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The Daily Brief:
"Praying for All in Authority"
Friday, April 10, 2015
"There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all men." (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
A weekend blessing for you:
"The Master's Call"
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The Daily Brief
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1. Kansas man accused of plotting to detonate bomb at Fort Riley military base - Fox News
A 20-year-old Kansas man plotted to kill American soldiers with a vehicle bomb at the Fort Riley military base, an attack he planned to carry out on behalf of the ISIS terror group, prosecutors announced Friday.
John T. Booker, also known as Mohammed Abdullah Hassan, was arrested as part of a lengthy FBI investigation. Federal authorities said he was arrested near the army base in Manhattan, Kansas, as he completed final preparations to detonate the bomb, which had, in fact, been rendered inert while he was under FBI surveillance.(Read more)
- Father God, at the end of this very long week, we offer up a chorus of "Hallelujah!" at the news of this man's arrest. We praise You, Lord God, as we realize that this is a direct answer to our intercession before Your Throne of Grace, once again testifying to the fact that You ARE a God who hears and who answers our prayers. Praise the Lord!
- "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7)
2. Severe weather: Tornadoes hit Iowa, Illinois, Ohio - CNN
Tornadoes tore through parts of Iowa, Illinois and Ohio on Thursday in what forecasters from the National Weather Service warned is a "particularly dangerous situation." People across the Midwest should be on alert for severe weather, the weather agency said.One person has died as a result of storms in Fairdale, Illinois, said Patti Thompson, a state emergency management spokeswoman. In Rochelle, Illinois, there were "multiple reports of injuries and damage," the Ogle County Sheriff's dispatchers said. (Read more)
- Father, we thank You that Your hand of protection was upon these people throughout these storms. We thank You for Your grace and mercy that You pour out upon us, even in the midst of judgment. We pray that these people will reach out to You and trust You with their lives and their hearts. Comfort those who have lost things, and help us to have Your eyesight and discerning, even in the midst of calamity, we pray. Amen.
- "And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show lovingkindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]! (Isaiah 30:18 AMP)
3. Reports: Hillary Clinton to Announce Presidential Bid Sunday - Voice of America
U.S. media reports say Hillary Clinton will formally announce Sunday her intention to run for president in the 2016 election. The former secretary of state will announce her campaign for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination with an online video posted on social media, sources familiar with her plans told media outlets Friday. They said she will then make stops in key early voting states, including Iowa and New Hampshire It will be Clinton's second presidential after her failed effort in 2008, when Barack Obama won the party's nomination on his way to becoming president. (Read more)
- Abba, we ask for Your mercy as we begin yet another election frenzy cycle for the powerful position of the President of the United States. We know there will be much controversy and many untruths spoken during this time. We wish to elect the person of Your choice, and character, to this position. May we have ears to hear the truth, and discernment of that truth. May we use the "mind of Christ" You have bestowed upon us to use wisdom and understanding as we cast our votes. We pray, even now, that those who are here illegally will be prevented from voting, and/or adversely affecting the vote. Give us the man/woman of Your choice to lead us out of this darkness and into the light, we pray. Expose the falsehoods and subversion of the enemy we pray, in Jesus' name, amen.
- "A just balance and scales are the Lord's; all the weights of the bag are His work [established on His eternal principles]. It is an abomination [to God and men] for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established and made secure by righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation). Right and just lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right." (Proverbs 16:11-13 AMP)
4. Fort Hood shooting victim denied benefits, despite Purple Heart decision - Fox News
EXCLUSIVE: The Obama administration has finally acknowledged that those hurt and killed in the 2009 Fort Hood shootings were victims of terrorism -- and not "workplace violence," as it was previously described. But while formal recognition of that is set for Friday, when victims will receive the Purple Heart, it may only be symbolic.
Fox News has learned as part of its ongoing investigation of the 2009 terrorist attack that the military, at least in one case, is still denying benefits for injuries sustained in the attack.
"I think it's almost unheard of for someone to receive the Purple Heart but not have their injuries deemed combat-related," Shawn Manning, who was seriously injured in the 2009 attack, told Fox News. "I know that was not what Congress intended to have happen, but it is what currently the Army has determined is going to happen."
On Nov. 5, 2009, then-Staff Sgt. Manning was shot six times by Maj. Nidal Hasan. Two bullets are still in his body -- one in his leg, the other in his back -- and he suffers from PTSD.
. . . he said the board's decision means, on a practical level, his family will lose back pay, and $800 a month in benefits, adding he believes other Fort Hood survivors will face the same treatment. (Read more)
- Lord God, we ask that this injustice against Shawn Manning and all others who were injured at Fort Hood be immediately rectified. We call forth congressional hearings into this matter, and for legislative action to follow that will correct this flaw in the NDAA law. May each recipient of the Purple Heart receive ALL the benefits due him or her for their service to our country. In Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- "Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" (Isaiah 30:18)
5. The White House Now Features a Gender-Neutral Restroom - POLITICO
"President Barack Obama's staff and visitors now have the option of using a gender-neutral restroom, a White House spokesman said Wednesday - the latest in a series of symbolic steps the Obama administration has taken to work the priorities of the LGBT community into its broader themes of inclusiveness and tolerance.
"The newly designated restroom is an example of how the administration has been advancing the discussion by raising the profile of transgender issues, an area of debate that is especially hotly contested right now. The restroom will be located in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where much of the White House staff works." (Read more)
- Lord God, we cry out in repentance for the leaders of our nation, who are causing our people to slide more and more steeply every day to embrace the lifestyle of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lord God, have mercy upon us, we pray. Forgive these men for their blindness, and draw them to You, for salvation. We ask this in Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- "With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his." (Job 12:16)
6. New Mexico Gov Abolishes Civil Asset Forfeiture - The Daily Caller
New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez signed a bill to abolish civil asset forfeiture Friday. She signed just before the noon deadline that would have pocket vetoed the legislation.
"As an attorney and career prosecutor, I understand how important it is that we ensure safeguards are in place to protect our constitutional rights," Martinez said in a letter announcing her decision. "On balance, the changes made by this legislation improve the transparency and accountability of the forfeiture process and provide further protections to innocent property owners."
Civil asset forfeiture is a practice where police can seize your property and keep it even if they don't convict or charge you with a crime. Then, you must go through the difficult, and often unsuccessful process to get your property-whether it's a vehicle, cash or your home-back from the police. (Read more)
- Father God, we do thank You for the governors in this nation who are still taking actions to preserve our constitutional rights. We come against all forms of backlash now against Governor Martinez; and we ask that other governors would establish the same policies in their own states as well. In Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice . . ." (Proverbs 29:2)
7. US-Cuba Relations to Be Focal Point at Americas Summit - VOA
STATE DEPARTMENT- A Cuban delegation will attend the Summit of the Americas, to be held this Friday and Saturday, for the first time in the history of the regional gathering.
The U.S.-Cuban effort to restore diplomatic ties is expected to be a focal point as leaders from 35 countries in the Western Hemisphere gather in Panama to discuss policy and regional issues,
Ahead of the summit, the U.S. hinted it might drop Cuba from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list. (Read more)
- Lord of the nations, we come to You asking that You would be present at this "America's Summit" and very involved in turning the hearts of these two men to do Your bidding. We refer to Obama and Castro. We look to You to influence these men for good, according to Your Word. We ask, that as policy decisions are made, that You will be glorified, and what is best for all the people of both these nations would be accomplished, for their good, and Your glory. Amen.
- "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." (Proverbs 21:1) "A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." (Proverbs 21:1-3)
8. As Iran digs in, US says no to immediate sanctions relief - Times of Israel
ny sanctions relief for Iran as part of a landmark nuclear accord will only come once curbs on enrichment are verified, the US State Department said Thursday, rebuffing demands in Tehran for an immediate lifting of the punishing restrictions.
"Sanctions will be suspended in a phased manner upon verification that Iran has met specific commitments under a finalized joint comprehensive plan of action," State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke told reporters in Washington. (Read more)
- Father, we thank You that our State Department is saying no to this ridiculous request from Iran. It seems like our president has already made fools of us, without adding this insult. We, do, in fact, continue to hold this whole issue before You and ask that no agreement be signed by our nation in agreement with this enemy of ours and of Israel's. We ask for, and thank You for Your intervention, and for the courage to say no. May we stand strong in Your power and might, and in freedom from all fear. In Your name we pray, Amen.
- "The Lord will give them over to you, that you may do to them according to every commandment which I have commanded you. Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One Who goes with you. He will not leave you, nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:5,6)
9. Egypt, Libya: U.S. Not Supporting Us Against the Islamists - Clarion Project
The anti-Islamist governments of Egypt and Libya are complaining publicly that the U.S. is not providing enough counter-terrorism assistance and is supportive of the Muslim Brotherhood. They remain appreciative of the U.S.-backed intervention to topple Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, but criticize the U.S. for not having a plan to contend with Islamist terrorists and militias afterwards.
Egyptian President El-Sisi is gently criticizing the U.S. for not supporting the anti-Islamist government of Libya enough. He said, "there is a legitimate [Libyan] government and that government is denied the weapons it needs to confront terrorists."
El-Sisi traces it back to original mistakes that the West made in Libya He said that the military intervention to overthrow Gaddafi was the correct decision but the West failed to implement a strategy to help Libyans tackle Islamist forces afterwards.
"The NATO operation in Libya was not complete, which led the North African country to fall under the control of militant and extremist groups," he said. He was more forceful in another statement that "we abandoned the Libyan people to extremist militias." (Read more)
- O God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we humbly bow before You and bless Your Holy Name! What a world we live in with enemies surrounding us from outside our nation, and also from within. We cry out to You for the soul of our nation! O God, have mercy upon us and ignite the fires of revival across our Land. We are desperate for You! You are our only Hope of salvation and life eternal with You. We know You are patiently waiting for souls to turn to You, but we also know that although Your love is without end, Your patience and longsuffering do have an end. We thank You for the privilege of being co-workers together with You in these final days, as men's hearts are melting within them with fear. Bring clarity, Lord, and by Your Holy Spirit, bring understanding to those seeking answers to life's questions. Enfold them in Your love and woo them unto Yourself for Your glory. Amen and Amen.
- "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the Strength of my heart and my Portion forever." (Psalm 73:26,27)
10. ISIS demanding $30 million to free Christian hostages, Assyrian source says - Fox News
Islamic State militants are demanding up to $30 million in ransom to release the hundreds of Christian hostages in Syria, according to an officer within the Assyrian leadership.
In ongoing negotiations between ISIS terrorists and the Assyrian leadership to free the 250-300 Christians abducted by the militant group in February, ISIS is demanding $100,000 per individual, according to the source.
Third-party Syrian Sunni Muslims from the local area are reported to be brokering the talks between the two groups. (Read more)
- Lord God, these precious saints need a miracle, so we are turning to You, Holy One, and asking that You rescue each one out of the clutches of ISIS. We ask for this miracle in Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- "Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:13,14)
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The Middle East in Focus
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"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10)
1. 'Iran helping Hamas, Hezbollah build fleet of suicide drones' - Jerusalem Post
Iran is building an explosive fleet of so-called "suicide kamikaze drones" while also providing know-how on assembling these new weapons to its terrorist allies Hamas and Hezbollah, according to a new report commissioned by the US Army.
The report, which was cited by the American daily newspaper The Washington Times and published by the Army's Foreign Military Studies Office at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, states that "no aspect of Iran's overt military program has seen as much development over the past decade as Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)."
"Whereas a decade ago Iran's UAVs and drones were largely for show, a platform with little if any capability, the Iranian military today boasts widespread use of drones, employed not only by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), but also by the regular army, both regular and IRGC navy, and the regular and IRGC air forces." (Read more)
2. In Egypt, ex-military men fire up Islamist insurgency - Jerusalem Post
A small but highly dangerous succession of former Egyptian army officers are joining Islamist militant groups, complicating President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's efforts to counter what he calls an existential threat from extremism.
These men are raising the stakes in an insurgency that has killed hundreds of soldiers and police since the army toppled Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in 2013.
They pose a danger to US ally Egypt with their knowledge of the Arab world's biggest army, provide militants with training and strategic direction, and even carry out suicide bomb attacks against government officials. (Read more)
3. ALERT!! Abbas to meet Putin in Moscow on Monday - Jerusalem Post
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow next week, AFP reported on Thursday, citing Russian authorities.
"The two leaders will hold talks concerning key aspects of Russian-Palestinian relations and their future, with particular attention on the trade, economy and humanitarian sectors," the Kremlin said in a statement.
Also on the agenda is the long-stalled peace negotiations between the Jewish state and the Palestinian Authority, as the two will exchange "ideas on the process of Israeli-Palestinian talks and other problematic regional situations." (Read more)
4. PLO backs Assad campaign to regain control of besieged refugee camp - Jerusalem Post
A Palestinian official said on Thursday he supported a Syrian army offensive to regain control of the war-battered Yarmouk camp on the outskirts of Damascus that has fallen into the hands of Islamic State.
The radical Islamist group, which rules swathes of Syria and Iraq, seized almost all of Yarmouk in recent days, brushing aside local militia opposed to Syrian President Bashar Assad.
"They have tried to used the camp as a launching pad to expand their scope of clashes and their terror activities inside and outside the camp," said Ahmad Majdalani, a minister in the Western-backed Palestinian Authority who was sent to Damascus by the PLO leadership to discuss the crisis with the government. (Read more)
5. Bennett: Don't Tread on Me, Bibi - Israel National News
Likud and the Jewish Home continued to arm-wrestle Thursday as Likud threatened to opt for Labor as partner if negotiations with its "natural" partners fall through. A Likud source told Arutz Sheva Thursday that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu prefers a right-wing government over a "unity government" with the Left. The implied threat, however, is that if Jewish Home continues to insist on receiving the Foreign Ministry in the new government, Likud will, indeed, turn to Labor. (Read more)
6. Snap back? Not so fast. Sanctions a big issue in nuke talks - Times of Israel
Snap back? Not so fast.
The biggest enforcement provision in the preliminary nuclear agreement with Iran is turning into one of the mostly hotly contested elements. And the debate barely involves Iran. Instead, it concerns the Obama administration's promise to quickly re-impose sanctions on Iran if the Islamic Republic cheats on any part of the agreement to limit its nuclear program to peaceful pursuits.
This would be relatively straightforward for the sanctions imposed by the US, as Congress is eager to keep the pressure on. But it is far from clear whether President Barack Obama can guarantee such action at the United Nations, which has imposed wide-ranging penalties that all UN members must enforce. (Read more)
7. Is Israel's Iron Dome the precursor to futuristic 'killer robots'?- Jerusalem Post
Are we on the verge of manufacturing armies of self-aware "killer robots" that could operate autonomously and without the direction of humans?
According to a new report issued by Human Rights Watch, governments ought to ban the use of "killer robots" for fear that their use raises "serious moral and legal concerns because they would possess the ability to select and engage their targets without meaningful human control."
HRW, which published the report jointly with Harvard Law School's International Human Rights Clinic, argues that "technology is moving in the direction" of creating "fully autonomous weapons."
The report cited the Iron Dome anti-rocket system used by the IDF most prominently during the recent military offensive in the Gaza Strip. (Read more)
8. Obama's Iranian attraction, Netanyahu's repulsion - YNET News
President Obama called Thomas Friedman, the respected New York Times columnist, to the White House last Saturday. The summons was not accidental, nor was the timing.
Obama sees before him two target groups: Democratic senators and Israeli public opinion. Friedman caught the attention of both audiences. Obama see the Israelis as important in their own right, but no less so because of their indirect effect on his Senate campaign.
As in any political process, it comes down to numbers. Of the 100 sitting senators, 54 are Republicans. They have no difficulty in passing a law that will effectively thwart any agreement with Iran. The president would then veto their move, and the law would return to the Senate. To overcome Obama's veto, the Republicans need a two-thirds majority, in other words, the support of 13 Democratic senators. The battle is now being fought.
Israeli governments have tried to enlist the Congress against the White House several times in the past. These attempts usually end in failure. But a campaign such as the one now being conducted is unprecedented, both in terms of importance of the issue for both sides, and for the depth of its impact on American politics. The US president and Israeli prime minister are each trying to pull the rug out from under the feet of the other. (Read more)
9. Argentina to declassify documents in Israel Embassy bombing investigation - YNET News
President Cristina Fernandez signed a decree Thursday that ordered the declassification of documents part of the investigation into the 1992 attack on the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires.
The bombing of the embassy killed 29 people, including four Israelis who worked in the Foreign Ministry and four Jewish women. More than 220 other people were injured in the attack. (Read more)
10. 'Cyberjihad' Causes French TV to Broadcast Reruns Only - Israel National News
French television network TV5Monde was forced to broadcast only pre-recorded programs Thursday after an "unprecedented" hack by self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists, who also hijacked its websites and social networks.
The Paris-based company, whose programs are broadcast in more than 200 countries worldwide, was the target of a cyberattack that is "unprecedented for us and unprecedented in the history of television," TV5Monde boss Yves Bigot told AFP.
"Since 5 a.m., we have only been able to put out a single program on all our channels. For the moment, we are unable to produce our own programs," Bigot added. (Read more)
11. Benjamin Netanyahu, Republicans Criticize Obama's nuclear deal with Iran - UPI
Fallout from the Obama administration's preliminary nuclear deal with Iran stretched from Capitol Hill to Jerusalem on Easter Sunday, with lawmakers vowing to push ahead with legislation that would give them, not the president, the final say on whether the agreement crosses the finish line. (Read more)
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The Daily Jot
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Friday, April 10, 2015
Another Sunday, another Clinton
The UK Guardian reports that Hillary Clinton is expected to announce Sunday that she is running for President of the United States. Present "president" aside, there could not be a worse candidate for arguably the most important job for America. Her announcement scheduled for noon on Sunday is just another insensitivity to church-going Christians in this country. But Clinton is not interested in Christians. Her entire body of work in public life has been anti-Christian. She is an intimate supporter of homosexuality; a radical abortion supporter; she and her husband have collected tens of millions of dollars from Islamist and Arab oil interests; her chief aide is associated with the Muslim Brotherhood. Don't be deceived.
There are so many reasons why this immoral and unethical person should not even have the audacity to run for President. Her Benghazi involvement alone should be enough to land her in jail pre-campaign. She lied about the reason terrorists struck an American compound, killing the US Ambassador and three others. Clinton took exception to questions from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, angrily raising her voice in response, "Was it because of a protest or was it because of guys out for a walk last night who decided to kill some Americans? What difference at this point does it make? It is our job to figure out what happened and do everything we can to prevent it from ever happening again, Senator."
And what about the official State Department emails that she housed on her own private server? How many government secrets are now in the hands of America's enemies--the Russians, the Islamists, the Chinese? But wait, those are not Hillary Clinton's enemies. They are her supporters. She is a Saul Alinsky communist that would make the current mess in the White House pale in comparison. Clinton's 1969 College Thesis was entitled, "There is only the fight"...An Analysis of the Alinsky Model." Therein, she demonstrates a complete grasp of Alinsky's existentialism, his use of conflict (the dialectic) and his "political faith"--all items upon which Clinton's immoral and anti-American body of work has been built.
Her announcement for President, Sunday at noon is the embodiment of who she is. She has no respect for Christians and is appealing to the rebellious, the takers, the bullies, the haters, and the usurpers. Jesus said in Matthew 7:14-16 "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits." Clinton is a prophetess of Communism and Islamism--her life's work is evidence of this fruit. Both Islam and Communism are antichrist because they deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Their chief prophetess is a deceiver. Beware.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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One Week Ago
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One Week Ago: the Passover Prayer Surge
Many, many thanks to the many of you who participated in the Passover Prayer Surge last week, in a continuous time of nine hours of prayers of repentance and intercession for the nation of Israel.
Many thanks, too, go to both Laura Densmore, the founder of this Surge, and to Dai Sup Han, founder of PrayerSurgeNow, for his own tremendous support during this night of historic prayers.
Next week, we will make available a podcast (audio file) that has captured four hours of the surge, so that those who were not able to join us may yet "pray along" with this call.
Please "stay tuned" for more information in the aftermath (and the "afterglow") of this night of united prayers for all who are now in the Valley of Decision.
Shalom!
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Another State Joins Kansas: Bans Late-Term
Abortions
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Cheers for Oklahoma as it Prepares to Join Kansas in Banning "Dismemberment Abortions"
"We applaud the Oklahoma legislature for standing up for unborn children by passing the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act. This is a transformative law that has the power to change how the public views the gruesome reality of abortion in the United States." -Carol Tobias, President, National Right to Life
(Oklahoma City, OK) - The Oklahoma state Senate yesterday passed the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act (HB 1721). In February, the bill was passed overwhelmingly in the state House of Representatives. It now goes to Gov. Mary Fallin, who is expected to sign the measure.
If enacted, Oklahoma will become the second state in the nation to protect unborn children from dismemberment abortions that tear them apart limb from limb. Yesterday, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signed similar legislation prohibiting dismemberment abortions in the state. Model legislation provided by National Right to Life is also under consideration in the legislatures of Missouri and South Carolina.
"We applaud the Oklahoma legislature for standing up for unborn children by passing the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act," said National Right to Life President Carol Tobias. "This is a transformative law that has the power to change how the public views the gruesome reality of abortion in the United States."
Dismemberment abortions are as brutal as the partial-birth abortion method, which is now illegal in the United States.
(National Right to Life) Read more here.
[Also reported by: Breaking Christian News]
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A Victory in Indiana
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Victory Announced for Indiana Pizzeria Shut Down By Anti-Traditional Marriage Activists
"I wasn't trying to score points. It is something I believe in from my heart and my faith about gay weddings. I have been scared, but God is giving me strength. I think it is nothing compared to what Christ had to suffer." -Chrystal O'Connor, owner of Memories Pizza
Bolstered by financial support from across the world, Memories Pizza will once again open its doors.
The Indiana Pizzeria closed temporarily after coming under fire after owner Crystal O'Connor, said she wouldn't cater a gay wedding in response to the the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
When O'Connor's statement [on not catering] went viral, threats came through social media and other sources, one so credible that police stepped up their patrols.
Supporters for O'Connor and her father, Bill, as well as traditional marriage and religious freedom, raised more than $800,000 for the pizzeria.
n response to the campaign, investigative reporter Lawrence B. Jones spoke to the Washington Post about what the financial support means.
"It's not a gay or a straight issue. We love our gay brothers and sisters," he says. "We're sick of being regulated when it comes to free enterprise. What better way to speak out than giving your own personal money?" (Charisma News) Read more here.
[Also reported by: Breaking Christian News]
"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him!" (Isaiah 59:19)
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A Sobering Message to the Supreme Court
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Read This Sobering Message to the Supreme Court From James Dobson, Richard Scarborough and Mat Staver
(Washington, DC) - Tuesday, March 10, I was asked to join more than 30 other deeply concerned church leaders on a conference call. The topic was the marriage and family-damaging decision the Supreme Court may soon make.
If they follow present cultural trends and rulings of numerous lower courts, by June they will rule against the Biblical and historical institution of marriage in favor of what is being called "same-sex marriage." Below are excerpts from comments and concerns expressed by those who participated in the call.
These comments have been edited and condensed without compromising the content or concerns. I felt very deeply in my heart that it should be shared with all who are concerned about the obvious assault on faith, family and freedom. (James Robinson)
To read these statements by Dr. James Dobson, Richard Scarborough and Mat Staver,please go here.
[Reported by: Breaking Christian News]
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Fast and Pray for Marriage
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Join the Family Research Council as they STAND FOR MARRIAGE
Fast and Pray for 21 Days for Marriage
On April 28, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for and against redefining marriage in America. Though marriage between a man and a woman has existed since the beginning of time and is the cornerstone of ordered society, the time-honored institution is in serious trouble. Before federal judges began to overturn marriage laws, 30 states had protected natural marriage in their Constitutions. Now the High Court is poised to decide for us all. It is time for our voices to be heard in the Courts of Heaven and the Courts of Public Opinion.
Please join the Family Research Council as they "Blow the trumpet . . . and declare a holy fast" for the next 21 days to intercede in prayer for the Court and our Country:
April 7th through April 28th
in preparation for the Supreme Court to hear oral arguments for and against redefining marriage in America on April 28th.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Action Step 1: Fast and Pray
Above all, we need to fast and pray for the Court and for our Country. Click here to join us for a 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting beginning Tuesday, April 7 through the oral arguments on Tuesday, April 28. Let your voice be heard in the Courts of Heaven before the Sovereign Judge of the Universe.
Action Step 2: Speak Out
Use your voice in the Courts of Public Opinion! Let it be heard across social media and in your local newspaper. Use the linked text below or write your own!
Action Step 3: Join the March for Marriage in DC on Saturday, April 25
The Christian Community needs to show up and send a message to the Court that we will not stand by silently while family and freedom hang in the balance. Click here for details.
Action Step 4: Host a Stand for Marriage Sunday: Religious Freedom at Risk
On Sunday April 26th, we encourage our entire network of Watchmen pastors and their millions of church members to view a brief video, distribute the Bulletin Insert, and then spend time during worship in focused prayer for the Court and our Country.
Learn more here.
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Amicus Brief Filed in Marriage Case
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Free Speech Amicus Brief Filed on Behalf of NRB, Others in Supreme Court Marriage Case
On behalf of NRB and other prominent religious organizations and leaders, Liberty Institute filed an amicus brief last week in the historic U.S. Supreme Court case, Obergefell v. Hodges, which could determine the future of marriage laws in the United States.
In the brief, filed last Thursday, the Justices are asked to affirm the Sixth Circuit decision upholding marriage laws in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee, and to expressly affirm the First Amendment free speech rights of Christian ministers, teachers, and leaders who are compelled by faith and conscience to preach and speak aloud their millennia-old and sincerely held religious view that marriage is the sacred union of one man and one woman.
The friend-of-the-court brief states: "In reaching its decision, this Court should reaffirm that the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment protects religious dissenters who disagree with state-recognized same-sex marriage and to reaffirm the importance of free debate and free inquiry in this democratic Republic."
Regarding the brief, NRB President & CEO Dr. Jerry A. Johnson noted how it became increasingly apparent in recent weeks that "the forces that insist upon changing the definition of marriage are willing to jettison our free speech and religious liberties to do so."
"This brief is needed to warn the Court of this danger," he stated.
"There is no way a constitutional right to homosexual, so-called, 'marriage' can be invented by the courts and enforced without using the police power of the state to impose cooperation by its citizens, and that is in violation of the 1st Amendment," Dr. Johnson added. "For those who think sexual liberty trumps religious liberty, they need to be reminded that the free exercise of religion is explicitly framed into the Constitution. The same is not so for sexual rights, especially not a revolutionary redefinition of marriage."
In addition to NRB, the signatories of the brief are the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Samaritan's Purse, In Touch Ministries, Pathway to Victory, The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, Dallas Theological Seminary, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Daniel L. Akin, Dr. Mark L. Bailey, Dr. Francis J. Beckwith, Dr. Robert A.J. Gagnon, Dr. Robert Jeffress, Dr. Byron R. Johnson, Eric Metaxas, Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr., Dr. Charles F. Stanley, John Stonestreet, and Dr. Owen Strachan.
(Source: NRB) Read more here.
(Includes link to the Brief.)
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IPC Monthly Report
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International Prayer Connections:
Report for April, 2015
Mission Statement of the International Prayer Connect (IPC)
"Compelled by God to seek Christ's glory worldwide for the blessing, healing, and transforming of the nations, International Prayer Connect exists as a coalition of prayer networkers and mobilizers working together to motivate, develop and equip national movements and local churches to fill all nations with prayer for the fulfillment of the Great Commandment and the completion of the Great Commission."
HOW WE OPERATE:
The IPC is not an organization as such. We are a fellowship of people involved in mobilizing prayer throughout the world. We function as an international "network of networks", connecting international, regional, and national prayer ministries and networks. We also arrange or support special prayer initiatives that bring prayer leaders together from time to time to pray for matters of regional and global concern to the Body of Christ. Regional prayer summits have been arranged or supported by the IPC in most regions of the world as well as international prayer initiatives for the United Nations, Hollywood, and other issues.
The IPC is led by an international leadership team, now called the International Prayer Council, is composed of twenty leaders who coordinate regional prayer networks or international prayer initiatives of various kinds. We seek to be catalysts and connectors within the global prayer movement towards the fulfillment of Habakkuk 2:14- that "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."
We do not have an official membership but connect with individuals and networks through IPC Connections, a periodical newsletter distributed via e-mail to give prayer information to interested people. Please share this newsletter with prayer coordinators, prayer network leaders, and others who have an interest in the global prayer movement so that they can be informed about different prayer initiatives, existing prayer networks, and how to participate in them.
John Robb
Chairman, International Prayer Council
P.O. Box 66771 | Albuquerque | NM | 87193
www.ipcprayer.org
> > > This month's IPC Prayer Alert features critical prayer requests from nations around the world, each with specific details for excellent intercession.
You can find this alert online by going here. Thank you!
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News from the NRB
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NRB Reacts to Attack on Indiana RFRA
Manassas, VA- NRB today responded to the battle in the media over the State of Indiana's recently approved Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).
"This attack on supporters of RFRA is unfounded and disturbing," said Dr. Jerry A. Johnson, President & CEO of NRB. "Powerful liberal lobbies claim to champion tolerance, but the exact opposite is on full display this week."
Like the 20-year-old federal RFRA signed into law by President Bill Clinton, the recently approved Indiana RFRA demands deference to religious liberty unless there is a "compelling government interest" achieved by the "least restrictive means."
Dr. Johnson continued, "Such a fundamental freedom deserves a real place at the table when a courtroom battle results from government overreach."
(Source: NRB. Article published on March 20, 2015. To read more, please go here.)
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The Good News Corner
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34,000 Black Churches Break Ties With Presbyterian Church USA
The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a faith-based coalition of 34,000 churches comprised of 15 denominations and 15.7 million African-Americans, has broken its fellowship with Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) following its recent vote to approve same-sex marriage.
The Presbyterian General Assembly, the top legislative body of the PCUSA, voted last June to revise the constitutional language defining marriage. This arbitrary change of Holy Scripture is a flagrantly pretentious and illegitimate maneuver by a body that has no authority whatsoever to alter holy text.
Rev. Anthony Evans, NBCI President noted:
"NBCI and its membership base are simply standing on the Word of God within the mind of Christ. We urge our brother and sisters of the PCUSA to repent and be restored to fellowship."
"PCUSA's manipulation represents a universal sin against the entire church and its members. With this action, PCUSA can no longer base its teachings on 2,000 years of Christian scripture and tradition, and call itself a Christian entity in the body of Christ. It has forsaken its right by this single wrong act.
"Apostle Paul warns us about this when he declared in Galatians 1:8 that there are those who will preach another gospel.
"For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. . . For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
"No church has the right to change the Word of God. By voting to redefine marriage PCUSA automatically forfeits Christ's saving grace. There is always redemption in the body of Christ through confession of faith and adhering to Holy Scripture.
"In this case, PCUSA deliberately voted to change the Word of God and the interpretation of holy marriage between one man and one woman. This is why we must break fellowship with them and urge the entire Christendom to do so as well." (Charisma News) Read more here.
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Songs Our Grandmothers Sang
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Songs Our Grandmothers Sang:
HOW GREAT THOU ART
"O Lord, how great are Thy works!" (Psalm 92:5)
In these perilous times, when all that can be shaken is being shaken, let us return to the "faith of our fathers" and sing the hymns and songs of old.
May we each draw strength in our own time, as we "dig the wells of treasure" to draw upon the strength that carried our ancestors through their own perilous times. Amen.
Lyrics:
O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all
The world Thy Hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout
The universe displayed;
Refrain:
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;
Refrain
And when I think,
That God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die,
I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross,
My burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died
To take away my sin.
Refrain
When Christ shall come,
With shouts of acclamation,
And take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim,
"My God, how great Thou art!"
Refrain
With shouts of acclamation,
And take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim,
"My God, how great Thou art!"
Refrain
About the Author:
Lyrics ~ Carl Boberg, 1859 - 1940
> > > To learn how this great hymn came into being, please go here for the full story!
Sing along with Carrie Underwood!
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Signs and Wonders
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In Peru:
Ubinas volcano explodes, spreads ashes over nearby village
Nearly on the anniversary of the evacuation of 28 thousand camelids from its pastures, the Ubinas volcano erupts once again.
The Ubinas volcano of the Moquegua region erupted this morning at 4:24 a.m. causing a layer of ash to fall over nearby villages minutes later, according to Perú21.
On March 31, 2014, the volcano's eruption caused Querapi residents to be evacuated as it sits just five kilometers from the volcano. Days later on April 21, Peru ordered the evacuation of the camelid animals, as the volcano posed a threat following further activity.
Today the Ubinas volcano erupted after about four months of calm. The National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology of Peru (SENAMHI) calculated that the 2.5 km column of ash above the crater could reach more than 15 kilometers to the southeast.
Escacha and Ubinas Valley therefore will be receiving a layer of ash on their homes, cars, sidewalks, and buidlings today following the eruption. Scientific institutions advise that the local populations protect themselves with masks and goggles and to protect water resources and food to prevent contamination.
For about 40 years the volcano had been inactive, until 2006 when it began to register more activity. Since then, seismic activity, small eruptions, rocks and ash spewing from its crater have been a common occurrence. (Peru This Week) Read more.
"There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven." (Luke 21:11)
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Worship With Us Today!
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Worship With Us Today!
Rich Mullins - My Deliverer
(From the comments section):
Our Deliverer is coming sooner than many think. Be patient saints continue doing good, it won't be long. God Bless. A new commandment i give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another."By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34,35)
Worship Him here!!
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Two Daily Conference Calls
TO PRAY IN THE NIGHT:
Please note that the national prayer call continues every night with different leaders from different intercession ministries each night.
These prayer calls will be held nightly at 9PM EST. Please join us by calling 1-857-232-0156; access 377054. Please sign on 15 minutes early so we can be ready to pray at 9PM.
This call sponsored by Breaker of Dawn has been going on since Sept 9, 2014 and every night it is a Psalm 133 call with different ministries joining together and most every night there are intercessors that represent our entire nation.
For details, go here.
TO PRAY IN THE DAY:
A second conference call is now available daily (except on Sundays) at 11:30 a.m. EST. Sponsored by the Salt and Light Council, the focus of the daily "Repentance and Reformation" calls is to pray for all in authority.
You are cordially invited to join these calls by dialing 712-432-1699/ Access code 338083#
To learn more, please visit their website at:
http://randrprayer.org
> > > Day and night, in these perilous times, let's join forces on these calls to cry out unto God for His mercy to be shown to America and to Israel. Thank you!
