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Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"A National Prayer Alliance"
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Herndon, VA 20172-1970
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The Daily Brief:
"Praying for All in Authority"
Monday, May 9, 2016
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Today's Worship:
"How Great Thou Art"
Worship Him together . . . here . . .
United Together in the Kingdom of God . . . Under the Cross of Christ
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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. After Temple Mount resolution, PM offers UN staff a Jewish history lesson - Times of Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday invited United Nations staff in Israel to a seminar on Jewish history, three weeks after the UN's cultural body, UNESCO, declined in a resolution to acknowledge Jewish ties to the Temple Mount, Judaism's holiest site.
The UNESCO resolution refers to Israel as the "occupying power" at every mention and uses the Arabic Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram al-Sharif without even once calling it the Temple Mount, as it is known to Jews. The text does refer to the Western Wall Plaza but places it in quotation marks, after using the Arabic Al-Buraq Plaza.
On Friday, Netanyahu reiterated that his "shock" that UNESCO would adopt "a decision denying any Jewish connection to the Temple Mount, our holiest site." (Read more)
2. US Takes Tougher Tone on Israeli Settlements in New Report - ABC News
The United States will endorse a tougher tone with Israel in an upcoming international report that takes the Jewish state to task over settlements, demolitions and property seizures on land the Palestinians claim for a future state, diplomats told The Associated Press.
The U.S. and its fellow Mideast mediators also will chastise Palestinian leaders for failing to rein in anti-Israeli violence. But the diplomats involved in drafting the document said its primary focus will be a surge of construction in Jewish housing in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. (Read more)
3. For 1st time since August, Israel sees no victim deaths from terrorist attacks - Jerusalem Post
April was the first month in half a year with zero fatalities among victims of terrorist attacks against Israelis. With a total of 115 attacks, the figure for April continued a six-month downward trend in the number of incidents in Israeli-controlled areas and is the lowest monthly total recorded since July, when 103 attacks were observed, according to a report published earlier this week by the Israel Security Agency, or Shin Bet. (Read more)
4. Arab world silent in face of Israeli 'aggression' in Gaza, Nasrallah says - Jerusalem Post
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday condemned Israel for its military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas and the IDF exchanged hostilities sporadically over the course of the past 48 hours, with the Islamist movement firing mortars at Israeli soldiers operating near the Gaza-Israel frontier.
The IDF has retaliated with tank fire and fighter jet sorties against Hamas targets.
The Israeli military has been engaged in intensive efforts to ferret out and destroy Hamas-built tunnels that traverse the subterranean Gaza-Israel frontier. "The Arab world is keeping quiet in light of this situation," Nasrallah said.
During an appearance on the official television organ Al Manar, Nasrallah criticized Arab regimes for failing to intervene. He said that Israel and the United States were waging war against Syria as a ploy to "knock down the remaining walls of the resistance in the region." (Read more)
5. Abbas confirms PA still paying terrorists' salaries - report - Times of Israel
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas seemingly confirmed this week that the PA continues to pay the salaries of terrorists incarcerated by Israel, despite previously claiming that it had stopped doing so.
Norwegian daily Dagen reported that Foreign Minister Borge Brende, meeting with Abbas in Ramallah, demanded that the PA stop using its funds - which include donations by foreign countries - to support convicted terrorists and their families.
Abbas, rather than deny the claim, only assured the visiting diplomat that Norwegian money was not being used for such purposes. (Read more)
6. Hebrew Nation News: Weekly Report
To read this report, please go here.
7. Intercessors for Israel: Weekly Report
To read this report, please go here.
8. Bridges for Peace: Weekly Report
To read this report, please go here.
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The Daily Brief
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1. London's new Muslim mayor vows to be leader for everyone - Washington Post
Sadiq Khan has a simple, striking message for Londoners: He won't be merely a Muslim mayor, but a leader for all. Khan celebrated his landslide election victory Saturday in a multi-denominational ceremony at an Anglican cathedral accompanied by London's police chief, Christian and Jewish leaders, and stars of stage and screen.
They gave Khan a standing ovation as he pledged to be an approachable Everyman for his city of 8.2 million - including more than a million residents who, like him, happen to be Muslim.
"I'm determined to lead the most transparent, engaged and accessible administration London has ever seen, and to represent every single community and every single part of our city as a mayor for Londoners," said Khan, the son of Pakistani-born immigrants who became a civil rights lawyer and, in 2005, London's first Muslim member of Parliament. (Read more)
- Abba Father, have mercy on London as their newly elected Moslem mayor takes office. Prayers are for this man to be lead to salvation that can only come through believing in Jesus as Your living Son. Let his leadership be led by You and not by his god. In Your precious name we pray, amen.
- "The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted." (Psalm 18:46)
2. Iranian commander threatens to close Strait of Hormuz to US - Times of Israel
The deputy commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard said Iranian forces will close the strategic Strait of Hormuz to the United States and its allies if they "threaten" the Islamic Republic, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday. The comments by Gen. Hossein Salami, carried on state television, follow a long history of both rhetoric and confrontation between Iran and the US over the narrow strait, through which nearly a third of all oil traded by sea passes.
The US Navy's 5th Fleet, based in Bahrain, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Read more)
- Dear God, we thank You that You are our God. The threats from Iran to the United States continue. Our prayers are for the U.S. forces to stand strong for our defense and for our allies. As false gods receive chants they cannot hear nor see, You, our God, hear all our praise, honor, thanksgiving and requests. You, Lord, see our needs, and watch over us. We do not fear for You have not given us the spirit of fear. We ask Your protection and peace over our nation and our allies. The Strait of Hormuz is vital for passage between Europe and Africa. It is Your creation to be ruled by You and not those who worship dead gods. We lift up Holy hands to You, Father. Praise be to the One true God whose word never changes and whose mercies never end for Your children. In Your Name, amen.
- "The Lord your God Himself crosses over before you; He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them." (Deuteronomy 31:3a)
3. White House official admits fudging of facts to sell Iran deal - Times of Israel
A senior official in the Obama administration acknowledged that the background to nuclear talks with Iran was misrepresented in order to sell the impression of a more moderate Iranian regime and thus gain greater American public support for an agreement.
The revelation came in a profile of Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes written by New York Times reporter David Samuels and published on Thursday.
In the same piece, former CIA head Leon Panetta speculated that whereas US President Barack Obama may once have been prepared to use military force to stop the development of an Iranian bomb, he doubts the same resolve exists today. (Read more)
- Father God, this report confirms what Your watchmen have suspected all along. We repent that our leaders have swallowed this poison pill, and that a nuclear Iran is now on the horizon. Have mercy, Lord, we pray, in Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- " . . . I hate every false way." (Psalm 119:28)
4a. New NATO supreme commander vows tough line on Russia - SpaceDaily.com
NATO's new supreme commander US General Curtis Scaparrotti said on Wednesday that he would 'strengthen' the alliance's stance in Eastern Europe against a resurgent Russia. At a handover ceremony from his predecessor Philip Breedlove, the former commander of US forces in Korea also said NATO should consider whether to provide Ukraine with weaponry as it battles pro-Russian rebels. (Read more)
4b. Russia says bolstering forces to counter NATO - SpaceDaily.com
Russia's defence minister said Wednesday that Moscow will set up three new divisions in the west and south of the country by the end of the year to counter NATO forces close to its border. 'The defence ministry is taking a range of measures with the aim of countering the build-up of NATO forces in close proximity to Russia's borders,' Sergei Shoigu was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies. 'By the end of the year two new divisions will be established in the western military district and one in the southern military district.' (Read more)
- Lord Jesus, You know Russia for the country it is. Their leaders cannot be trusted to keep agreements with other countries, or with NATO. Father, keep them at bay from harming any nation. We ask that NATO's new supreme commander, US General Curtis Scaparrotti, will have the support, wisdom and knowledge from You to accomplish Your will in the matters he faces. If he doesn't know you as his personal Saviour we pray that he will know you now. Thank You for hearing our prayers. In Jesus' name, Amen.
- "You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you." (Deuteronomy 3:22)
5. Alabama's top judge is suspended, and may lose job, after blocking gay marriage - Washington Post
Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore already lost his job once. Now he's at risk of losing it again. A state commission on Friday suspended Moore from the bench, alleging that the top-ranking state judicial official disregarded "clear law" this year when he instructed state judges to ignore the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling last summer that established nationwide same-sex marriage rights.
"Chief Justice Moore flagrantly disregarded and abused his authority as the chief administrative officer of Alabama's judicial branch," the Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission wrote in a Friday filing, uploaded by AL.com.
Moore, 69, faces six charges of violating judicial ethics, all stemming from a Jan. 6 order in which he told state probate judges that they have a "ministerial duty" to abide by state law limiting marriage to heterosexual couples. That order defies not only the high court's ruling on Obergefell v. Hodges, but also two other court decisions, the commission found. (Read more)
- Father, we ask Your blessing and protection for Alabama's Chief Justice Roy Moore who has stood on Your Word as he instructed state justices to ignore the SCOTUS rule on same-sex marriage rights. He risked his career by refusing to make judgments that are contrary to Your Holy Word. He lost his position once for not succumbing to the world's ways. We pray that he will not lose his position again.
Thank you, Justice Roy Moore, for ruling and instructing those under your authority according to God 's Word. We honor and uphold you in prayer. In the name of Jesus let this man continue to be an example for all justices as they rule in their courtrooms. Praise Your Holy name, Lord God, and may You alone be glorified in our nation. Amen.
- "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." (Colossians 4:5-6)
6. Alabama House Passes Bill to Keep Abortion Clinics Away From Schools, Clinic Plans to Sue - CNSNews.com
The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday that would ban abortion clinics from operating "within 2,000 feet of the property or campus of a public school." The bill is now on Republican Governor Robert Bentley's desk and if he signs it, the law will be challenged by the ACLU and a Huntsville abortion clinic.
The bill, which passed 73-18, says that "the Alabama Department of Public Health may not issue or renew a health center license to an abortion clinic or reproductive health center that is located within 2,000 feet of the property or campus of a public school."
The bill's sponsor, Alabama State Senator Paul Sanford (R), said in March that his hope with the legislation is that no more abortion clinics in the state "would ever open that close to small children." (Read more)
- Father God, we thank You for the leadership shown by' the State of Alabama as they have passed this law to protect their children in this manner. We ask that You bless Alabama State Senator Paul Sanford, who has courageously taken the lead in offering this bill before the State Assembly. Father, if this law is challenged in court, we ask that You be its defense in the High Court of Heaven. We ask this in Your name, amen.
- Then I will make you to this people A fortified wall of bronze; And though they fight against you, They will not prevail over you; For I am with you to save you And deliver you," declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 15:20)
7. North Carolina faces more threats to federal money over HB2 - Charlotte Observer
North Carolina is facing additional threats to its federal funding as two more agencies - the U.S. Department of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development - say they are reviewing the state's controversial House Bill 2.
Earlier this week, U.S. Justice Department officials told Gov. Pat McCrory that the law - which pre-empted Charlotte's anti-discrimination ordinance - violates the U.S. Civil Rights Act and Title IX, which bars discrimination in education based on sex. That could jeopardize billions in federal education funding.
In response to questions from the Observer Thursday, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Transportation wrote that the agency is reviewing House Bill 2 "to determine if, among other things, it violates non-discrimination grant provisions for DOT federally-assisted projects."
The federal DOT provides about $1 billion a year to North Carolina. (Read more)
- Father God, once again we lift up the arms of North Carolina's Gov. Pat McCrory in prayer, that he may find Your strength in the relentless battle that is raging against him. Father God, we thank You that You, Abba Father God, are His Lord, and that You will fight this battle for him. Let Gov. McCrory find a depth of faith in You that he has not known until now, and let that faith carry him through to the victory. In Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- "Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High . . . Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil . . . When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me." (Psalm 56: 2,5,9)
8. Fort McMurray: Fire could double in size, Canadian official says - CNN
The Fort McMurray wildfire in Canada is massive. And it could get a lot worse.
Dry, windy conditions are fueling the blaze, which has already raged over 1,010 square kilometers (389 square miles). By Saturday, it might be twice as big. "It's extremely dry out there. Wind continues to push from the southwest, to push the fire to the northeast into the forested areas," Alberta Wildfire official Chad Morrison said Friday afternoon. "There is a high potential that this fire could double in size by the end of the day tomorrow."
The monster fire -- which is the size of Hong Kong and is almost 25% bigger than New York City -- has displaced about 88,000 people and wiped out 1,600 structures.
The city of Fort McMurray has been devastated, damage witnessed by thousands of people who drove through Friday in evacuee convoys headed to Edmonton and other cities. More than 1,200 vehicles headed south down Highway 63, the lone road open for people relocating to emergency shelters and the homes of friends or family. (Read more)
- Father God, we bring this out-of-control inferno before Your Throne of Grace,knowing that You are well able to bring these fires under control. We ask for a miracle, that the flames be quenched, and that the firefighters be strengthened beyond their normal measure. Lord God, we ask too that the needs of the thousands of evacuees also be met, in Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." (Psalm 34:17)
9. The San Andreas Fault Is 'Locked and Loaded,' a Leading Seismologist Warns - Time
A leading earthquake expert has warned that a section of the San Andreas Fault in Southern California may be "ready to go," and that a major temblor that could shake the Los Angeles metropolitan area is long overdue.
The Los Angeles Times cites comments from Thomas Jordan, director of the Southern California Earthquake Center at the University of Southern California, who said the movement of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates should amount to a shift of about 16 ft. every 100 years. But the southern part of the fault has been quiet since a 7.9-magnitude quake hit in 1857 - too long.
"The springs on the San Andreas system have been wound very, very tight. And the southern San Andreas Fault, in particular, looks like it's locked, loaded and ready to go," Jordan said in the keynote speech of an earthquake conference in Long Beach, Calif. (Read more)
- Father, we ask for Your mercy, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
- "In wrath, remember mercy." (Habakkuk 3:2)
10. Anne Graham Lotz Next Chairman of Nat'l Day of Prayer Task Force; Warns God 'Backing Away' From America - Christian Post
Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of famous evangelist Billy Graham, is set to step into the role of chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, and has warned that God is "backing away" from America.
"For the past three years I have felt a compelling urgency to pray," Lotz said in a statement. "As a result my organization, AnGeL Ministries, has offered five worldwide prayer initiatives that have drawn tens of thousands into prayer. So when Shirley Dobson asked me to succeed her as the chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, I was highly honored."
"I believe I'm called by God to those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:1-2)," Lotz added. "I will continue to lead AnGeL Ministries as I accept this new assignment to not only get people into God's Word, but also onto their knees in serious prayer for our nation."
Dobson had led the National Day of Prayer for 25 years, organizing over 630,000 events and gathering more than 33 million Americans to pray. She said that she is passing on the mantle of leadership to Lotz "after much prayer and careful consideration." (Read more)
- Father, we thank You for Shirley Dobson and how she has led our nation in prayer for 25 faithful years. We bless her with every blessing possible as she moves now into her new position with the Task Force as the Chairman Emeritus.
We thank You, too, for Anne Graham Lotz as she, too, has spearheaded many national prayer initiatives over these past years. We ask that Your grace would now enfold Anne Graham Lotz as she assumes this new mantle of authority for the National Day of Prayer, and for all of us who intercede for our nation.
Most importantly, Lord, we do thank You that we live in a nation that yet allows us freedom of religion. May we cherish and guard this freedom always, in Jesus' name, amen.
- "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance." (Psalm 33:12)
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The Daily Jot (Part One)
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Thursday, May 5, 2016
Stopping totalitarianism
The Founding Fathers knew that a free nation would only remain free if there was freedom of speech, especially as exercised by the news media. The First Amendment reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." The "press" prided itself in being the "Fourth Estate"--that non-governmental branch of the nation holding the government accountable, the watchdog of the people. The watchdog of the people has become a lapdog of the government, but that has changed in recent years.
The cozy relationship between the news media and the socialist left has enjoyed a long honeymoon since those nasty capitalist pigs were brought down by the Watergate burglaries, causing the resignation of President Richard Nixon. For decades the news media became more leftist, increasingly biased, and far more supportive of big government and dismissive of conservative constitutionalism. The lesson they should be learning is that government cannot be trusted and that it is healthy to have an adversarial relationship with politicians and government. Notwithstanding, the "president" himself called the news media a "partner" of his in his recent press banquet speech.
Remember that the Treasury Department's IRS, the nation's foremost totalitarian agency, where a person has to prove his innocence once accused, targeted and harassed those who espoused the founding principles of the nation. Moreover, the IRS lied to Congress in March 2012 denying that it was targeting TEA Party and Patriot groups. Add to this a concerted effort by this government to disarm Americans, partner with America's enemies The Muslim Brotherhood and al Qaeda in its foreign policy endeavors, and artificially supporting the marketplace with tax dollars. Add them all up and you have a totalitarian state progressing at a fast pace.
Those who think that its just OK to allow this country to fall and we will just worship our Lord anyway with whatever comes with it, ought to study what is going on with Christians in China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. It is not merely having the IRS knocking at your door asking why your itemized deductions don't add up. We have an Isaiah 59:3 government: "For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies; your tongue has muttered perverseness." We as Christians and as Americans should not be an Isaiah 59:4-14 people, "None call for justice, nor any plead for truth...for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter." If we tolerate totalitarianism, we shall have it.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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The Daily Jot (Part Two)
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The Daily Jot (Part Two)
Friday, May 6, 2016
Wisdom in knowing the Word
Many would agree that the "Church" in the United States is not what is described in the book of Acts. The latter days prophecy of Jesus in Matthew 24:24 is in full swing: "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." False teaching, even heresy, has permeated our society. The out of context Word of God is used to justify many things from abusive government to corporate greed to specific doctrines of churches and ministries. It has come to the point where just quoting the Bible creates a vitriolic reaction--especially among Christians who disagree with how one views that quote.
It is grievous that man has purposed to follow other men in believing how God's word is to be dispensed and interpreted. It is a curious condition of the human soul and spirit that would accept teaching that is in great error rather than seek out what is truth. It is amazing that if a wrong concept is repeated enough times, it becomes as if it is correct and true, even if it is not. Even more, it is perplexing that men will condemn others viewpoints, belligerently attack the personal character of another, call into question one's faith and walk with the Lord, over doctrine and theology that they have never bothered to study themselves, but someone they follow said is true.
There are far too many doctrines, far too many theologies, far too many versions of truth in the "Church" that not all of them can be correct. The proponents of them cause arguments. Friends become estranged. Evil becomes good and good becomes evil. I was once in a conversation with a friend about a certain subject of the Bible. I read to him the exact verse that refuted his errant belief that was taught to him by a false teacher. He told me that I had a right to be wrong and began arguing semantics of various words in the simple verse. When that didn't work, he argued scientific plausibility. When that argument failed, it became a personal attack. We decided it was best not to discuss it anymore.
Study the Bible for yourself. Take the time to understand. If you do, then you will find the truth. And often, that truth will be far from what is being taught. Psalm 146:3 says, "Do not trust a prince or upon a son of man, for there is no salvation in his hand." When you stand before the Lord, it will not be that teacher, preacher, apostle or prophet who saves you. Jesus warns in Matthew 7:22,23: "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." A word to the wise: know the Word.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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Bills to Watch in Congress
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Three Bills to Watch in Congress
1. The Equity Act
The Minority Leader admitted what most conservatives have been arguing all along: that same-sex marriage isn't nearly as popular as the Left insists it is. In a jaw-dropping admission, Pelosi said, "Another piece of our agenda was to promote marriage equality in our country. Legislatively, we couldn't really succeed, but from the courts and the rest, and public opinion, of course, in the actual court and in the court of public opinion, that victory has been won."Together with the media, the Left did quite a snow job on Americans on the issue of marriage. Over time, they managed to create this phony impression of support -- even when the ballot boxes and state laws told a different story. Now that they've accomplished what they couldn't do in the legislature in the courts, they're owning up to the fact that they had to force the redefinition of marriage on the country illegitimately. While Americans are processing that bombshell, the Left is already moving on to the next target: a genderless America. (FRC Action)
- Father God, we ask that You intervene and cause this bill to fail in the House and not even see the halls of the Senate. In Jesus name, amen.
- "Nothing is too difficult for Thee." (Jer. 32:17)
2. The Conscience Protection Act (H.B. 4828)
If you agree, help us encourage the House Energy and Commerce Committee to do something about it. women have a "choice" on abortion, shouldn't their health care providers? That only seems fair, House Republicans argue. This spring, conservatives are hoping the rest of Congress agrees as part of their latest push to protect everyone's conscience -- not just the ones who share the Left's views. While the people in America might disagree on the legality of abortion, they do agree that no one should be forced to participate in it. Unfortunately, under Obamacare and other federal policies, that's exactly what has happened to everyone from policyholders to medical professionals. Either the administration is ordering people to pay for abortion or facilitate it -- many cases, against their will. (FRC)
- Father God, we ask that You would cause this bill to prosper and to pass, with a veto-proof margin, in both the House and in the Senate, in Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- " . . . he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
3. Defense bill would require women to register for draft
"If we want equality in this country, if we want women to be treated precisely like men are treated and that they should not be discriminated against, then we should support a universal conscription," Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) said.
The House Armed Services Committee voted 32-30 to include the amendment in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). (The Hill) Read more.
- Lord God, we ask that this amendment be stripped from this bill when it goes to the House floor for a vote later this month. We ask this in Your name, amen.
- "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." (John 14:14)
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Our Weekly Bible Studies
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Our Weekly Bible Studies: Last Week
May 1 - May 7, 2016
> > > To read the "One Year Bible" weekly letter, go here.
> > > To read the Shabbat Torah readings, go here.
Our Weekly Bible Studies: This Week
May 8 - May 14, 2016
> > > 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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Jamaica hunts for clues in deaths of 2 U.S. missionaries
Randy Hentzel's and Harold Nichols' mission in Jamaica was to help the impoverished, building houses and providing medical care for those in need.
So why would anyone want to kill the two American missionaries on the island where they had lived for years?
"It's something no one would have thought would have happened," Jamaica Constabulary Force spokeswoman Dahlia Garrick said. "There was nothing to indicate anyone wanted to do them harm. They are highly respected people within the community."
Now the police are scrambling for clues in the deaths that Prime Minister Andrew Holness says has the entire nation grieving.
Hentzel, 48, and Nichols, 53, had served in Jamaica for years with TEAMS for Medical Missions, a small, Pennsylvania-based Christian charity that tries to provide medical care and spiritual comfort in the Caribbean island nation.
Both Nichols and Hentzel had been doing missionary work in Jamaica since 2002, according to the Teams for Medical Missions website. Hentzel is survived by his wife, Sara, and five children, including three who are of school age, Shive said.
Nichols is survived by his wife, Teri, a coordinator at the mission's clinic in Jamaica. The couple had planned to return to the United States for a two-month furlough in mid-August, according to the mission's website.
Holness, the Prime Minister, met with relatives of Nichols and Hentzel, saying the nation shared in their grief. "I know the entire Jamaica mourns with you, and I stand here on their behalf to express their deep sympathies, sadness," he told the families. "No words can give any comfort to the loss of a loved one, especially under such tragic circumstances. ... But the strength that you have displayed and the true Christian spirit of forgiveness means the spirit here and the people of Jamaica want you to know what has happened here doesn't represent and that we want to seek justice here because the crime is affecting everyone." (Read more)
- Father, we lift up those who are grieving the loss of these two fine men, asking that You comfort those who mourn, in Jesus' name, amen.
- "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Ps. 34:18)
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Classic Hymns
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Songs Our Grandmothers Sang:
STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS
"Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:11-12)
Lyrics
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross; Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss. From victory unto victory His army shall He lead, Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the solemn watchword hear; If while ye sleep He suffers, away with shame and fear; Where'er ye meet with evil, within you or without, Charge for the God of battles, and put the foe to rout.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey; Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day. Ye that are brave now serve Him against unnumbered foes; Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone; The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own. Put on the Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer; Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, each soldier to his post, Close up the broken column, and shout through all the host: Make good the loss so heavy, in those that still remain, And prove to all around you that death itself is gain.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long; This day the noise of battle, the next the victor's song. To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be; They with the King of Glory shall reign eternally.
About the Author:
Words: George Duffield, Jr., 1858
Music: George J. Webb, 1830
About the Hymn:
'Stand Up for Jesus' was the dying message of the Reverend Dudley A. Tyng to the Young Men's Christian Association. The Sabbath before his death he preached in the immense edifice known as Jaynes' Hall, one of the most successful sermons of modern times. Of the five thousand men there assembled, at least one thousand, it was believed were 'the slain of the Lord'.
The following Wednesday, leaving his study for a moment, he went to the barn floor, where a mule was at work on a horse-power, shelling corn. Patting him on the neck, the sleeve of his silk study gown caught in the cogs of the wheel, and his arm was torn out the roots! His death occurred in a few hours.
The author of the hymn preached from Eph. 6:14, and the verses were written simply as the concluding exhortation. The superintendent of the Sabbath school had a fly-leaf printed for the children-a stray copy found its way into a Baptist newspaper, from that paper it has gone all over the world.
George Duffield, Jr.
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Signs and Wonders
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Swarm of earthquakes strikes Mount St. Helens
In the past eight weeks, more than 130 small earthquakes have trembled beneath the surface of Mount St. Helens.
At this point, "there is absolutely no sign that it will erupt anytime soon, but the data we collect tells us that the volcano is still very much alive," the U.S. Geological Survey said.
Seismologists reported that there are no anomalous gases, and no signs that the collection of magma, which is the molten rock beneath the surface of the Earth, is getting inflated in the recent swarm of earthquakes at the volcano.
Although there are no signs of an imminent eruption, the volcano is recharging, scientists say.
Mount St. Helens is in Washington state, 95 miles south of Seattle and about 55 miles northeast of Portland, OR.
The earthquakes have been measured at a magnitude of 0.5 or less and the largest was at 1.3. They've been measured about 1.2 to four miles underneath the surface. With such small magnitudes and such depths, you wouldn't be able to feel the earthquakes on the surface.
But it's not the magnitude that has gotten scientists attention -- it's the frequency.(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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Revival, spiritual awakening sweeping West Virginia as people
open their hearts to God
The people of the U.S. state of West Virginia are experiencing revival and spiritual awakening that began in schools and have spread to towns, CBN News reports.
In the past few days, people are packing the Field House sports complex in Williamson crying out for God. "That you would enter our hearts God, and touch every family associated with my school, Lord. You're going to break the chains," said one person at a recent gathering.
A girl in the crowd said, "This will only spread and no matter where people go, we will share it with the world, God."
According to Pastor Mitch Bias of the regional Church of God in Delbarton, prayer and desperation have caused the spiritual awakening especially among the youth.
"It's a climactic time," he said. "I think the many years of creating a spiritual vacuum inside of kids by not teaching them the true reality that there's a destiny in God-time plus chance, plus matter-has produced a vacuum on the inside."
He said people are in spiritual limbo.
"I think when they hear a message of hope it really speaks to them because they're kind of hanging in a spiritual limbo. And they press into it quickly to take it 'cause they know that's the truth," he said.
He believes what's happening is not about the church or religion but a God thing, adding that this phenomenon in West Virginia may spread to other states and countries. (Christian Today) Read more 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)
> > > Please find below the Election Prayer Resources that have been recently added to our list. To view the archive section, go here.
To view our recently archived articles, go here.
To view the most recently archived resources, go here.
