The Daily Brief:
"Praying for All in Authority"
Monday, April 24, 2017
"Standing Together as One
. . . Under the Cross of Christ"
"May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
(1 Thessalonians 5:23)
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The First 100 Days
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Prayer Resources for The First 100 Days
Tools to Assist in Offering Prayers for President Trump
and his Administration during these First 100 Days
1. 24/7 Prayer Line
Sponsored by the 24/7 National Strategic Prayer Network, you can call this number anytime, day or night, and join other prayer warriors across the nation to pray for the new administration.
The Conference Number is: 712-770-4340
The Access Code is: 543555#
Please dial #6 to mute your phone.
All are welcome to join!
2. PrayerSurgeNow
PrayerSurgeNow hosts a weekly call every Saturday morning, beginning at 7:30 a.m. EST. Topics are geared to time-sensitive events happening in our country, and anointed speakers are invited to host each call, bringing insight to intercessors across the nation.
PrayerSurgeNow also hosts other calls throughout the week, as the need arises.
In order to keep pace with their news, please visit their blog at: www.prayersurgenow.blogspot.com, or by going here.
PSN's Conference number is: 712-432-0075
Access Code is: 6149782#
3. Daily Devotions - Sponsored by the AsOne network.
A prayer topic, intercession and Scriptural decrees are posted daily during these First 100 Days. Please go here to find today's devotion.
4. President Trump's Weekly Address:
Friday, April 21, 2017
To view last week's address, please go here.
5. PRAYERS FOR THE PRESIDENT
The First 100 Days and Beyond
A Collection of Prayers by the People:
An Inaugural Gift for President Donald J. Trump
To read this guide to prayer, written by 100 intercessors for each of the President's First 100 Days, please go here.
6. White House Press Briefings
To view each day's press conference,go here.
The videos of these press briefings appear below the video of Inauguration itself.
7. US Vice President meets Australian Prime Minister - Australian Prayer Network
American Vice President Mike Pence met with our Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull this morning here in Australia. US Vice President Mike Pence has reassured Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull all is well between the US and Australia. @@@@@@@@@
Please check out this short 3 minute clip of this first historic meeting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4_j5UuxPlg
At the start of bilateral talks in Sydney with Mr Turnbull today, Mr Pence said he and US President Donald Trump were keen to reaffirm America's strong ties with Australia during his official two-day visit. "I bring greetings this morning from the president of the United States. I spoke with him first thing and he wanted me to pass along his very best regards," Mr Pence said. "The president wanted me to be here early in this administration to reaffirm this strong, historic alliance between the United States of America and Australia. "My presence here today at the president's direction is about a reaffirmation of the strong ties in both our security and our prosperity."
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Focus on Israel
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1. Tel Aviv stabber was in Israel on one-day 'peace' pass, official says - Times of Israel
The Defense Ministry suspended single-day work permits for Palestinians to enter Israel Sunday, hours after a Palestinian teen injured four in a stabbing attack on Tel Aviv's beachfront.
The attacker, identified as an 18-year-old from the Nablus area of the West Bank, apparently entered Israel with one such pass, as part of a group known as "Natural Peace Tours," which is supposed to forge relationships between Palestinians and Israelis, a defense official said. He was not named. (Read more)
2. Israel re-opens Sinai crossing, keeps travel warning in place - Israel Hayom
Taba crossing between Israel and Egypt re-opens after 11 days despite serious security concerns
Counterterrorism Bureau reiterates that its travel warning remains in effect, says threat to Israeli tourists in Sinai is "severe, concrete, and imminent."
Israel re-opened the Taba border crossing with Egypt on Friday, 11 days after closing it over serious security concerns. (Read more)
3. Israel Reportedly Strikes Pro-Regime Military Base in Syria - Algemeiner
The Israeli military launched an attack on a military base belonging to pro-regime forces in Syria Sunday, according to local reports.
According to a statement issued by the National Defense Forces, which supports President Bashar al-Assad, three militants were killed and two were wounded in the alleged Israeli strike on the Naba Fawar base near Quneitra.
Pro-regime radio reported that loud explosions were heard at the base at around 5 a.m. Sunday. Following the explosions, it was determined that a cache of ammunition had detonated at the base, leading to confusion regarding whether or not Israel was responsible for the incident. (Read more)
4. Moscow Meeting to Host Israel, Iran and Iraq - Bridges for Peace
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman will leave for Moscow next week for a security conference in which senior officials from countries such as Iran, Iraq, the Gulf emirates and other countries with whom Israel has no diplomatic relations will take part.
US and NATO leaders invited to the conference have not yet officially announced whether they intend to participate. Observers in Moscow know that the Americans will probably boycott the conference sponsored by the Russian leadership. The conference, which will begin on Wednesday under the title International Security Conference in Moscow, will be opened by Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
According to the schedule, the defense minister will meet with Shoygu and Lavrov outside the conference to clarify the issues involved in the arrangements the Russians are leading regarding the future of Syria. Lieberman's meeting with the Russian defense minister will be the first meeting between the two men. It is reasonable to assume that one of the main issues that will arise during the meeting will be the collaboration between Israel and Russia in the Syrian arena in light of the Russian reprimand to Israel following the air strike in Syria a few weeks ago. (Read more)
- Intercede for this conference in Moscow which addresses issues the Middle East is struggling with-radical movements and the Syrian civil war. Ask God to go before Lieberman, Israel's defense minister, and prepare the way that will be most beneficial for Israel, pray for his safety, divine wisdom and ask God to direct his speech while he is in the virtual lion's den.
- "And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Prayer offered by Bridges for Peace
5. Iran Vows "Death to Israel" in Latest Military Parade - Bridges for Peace
Wednesday, 19 April 2017 | Yesterday the Islamic Republic of Iran celebrated its annual National Army Day. To mark the occasion, Iran chose to flaunt its military might by showcasing its newly acquired S-300 air defense missile system and a number of other state-of-the-art weapons in a series of parades through the streets of Tehran.
Yet the public display was not only for the benefit of the Iranians lining the streets of their capital. There was also a message for the Jewish state. Banners affixed to the trucks carrying the variety of weapons vowed "Death to Israel" in bright red Persian script. (Read more)
- Bring all Israel's government officials, security and military units before God's throne and pray for wisdom to deal with and prepare for Iran's boastful warnings to Israel. Ask God for clear, sensible decisions and thank God for His promises to keep Israel.
- "Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand." (Psalm 121:4-5)
Prayer offered by Bridges for Peace
6. Bridges for Peace: Israel Prayer Update
To read this week's update, go here,
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International News
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Please note:
Every prayer below is presented to our Lord in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.
1. French presidential election: Le Pen, Macron win first round to advance to runoff - Fox News
French politics was shaken to its core Sunday as far-right populist Marine Le Pen and centrist Emmanuel Macron advanced to a runoff presidential election after the first round of voting.
As it became clear that Le Pen would be one of the top two vote-getters, her rivals on the left and right urged voters to block her path to power in the May 7 runoff, saying her virulently nationalist anti-EU and anti-immigration politics would spell disaster for France.
The selection of Le Pen and Macron marked the first time in the 59-year history of the French Fifth Republic that neither of the country's two main parties, the Socialists and the Republicans, made the second round of presidential balloting. Macron, a 39-year-old investment banker, made the runoff on the back of a grassroots campaign without the support of a major political party.
With Le Pen wanting France to leave the EU and Macron wanting even closer cooperation between the bloc's 28 nations, Sunday's outcome meant the May 7 runoff will have undertones of a referendum on France's EU membership. (Read more)
- Will the European Union fall following the French election?
Father, we ask you to establish the leadership, you have chosen for France in this hour. If it is time for this godless, man-made, structure of Humanism, which is called The European Union, to be broken up, please give the authority of governance to the candidate, who will accomplish Your purpose in this matter, by facilitating France's exit from that union. We pray that the nation of France would come to be completely in line with Your way, Your will, and Your word in all things. In the name of Jesus the Christ, AMEN!
- "Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it . . ."
(Psalm 127:1)
2. North Korean Weapon Called Existential Threat to U.S. - WND
WND has been reporting on the threat to America from EMP, the electromagnetic pulse from a nuclear explosion high in the sky, since early in the 2000s when former CIA chief James Wooley, former Defense Department staffer F. Michael Maloof and former Congressional EMP Commission member Dr. Peter Vincent Pry were sounding the alarm.
It was only weeks later that North Korea as a possible aggressor was brought into the conversation.
Nothing has gotten better since then, according to Pry, who agreed to an interview with WND on Friday, and in fact, it's worse.
In fact, the sabre-rattling from North Korea dictator Kim Jong Un in recent days and weeks, the threats to destroy America, the warnings about "nuclear thunderbolts," and more, should be taken very seriously, he suggested. (Read more)
- Almighty God, threats continue from North Korea's leader to the US. He is a mere man and doesn't know the power of You and Your angel armies. Deal with this evil man and set his people free to know and to love You. We praise You and honor You as our nation continues to be, "One nation under God." Thank You for watching over the US and leading our military in Your plans. Amen.
- "When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt will be with you."
(Deuteronomy 20:1)
3. North Korea threatens to strike US aircraft carrier to show 'military's force' - Fox News
North Korea threatened Sunday to sink a U.S. aircraft carrier to demonstrate its military prowess as two Japanese Navy ships joined a U.S. strike group for exercises in the Philippine Sea.
"Our revolutionary forces are combat-ready to sink a U.S. nuclear powered aircraft carrier with a single strike," according to North Korea's ruling Workers' Party's newspaper, the Rodong Sinmum.
The paper also likened the USS Carl Vinson to a "gross animal" and said a strike on the carrier would be "an actual example to show our military's force."
President Trump ordered the USS Carl Vinson to sail to waters off the Korean Peninsula in response to the rising tensions over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests and threats to attack the U.S. and its allies. Vice President Pence said Saturday that group would arrive "within days."
The Vinson and two other U.S. warships were joined by two Japanese destroyers as they continued their journey north in the western Pacific Ocean, the U.S. Navy said in a statement. The U.S. group also includes a guided-missile cruiser and a guided-missile destroyer. (Read more)
- Lord God, today we ask for a double measure of protection to cover all of our ships now in the Pacific Ocean. Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayer, amen.
- "He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge . . ." (Psalm 91:4)
4. Russian jets buzz Alaska for fourth day in a row: report - The Hill
Russian aircraft on Friday reportedly flew near Alaska for fourth time in four days.
Two TU-95 "Bear" long-range bombers flew within the U.S. Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) about 700 nautical miles southwest of Anchorage, though they remained in international airspace, CNN reported. It was not clear if the U.S. scrambled jets to intercept the aircraft.
While such flights are not out of the ordinary, the episode signals a major uptick in the frequency at which Russian aircraft are flying near the U.S. Similar flights in past days have been intercepted by U.S. jets and escorted out of the ADIZ. The flights mark the first time since 2015 that Russian planes have approached the U.S. mainland.
The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement obtained by CNN that the flights have been conducted with regard to international regulations and have not violated U.S. airspace. "All such missions are carried out in strict compliance with international regulations and with respect to national borders," the statement reads. (Read more)
- Father, as in the days of Elisha, so let it be today regarding Russian aircraft flying within the ADIZ over Alaska. God, we trust You to encircle all of America with Your great army of warring angels to protect us. Take the power of darkness in Mr. Putin and keep it under the power of the Blood of Jesus. Dismantle his long-range bombers that they are unable to make any preemptive strike against the United States. The angel of the Lord stands before him to hinder him. We declare and pray in the Name of Jesus.
- "And Elisha's servant said, 'Alas, my master! what shall we do? And he answered, 'Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.'" And Elisha prayed, and said, 'Lord I pray thee open his eyes, that he may see.' And the Lord opened his eyes, and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." (II Kings 6:15-17)
5. Trump raps Iran for violating 'spirit' of nuclear deal - Times of Israel
Iran is failing to fulfill the "spirit" of its nuclear deal with world powers, President Donald Trump declared Thursday, setting an ominous tone for his forthcoming decision about whether to pull the US out of the landmark agreement.
As he often had during the president campaign, Trump ripped into the deal struck by Iran, the US and other world powers in 2015 and said "it shouldn't have been signed." Yet he pointedly stopped short of telegraphing whether or not the US would stay in.
"They are not living up to the spirit of the agreement, I can tell you that," Trump said of the Iranians, though he did not mention any specific violations. Earlier this week, the administration certified to Congress than Iran was complying - at least technically - with the terms of the deal, clearing the way for Iran to continue enjoying sanctions relief in the near term. (Read more)
- Father, with Your unaltering hand, draw President Trump near to hear Your voice directing him in this decision to pull the U.S. out of the landmark agreement of its nuclear deal with Iran and other world powers. He stated, "it shouldn't have been signed. They (Iran) are not living up to the spirit of the agreement." Father, cut President Trump free from all voices except the voice of the Lord. Protect him by the very angel of God so that he be guided to do God's will in this matter. In the Name of Jesus we pray.
- "Arise, O Lord; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in Your sight. Put them in fear, O Lord: that the nations may know themselves to be but men."
(Psalm 9:19-20)
6. Netanyahu issues stern warning on Iran in exclusive interview with Fox News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday in an exclusive Fox News interview that the world cannot allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.
Netanyahu theorized to Sean Hannity about what the outcome would be in a confrontation where an "Islamist terror state" has nuclear weapons. He warned of irreparable damage and said "we cannot allow that to happen."
"If we are resolute in our policies, we can make sure that doesn't happen," he said on "Hannity." (Read more)
- Father, You are watching the decisions of the nations on the earth so that they not make mistakes regarding the timetable in heaven. The warning Prime Minister Netanyahu is declaring is that the world cannot allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon, being an Islamist terror state. So Father in heaven, we pray that the angels of God surround the nations making this decision and they all agree to break the arm of the wicked and evil man until he be defeated. We pray in the Name of Jesus.
- "Come, behold the works of the Lord. He makes wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in sunder; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." (Psalm 46:8-11)
7. In Israel, Pentagon chief says Iran deal 'still stands'; issues warning - Times of Israel
US Defense Secretary James Mattis on Friday said Iran is sticking to the terms of the nuclear deal, adding that the 2015 agreement between the Islamic Republic and world powers "still stands and that's all I can say about it."
Speaking in Tel Aviv alongside his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Liberman, Mattis said the Iranians "appear to be living up to their part of the agreement." The nuclear deal "continues to be in force," the Pentagon chief said. However, he also warned "that in no way mitigates against or excuses the other Iranian activities in the region including the war in Yemen that grinds on and what they're doing in Syria" to keep Syrian President Bashar Assad in power. "But the agreement on nuclear issues still stands and that's all I can say about it," he added. (Read more)
- Father, only You know the situation in Iran, even as war continues in Yemen and in Syria. James Mattis used the term, "that's all I can say about it." In a fictional movie Forrest Gump used a similar term, "That's all I can say about that". These times are real and we ask for truth and peace in those countries. In Your precious name please bring light into the darkness.
- "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." (Isaiah 42:16)
8. Meeting Mattis, PM Netanyahu hails 'welcome change' of US leadership - Times of Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US Secretary of Defense James Mattis on Friday that Israel welcomes the "strategic change of American leadership and American policy."
Hosting Mattis in Jerusalem, Netanyahu - whose relationship with former US president Barack Obama was frequently frosty - hailed the Pentagon chief's "strong and forthright words" on Iran, and US President Donald Trump's "very forthright deeds" in launching a strike on a Syrian airbase following a chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime.
"We sense a great change in the direction of American policy," Netanyahu told Mattis at a joint press conference in Jerusalem.
"This has been appreciated around the world and in our region. I think this is a welcome change, a strategic change of American leadership and American policy," Netanyahu said. (Read more)
- Father, we in America and those in Israel and around the world, lift up praises to our God for raising up President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu to hear from heaven the voice of God and honor Your great Name in the affairs of guiding nations. For God reigns and is the great King over all the earth. We pray that this mighty God will rule over our nations and be our guide to the very end. In the holy Name of Jesus we pray.
- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
9. Haley Says Iran, Not Israel, Bears Blame for Middle East Crisis - Bloomberg
After her first UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East in February, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley knocked the organization's "anti-Israel bias." On Thursday, Haley will try to turn the spotlight from Israel to Iran, the latest target of the Trump administration's tough talk.
Haley, who holds the rotating presidency of the United Nations' top decision-making body for April, wants to use a monthly meeting on "the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question" to tackle Tehran's role in Yemen and Syria and its support for Hezbollah, topics she sees as more central to the theme of Middle East peace.
"Incredibly, the UN Department of Political Affairs has an entire department devoted to Palestinian affairs," Haley said after the February meeting. "There is no division devoted to the world's No. 1 state sponsor of terror, Iran." (Read more)
- Father, give Nikki Haley wisdom and knowledge in all things she faces in meetings on UN affairs. Give her Your words that they will be heard and accepted by other members of the UN. Thank You our Lord and Savior, amen.
- " . . and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom and with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills." (Exodus 31:3)
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News in the U.S.
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1. Major Power Outages Coincide in LA, New York, and San Francisco - Inverse.com
A series of subsequent power outages in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City left commuters stranded and traffic backed up on Friday morning. Although the outages occurred around the same time, there is as of yet no evidence that they were connected by anything more than coincidence. (Read more)
- Father God, we understand that many were actually trapped inside elevators until this situation could be resolved, in all three cities. Lord, we ask that there will NOT be anymore outages in the US. Deal with the ones responsible for causing the power outages on Friday accordingly as You will. Praise and honor are Yours. Amen
- "The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him." (Psalm 28:7)
2. Data in! Sanctuary cities have higher crime rates - WND
Surprise! Sanctuary cities do, indeed, experience higher crime rates than do non-sanctuary cities, an in-depth WND analysis of the most recent study of the question reveals.
An August 2016 study of the relationship between "sanctuary city" policies and crime rates shows that cities refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities consistently have significantly higher violent crimes rates than do non-sanctuary cities with similar populations and demographics, WND has found.
An analysis of the data by WND reveals that non-sanctuary cities comparable in population, size and demographics consistently - year over year - experience and report lower percentages of violent crime as well as lower percentages of property crimes. (Read more)
- Father God, others may be surprised at these statistics, but we are not. It is well known that many who flee to these "sanctuary cities" are actually violent criminals, intent on doing harm to others. Lord God, we ask that this study would serve as a "wake up call" to those who are the gatekeepers and the decision makers in these cities. Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayer, amen.
- "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." (John 14:14)
3. WH 'Confident' There Will Be No Government Shutdown - CNSNews.com
The White House said Friday that it has confidence that there will be no government shutdown, however, the Office of Management and Budget is taking "routine steps" to prepare for a potential lapse in appropriations next week following the continuing resolution's expiration. "Just to be clear -- and again, I just want to make sure -- we remain confident that we're not going to have a shutdown," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said during an off-camera press gaggle.
When Congress returns from recess on Monday, they'll have five days to agree on an appropriations bill before the continuing resolution (CR) expires on Friday.
When asked why he was so confident there would be no government shutdown, Spicer said, "So you heard Director Mulvaney yesterday saying a shutdown is never desired and neither is it a strategy, and I think we echo that. We feel confident. We've been working with House and Senate leadership, and our goal is to continue to do what's necessary to fund the government. (Read more)
- Lord God, we come against every force that will be unleashed this week in the halls of Congress to threaten our government with a shutdown; and to weaken our president. We bind this spirit of python, that closes our resources, and we loose the spirit of grace, that allows our needs to be met by Your Mighty Hand, amen and amen.
- "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 18:18)
4. Details on Trump's Tax Reform Plan to Be Announced Next Week - CNSNews.com
President Donald Trump said Friday that he will unveil details on his tax reform plan next week. "And we'll be having a big announcement on Wednesday having to do with tax reform. The process has begun long ago, but it really formally begins on Wednesday," the president said at the Treasury Department, where he signed three presidential directives aimed at further protecting U.S. workers and taxpayers.
"The first executive action instructs Secretary Mnuchin to begin the process of tax simplification. Such a big thing. People can't do their returns. They have no idea what they're doing. They're too complicated. This regulatory reduction is the first step toward a tax reform that reduces rates, provides relief to our middle class, and lowers our business tax, which is one of the highest in the world and has stopped us from so much wealth and productivity," Trump said.
"I'm also issuing two directives that instruct Secretary Mnuchin to review the damaging Dodd-Frank regulations that failed to hold Wall Street firms accountable. I mean, they've done really, in many cases, the opposite of what they were supposed to. These regulations enshrine 'too big to fail' and encourage risky behavior," the president said. (Read more)
- Father God, we thank You that, as he enters the end of his first 100 days in office, our president continues to tackle the difficult issues that face our nation. Lord God, we thank You for this "lion of Judah" who now sits inside the Oval Office, and we ask that You would grace him, once again, with "wisdom from above" as he seeks to do Your will for our people. In Your Name, amen.
- "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." (Psalm 32:8)
5. Teacher Bans Cross and Forces LGBT Agenda on Students - Liberty Counsel
Liberty Counsel sent a demand letter to the Hillsborough County Public Schools regarding a teacher who has prohibited Christian jewelry, is engaging in outrageous LGBT political activism in her classroom, and punishes students who do not agree with her LGBT propaganda.
Lora Jane Riedas, a math teacher at Riverview High School, placed LGBT rainbow stickers on her students' notebooks. Riedas' classroom décor blatantly promotes a pro-LGBT agenda. Riedas retweeted, apparently during the school day, "favorite queer web series for kids" from "huffpostqueer" stating: "Here's how to talk to kids about what it means to be an LGBTQ ally." She is part of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network's (GLSEN) Leadership Institute.
Riedas has prohibited at least three students from wearing Christian cross necklaces in her classroom, claiming they are "gang symbols." One of the crosses, a tiny crucifix worn by Liberty Counsel's ninth grade client, is less than one inch long. Riedas demanded the student stop wearing her cross necklace and singled her out for several false "misbehavior" allegations after the student removed the LGBT rainbow sticker from her class notebook. Riedas' lesbian partner, who is also a teacher at Riverview, dressed as a nun for school spirit week, complete with a "cross necklace" made of skulls. She tweeted she has "a bad habit" and the point is to be "creepy." (Read more)
- Father: We ask that You personally lift up Your Name over Riverview High School and pour out Your power upon all the evil assembling therein. Send a host of heavenly angels into that school and protect every student who are Christians by the Blood of Jesus. Assign these warring angels to go forth and wage war against all wickedness in these evil teachers and their supporters and defeat their cause for they shall be short-lived. Create a strong army of believers who will stand tall against this evil. Separate unto Yourself the righteous from the unrighteous. Overwhelm the evil one by Your Holy Spirit and cut off the root of wickedness from Hillsborough County. We pray in the victorious Name of Jesus.
- "Bless the Lord, you his angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His Word. Bless You the Lord, all you His hosts: you ministers of His, that do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul." (Psalm 103:20)
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The Daily Jot
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Friday, April 21, 2017
Freedom of speech and of religion
The First Amendment to the US Constitution 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." Yet our society in America seems to have come to a point where free speech is fine so long as you don't disagree with anything the news media, leftists, leftist politicians or certain political parties say. Then you are labeled a racist, bigot, homophobe, xenophobe, Islamophobe, misogynist, or some such other slur-especially if you respond with facts. Its free speech they say-that is, to insult you.
These folks would limit your free speech. Some of them think that people who voice concern about the flawed science of global warming should be put in jail. Others say that citing the Koran as the reason Islamists kill Christians, Jews and other infidels is hate speech and bigotry. Many believe that those who want people to immigrate to the United States legally are racists. If you believe that the safest place for a baby is the mother's womb, many consider you someone who is trying to take away women's health rights. These people have somehow taken what they consider a moral high ground and have boxed in those who disagree with their nonsense. Apply facts to support your ideals and you invite a personal attack.
If this isn't hate speech, it certainly is hateful speech. But it is free speech according to the shrill voices that accuse others of bullying while they, themselves, are the biggest bullies. When you or I make a statement based on facts, they immediately say we should have no voice, that we are hateful, and apply a label. Who gives them this right? In reality, free speech and free exercise of religion have their foundation in God's word. It is the laws of God that give us freedom. Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Liberty, freedom, free will, life abundantly springs eternal from God. The labels applied to us by these hateful people are of sin. They have no moral ground. Yet they claim they are crusading for social justice.
Proverbs 28:4,5 says, "They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. Evil men understand not justice: but they that seek the LORD understand all things." These folks couldn't truly define social justice because they do not understand justice or from whom the law came. Freedom of speech and of religion comes with a responsibility to exercise such in reverence to Godly principles of love, truth, honor and justice. Those who do not know the one true God have no foundation to speak. We must do a better job. How? It comes through the free exercise of speech and religion as Ephesians 6:19 exhorts: "that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel."
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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NDP Global Prayer Call!
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Australia and America: Allies Again in Warfare
International Prayer Alert from Australia:
Time for the Spiritual ANZACS to Pray for America
Dear Praying Friends,
Our dear brothers and sisters in Christ in Australia are calling the world to join them in this special initiative as up to 9000 Aussies take part, April 30-May 4. The video they produced (see the link below) is excellent and compelling, especially the words of Abraham Lincoln that still seem so relevant to all our nations. Last year, 45 nations took part. The goal this year is for praying believers in 100 nations to join in. Please do heed this call from "down under" and share it with others so that we could indeed have 100 nations taking part this year. In the Lord's hands, this united prayer initiative will surely make a big difference for not only the USA but for the rest of our world as well!
John Robb
International Prayer Council
From Warwick Marsh and the National Day of Prayer team:
"We have just sent this Call to Pray for America out to our prayer list of 9,000 across Australia! (Equivalent to 120,000 in the USA). Again our team, for the fifth year in a row, is calling the nations of the world to pray and fast for five days for America from 30 April - 4 May 2017.
You can view this video by going here.
>
> > You can read more about this international call to prayer and fasting
for this year's National Day of Prayer by
going here to read this alert, posted by the National Day of Repentance.
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Our Weekly Bible Study
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Our Weekly Bible Study
Week of Sunday, April 23 - Saturday, April 29th, 2017
> > > To read the "One Year Bible" weekly letter, go here.
> > > To read the Shabbat Torah readings, go here.
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More Daily Features
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The Persecuted Church
"Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body." (Hebrews 13:3)
Please visit the website for International Christian Concern to lift up prayers for the persecuted around the world, every day. Their link is: www.persecution.org -- or go here to connect. Thank you for interceding for our brothers and sisters who are suffering in Asia, the Islamic World, and the Far East.
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Classic Hymns:
I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY
"Let me tell you what He has done for me." (Psalm 66:16)
"Let me tell you what He has done for me." (Psalm 66:16)
Lyrics
I love to tell the story of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love. I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true; It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
Refrain
I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory, To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams. I love to tell the story, it did so much for me; And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.
Refrain
love to tell the story; 'tis pleasant to repeat What seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet. I love to tell the story, for some have never heard The message of salvation from God's own holy Word.
Refrain
I love to tell the story, for those who know it best Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest. And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, 'Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.
Refrain
Melody
Please go here.
About the Author:
Words: A. Katherine Hankey, 1866
Music:William G. Fischer, 1869
About the hymn:
"Last winter a young man appeared here from British Columbia," says a letter from Surrey, England. "He was in the Royal Marines. He was a total abstainer and was doing all he could to promote temperance among his comrades. While here he went to church, and the curate, who had a conversation with him, was much pleased with his manly behavior and resolute desire to do right. He wore a medal and had good conduct marks on his clothes. This man was the little boy whom Miss T. had picked up in Battersea Park many years before, and who had learned of the gospel of salvation entirely by listening to the maidservants singing sacred songs while scrubbing the doorsteps and cleaning windows. The hymn that, as a child, he seemed to make entirely his own was, 'I love to tell the story,' though he knew several others when he was picked up in the park. As he had never been to church or chapel, the hymns were the only channel through which divine truth had been conveyed to him, and by which the first seed was sown in his heart that made him a man of character and usefulness."
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Signs and Wonders
Drones armed with sensors fly through erupting volcano's ash clouds - CBSNews
Drones can do more than capture high-flying footage, and researchers recently put the unmanned vehicles to work studying a volcano as it erupted.
During a research trip to Guatemala, a team of volcanologists and engineers used customized drones (also known as unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs) to investigate Volcán de Fuego.
Fuego is known for its near constant low-level activity, with smoke escaping from its top daily. However, the summit vent is difficult to access - the volcano has an elevation of 12,346 feet - and scientists have not been able to collect accurate gas measurements. Using drones outfitted with a range of sensors, researchers were able to collect data directly from the volcano's ash clouds. (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
Groundbreaking Research Reveals Most Effective Ways to Combat Christian Persecution: Report - Christian Post
A new study released this week reveals the extent of Christian persecution worldwide and the effective strategies the oppressed are employing to combat it.
Gathered before hundreds at a symposium to discuss the report titled, "In Response to Persecution," at the National Press Club on Thursday, several scholars who took part in the research presented the key findings in this first systematic global investigation of the responses of Christian communities to persecution. The report is part of the Under Caesar's Sword project at the University of Notre Dame.
Donald Cardinal Wuerl, the Catholic Archbishop of Washington, D.C., opened the conference urging those in attendance to do four things. Christians must continue to be aware of the plight of their persecuted brethren, raise their voices in support of them, send them material aid and assistance, and continue to pray, he said. (Read more)
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Today's Worship:
"Lord, I Need You" - Matt Maher
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The Bible Readathon
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Our Bible Readathon Continues
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)
We are now reading the Word of God every night from midnight to 6:00 a.m. EST. We are reading through the whole Word, from Genesis to Revelation, and beginning again in Genesis when finished.
Our numbers of readers continues to grow over time. All are welcome to join!
The access code is: 350430#. Please call at any time from midnight to 6:00 a.m. EST. WELCOME!
[Note: we are reading from these versions of the Scripture: King James, New King James, New American Standard, and NIV.]
