Today is Day Four of Anne Graham Lotz' call to prayer: MAY DAY! MAY DAY! To learn more about this call to prayer, please go here.
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"A National Prayer Alliance"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief:
"Praying for All in Authority"
Monday, May 18, 2015
"The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the LORD."
(Proverbs 21:31)
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A Rainbow Over the Supreme Court
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This photo of the front of the
Supreme Court was taken the night before the hearings on gay marriage: Monday, April 27, at sunset. Please remain with us in prayer over the pending decision on traditional marriage until the verdict has been rendered.
" . . . from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. . . What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (Mark 10: 6,9)
Thank You, Lord, for watching over this Court. In Jesus' name, amen.
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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. Israel at center of international diplomatic storm as Vatican, FIFA, EU step up pressure - Jerusalem Post
The international interference could end up backfiring and encouraging Palestinians to stay away from the negotiating table.
The Palestinian decision to internationalize their conflict with Israel seems to be paying off as Israel is coming under diplomatic pressure on several fronts at the same time. The Vatican decision to recognize "Palestine" as a state, an expected French-sponsored resolution to the United Nations Security Council, and the possible expulsion of Israel from FIFA, the international soccer federation, are creating the sense that Israel is losing the diplomatic battle.
"There is a sense of erosion," a senior Israeli official told The Media Line on condition of anonymity. "We see more and more countries and organizations buying into the unilateral logic of the Palestinians." (Read more)
2. Report: Saudis may purchase Pakistani atomic bomb - Times of Israel
Saudi Arabia has reached out to its ally Pakistan to acquire "off-the-shelf" atomic weapons as a nuclear arms race begins to shape up with Shiite rival Iran, US sources said.
"For the Saudis the moment has come," a former US defense official told the UK's Sunday Times last week. "There has been a longstanding agreement in place with the Pakistanis and the House of Saud has now made the strategic decision to move forward."
The anonymous former official said the US did not believe that "any actual weaponry has been transferred yet," but declared that "the Saudis mean what they say and they will do what they say." (Read more)
3. Iraq: Growth of the Shia militia - BBC
When Islamic State (IS) seized control of Iraq's second largest city, Mosul, in June 2014, along with other parts of the predominantly Sunni Arab north-west, Iraq's Shia militia were mobilised to launch a counter-offensive against the jihadists.
The collapse of Iraq's armed forces in the face of the IS advance led to these militia playing a pivotal role in government security operations over the past year, most notably in Tikrit.
However, they have also come under criticism for alleged human rights abuses, a charge their commanders deny.
Iraq's Shia militia are part of a broader mobilisation of the majority Shia community, which has traditionally aimed to contest power in the country and, prior to 2003, remedy the Shia's history of oppression at the hands of the Iraqi state. (Read more)
4. Islamic State militants 'smuggled to Europe' - watch.org
Islamic State (IS) fighters are being smuggled into Europe by gangs in the Mediterranean, an adviser to the Libyan government has told the BBC. Abdul Basit Haroun said smugglers were hiding IS militants on boats filled with migrants.
Officials in Italy and Egypt have previously warned that IS militants could reach Europe by migrant boat. However, experts have cautioned that it is very difficult to verify or assess such claims.
5. Senior US official to visit Turkey to discuss Syria - Todays Zaman
A senior US official responsible for Syria is scheduled to visit Turkey in the coming week to hold consultations with Turkish officials as well as the Syrian opposition leadership in exile as part of Washington's "ongoing efforts to bring about a political solution" to the Syrian conflict.
US Special Envoy for Syria Daniel Rubinstein is to travel to Switzerland and Russia before arriving in Turkey. He will proceed to Saudi Arabia after his stop in Turkey. He will depart Washington on Saturday and his trip will conclude on May 27.
The US envoy for Syria will be accompanied by UN Envoy Steffan de Mistura during his trip and will participate in UN-led consultations on Syria. The State Department said he would discuss with officials of several governments the need for a sustainable political transition based on the Geneva principles and continue his engagement with the leadership of Syria's moderate political opposition in İstanbul. (Read more)
6. Netanyahu Pledges: Jerusalem Will Never be Divided Again - Israel National News
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday evening participated in the Jerusalem Day celebration at the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva, declaring that Jerusalem will be forever united.
Referring to recent terror incidents in Jerusalem, Netanyahu stated, "We are determined to pursue the terrorists and confront all our enemies like a fortified wall, like the walls of Jerusalem."
"At the same time," continued Netanyahu, "we have another eternal answer to terrorism - we will continue to develop the city, to build it, to make it a superpower in education and science, the center of the Torah. I pledge that as Prime Minister I will continue to develop the city. The city was united, and will never be divided again."
Earlier Sunday, Netanyahu spoke at the official Jerusalem Day ceremony marking 48 years since the unification of Jerusalem at Ammunition Hill National Memorial Site in the city. (Read more)
7. PM: Israel to pursue 'diplomatic settlement' with Palestinians - Times of Israel
At the first meeting of Israel's 34th government on Friday morning, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would pursue a diplomatic "settlement" with the Palestinians while working with regional states to attain that goal.
"We will continue to promote a diplomatic settlement while upholding the vital interests and security of the citizens of Israel. At the same time and perhaps in assistance, we will try to realize the opportunity of regional developments and new possibilities of action with the moderate and responsible countries around us," Netanyahu told his new cabinet.
Like the coalition agreement published this week, Netanyahu's statement made no mention of a two-state solution - the concept of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel which is favored by the US, EU, United Nations and Arab League and which Netanyahu has sometimes said he endorses in principle. (Read more)
8. UN Chief Deplores Israel's 'Settlement Activity' - Israel National News
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday condemned Israel over its plans to build new homes in the Biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria.
A statement from Ban's spokesman said the UN chief "strongly deplored the advancement of settlement activities on three occasions over the past three consecutive weeks by the Israeli authorities in the occupied West Bank, including in East Jerusalem."
"He reiterates that settlements are illegal under international law and urges the Government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions in the interest of peace and a just final status agreement," the statement added.
Ban also reiterated that the international community will not recognize unilateral actions on the ground and that the status of Jerusalem can only be resolved through negotiations. (Read more)
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The Daily Brief
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1. Elizabeth Warren Joins California Democrats in Opposing Trade Deal - Newsmax
For a few hours on Saturday morning, a convention center near Disneyland became the hub of opposition to President Barack Obama's authority to negotiate a trans-Pacific trade deal.
Outside California's Anaheim Convention Center, union members chanted slogans against the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership and unfurled a banner reading: "Tell Congress to support American trade. Not unfair trade." Inside, Senator Elizabeth Warren rallied California Democratic Party activists with a speech that criticized the trade deal as a gift to corporations.
The annual convention of the largest state party revealed rifts in the Democratic base, as many activists parted ways with Obama over the trade pact. The California Democratic Party is on record opposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership. (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, we bring before You this trans-Pacific trade deal which will impact jobs for citizens in our nation by giving them to these other nations. Previous agreements have proven this happens. Have mercy, Father, as we know we are a sinful nation and we stand in the gap, repenting for these sins. Help Your people who need jobs so badly in this nation, praying this in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.
- "A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident." (Proverbs 14:16)
2. Pelosi: Shorten duration of 'fast-track' power - The Hill
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Thursday urged the Obama administration to shorten the "fast-track" window for the president's ambitious trade agenda. The White House is lobbying hard for a trade-promotion authority (TPA) bill, also known as fast-track power, that would facilitate emerging trade deals with Asia and Europe by easing their passage through Congress.
But Pelosi warned that the TPA bill under consideration would also govern trade negotiations as far as six years into the future, including deals Congress would effectively be accelerating without knowing anything about them. She likened it to a get-out-of-jail-free card for presidents - both Obama and his successor - to negotiate trade accords without much congressional input.
"One overriding concern that members have on the TPA, is that this is not a TPA . . . just for the Pacific bill, the TPP bill, or the European bill that will be coming up. This is really effectively . . . a carte blanche fast-track of three years, which is easily renewable for three [more] years," she said during a press briefing in the Capitol. "This fast-track is for things unknown, and I would hope that there could be some addressing of the length of time and the open season that it gives for any trade agreement." (Read more)
- Lord God, we thank You that Ms. Pelosi is asking that this bill be amended, so that this president not be granted "carte blanche" power to do as he pleases with this treaty or any other one further down the road. We ask that Obama heeds this warning. Help us Father! Stop this grabbing of power with no secondary review being requested by the Executive branch. We pray this in the Name of Jesus, Amen and Amen.
- "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge." (Proverbs 14:7)
3. NTSB: Amtrak Train 188 May Have Been Struck Before Derailment
- CBS News
In a surprising revelation, the National Transportation Safety Board said a projectile appears to have hit the windshield of an Amtrak passenger train before it derailed Tuesday night, killing eight passengers and severely injuring dozens. According to one witness, it happened shortly after a second train reported being hit by a rock or bullet near the same location.Now, the FBI has been brought in.
At a news conference Friday evening, NTSB member Robert Sumwalt explained that investigators interviewed two assistant conductors from Amtrak Train 188. One said that shortly after leaving Philadelphia's 30th Street station, she heard an engineer from a local SEPTA commuter train report his train being hit."She recalled that the SEPTA engineer had reported to the train dispatcher that he had either been hit by a rock or shot at," Sumwalt said. "And that the SEPTA engineer said that he had a broken windshield, and that he placed his train into emergency stop."
The assistant conductor went on to tell investigators she believed the Amtrak train had also been hit. Sumwalt described a circular pattern of damage on the lower port of the windshield. "This is her recollection, and certainly we are going to be conducting further investigation of this comment," Sumwalt said. "Our investigation has not independently confirmed this information, but we have seen damage to the left hand, lower portion of the Amtrak windshield that we have asked the FBI to come in and look at for us."
The NTSB later told CBS News it was looking into reports that a third train, Amtrak Acela 2173, was also struck by an object on Tuesday night. (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, we are thankful that more information is being brought into this investigation. May everything come to light that is needed so that Your form of justice will be served in this situation. We pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.
- "A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies." (Proverbs 14:25)
4. Push to court-martial general for thanking God- WND
Spoke at the National Day of Prayer Observance in Washington, D.C.
A civil-liberties group is demanding a two-star Air Force general be court-martialed for mentioning God at a National Day of Prayer Task Force speech on May 7.
Despite the religious nature of the event, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation has called for Olson to be "aggressively and very visibly brought to justice for his unforgivable crimes and transgressions," adding that any other service members who helped him should be investigated and punished "to the full extent of military law."
Lt. Col. Allen Herritage said in an email reported by Air Force Times, "I can tell you the Air Force places a high value on the rights of its members to observe the tenets of their respective religion or to observe no religion at all. The Air Force is dedicated to maintaining an environment in which people can realize their highest potential." (Read more)
- Lord God, we thank You that Major General Craig Olson has boldly proclaimed his faith at this public event for the National Day of Prayer. Through his testimony, he SHALL overcome the enemy.
We continue to cry out for the soul of Mikey Weinstein, whose heart is so turned against You. "Father, forgive him, for he knows not what he does." By coming against Olson's testimony, Lord God, Weinstein is coming against You. We call forth a literal "Damascus experience" in the life of Mikey Weinstein, and we praise You in all things, in Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." (Rev. 12:11)
5. Lawmakers praise risky US raid that killed ISIS leader Abu Sayyaf
- Fox News
Washington lawmakers from both parties on Sunday praised the U.S. raid that killed Abu Sayyaf, a key Islamic State leader in charge of the group's oil and gas operations in eastern Syria. "It's good news," Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said on "Fox News Sunday." "Obviously, any time you can degrade or take away top leadership of an organization. It's a positive step forward."
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., also commended the operation, saying U.S. "intelligence was good" but that the operation was risky. "If one of our people were captured, if we lost some of our Special Forces, there would be tough questions to answer about whether it was worth it, and notwithstanding the success of the operation, we will still have to ask the questions," the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee said on CNN's "State of the Union."
The White House confirmed Saturday that a team of Delta Force commandos slipped across the border from Iraq under cover of darkness Saturday aboard Black Hawk helicopters and V-22 Osprey aircraft, according to a U.S. defense official knowledgeable about details of the raid. (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, we pray that the death of this key leader and the capture of his wife and others will prove to be all the US leaders expect it to be. May this curtail some of the illicit oil, gas and financial operations in the Islamic State within Syria. We continue to ask for redemption for any of these people's souls if they will come, praying this in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.
- "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." (Proverbs 15:3)
6. Statement by the President on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia - The White House
Michelle and I join our fellow Americans and others around the world in commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia tomorrow, May 17. We take this opportunity to reaffirm that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights are human rights, to celebrate the dignity of every person, and to underscore that all people deserve to live free from fear, violence, and discrimination, regardless of who they are or whom they love.
We work toward this goal every day. Here at home, we are working to end bias-motivated violence, combat discrimination in the workplace, and address the specific needs of transgender persons. Overseas, I am proud of the steps that the United States has taken to prioritize the protection and promotion of LGBT rights in our diplomacy and global outreach.
There is much more to do, and this fight for equality will not be won in a day. But we will keep working, at home and abroad, and we will keep fighting, for however long it takes until we are all able to live free and equal in dignity and rights. (Read more)
- (Commentary by John McTernan) "The power of America is now transferred to people with a reprobate mind, and this is the only reason Obama can get away with this. There is really not much righteous power from God left in the country. As the power hemorrhaged from the church, America died and people like Obama came to power.
I really do think this summer is going to see awesome judgments from the Holy God of Israel, as the homosexual agenda kicks into high gear and Obama goes after Israel.
God is faithful and did warn America but the church was too busy. Even now there is such a tiny remnant that fears God and intercedes before Him." (Read more)
- "And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof . . . but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary." (Ezekiel 9:4)
7. Egypt's former president Morsi sentenced to death - Jerusalem Post
An Egyptian court on Saturday sought the death penalty for former president Mohamed Morsi and more than 100 other members of the Muslim Brotherhood in connection with a mass jail break in 2011.
Mursi and his fellow defendants, including the Brotherhood's top leader Mohamed Badie, were convicted for killing and kidnapping policemen, attacking police facilities and breaking out of jail during the 2011 uprising against Hosni Mubarak.
The court, expected to make a final ruling on June 2, also sought capital punishment for Brotherhood leader Khairat el-Shater and 15 others for conspiring with foreign militant groups against Egypt.
The cases, like all capital sentences, will be referred to Egypt's top religious authority, the Grand Mufti, for an opinion before any executions can take place. (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, we lift up praise that justice appears to be occurring in Egypt. May this case become an example for other nations throughout the Middle East, using it to rein in the out-of-control lawlessness that has been running rampant in their own nations. We pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.
- "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." (Prov. 14:34)
8. China, Russia celebrate the dawn of the Un-American Century
- New York Post
Supposedly "isolated" Russia's romance with China flourishes. No wonder: Both countries appreciate power politics and scoff at America's display of global weakness.
President Obama pooh-poohed Moscow ever since his "reset" with Russia crashed and burned. He argued that under President Vladimir Putin Russia is an isolated country on the verge of bankruptcy.
That was then. On Tuesday, after months of snubbing the Kremlin, Secretary of State John Kerry came hat in hand to Sochi, Russia, where he tried to schmooze Putin and his foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov.
The Kremlin signaled its disdain for Washington by declining to confirm Kerry's meeting with Putin until the last minute. Afterward, Kerry sheepishly said the sides weren't seeking a "major breakthrough." (Read more)
- Lord God, only You can know the true facts regarding our own relationship with the nation of Russia, but we do know that You hung on that Cross and died that we might all come to know You as Savior and as Lord of our lives. As the leaders of nations continue to juggle for positions of power, we confess that we are powerless without You in our lives. We ask that You watch over Your remnant Bride in America and in Russia, so that we might be able to release the Gospel freely every day until the day of Your soon return. We ask this in Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- "Let the nations be judged in Your sight. Put them in fear, O Lord, That the nations may know themselves to be but men." (Psalm 9:19,20)
9. Pope Francis Meets with Abbas, Calls Him 'An Angel of Peace'
- Israel National News
Pope Francis warmly welcomed Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas on the latter's visit to the Vatican today (Saturday). The Pope even went so far as to call Abbas "an angel of peace." Though he is Muslim, Abbas flew to the Vatican in order to participate in tomorrow's canonization of two new Arab saints. The two nuns lived during the 19th century in what was then known as Ottoman-ruled Palestine.
Pope Francis's compliment towards Abbas came when the two exchanged gifts. The Pope gave Abbas a medallion that represents the angel of peace defeating the "bad spirit of war," and said that it is appropriate because "you are an angel of peace." In return, Abbas gave the Pope relics from the new saints.
In addition to celebrating the new saints, the Holy See recently announced that it has worked out a treaty with the "state of Palestine," cementing its decision two years ago to recognize the "country." The Vatican's deputy foreign minister, Antoine Camilleri, expressed his hope that "the accord could, even in an indirect way, help the Palestinians in the establishment and recognition of an independent, sovereign and democratic State of Palestine."
Israel's foreign ministry reacted strongly to the treaty, saying, "Such a development does not further the peace process and distances the Palestinian leadership from returning to direct bilateral negotiations. Israel will study the agreement and consider its next step." (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, this report is surreal. How can the Palestinian Authority's leader be truthfully called "an angel of peace?" We fall before Your throne and ask for mercy for Your special land and its people!! This treaty between the Roman Catholic pope and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas appears to create a further divide to any fair negotiations between the PA and Israel. We pray that this treaty will shatter and be of no effect, praying this in the Name of Jesus and under His Shed Blood, Amen and Amen.
- "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12)
10. Peres proposes 'UN for religions' to pope at Vatican - Jerusalem Post
Francis had 'interest, encouragement' for idea, papal spokesman says.
Former president Shimon Peres emerged from a Vatican City audience with Pope Francis Thursday after proposing a kind of United Nations for religions. . . the main topic of conversation was Peres's idea to create a UN-like organization he called "the United Religions."
Peres said the Argentina-born pontiff was the only world figure respected enough to bring an end to the wars raging in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world.
"In the past, most of the wars in the world were motivated by the idea of nationhood," Peres said. "But today, wars are incited using religion as an excuse."
The summit between Peres and Francis is the third high-profile meeting between the leaders in little more than four months. (Read more)
- Abba Father, this article should awaken students of Your Word that we are now in the End Times. We know that a 'uniting of religions' will occur but it is not something in which any of Your people should be participating. We ask that You awaken Your people with a clarion call to rise up and share Your truths quickly, so that all that choose to be redeemed can join the 'army' of intercessory prayer as watchmen and witnesses to others. We pray this in the Name of Jesus and under His Shed Blood, Amen and Amen.
- "For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people." (1 Samuel 12:22)
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Islam A Religion Of War (I)
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Islam A Religion Of War (I)
A new audio recording of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was released yesterday. It is the first time the world has heard from al-Baghdadi in six months. There has been much speculation in the media that he was killed or incapacitated. The recording is undoubtedly an attempt by ISIS to reassure jihadis that their leader is alive and well.
I hope our politically correct leaders are paying attention to what Mr. Baghdadi is saying. The ISIS leader is urging Muslims everywhere to wage jihad now. He says that Muslims have an obligation to "migrate to the Islamic State or fight in his land wherever that may be."
According the New York Times, "The Islamic State released the recording online on Thursday with translations in English, French, German, Russian and Turkish, an unusual move suggesting that the group was hoping for maximum exposure."
Al-Baghdadi also directly refutes the oft-repeated claims of Western leaders that Islam is a religion of peace. He says:
"O Muslims, Islam was never for a day the religion of peace. Islam is the religion of war. No one should believe that the war that we are waging is the war of the Islamic State. It is the war of all Muslims, but the Islamic State is spearheading it. It is the war of Muslims against infidels."
Barack Obama and our politically correct elites can argue with Mr. Baghdadi, Al Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, etc., all they want. But I take him at his word.
To be clear, not every Muslim is a jihadist. Many Muslims fought with us in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many Muslims would like to live in peace and enjoy the prosperity that modern life offers.
That said, it is delusional to deny the obvious. Islam has a problem with violence, and there is tremendous sympathy within the Muslim world for jihadi tactics. We may not be at war with radical Islam, but radical Islam is clearly at war with us. (Gary Bauer)
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Islam A Religion Of War (II)
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Islam A Religion Of War (II)
ISIS Leader Issues Call to Arms to All Muslims:
"Islam Was Never a Religion of Peace,
Islam is the Religion of War "
On Thursday of this week AlertsUSA subscribers were notified via text messages to their mobile devices regarding the release of a new audio message from ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, within which he calls on all Muslims to 'fight for the Caliphate' and openly professes a point that AlertsUSA Threat Journal has been driving home for months, despite the lies put forth by our elected officials and liberal apologists.
Baghdadi states:
"O Muslims, Islam was never for a day the religion of peace. Islam is the religion of war.
"Do not think the war that we are waging is the Islamic State's war alone. Rather, it is the Muslims' war altogether. It is the war of every Muslim in every place, and the Islamic State is merely the spearhead in this war. It is but the war of the people of faith against the people of disbelief, so march forth to your war O Muslims. March forth everywhere, for it is an obligation upon every Muslim who is accountable before Allah. And whoever stays behind or flees, Allah (the Mighty and Majestic) will be angry with him and will punish him with a painful torment."
In order to achieve maximum effectiveness and reach, Baghdadi's message was simultaneously released in five languages: Russian, Turkish, French, German & English. The title of the message, "March Forth Whether Heavy or Light", comes from the 9th chapter of the Koran calling on believers to "strive with your wealth and your lives in the cause of Allah."
This past November, al-Baghdadi was widely reported to have been killed in battle. These reports were proven incorrect when a new video was released within which Baghdadi promised "volcanoes of jihad" and dismissed the United States as "terrified" and meek.
This past March, Baghdadi was also widely reported as having been seriously injured and possibly killed in U.S. airstrike in Western Iraq. The audio message released this week is being viewed by most analysts as proof that al-Baghdadi (injured or not) is still leading at the helm of the Islamic State.
AlertsUSA cautions readers that it is our assessment that this message may turn out to be one of the most dangerous and compelling ever released by the terror organization and stands a high likelihood of having some of the greatest motivational impact on followers.
The four primary reasons are as follows:
1. As opposed to a plea for assistance or being smooth and crafty (ala the "Jihadi Cool" campaign), this message essentially spoon feeds admonishment and drives motivation based on content from the Koran (considered by Muslims to be divine in its orgins) and the actions and words of the Prophet Mohammud (considered by Muslims to be the "perfect example"). Perhaps most important, the message lays out the ramifications for failure to act.
The concept can be viewed as similar to a pastor or priest biblically admonishing and encouraging church members to adjust their daily walk and to align their lives in accordance with that taught in scripture. Not everyone responds, but for many, such counsel can be an extremely powerful influence.
2. The release of this message demonstrates that Baghadi is likely still alive, despite the totality of efforts by the U.S., multiple European allies, Iraq, Australian, Jordanian and Kurdish forces.
3. The continued successes the Islamic State is experiencing on the ground, despite the denials of Washington.
4. American and European Muslims inclined towards joining the jihad continue to see the daily capitulation of Western governments and members of the public towards the growth and advancement of Islam out of fear of accusation of racism and intolerance.
We remind readers of a warning issued last week by FBI Director James Comey, within which he stated that there are "hundreds, maybe thousands of people across the country who are receiving recruitment overtures from the terrorist group or directives to attack the U.S.." We also remind readers that U.S. military bases nationwide remain at a heightened level of alert due to a growing concern of a jihadist threat in the country. US bases are now operating at what is referred to as Force Protection Condition Bravo, the 3rd of 5 different operating levels. (Alerts USA)
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Israel's New Government
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ISRAEL'S NEW GOVERNMENT
"For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another."
(Psalm 75:6-7)
We have never prayed as much for an Israeli election and for the formation of a new Israeli government as we did these past months. Therefore we believe that this government, under the premiership of Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, is what the Lord purposed. And although at this moment it has only a slim majority of 61 out of Israel's 120-member parliament (Knesset), we believe it will last much longer than all Israel's enemies hope. Its composition of just religious and politically right parties makes it the most conservative government in Israel's entire history - strong enough, if we continue to support it with our fervent prayers, to withstand the pressures from within Israel as well as from without.
After all the haggling for special positions and favors which they have received, none of Netanyahu's coalition partners will now want to vote against their own government for fear of losing their hard won perks. The excessive talk from Israel's left wing commentators - with their dire predictions about the brevity of the new government's term and its inevitably quick collapse - stems more from the Left's unwillingness to accept - even rage against - the vote of the majority of their countrymen who chose for the right and not for them.
With the manifold political pressures already building on Benjamin Netanyahu's government from Washington DC and European capitals, together with the ever-growing threat posed by Israel's enemies - Iran, Hamas with its renewed tunnel building and stockpiling, and the Hizbollah with their tens of thousands of rockets ready to be fired on all of Israel - we need to come behind this government with strength.
Let us uphold it so that it will withstand not only the many pressures from without, but also the unacceptable destructive criticism by many on Israel's left from within.
May God indeed prevail for the sake of His beloved people, I pray.
Heartcry is a half an hour film where Benjamin Netanyahu and myself speak up for Israel. I believe it is one of the best tools we have to make known the love and compassion God has for His own people. Use it not just for your own viewing but share it as much as possible with others also. People all over the world have been deeply moved through this film! Here is where you can find it.
Jan Willem van der Hoeven, Director
International Christian Zionist Center
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A Good Report from Congress
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Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015
The House passed this bill, H.R. 2297, on Thursday, May 14, by a vote of 423-0.
The Senate will take up this bill next.
(Read more)
> > > Praise the Lord!
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A Global Thank You
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How do you write a global thank you?
We believers in America are deeply touched and will always thank you, brothers and sisters in Christ all over the planet, for your tangible support during this key period April 30- May 7 in America.
Something very good and very profound happened and we are still digesting it.
Many of you---- the Lord knows who---- supported us by taking time where you live to repent with us on our National Day of Repentance on April 30. Additionally, many of you went the extra mile and prayed and fasted for us up to our National Day of Prayer on May 7. On that day there was a wonderful spiritual "explosion": over a million viewed the Washington DC Capitol ceremonies on God TV and the NDP website. And for the first time that key gathering included not just the instruction to repent, but seven minutes on bended knees. Many key leaders in the audience, including candidates for the Presidency, repented for their own sins and our nations' sins.
Clearly your support was a huge blessing to foster this breakthrough, and it opened our hearts. Now it's our turn to support you on any national day of repentance or prayer you wish to organize for your nation.
The Lord is pleased. Onward to the next event, Christian soldiers.
God bless you, and thank you again,
Pastor Jeff Daly
National Day of Repentance
www.dayofrepentance.org
jdalylaw@aol.com
[This is an excerpt. To read all of Pastor Jeff's comments, please go here.]
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Pray for Revival in Europe!
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Pray for a great revival in Europe!
Good news from John Robb!
(Message received on Friday, May 15th; posting today.)
Dear Friends, The Lord seems to have His finger on Europe these days! A prayer event just concluded in Rome and there will be additional prayer gatherings in the UK, Holland and Romania coming up over the next couple of months. Right now, the Nordic Summit for marketplace people is happening in Stockholm and the Arab Europe prayer conference is happening here in Wiesbaden, Germany, both continuing today through tomorrow. Here in Wiesbaden, there are 300 Arab immigrant believers who have gathered from all over Europe- Egyptians, Iraqis and Syrians, some who are refugees from the conflicts going on in the Middle East.
It all reminds me of a visionary experience I had years ago not far from where we are here in Germany in which I saw pin pricks of light approaching in the great darkness. As they got closer, they were warriors with burning swords cutting through the dark canopy and I heard the words, "These are the intercessors". Afterwards, I heard these words, "New Reformation." A few days later, I received a communication from Loren Cunningham, the founder of Youth with a Mission, in which he was calling Christians in Europe to pray and work for a "New Reformation"! Wow, could the Spirit of the Lord be doing this now, moving brothers and sisters in Christ to gather others together across this great continent that has known wonderful revivals in the past and was the major mission- sending center for a couple centuries?
On Saturday (May 16th), a local prayer leader and I will visit a colleague and friend of mine who is stationed at Herrnhut, the place where Count Zinzendorf and the Moravians began a prayer ministry and chain in the 18th century that went on for 100 years and sent out hundreds of missionaries, the first Protestants to go to the ends of the earth. A few years ago, some local believers started it up again as a 24/7 prayer ministry! We will then go on to Berlin to meet with other prayer leaders concerning Germany, the home of the Reformation in the 16th century and the great Pietist revival that swept through this country in the 17th century.
Would you please pray with us for a great outpouring of His Spirit on these prayer gatherings and upon the nations of Europe over the coming weeks?
1 Pray for great unity and clarity for the leaders and participants to know how they should pray for their nations and for this continent as a whole.
2 That the prayer movement which has at times been a trickle will become a mighty river, stirring Europeans so accustomed to empty, deadening secularism, to be hungry to know the Lord and return to Him with all their hearts.
3 Pray that the principalities and powers that have influenced the thinking of so many with their various -isms will be bound and driven to the feet of Jesus and that people here will go free from the materialism that blinds so many.
4 For genuine and widespread spiritual revival as happened in centuries past. It can happen again!
The Lord wants Europe back! Let's pray and trust Him to do "far more abundantly". He can transform regions as easily as individual nations when His people pray. "According to your faith, it will be to you", He said. Thanks for joining in!
Best regards from Germany,
John Robb
John Robb
Chairman, International Prayer Council
International Facilitator, World Prayer Assembly 2012
www.ipcprayer.org
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmDeuokTQ7I
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Remembering Churchill
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Remembering Churchill
Seventy-five years ago this week, Winston Churchill, one of my heroes, delivered his first speech to Parliament as prime minister of Great Britain. Here is a portion of that famous address:
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering.
"You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy.
"You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival."
Churchill was, of course, referring to the rise of Nazi Germany. But with the rise of ISIS and the looming threat of a nuclear-armed Iran, it is not difficult to imagine a future British prime minister, Israeli prime minister or American president delivering such a speech rallying the free world to victory over radical Islam. (Gary Bauer)
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Our Grandmothers' Songs
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Songs Our Grandmothers Sang:
THERE IS POWER IN THE BLOOD
"They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:14)
Lyrics:
Would you be free from the burden of sin?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you o'er evil a victory win?
There's wonderful power in the blood.
Refrain
There is power, power, wonder working power
In the blood of the Lamb;
There is power, power, wonder working power
In the precious blood of the Lamb.
Would you be free from your passion and pride?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Come for a cleansing to Calvary's tide;
There's wonderful power in the blood.
Refrain
Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Sin stains are lost in its life giving flow.
There's wonderful power in the blood.
Refrain
Would you do service for Jesus your King?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you live daily His praises to sing?
There's wonderful power in the blood.
Refrain
Melody
Please go here.
Or go here to sing along!
About the Author:
Words & Music: Lewis E. Jones, 1899
About the Hymn:
Jones wrote this song at a camp meeting at Mountain Lake Park, Maryland.
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Signs and Wonders
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40 Volcanoes Are Erupting Right Now, And 34 Of Them
Are Along The Ring Of Fire
[With apologies for the "stuff" at the top of this page! This lengthy article summarizes all of the activity going on now, around the world, with excellent sources included throughout.]
You may not have noticed, but our planet is becoming increasingly unstable. According toVolcano Discovery, 40 volcanoes around the globe are erupting right now, and only 6 of them are not along the Ring of Fire. If that sounds like a very high number to you, that is because it is a very high number. As I have written about previously, there were a total of 3,542 volcanic eruptions during the entire 20th century. When you divide that number by 100, that gives you an average of about 35 volcanic eruptions per year. So the number of volcanoes that are erupting right now is well above the 20th century's average for an entire calendar year. And of course we are witnessing a tremendous amount of earthquake activity as well. Nepal was just hit by the worst earthquake that it had seen in 80 years, and scientists are telling us that the Himalayas actually dropped by an astounding 3 feet as a result of that one earthquake. How much more does our planet have to shake before people start paying attention?
Of course the things that we have been seeing lately are part of a much larger long-term trend. Seismic activity appears to have been getting stronger over the past few decades, and now things really seem to be accelerating. The following is how one news sourcer ecently summarized what we have been witnessing . . .
If it seems like earthquakes and erupting volcanoes are happening more frequently, that's because they are. Looking at global magnitude six (M6) or greater from 1980 to 1989 there was an average of 108.5 earthquakes per year, from 2000 to 2009 the planet averaged 160.9 earthquakes per year: that is a 38.9% increase of M6+ earthquakes in recent years. Unrest also seems to be growing among the world's super-volcanoes. Iceland (which is home to some of the most dangerous volcanoes on the planet), Santorini in Greece, Uturuncu in Bolivia, the Yellowstone and Long Valley calderas in the U.S., Laguna del Maule in Chile, Italy's Campi Flegrei - almost all of the world's active super-volcanic systems are now exhibiting some signs of inflation, an early indication that pressure is building in these volcanic systems. (Red Flag News) Read more.
"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea." (Luke 21:25)
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The Good News Corner
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Southern Baptists to open their ranks to missionaries who speak in tongues
(RNS) After decade-long resistance, the Southern Baptist Convention will admit missionary candidates who speak in tongues, a practice associated with Pentecostal and charismatic churches.
The new policy, approved by the denomination's International Mission Board on Wednesday (May 13), reverses a policy that was put in place 10 years ago.
. . . Allowing Southern Baptist missionaries to speak in tongues, or have what some SBC leaders call a "private prayer language," speaks to the growing strength of Pentecostal churches in Africa, Asia and South America, where Southern Baptists are competing for converts and where energized new Christians are enthusiastically embracing the practice.
"In so many parts of the world, these charismatic experiences are normative," said Bill Leonard, professor of church history at Wake Forest Divinity School. "Religious groups that oppose them get left behind evangelistically."
The change does not mean that Southern Baptists will commission missionaries who speak in tongues. But Wendy Norvelle, a spokeswoman for the IMB, said an affirmative answer regarding the practice would no longer lead to automatic disqualification. (Religion News Service) Read more.
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Worship With Us Today!
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Worship With Us Today!
All to Us
Chris Tomlin
Precious cornerstone, sure foundation
You are faithful to the end
We are waiting, on You, Jesus
We believe You're all to us
Let the glory of Your name be the passion of the Church
Let the righteousness of God be a holy flame that burns
Let the saving love of Christ be the measure of our lives
We believe You're all to us
[Worship Him . . . and hear all of this magnificent song 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!
