending plan's release is already having an impact on how diplomats look to distribute it. State Department officials point out that their funding request amounts to only about one percent of the overall U.S. budget.

~Abba, we know that many nations have become dependent on our foreign aid to balance their own budgets. We pray for Your mind and wisdom here, as decisions will need to be made concerning the aid that each nation receives. We pray this threat of reduced aid will not be used against Israel to pressure them into giving away their God-given Land to their enemies, who refuse to even acknowledge their right to have a homeland. We thank You for Your wisdom and involvement in the affairs of men! Amen!

- "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever." (Psalm 112:4-6)


9. Employers add 175K in February; unemployment rose to 6.7 percent - Washington Times

Unemployment ticked up to 6.7 percent last month despite a better-than-expected increase of 175,000 jobs that defied a spate of severe winter weather, the Labor Department reported Friday.

~Father, this is indeed sad news, that even despite employers adding 175,000 jobs to the job market, unemployment still rose. We know that even these figures are underreported as there are even more unemployed, who have simply given up their job searches and chosen to go on public assistance. We know You are a God of compassion, and You see these needs. We thank You, our Provider, and we ask that You encourage these unemployed people, and give them hope. May they utilize their gifts to secure the income they need to support their families, as You open the opportunities before them. Amen.

- "I am poor and needy, yet the Lord takes thought and plans for me. You are my Help and my Deliverer. O my God, do not tarry!"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Psalm 40:17; Jeremiah 29:11)


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:

"Lord, how my foes have increased! Many are the ones who rise up against me. Many are saying of my soul, there is no deliverance for him in God. Selah. But You, YHWH, are a shield for me; my glory, the One who lifts up my head." (Psalms 3:1-3)


1. Netanyahu: Iran's lies will be exposed when interdicted ship comes to Eilat - Jerusalem Post

The world will see the Iranian leaders for the liars that they are when the captured ship Iran sent to the Gaza Strip with Syrian missiles arrives in Eilat in the coming days, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Thursday.


2. US funding for joint missile defense programs intact, groups say - Times of Israel

Rebuffing reports that US President Barack Obama's budget for fiscal year 2015 gutted funding for the US-Israel missile defense partnership, Jewish groups said Thursday that the onus was on Congress, not the president, to bring funding up to previous years' levels.


3. Report: Hezbollah Has Built Military Airport in Lebanon, Houses Iranian Drones - Algemeiner

The Lebanon based Hezbollah terror group has established its own military airport in the Baalbek region of of the country, near the Syrian border, Saudi Arabian daily newspaper Al Watan reported.


4. Egypt seeks Russian arms that could undermine treaty with Israel - Jerusalem Post

Cairo is seeking air-defense systems such as the advanced S-300 that Syria and Iran have sought, MiG fighter jets, and Kornet antitank weapons, which could cause Israel worry, according to a Washington Institute for Near East Policy report.


The Daily Jot (Part One)

If only . . . A real leader in America

Thursday, March 6, 2014


He stood at the podium and paraphrased Deuteronomy 30:19, "...I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life that both you and your seed may live." He went on to explain what it means to those he represents and to himself personally. He spoke about how he wanted to talk about his nation by drawing a line "between life and death, between right and wrong, between the blessings of a brilliant future and the curses of a dark past." He talked about the compassion of his nation, a moral divide that separates his nation from its enemies--loving life verses loving death. He received standing ovation one after another. He is not American. He is Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel speaking in Washington, DC.

Americans could have gotten a first hand glimpse of a real leader and a real statesman. But the news media doesn't want to cover someone who tells the truth, especially if the truth is something about which they are in denial. Speaking about the humanitarian efforts of Israel in Syria, Gaza, Haiti, Turkey, Japan, and the Philippines, Netanyahu said, "In the Middle East, bludgeoned by butchery and barbarism, Israel is human; Israel is compassionate; Israel is a force for good." In contrast, Netanyahu said, "Now, on the other side of that moral divide, steeped in blood and savagery, stand the forces of terror--Iran, Assad, Hezbollah, al Qaeda, and many others."

Netanyahu painted a very detailed picture of the lack of leadership in the United States regarding the issue of a nuclear Iran. He warned America, saying, "Iran's missiles can already reach Israel, so those ICBMs that they're building, they're not intended for us. You remember that beer commercial, "this Bud's for you"? Well, when you see Iran building ICBNs, just remember, America, that Scud's for you...And guess what tune they're singing in Tehran? It's not "God Bless America," it's "death to America." And they chant this as brazenly as ever." Netanyahu pointed out that credible foreign policy does not allow terrorists to have a nuclear bomb; and that the White House approach will make war more likely.

Netanyahu stood up for his nation and gave a valiant and realistic assessment of right-minded leadership, character, and national security. If only we had an American president who loved his country so much that he would do everything within his power to build that nation up, rather than work overtime for its destruction. If only we had an American electorate that loved their Lord and Savior so much that they would use their God-granted freedom to preserve their nation as that shining city set on a hill that cannot be hid. If only we had an American president and electorate that would let their light so shine before men, that they may see their good works, and glorify their Father which is in heaven. If only . . .

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!

Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com


The Madison Report

The Madison Report

www.MadisonProject.com

THE MADISONIAN:

The Legislative Bulletin for Conservatives

Week of March 3 - 7, 2014


Each week, we feature one piece of legislation that deserves our support.
This week, we highlight:

The Marriage and Religious Freedom Act: HR 3133
Earlier this year, Rep. Raul Labrador's (R-ID) sponsored a bill that would protect individuals and organizations from the federal government's encroachment on their private contracts in an effort to force them to violate their religious beliefs. As we have all witnessed, state and federal courts have begun to coerce individuals and organizations into providing services for "gay marriages" or other functions that violate their religious beliefs. This bill already has 100 co-sponsors in the House. It's time we pressure members of the House Judiciary Committee to consider this bill and pass it out for a vote of the full House on the floor. The companion bill in the Senate is being sponsored by Senator Lee - S. 1808.

Prayers for Ukraine

Special Prayers for Ukraine

Prayer Concerns for the Current Ukraine Crisis


Dear Friends,

These prayer concerns were passed along to us by John Robb, Chairman, International Prayer Council. Thank you, John!


First Prayer Request, Submtited by:

Dr. Peter Kuzmic
Eva B. and Paul E. Toms Distinguished Professor of World Missions and European Studies
GORDON-CONWELL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY


Dr. Peter Kuzmic: "This threatens the stability and peace in Europe and marks the beginning of a new Cold War era with the potential to turn into a more disastrous global conflagration."

Please pray:

1.) For the right mix of wisdom, vision, and boldness for all of those engaged in preventative diplomacy and peacemaking between Ukraine and Russia.

2.) Pray especially for the leadership of the European Union, USA, and United Nations that they will find an agreement for an unified and effective approach to curtail Russian ambitions to enlarge their territory and bring Ukraine under its control.

3.) Pray for the leadership of Christian churches in both Ukraine and Russia not to give in to nationalist euphorias, but to exercise spiritual discernment and prophetic boldness in speaking the word of truth to power and to be constructively engaged in building bridges of reconciliation across the dangerous divides of antagonistic camps.

4.) Pray that the churches on all sides will credibly witness to the unity of the body of Christ and joyfully announce the Gospel as a message of hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation in their vulnerable and despairing contexts.

Your partner in the Gospel,

Dr. Peter Kuzmic



Second Prayer Request, Submitted by:

Rabbi Boris Grisenko
(pastor of the largest Messianic Jewish synagogue in the world
which is in Kiev, Ukraine)


Dear John,

Shalom and warm greetings from Kiev.

Thank you for your letter and for prayers.

For the last three months we have seen a series of events in Kiev and Ukraine in general which can't be called other than God's miracles.

Now we feel God's hand over Ukraine despite of the fact that situation here is still taught. Our economic and public administration systems are in a weakened state but we can see how God is lifting Ukraine up. Menaces from outside, situation in Crimea etc., strange as it may seem, solidated the majority of people in Ukraine (Ukrainians, Russians, representatives of other nationalities and of course Jews).

We ask you kindly to pray for our new authorities, new governmental system, protection of wholeness of Ukraine, unity of believers in Yeshua as well as for there would be no divisions in the Body of our Messiah. Please pray for God's protection for Ukraine and of course for a real revival that would cover millions of people, Jews first (Romans 1:16).
You can also pray against the Assyrian spirit, against intimidation and corruption of any kind as well as for smashing of the darkness and its complete march-back from Ukraine and inside Ukraine.
Anti-Semitism

In this situation besides provocateurs from inside (who try to rouse and provoke inner confrontation in Ukraine) there are no strong political forces that would propagate anti-Semitism or would put pressure on Jews. But inside, of course, this spirit has deep roots in Ukraine. At the moment we have some fringe groups who used to be distinct in their anti-Semitic rhetoric and now they hide their negative attitude towards Jews.

We thank you very much for your participation, support, prayers and active faith in general.

(Assyria as you, probably, know was ancient state on the northeast Israel which was the enemy of Judea and tried to capture him at all the time. For Ukraine - Assyria is an spiritual image which tries to bring fear and division and as it is possible to see it influence of this spirit goes to Ukraine from the northeast). (Isa.7:1-9, 2Chr.32:7-8)




Verses for agreement:

1. Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

2. Isaiah 7:4: " . . . 'Take care and be calm, have no fear and do not be fainthearted because of these two stubs of smoldering firebrands . . " (Russia and Crimea? - the editor) (Please meditate upon all of verses 1-9 to read this decree in context)

3. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8: "Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria nor because of all the horde that is with him; for the one with us is greater than the one with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.


Bulletin from the CPC Foundation

Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation Calls for
3 Days of Prayer and Fasting for America

March 15 - 17


In the spirit of the first Congress that proclaimed days of fasting and thanksgiving annually throughout some of the greatest challenges facing our nation, the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation is inviting you to join us in praying and fasting for the preservation of our First Amendment rights, namely the freedom to exercise our faith in the public square.

Soon the Supreme Court is due to rule on a monumental case affecting public prayer, Town of Greece v Galloway. Opening arguments will begin on March 25th for two other critical court cases affecting religious freedom, Hobby Lobby v Sebelius and Conestoga Wood Specialties v Sebelius. (more information below)

We are entreating God for divine intervention in these and other critical cases. Our posture is a heart of repentance as we also seek a spiritual and intellectual awakening, a moral reformation and solutions to the legislative strategies that are undermining the original interpretation of Freedom of Religion.


Pray for government leaders to have legislative solutions to ensure Judeo-Christian principles and religious freedom remain core tenets of our nation. Also, for praying citizens to mobilize in support of their efforts.

Following are a few of the challenges facing people of faith:

- Federal and state redefinition of marriage creates challenges for people of faith in every pillar of society that wish to live out their deeply held convictions; military chaplains, business owners, private schools and universities, churches, etc.

- Federally mandated healthcare and the HHS Mandate violates freedom of conscience for individuals and employers.

- Federal and state laws that trump Religious Freedom: The federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and state "non-discrimination" laws are examples of legislation that are undermining freedom of religion.


Pray for favorable rulings in support of the original intent of our Constitution.

Additional information about the court cases referenced above:

- Public prayer faces most critical threat to date in Town of Greece vs. Galloway. We must have a victory in order for the continuation of the public prayer tradition that began with our founding.

- Freedom of conscience is hanging in the balance with Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby and Sebelius v. Conestoga Woods. The rights of business owners to conduct their company in a manner that reflects their sincerely held religious beliefs, including their belief that God requires respect for the sanctity of human life, are in jeopardy. ADF 9-Week Prayer Focus

- Our spiritual heritage is under attack in Hickenlooper v. Freedom From Religion Foundation: The Colorado Day of Prayer challenge. The Colorado Supreme Court will decide on a governor's freedom to issue prayer proclamations. The Court of Appeals erred when it ruled that the proclamation amounts to an endorsement of religion. The governor issues hundreds of ceremonial proclamations every year in line with the traditions of our Founding Fathers. Anything other than a win will have devastating effects on our rich spiritual heritage, provide support for the misinterpretation of separation of church and state and restrict the rights of elected officials to exercise their religious freedom.

Freedom of religion is the cornerstone of our Constitution. Are you willing to take the torch from our Forefathers and risk your livelihood to protect freedom in the greatest nation on earth; for our generation and generations to come?

We are willing to do whatever it takes to gain the attention of heaven for the healing and restoration of America. We believe that God will hear us!

"If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." ( 2 Chronicles 7:14)
Blessings,

Summer Ingram
National Prayer Director

> > > To learn more about this initiative, go here.

The Daily Jot (Part Two)

Finally, a glimpse of political sense

Friday, March 7, 2014


Abolish the IRS. That's what Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz is saying. Abolish the IRS. This is far and away the best idea that a credible politician has come up with in a long time. Abolish the IRS. The IRS is an unconstitutional agency that has assumed the authority and power of what amounts to secret police in countries that whip their people into submission using fear and intimidation. IRS is a so-called federal agency that has the extra-constitutional authority where the individual--you the taxpayer--is guilty until proven innocent. It has the power to seize your property, take your money from your bank account, and ruin your life. Cruz wants to abolish the IRS. Good start!

Cruz addressed the annual 2014 Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) with a bundle of good ideas to set the country back on the right track. Included in them were repealing socialist healthcare, auditing the Federal Reserve and ending the massive transfer of wealth imbedded in the White House programs and policies. Cruz jokingly told the CPAC crowd, "By virtue of your being here today, tomorrow each and every one of you is going to be audited by the IRS." Trouble is, it is not out of the context of truth that very harassment could happen. It has happened in other ways and in other venues. For Cruz to make this the centerpiece of his political aspirations takes leadership and courage.

Think about the word "corruption." One of its meanings: "dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power." The president told Bill O'Reilly during an interview on Super Bowl Sunday that "there was not even a smidgen of corruption" in his administration regarding the IRS. Cruz said that the word doesn't mean what the US president must think it means. Over 200 organizations were prevented by the IRS from non profit status for their conservative missions. The IRS official in charge of that, Lois Lerner, once again Tuesday invoked the 5th Amendment in testimony before the House Oversight Committee for fear of self incrimination--maybe White House incrimination.
Cruz should be applauded for his stance. We need elected officials that make definitive statements that are understandable and can be held accountable. As is written in James 5:12, "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yes be yes and your no, no, lest you fall into condemnation." Cruz offered a glimpse of political sense. Now I know all the "in the know" people are going to come out of the woodwork with all sorts of reasons why Cruz is a bad idea. But you know something? We have to start somewhere. Keep in mind that scandal-ridden heavyweight Chris Christie got a standing ovation at CPAC.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!

Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com


The Good News Corner

The Good News Corner:

Lawmakers in Washington State Hear from the People,
Protect Freedoms


A Washington state committee chose not to vote Friday on a bill that would have prohibited minors from receiving counseling for unwanted same-sex attractions.

HB 2451 would have banned sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) for anyone under 18. The bad bill was modeled after laws in California and New Jersey that make such counseling illegal.

Joseph Backholm, executive director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington (FPIW), said it's likely the bill will return again next year - or perhaps sooner. (CitizenLink) Read more.


Signs and Wonders

Signs and Wonders:

North American snow cover at 3rd-highest level on record


In only two years -- 1969 and 1978 -- was there more snow on the ground in North America in early March than there is now.

As of Tuesday, North America is covered by the third-highest amount of snow this late in the season since records began in 1966, according to NOAA's U.S. National Ice Center. Only 1969 and 1978 had more snow cover at this point in the year, according to Sean Helfrich of NOAA's National Ice Center.

This data includes both the U.S. and Canada, reported New Jersey state climatologist and Rutgers University geography professor David Robinson. "Given that the vast majority of Canada is snow-covered at this time of the year (except in a very mild early March), the signal is virtually entirely a function of snow extent variations in the lower 48," he said in an e-mail. As for the U.S. alone, over 50% of the nation is snow-covered, the most for March 5 in at least the last 10 years. Great Lakes ice extent is also very high: 91% of the Great Lakes are ice covered, the second-highest percentage on record. (USA Today) Read more.


"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!

"Hallelujah" by Echoing Angels


"...all that I am will always believe You are my Saviour, and that's why I sing, 'Hallelujah'."