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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"
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
TODAY IS SUPER TUESDAY!
Please pray and, if you can, vote!
"His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away;
And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed." (Daniel 7:14)
"His sovereignty rules over all." (Psalm 103:19)
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FRC Press Conference Today
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FRC Press Conference Today
1:30 p.m.
Featuring Allan Parker, President, The Justice Foundation
Family Research Council to Co-Host News Conference Ahead of Whole Woman's Health Oral Arguments at the Supreme Court
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Family Research Council will co-host a news conference previewing the oral arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court case on Texas abortion facility regulations, Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt. The news conference, co-hosted with the Justice Foundation and Texas Values, will feature the stories from women injured by abortions. FRC's Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, will also address the news conference. Cindy Collins, Myra Myers, and Nona Ellington, women injured by abortion, and their lawyer, Allan E. Parker, President of The Justice Foundation, will be present to answer media questions concerning their amicus curiae brief.
Arina Grossu, FRC's Director of the Center for Human Dignity, commented:
"The Texas law is commonsense. It protects women from the predatory abortion industry by requiring that abortion centers have basic and necessary health and safety standards consistent with those standards in ambulatory surgical centers. Abortion facilities must not get a free pass when it comes to protecting women's health and safety. I applaud the bravery of these women who have come forward to share their own experiences of how the abortion industry hurt them and their children. We must work to protect women from the substandard and inadequate conditions in which the abortion industry thrives," Grossu concluded.
WHO:
Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, Family Research Council
Allan E. Parker, President, The Justice Foundation
Cindy Collins, Myra Myers, and Nona Ellington; Representatives of 3,348 Women Injured by Abortion
Jen Brown, producer of the documentary film 3801 Lancaster: American Tragedy
Jonathan Saenz, President, Texas Values
WHAT: News conference regarding the Supreme Court abortion regulation case
WHEN: Tuesday, March 1, 2016
1:30 PM EST
>>> Watch Online Here
To read the Justice Foundation's amicus brief, please see this link
To review the amicus brief Family Research Council signed onto, please see this link.
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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. Netanyahu: Palestinian terrorism not motivated by despair - Times of Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said attempts to explain Palestinian terrorism as motivated by despair were "incorrect." Terror attacks, he said, "don't come because of their despair and the frustration over the inability to build. They come because of their despair and the frustration over inability to destroy."
He took issue with the desperation claim, saying it "exonerates the Palestinians from being responsible for their actions." He noted that Arabs had attacked Jews in Israel "before the state was founded and afterwards, before there were territories and settlements and afterwards, when there was a peace process and when there wasn't one." (Read more)
2. Israel 'very concerned' by rising Iranian power in Syria, Ya'alon says - Jerusalem Post
Israel is highly concerned about the prospect of a stronger Iranian presence in Syria, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon told his Italian counterpart, Roberta Pinotti, on Monday in Tel Aviv.
Israel is "very concerned by the strengthening of Iran in Syria, which will lead to a strengthening of the Shi'ite axis, in a negative manner," Ya'alon said at a meeting in his Tel Aviv office. (Read more)
3. MK confirms: Kuntar hit was an Israeli achievement - Israel Hayom
Though Israel has never confirmed nor denied involvement in the assassination of arch terrorist Samir Kuntar in Syria in December 2015, a remark by Zionist Union MK Omer Bar-Lev on Saturday was interpreted as an admission Kuntar's assassination was an Israeli achievement.
"I would advise [Hezbollah chief Hassan] Nasrallah to remain in his bunker," Bar-Lev said Saturday at a cultural event in Beersheba in response to recent remarks by Nasrallah threatening to target Israeli civilians. "He is an enemy, and he should be a target; therefore, on a personal level, he should keep watching his back." (Read more)
4. Hezbollah parody TV skit causes riots in Lebanon - Times of Israel
Hezbollah supporters in Lebanon took to the streets in violent protest after a television comedy show parodied leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Rioting began on Saturday night and continued on Sunday with Hezbollah backers burning tires and blocking roads around the capital Beirut as well as areas in east Lebanon.
The uproar began after Saudi-owned TV station MBC broadcast a short clip on Saturday night poking fun at the rambling speeches given by Nasrallah. (Read more)
5. Israeli drone may be helping Assad - YNET News
An image released Sunday appears to show an Israeli-made drone flying over Syria. Israel Air Industries (IAI) sold the same model of drones to Russia, which may explain the aircraft's presence in the country. Thus, in a stroke of irony, an Israeli drone is helping the Assad regime and its allies, Iran and Hezbollah, to maintain its rule and beat the rebels.
Syrian social media accounts claimed that the Israeli drone was sold by Russia to Assad's army, but the photo and information were not published in official media outlets, so the accuracy of this claim is unclear. The medium-sized drone was designed for reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions at ranges of dozens of hundreds of kilometers. (Read more)
6. At Sharon memorial, Netanyahu laments Gaza pullout - Times of Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday raised his grievances over Israel's 2005 exit from the Gaza Strip at a Knesset memorial service to mark two years since the passing of Ariel Sharon.
In 2005, Sharon was prime minister and the mastermind behind the unilateral evacuation of Jewish settlements in the coastal enclave and handing the area over to Palestinian rule.
At the ceremony, which was attended by President Reuven Rivlin and Sharon's sons Amir and Gilad, Netanyahu recalled the late prime minister's lasting contributions to the development of the Israel Defense Forces and the settlement movement as well as his influence on Israeli politics, but criticized the Gaza pullout as failing to bring peace. (Read more)
7. 'Architecture will play critical role in any proposal to divide Jerusalem' - Jerusalem Post
Amid increasing talk of the prospect of dividing the capital to avert more deadly violence, one architect with expertise in urban planning in areas of conflict discussed architecture's invaluable role in such an undertaking.
In an interview with The Jerusalem Post's sister publication, Ma'ariv, published on Monday, Yehuda Greenfield-Gilat emphasized that the united model of Jerusalem is not sustainable and must give way to practicality.
The Harvard-educated Greenfield-Gilat, a co-founder and planning and development director of SAYA/Design for Change, specializes in the connection between planning, conflict resolution and political economy.
His work on the challenges of dividing Jerusalem has been widely presented and used by leading decision makers and state officials. (Read more)
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The Daily Brief
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1. Justice Thomas asks questions in court, 1st time in 10 years - Fox News
Justice Clarence Thomas stunned lawyers, reporters and others at the Supreme Court on Monday when he posed questions during an oral argument for the first time in 10 years. It was the second week the court has heard arguments since the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, Thomas' friend and fellow conservative. Thomas for years sat directly to Scalia's right. Scalia's chair is now draped in black in a tribute to his death on Feb. 13. Thomas' questions came in a case in which the court is considering placing new limits on the reach of a federal law that bans people convicted of domestic violence from owning guns. With about 10 minutes left in the hourlong session, Justice Department lawyer Ilana Eisenstein was about to sit down after answering a barrage of questions from other justices. Thomas then caught her by surprise, asking whether the violation of any other law "suspends a constitutional right." (Read more)
- Lord God, we do thank You for this answer to prayer. We know that Justice Clarence Thomas is one of Your trusted servants, and that he is being led by Your Spirit in all he does. Thank You that his voice is now being heard in the United States Supreme Court, and we pray that his voice would be silent no longer. In Your name we pray, amen and amen.
- "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:22)
2. Over 3,000 Women Injured by Abortion Join Gosnell Filmmaker to Support Texas Abortion Law at Supreme Court - The Justice Foundation
Representatives of the 3,348 Women Injured by Abortion who filed an Amicus Curiae brief at the United States Supreme Court in support of the Texas abortion law protecting women's health and safety will appear at Family Research Council, (Media Center) on March 1, at 1:30 p.m., located at 801 G Street, NW, Washington, DC. Cindy Collins, Myra Myers, and Nona Ellington, Women Injured by Abortion, and their lawyer, Allan E. Parker, President of The Justice Foundation, will be present to answer media questions concerning their Amicus Curiae brief at the Supreme Court.
Also, appearing will be Jen Brown, the producer of the documentary film "3801 Lancaster: American Tragedy," about the imprisoned abortionist Kermit Gosnell whose horrific practices and lack of health and safety standards led to the death, disease, and depression of women. The story brought national attention to the issue of health and safety standards for women at abortion clinics. Specifically, a woman named Karnamaya Mongar died as a result of Gosnell's actions. Attorney Jonathan Saenz of Texas Values filed an Amicus Curiae brief at the United States Supreme Court on behalf of Jen Brown and the 3801 Lancaster Film Project, which highlights the Gosnell Grand Jury Report which led to a new Texas law for the health and safety of women being enacted.
As women injured by the abortion industry, these women know first-hand that the abortion industry misleads and deceives women and does not adequately protect their health in the abortion context. The Justice Foundation has collected the legally admissible testimonies of over 4,500 women injured by abortion and represents 3,348 of these women in their Amicus Curiae brief at the Supreme Court. (Read more)
- Father God, we thank You for these thousands of women who have stepped out courageously and have chosen to be silent no more with their testimonies of how their abortions have hurt them. Lord God, use these testimonies to turn the hearts of the justices towards righteousness, ruling in favor of protecting women in safe clinics in the State of Texas. We ask that You grant Your wisdom to rest upon Texas' Solicitor General, Scott Keller, as he argues this case before the Supreme Court tomorrow morning. We ask this prayer in Your name, amen and amen.
- " . . . the Lord is our judge . . . and He will save us." (Isa. 33:22)
3. U.S. court test on abortion reflects success of strategy shift - Reuters
When the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday hears a major abortion case . . . at issue . . . standards for doctors and facilities where the procedure is performed. That the high court is taking up a case about such arcane regulations reflects the success of a legal strategy that abortion opponents embraced about a decade ago and initially caught some abortion-rights advocates off guard. "It took a while to see the impact" of state laws imposing regulations on abortion providers, said Elizabeth Nash, a policy analyst at the Guttmacher Institute, which tracks abortion policy and supports abortion rights.
One of the two Texas regulations before the court requires doctors who provide abortions to have "admitting privileges" at a local hospital so they can treat patients needing surgery or other critical care. Another regulation being challenged before the Supreme Court forces clinics to have costly, hospital-grade facilities, mandating a long list of building standards. Unlike the "admitting privileges" requirement, it has yet to go into effect. Since the Republican-backed law was passed in 2013, many Texas clinics have closed.(Read more)
- Father God, we pray that these common-sense regulations for abortion clinics would receive approval by the Supreme Court. Our veterinarians are unable to operate under conditions that are commonplace in these clinics. Surely, these women deserve better than dogs! And besides that, we know women deserve better than abortion, period. Bless our crisis pregnancy workers and clinics who offer real hope to these women. Grant us victory in Jesus Name, Amen.
- "This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live." (Acts 7:19)
4. Navy SEAL Receives Medal of Honor at White House Ceremony - CBN
A member of America's famed Navy SEALS has been awarded the nation's highest military honor. Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers, Jr. received the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama during a moving ceremony at the White House Monday. He's the first active duty member of the Navy to receive the award in 40 years.
"Today's ceremony is truly unique, a rare opportunity for the American people to get a glimpse of a special breed of warrior who so often serves in the shadows," Obama said. "Byers would probably rather be holding his breath under dark, frigid water than receiving an honor in front of TV cameras," the president continued.
Speaking to the press after the ceremony, Byers also thanked his wife and daughter for their support and strength that allows him to do what he does. Before every mission Byers said he prays for protection. He added that he loves being a SEAL and plans to keep doing his job.(Read more)
- We rejoice that this man, who testifies that he prays before each mission, has been honored with the highest military award in our country. We pray that more men and women of such high caliber will be part of our armed forces and will receive the honor due them. We pray You will bless this man's life and protect him in all circumstances during his assignments. In Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- "For he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones." (Proverbs 2:8)
5. Is NASA Finally Bowing to the Name of Jesus after Censoring It? - American Family Association
. . . until the American Family Association (AFA) Action Alert in February, 2016, the name "Jesus" was conspicuously absent from the Johnson Space Center newsletters containing announcements from the Praise and Worship Club. Immediately after AFA launched an Action Alert, "NASA censors 'Jesus' from newsletter," NASA responded. It would not deny our claims, but simply stated it "does not prohibit the use of any specific religious names in employee newsletters or other internal communications."
This week, NASA, sent a copy of its latest newsletter to AFA. In the February 16 issue, one week after AFA's alert, NASA included the name "Jesus" in the Praise and Worship club's newsletter announcement! (Read more)
- Father God, we thank You for this quiet victory, in Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- " . . . in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
6. Report: Iran to withdraw all its fighters from Syria - Israel National News
Iran is planning to withdraw its entire fighting force from Syria, which includes 2,500 fighters, Israel's Channel 2 News reported on Sunday. The report appears to confirm remarks made last week by Secretary of State John Kerry, who told lawmakers that Iran had withdrawn a 'significant number' of its Revolutionary Guards troops from the Syrian battlefield.
According to the Channel 2 report from Sunday, the majority of Iran's forces have already been evacuated from Syria and the rest are expected to return home imminently. The decision was made jointly by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani, Channel 2 said, but no reason for the decision was cited. (Read more)
- Dearest Lord, we thank You that this looks like a de-escalation of involvement for this rogue nation that has been supporting the Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad. We pray that as these forces withdraw, that others will, also, and that the conflicts there will be solved by negotiation instead of warfare. Our highest prayer is that the area would come under Your direct control, as You hold the hearts of kings in Your hand and direct them wheresoever You will.
- "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." (Proverbs 21:1)
7. China Arms Exports Double as Regional Tensions Mount - Voice of America
A research group says China's arms exports have almost doubled in five years as the country has moved to become a major player in the global industry. Chinese exports of major arms grew by 88 percent between 2011 and 2015, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
"China is actively pushing for exports. A lot of the exports are going to countries where China has had good relations for a long time, so there's also a strategic incentive for China to supply weapons. Pakistan for example, Bangladesh, Myanmar," said Siemon Wezeman, a senior researcher with the institute. China is now the world's third largest arms exporter behind the U.S. and Russia, and the country accounted for nearly six percent of arms exports between 2011 and 2015.(Read more)
- In the name of Jesus, we speak peace over this increase in export of arms from China to countries with whom they are friendly. We pray for You, Dear Lord, to set a watch over these arms so that tensions do not rise to the level of armed conflict and that they are never used against the interests of the United States. We pray these countries find ways to solve problems that do not involve the use of weapons. We pray for their export business to begin to switch from arms to items that will build up nations instead of causing harm. In Jesus Name, Amen.
- "And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nations shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore." (Micah 4:3)
8. A New York judge just ruled that the FBI can't force Apple to unlock iPhones - Business Insider
A federal judge in Brooklyn has ruled that the government can't force Apple to help break an iPhone's passcode security. No, it's not the San Bernardino shooting case, a similar situation where the FBI is seeking to compel Apple to provide custom software to help it access data on a criminal's iPhone. (Read more)
- Lord God, we thank You that, for now, this issue is settled. If this case is appealed to a higher court at a later date, we ask continued wisdom for the justices who will sit on that bench, as well. In Your name, amen.
- "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
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Prayer Alert from Dutch Sheets
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Prayer Alert from Dutch Sheets
Monday, Feb. 29, 2016
"Be very careful. Pray. Listen to your heart where Holy Spirit lives. I promise you-we're voting for the destiny of our nation."
Regarding the upcoming elections, prayerfully agree with me that:
- We vote for someone that cannot be bought or sold (crony capitalism is evil)
- We don't jump from the frying pan of failed government to the fire of another chameleon who changes colors at will (the political spirit)
- We remember that not everyone in Washington DC has been part of the problem-be wise and discerning (God has been sending some good men and women to DC)
- We vote for humility (which God exalts), morality and righteousness (which exalts a nation)
- We choose substance and specific ideas over shallow rhetoric, fame, showbiz events and exciting promises (does anyone remember '08?)
- We vote for a strict constitutionalist (it was born through prayer and based on Scripture)
- We remember that we are also voting for the next 2-3 Supreme Court Justices, who will undoubtedly shape our nation and lives for decades! (they could possibly do more good or bad for our nation than the next president)
- We vote for an uncompromising, consistent, radically pro-life person (we MUST have this)
- (Added by CHPP) We vote for a man who will stand with the nation of Israel as an unshakeable friend
By God's grace we [will] end up with a Born-Again, praying, Bible-reading, moral, humble, honest and wise person in the White House
Be very careful. Pray. Listen to your heart where Holy Spirit lives. I promise you-we're voting for the destiny of our nation.
Please feel free to share this with all your friends.
(Source: http://www.dutchsheets.org/)
Also published by Breaking Christian News
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Something to Consider
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Something to Consider
A Christian Post Editorial
"Donald Trump Is a Scam. Evangelical Voters Should Back Away"
We submit this editorial to you for your own prayerful consideration. Thank you.
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The Persecuted Church
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Chinese Pastor Sentenced to More than a Decade in Prison
for Resisting Cross Removal
Authorities have taken down over 1,200 crosses from churches and other buildings for violating strict guidelines for where and how churches in Zhejiang can display crosses.
As China's authorities continue to crack down on Christian churches in the Zhejiang province, a court has sentenced a Protestant pastor to 14 years in prison and his wife to 12 years in prison, according to Chinese media.
Bao Guohua, a government-approved pastor, and his wife, Xing Wenxiang, were convicted of corruption, financial crimes and gathering people to disturb social order, the Zhejiang Daily newspaper reported Friday, according to the New York Times.
House church leader Zheng Leguo told the New York Times that the couple, who was arrested last August, was targeted for their efforts to defend their church against an order to remove its cross. The court has fined Bao and his wife more than $20,000 and confiscated close to $92,000 from each of them, the newspaper reported. The court has sentenced an additional 10 people who were members of Mr. Bao's church but did not give details of those sentences.
The arrests come at a time of increased persecution in China. A Human Rights Watch reports in 2015, authorities began removing crosses from churches and "in some cases demolished entire churches in Zhejiang Province, considered the heartland of Chinese Christianity."
"At least a hundred Christians have reportedly been briefly detained for resisting the demolitions since the start of the campaign in early 2014," the report adds. (CBN News) Read more.
[Also reported by Breaking Christian News]
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Classic Hymns
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Songs Our Grandmothers Sang:
ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS
"Do not be discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15)
Lyrics
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before. Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; Forward into battle see His banners go!
Refrain
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee; On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory! Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise; Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
Refrain
Like a mighty army moves the church of God; Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod. We are not divided, all one body we, One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
Refrain
What the saints established that I hold for true. What the saints believèd, that I believe too. Long as earth endureth, men the faith will hold, Kingdoms, nations, empires, in destruction rolled.
Refrain
Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane, But the church of Jesus constant will remain. Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail; We have Christ's own promise, and that cannot fail.
Refrain
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng, Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song. Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King, This through countless ages men and angels sing.
Refrain
Melody
Please go here.
About the Author:
Words: Sabine Baring-Gould, 1865
Music: Arthur S. Sullivan, 1871
About the Hymn:
This hymn was sung at the funeral of American president Dwight Eisenhower at the National Cathedral, Washington, DC, March 1969.
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Signs and Wonders
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Seismic Faults Produce Deadly Levels Of Carbon Monoxide In California
Deadly and unprecedented levels of carbon monoxide are being released into the atmosphere across the west coast of America due to unusual activity on seismic faults. Scientists have yet to confirm the cause, but experts are suggesting that the Earth may be emitting the dangerous gas via seismic fault lines - cracks in the earth's surface where tectonic plates rub against each other. (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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Muslim Doctor Plants 50 Churches After Finding Christ
He was raised as a devout Muslim until cancer devastated his body. That's when "Sanjay" (name changed) heard the name of Jesus over and over, and put Romans 10:13 to the test. "I was crying, and the one name that I did not want to believe in came back to me again and again-the name of Jesus," the doctor says, according to Christian Today. "I was so weak and so sick. So I prayed to the Lord Jesus and said, 'Will You heal me?'"
And so Jesus healed him. Now, Sanjay has planted more than 50 churches and led hundreds to Christ. He started with his village, but they rejected him.
"My family threw me out. They said, 'We want nothing to do with you. Since you have Jesus, you can just go away,'" he told Christian Today.
Others "decided to break into my doctor's office where patients used to come and see me."
Despite the persecution, Sanjay's evangelism is a trend reflected worldwide. According to a recent study, some believe that 667 Muslims convert to Christianity every hour in Africa alone.
Several former Muslims report Jesus appeared to them in person or in dreams to tell them about Himself. (Charisma Magazine) Read more here.
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Worship With Us Today!
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Worship With Us Today!
Meet Me Here - Julie True
Yes, Lord . . . meet me here . . .
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Election 2016: Prayer Resources
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Election 2016: Prayer Resources
"Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you." (Deuteronomy 1:13)
1. Family Research Council Voter Guides
FRC has developed non-partisan voter guides for federal races in certain states, which appear in red. Click on any state to see voting information and a link to the family policy council.
To view these voter guides in all 50 states, go here.
2. Intercessors for America: "How to Pray for the Election and Nation More Effectively"
Election Process is now in full swing -- time to get out the prayer!
For resources offered by IFA, please go here.
3. Wallbuilders: Christian Voter Guide.com
Lots of resources here! Go here to explore this site.
4. National Day of Prayer: Election Prayer Guide
This is an excellent guide to intercession for our state and national elections this year. NDP's prayer guide includes insights from Dave Butts, Chairman, National Prayer Committee.
To read this prayer guide, please go here.
5. Wall Street Journal: Election 2016 Calendar
Key dates in the presidential election, including debates, primaries, caucuses and other important events. Filter by a date range or category. Go here.
