Good morning, Prayer Partners!
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, February 22, 2016
"The LORD will cause His voice of authority to be heard." (Isaiah 30:30)
"His sovereignty rules over all." (Psalm 103:19)
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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. Hamas says it found sensors, cameras in Gaza terror tunnels - Jerusalem Post
A top Hamas official said on Friday that the Islamist movement's military wing discovered sensors, cameras, and other surveillance equipment in one of its tunnels underneath the Gaza Strip.
Ismail Haniyeh, the former head of the Hamas-run government in Gaza and the current deputy political bureau chief, said that the gadgets found by the Izzadin al-Kassam brigades were planted there in an effort to discover more tunnels.
Earlier this month, a Hamas operative was killed in a tunnel collapse in southern Gaza's Khan Younis region, according to Palestinian sources. (Read more)
2. Russia said unhappy with Israeli-Turkish reconciliation - Times of Israel
While growing regional unrest seems to be bringing Israel and Turkey - the allies-turned-adversaries - closer together, it may be leaving a major player decidedly cold.
According to a report in Haaretz on Thursday, Russia is unhappy with the emerging détente between the two Middle Eastern nations, and made its reservations known to Israeli officials when diplomats met in Moscow Thursday to discuss regional developments.
A key Turkish demand for reconciliation has been for Ankara to be allowed generous access to the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid and develop the impoverished enclave's infrastructure. The deal may also involve new agreements by which Israel will become a key supplier of natural gas to Turkey. (Read more)
3. Netanyahu defends army chief for advocating restraint - Times of Israel
After several days of silence on the matter, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out Sunday at right-wing politicians who criticized IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot for saying that the army's rules of engagement do not include soldiers "emptying a full magazine into a girl holding scissors."
Eisenkot "stated the obvious and it is apparent that security forces do act" as the chief of staff prescribed, Netanyahu said at the opening of the weekly cabinet meeting. "All statements made [against Eisenkot] afterward were inappropriate and were due to either a lack of understanding or political assaults."
Opposition leader Isaac Herzog slammed Netanyahu on Saturday for failing to speak out in support of Eisenkot, saying that the prime minister "let ministers and MKs in his coalition besmirch the man in charge of our security, and that is unacceptable." (Read more)
4.Report: Israel formulating economic assistance plan for PA - Israel National News
Israel is formulating an economic aid plan for the Palestinian Authority,Channel 10 News revealed on Sunday.
According to the channel, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon (Kulanu) and his Palestinian counterpart led delegations that met several times in Jerusalem over the past few weeks in order to put together the economic assistance plan.
The last meeting in the series took place last week, and Kahlon is now putting together a package of economic measures which he will bring in the coming days to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for approval. (Read more)
5. Iran-backed group blames Israel for trying to kill leader in Gaza - Jerusalem Post
The Iranian-backed Al-Sabireen over the weekend accused Israel of being behind an attempt on the life of the terrorist group's secretary- general, Hisham Salem.
A powerful explosion targeted the home of Salem in Gaza City early on Friday, causing huge damage, the group said. No one was hurt.
Al-Sabireen (The Patient Ones), in a statement released shortly after the explosion, claimed that Israel and its "agents" were responsible for the assassination attempt against its leader. (Read more)
6. Canadian parliament to formally reject anti-Israel boycotts - Israel Hayom
The Canadian parliament is set to pass a bipartisan bill that would condemn any efforts to support the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel.
"We must fight anti-Semitism in all its forms," said Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion. "We must oppose the boycott, divest, sanctions campaign in our communities and continue to speak out forcefully against them."
The bill was introduced by two Conservative Party lawmakers, and the Liberal Party majority has indicated that it will support the motion. According to Canadian media reports, the vote will take place on Monday. (Read more)
7. Intercessors for Israel: Weekly Prayer Bulletin
To read this bulletin, please go here.
8. Bridges for Peace: Weekly Prayer Bulletin
To read this bulletin, please go here.
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The Daily Brief
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1. Justice Scalia, conservative leader, remembered in Mass service for his devotion to faith, family - Fox News
Thousands of people paid their final respects on Saturday to Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, in a funeral Mass in Washington that celebrated the conservative leader's devotion to his faith and family.
"God bless dad for his faith," said the Rev. Paul Scalia, one of Justice Scalia's nine children, who led the service at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. "The deeper he went in his faith, the better public servant he was. God bless dad for his love of his family."
The roughly two-hour-long service was attended by such leaders in government and law as Vice President Joe Biden, former GOP Vice President Dick Cheney, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, former GOP House Speaker Newt Gingrich, 95-year-old retired Justice John Paul Stevens and the remaining eight high court justices.
Among them were Justice Clarence Thomas who read from the New Testament.(Read more)
- "He had spent nearly three decades on the high court." Justice Scalia's actions tell us this man's heart was focused on serving The High Court of Heaven. Now with our hearts focused on who will take his seat on the Supreme Court, we pray You will again do as You did for Your people in the past, amen.
- "The Lord has sought out a man after His own heart." (1 Samuel 13:14)
2. 8 Times Justice Scalia Affirmed There is No Right to Abortion in the Constitution - Life News
Hailed by many as a pro-life hero, the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia never was shy about explaining how the Constitution does not grant women a so-called right to abortion. Scalia was found dead on Saturday morning at a Texas resort, LifeNews reported. Authorities say he died of natural causes. He was 79. Many pro-life groups mourned Scalia's death over the weekend, calling him a pro-life hero for consistently rejecting the flawed reasoning of Roe v. Wade. In numerous interviews and speeches, Scalia called Roe bad case law and said he would vote to overturn it if a case reached his desk Here are some of Scalia's strong statements about life. (Read more)
- Justice Scalia stood unflinchingly for the intent of the constitution, and boldly pointed out, "You're allowing five out of nine hotshot lawyers to run the country." Thus it is we cry out for You to give us another Justice who will work according to Your Word, in Jesus' name, amen.
- " . . . to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to walk in the wisdom of the just . . ." (Luke 1:17)
3. GOP showing signs of backing down from vow to block Obama's Supreme Court nominee automatically - Washington Times
SenateJudiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, Iowa Republican, didn't rule out confirmation hearings and a vote by his panel on an Obama selection. "I would wait until the nominee is made before I would make any decision," Mr. Grassley said Tuesday in a conference call with Iowa radio reporters. "In other words, take it a step at a time."
Sen. Thom Tillis, North Carolina Republican, voiced caution about blocking any Obama nominee automatically. "I think we fall into the trap if [we] just simply say, sight unseen, we fall into the trap of being obstructionists," Mr. Tillis said on Tyler Cralle's radio show.
But Mr. Tillis added of the president, "If he puts forth someone that we think is in the mold of President Obama's vision for America, then we'll use every device available to block that nomination." (Read more)
- This is not a time for waffling or hesitation. We declare to theSenate Judiciary Committee the instructions of Paul to the church in Corinth:
- " . . . "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong!" (Corin. 16:13)
4. Jeb Bush ends White House bid - The Hill
Jeb Bush is ending his bid for the White House after a disappointing finish in South Carolina's primary. Bush is in fourth place, well behind Donald Trump, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz. He announced to supporters that he would suspend his campaign in at-times emotional remarks from his headquarters in South Carolina.
"I'm proud of the campaign we've run to unify our country and to advocate conservative solutions that would give more Americans the opportunity to rise up and reach their God-given potential," he said. "But the people of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina have spoken, and I really respect their decision. So tonight I'm suspending my campaign," said Bush, choking up. (Read more)
- Dear God, so much money has gone into the presidential campaigning. Thank you for Jeb Bush facing the difficult fact that he was not the candidate of choice in these three primaries . . . thus he is not going to spend more time and money on his run for President of the United States. We pray for Mr. Bush to follow Your calling for his future. Bless him as he continues stand on conservative ideals. In Your name, amen.
- "Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord Your God, who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go".
(Isaiah 48:17)
5. Supreme Court denies stay request in North Carolina redistricting case - Reuters
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay a ruling that two North Carolina congressional districts be redrawn over racial gerrymandering in a 2011 redistricting, forcing congressional primaries to be rescheduled for June 7.
A lower court panel of federal judges this month barred elections in the majority black districts, the 1st and the 12th, until new maps are approved, calling the current maps unconstitutional. The Supreme Court gave no explanation for its decision in a one-sentence order issued late on Friday night.
The ruling said race had been the main factor when the Republican-controlled legislature redrew the boundaries and state lawmakers were not justified in using that benchmark. (Read more)
- With thanksgiving we come to You Lord for the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to stay a ruling for the redrawing of two districts in North Carolina over racial gerrymandering. Holy God may You be praised and honored by this decision. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, amen.
- "Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:11)
6. Judge Orders California Pregnancy Centers to Give Abortion Info - Christian Headlines.com
A federal judge refused to grant a preliminary injunction on Feb. 12 against a California law that forces pro-life pregnancy centers to advocate for abortion.
Under the law, pro-life pregnancy centers must give information about abortion even though they exist to offer abortion alternatives, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) attorney Matt Bowman argued during a Jan. 28 hearing.
The National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) has sought an injunction with ADF's help since October. NIFLA includes 1,350 pro-life pregnancy resource centers, including 115 in California.
But Judge John A. Houston refused to put the law on hold while the lawsuit proceeds, becoming the third federal judge to do so. He indicated during the hearing that he thought the required information was necessary for women to make "an informed decision." (Read more)
- Father we thank You for Judge Houston's wise ruling in this case, and we ask that You protect him and his family from any and all forms of retribution in the days ahead, in Your name, amen.
- "He will give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." (Ps. 91:11)
7. Fed's Kashkari Floats Breaking Up Big Banks to Avert Meltdown - Bloomberg
The former U.S. Treasury official who led the 2008 bailout program for the nation's biggest banks says in his new role at the Federal Reserve that Congress and regulators should consider breaking them up to protect the financial system from another crisis. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari, speaking Tuesday in Washington, said his regional Fed bank will study ways to toughen U.S. banking laws to prevent another financial crisis.
Regulators should consider options including breaking up the nation's largest financial institutions, loading them up with "so much capital that they virtually can't fail" and taxing leverage to make the system safer, he said. Tougher oversight will require new legislation, he added. (Read more)
- Abba Father only you can know without any doubt whether the breaking up of large banks in the U.S. and toughening banking laws are wise by Your standards. Jesus we ask that things hidden will be revealed if these recommendations are in any way not in the best interest of the citizens of the U.S. Thank You for hearing our prayers, in Jesus' name, amen.
- "Yet the righteous will hold to his ways, and he who has clean hands will be stronger and stronger." (Job 17:9)
8. Death Toll From Cyclone Winston Continues to Rise - The Weather Channel
Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Winston made landfall in Fiji on Saturday, killing at least 10 people and destroying hundreds of homes. Tropical Cyclone Winston was packing winds of 180 mph with gusts over 200 mph -- the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane -- according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Strong winds and flooding from Winston have caused severe damage across the island nation, which is under curfew until 5:30 a.m. Monday. A month-long state of disaster has also been declared.
Divisional Planning Officer Stiveni Tavaga told Fiji Broadcasting Corporation that two people drowned in Ra Province during storm surges at Winston's height. One of them was 97 years old. Four people were hit with and killed by flying debris and one was killed after a house collapsed. Three people died in Nadi, with one dying during medical evacuation from Ra, FBC also reports. Tavaga says seven fishermen from the Yasawas are missing at sea.
Officials were trying to establish communications and road access to the hardest-hit areas, and said they would not know the full extent of the damage and injuries until then. (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that the storm has passed, but are grieved over those who have died, and the devastation of home and property. We ask You Abba Father to quickly send to these Islanders relief workers to help with the clean- up and restoration, as well as medical help and food, and other needs as they deem necessary. We pray for their peace and trust in You to see them through the devastation they now face in the days and weeks it will take to bring things back together . . . we pray . . . In Jesus' name, amen!
- "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
(Psalm 34:1)
9. Franklin Graham Says World Turmoil is Sign of Jesus' Coming - Christian Headlines.com
Evangelist and prominent Christian figure Franklin Graham has stated in a recent Facebook post that "the world is unraveling," and that this points to the fact that Jesus will one day return to make things right. The Christian Post reports that Graham cited recent news headlines and stated, "While the United States is focused on its own politics, the world is unraveling. The danger signals are everywhere. Beheadings, rapes, murders, bombings are taking place every day across North Africa through the Middle East, all the way to the borders of India."
Graham went on to detail the threats posed by Russia and North Korea, noting that the latter "has successfully test fired a long-range missile that has the potential of eventually reaching America with a nuclear bomb."
Despite the dire news headlines and seemingly imminent danger, Graham assured Christians that Jesus will one day return and set things right. "One day He is going to wipe the slate clean and 'create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind,' (Isaiah 65:17). For those who have trusted His Son Jesus Christ by faith, there is an eternal future with Him to look forward to," Graham wrote. (Read more)
- Gracious Heavenly Father, You love us so greatly that You sent us Your Son Jesus Christ, to redeem us from an eternal death. Lord God, in Your love, You also forewarned us of the trials and tribulations that would take place on this earth before Your return. You gave us a survival manual, The Holy Bible, that if heeded, would give us a peace that passes all understanding for life and living. We pray we would occupy ourselves according to Your Word until such time as You send back Your Son and our Savior. In Jesus' name we ask, amen.
- "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
10. Global hymn singfest to focus on Christian persecution - Religion News Service
More than 4,300 congregations in 83 countries have registered to sing the little-known "Facing a Task Unfinished" to a familiar tune revamped by contemporary hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty. The project, sponsored by OMF International, a 150-year-old mission organization once named China Inland Mission, is highlighting a hymn written by Frank Houghton in the early 20th century. Houghton wrote the hymn in the 1920s to urge 200 missionaries to head to China at a time when there was severe persecution against Christians there.
Keith Getty said Houghton encountered "horrific experiences" during his work with the East Asia-focused mission organization and saw hymn writing as a way to cope with the horror. He wrote another hymn, "Thou Who Wast Rich," after the 1934 martyrdom of two young missionaries to China, John and Betty Stam. "He believed that hymns could galvanize individuals, could galvanize communities, could galvanize churches," Getty said. Now, the Gettys are following that example in a new era of persecution. (Read more)
- Lord God Almighty, Who was, Who is and Who is to come, we are all so very humbled and thankful for the many missionaries from around the world who have given their lives for the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus. These great cloud of witnesses, both alive and those who have passed on have brought You untold glory and honor, as they took to heart "the great commission" entrusted to Your followers. As the many believers come together to sing this song that will remind the world that this task is far from over, our prayer is that we all step forward to do our part of spreading the GLORIOUS GOSPEL OF OUR SAVIOR and SOON COMING KING! In Jesus' name, amen!
- "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." (Mark 16:15)
11. US, Russia Launch Cease-fire Talks; No UN Action on Turkey - Voice of America
The U.S. and Russia have launched talks on brokering a cease-fire in Syria after failing to make Friday's scheduled deadline for a pause in fighting.
Officials from the two countries sat down for talks in Geneva late Friday to try to find a way for a long-term cessation of hostilities that would help efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to besieged areas.
The 17-nation International Syria Support Group agreed to form a Syria cease-fire task force, under the auspices of the U.N., during a meeting last Friday in Munich. The group agreed that Russia and the U.S. would co-chair the task force.
Under the group's plan, an initial cessation of hostilities would begin in one week, while the task force worked out the mechanics of a broader cease-fire plan. (Read more)
- Father God, we thank You that You are a God of miracles. Lord God, it will take a miracle for this new International Syria Support Group to bring peace to Syria. Father, we repent that men are doing this man's ways, for only You, Holy One, are our support and our stay. We present the complex war in Syria before Your Throne of Grace, asking You to sort this out and to bring peace to this war-torn country. We ask this in Your name, amen.
- "They confronted me in the day of my calamity, But the LORD was my stay."
(Psalm 18:18)
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Something of Note
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Hillary Clinton speaks in Houston hours after victory in Nevada caucus
Hillary Clinton made a campaign stop in Beaumont, Texas. Only six people were there to greet her. Her security detail outnumbered her supporters by quite a bit. She wouldn't talk, wave to or even acknowledge those there to greet her.
As bad as that is, it's not the real story here. The real story is who she took a private meeting with. After landing, Clinton headed off to a fundraiser in West Beaumont, where she was greeted by around 150-200 Muslims, most of whom were of Pakistani origin.
The event was held by Pakistani businessman Tahir Javed . . . and Hillary raised approximately $500,000 by pandering to Muslims, making it "one of the top five private fund raisers Clinton has had in this country." She's bought and paid for by them. Spread this far and wide. You will not see it on national news but this is what is going on. Shelia Jackson Lee was there as well. (Read more)
- Father, we know that presidential candidates are free in this nation to garner funds for their campaigns from any legal source that reaches out to them. But Lord, we know, too, that this nation was built upon the Judeo - Christian ethic, and that we worship no other god. We lift up the standard of Jesus Christ over this election, and we cast down all other gods, in Your name, amen and amen.
- "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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240 Hours of Prayer for LIFE
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240 Hours of Prayer for LIFE:
PrayerSurgeNow Launches 240 Hours of Nonstop Prayer to pray for the Texas Case at the Supreme Court
Last night at midnight, Prayer Surge Now and the Justice Foundation launched 240 hours of prayer, to lift up the eight justices of the U.S. Supreme Court as they prepare to hear the arguments in "the Texas Case." This is the first abortion case to be heard by the Supreme Court in 8 years.
On March 2, the Supreme Court will hear the Texas case which calls for ambulatory surgical centers and hospital admitting privileges. We all will have another opportunity to repent for the sin of abortion through this case.
Everyone is welcome to join in this marathon call for LIFE by dialing AT ANY TIME:
515-739-1010
Access Code: 414009#
Contact: prayersurgenow@gmail.com
For more details, please go here. Thank you.
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Our Weekly Bible Study
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Our Weekly Bible Study:
Sunday, Feb. 21 - Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016
Our Weekly Bible Studies:
> > > To read the "One Year Bible" weekly letter, go here.
> > > To read the Shabbat Torah readings, go here.
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The Persecuted Church
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Severe Persecution in Iran Against former Muslims that Voluntarily
Convert to Christianity
Christians in Iran-particularly those who share their faith with Muslims-face persecution less overtly violent than in Iraq and Syria but no less real, a Baylor University religion professor told a recent global gathering in Rome.
"To live as a Christian in ideologically adventurous Muslim Iran is to face countless, daily micro-aggressions in a controlled environment that inculcates within Christians the constant perception of threat and vulnerability," Chris van Gorder told the International Conference on Christian Response to Persecution.
(Baptist Standard) Read more.
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Classic Hymns
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Songs Our Grandmothers Sang:
FOLLOW ON
"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord." (Hosea 6:3)
Lyrics
Down in the valley with my Savior I would go, Where the flowers are blooming and the sweet waters flow; Everywhere He leads me I would follow, follow on, Walking in His footsteps till the crown be won.
Refrain
Follow! follow! I would follow Jesus!
Anywhere, everywhere, I would follow on!
Follow! follow! I would follow Jesus!
Everywhere He leads me I would follow on!
Down in the valley with my Savior I would go, Where the storms are sweeping and the dark waters flow; With His hand to lead me I will never, never fear, Danger cannot fright me if my Lord is near.
Refrain
Down in the valley, or upon the mountain steep, Close beside my Savior would my soul ever keep; He will lead me safely in the path that He has trod, Up to where they gather on the hills of God.
Refrain
Melody
Please go here.
About the Author:
Words: William O. Cushing, 1878.
Music: Robert Lowry and W. Howard Doane, 1880.
About the Hymn:
"I wrote this hymn in 1878," the Rev. W. O. Cushing tells me. "Longing to give up all for Christ who had given his life for me, I wanted to be willing to lay everything at his feet, with no wish but to do his will, to live henceforth only for his glory. Out of this feeling came the hymn, 'Follow On.' It was written with the prayer and the hope that some heart might by it be led to give up all for Christ. Much of the power and usefulness of the hymn, however, are due to Mr. Lowry, who put it into song."
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Signs and Wonders
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Near-hurricane force winds rip Midwest, Chicago
Near hurricane-force winds from Chicago's Lake Michigan on Friday shredded roofs, windows, trees and fences, and caused 160 canceled flights at O'Hare airport.
In one picture tweeted by a resident, the roof dangled over the side of a brick apartment building. "Pretty sure my roof is supposed to be more on the roof. #WindyCity," Michael Lansu tweeted, with a photo of torn roofing material and what appeared to be broken plywood.
A high volume of outage calls" overwhelmed ComEd, the electric utility said on Twitter. At least 114,000 people were without power at one point, with at least half of those blackouts in Chicago, CNN affiliate WLS reported.
O'Hare International Airport reported more than 160 flight cancellations and delays up to 50 minutes, the facility said on Twitter.
Commuter train service in the city was also disrupted due to debris on tracks in some locations, the Chicago Transit Authority said. (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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The Bible is Mississippi's New State Book?
Two Mississippi Democratic lawmakers want to make the Bible the official book of the state.
Mississippi State Reps. Michael Evans, D-Preston, and Tom Miles, D-Forest, proposed a bill in January that would make the Bible the official state book. Evans told Alabama Local News the idea originated from a conversation he had had with his colleagues about how to combat the sobering events taking place around the world.
"The bill doesn't force anyone to read it," Evans, who is a Christian said. He and Rep. Miles said instead it would only encourage residents to read the Bible. "We're not requiring anyone to go out and buy the Bible. We're not requiring anyone to read the Bible," Miles told The Christian Post.
Miles also added the bill would "not be considered controversial given the legislature voted a couple years ago to add 'In God We Trust' to its state seal." (Breaking Christian News) Read more.
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Worship With Us Today!
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Worship With Us Today!
THE SONG OF THE SAINTS
By Audio Adrenaline
(Lyrics are included . . .)
This is a GREAT WAY to start this week!
Praise Him, everybody . . . praise Him!
> > > To learn how this song was born, go here . . .
(You will be blessed to read this!)
