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Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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The Daily Brief:
"Praying for All in Authority"
Thursday, June 15, 2017
"Praying for All in Authority"
Thursday, June 15, 2017
"The Lord will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.
The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever."
(Psalm 121:7,8)
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"Standing Together as One . . . Under the Cross of Christ"
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The Shooting: Romans 8:28
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The Shooting: Romans 8:28
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Editor's Note: As the story of yesterday's shooting continues to unfold, we see two very different sides to its outcome: -- the evil that Satan meant to inflict upon the members -- and the GOOD that God is even now bringing forth from this agonizing story.
As I was blessed to attend one of the many prayer gatherings in Congress yesterday, seated alongside the members whose fellow colleagues had just experienced this trauma, I was struck that again and again, it was spoken that good will emerge from this evil.
In the two sections below, we present "both sides" to you -- first reports of the GOOD, and then the need to pray over the reports of the EVIL. God's plan for us IS perfect, and He does have a redemptive purpose in our current national tragedy. May we begin to realize, more and more, that His light is shining in the darkness, now and always.
Thank you for praying in the Spirit over each item presented tonight, for your own prayerful consideration, in His name, amen. -- Sara Ballenger, Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
FIRST: THE GOOD
1. After Shooting of Rep. Scalise, Prayer Takes Hold on Capitol Hill - Breaking Christian News
On the floor of the U.S. Senate, Lankford shared how he's praying 'God would show us how to respond to this tragedy as a nation.'
"As I've walked through the hallways heading back and forth to different meetings, I've been interested to see many doors that I've walked by and then when that door was open I could hear people inside praying," said Lankford.
He added, "thank You God for protecting the people on that field."
"There's been at least three organized prayer meetings here on the Hill today, specifically related just to that. And others just spontaneously occurring," said Lankford.
Franklin Graham tweeted a picture of house Democrats praying with the caption "coming together in prayer . . . this is what we need more of." (Read more)
To view a video of Senator Lankford's remarks yesterday on the Senate floor, please go here. Senator James Lankford is the Chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus.
2. Chaplain Delivers Emotional Prayer On House Floor Following GOP Baseball Attack - Daily Caller
The House Chaplain (Fr. Patrick J. Conroy, S.J.) delivered a prayer on the House floor Wednesday for the victims of a shooting during a GOP congressional baseball practice.
"Almighty God, on a day when violence has come to this assembly, we ask your blessing on our brother, Representative Steve Scalise, the two officers, and the staffer who have been shot," the chaplain said as congresspeople bowed their heads and clasped their hands.
"We as Americans are blessed by a free and open society with rights secured by law and the Constitution," the chaplain continued. "But once again, we are reminded that there is a vulnerability that comes with that openness."
"May this day be characterized by kindness, goodwill, and compassion one to another" he said. "God bless America and may all that is done this day be for your greater honor and glory." (Read more)
3. U.S. Senate Chaplain Dr. Barry C. Black Delivers Stirring Prayer at the Opening of the Senate: June 14, 2017
Gracious Father, our shield and defense, we look to You in these challenging times. Lord, the shooting at the congressional baseball practice reminds us of the importance of numbering our days. May we refuse to boast about tomorrow, for we know not what a day may bring.
Lord, surround our lawmakers with the shields of your protection and favor. Fill them with Your Spirit, causing them to walk in Your statutes and keep Your judgments. Lord, You know better than we what lies ahead for our lives. So lead us like a gentle shepherd.
We claim Your promise in Hebrews 13:5 that You will never leave or forsake us. Guide and inspire us all to follow Your plan for our lives.
We pray in Your merciful Name. Amen.
4. Democrats Will Host a Post-Game Dinner to Honor Republicans on Thursday: In Display of Unity "The Game Must Go On" - Breaking Christian News
Not only that, but Doyle announced the Democrats want to host a post-game dinner for the Republicans to honor them.
"This is a game that has been played off and on for approximately 100 years," said Barton. "We are united, not as Republicans and Democrats, but as United States representatives."
According to 1london.net, Every year the game pits Republicans versus Democrats, with members often sporting the uniform of their home states' teams, for a night of bipartisan fun that raises money for charity. (Read more)
Click here to watch a video of these two leaders displaying an amazing degree of bipartisanship.
- Father God, we do offer a prayer of praise for this report. Praise God that these two baseball teams will join "as one" in a dinner following the game tonight; and that the Democrats have invited the Republicans to do so! Father, this is a breakthrough for both sides! We ask that, as these players break bread together, they will enjoy the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit in their midst; and that this "small action" would herald a true new beginning of friendship and of unity of all members on Capitol Hill. In Your Name, amen.
- "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." (Psalm 34:8)
5. Trump Makes A Surprise Visit To Hospital Treating Critically Injured Congressman - Daily Caller
Donald and Melania Trump made an unannounced visit to the Washington hospital where Rep. Steve Scalise is being treated Wednesday night after he was gunned down during a congressional baseball practice earlier that day.
According to the pool report, the president and first lady were spotted with bouquets of flowers at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center. They stayed for about half an hour, and Trump spoke with Capitol Police officers while he was there.
The hospital said in an update Wednesday night that the House majority whip remains in critical condition. He was shot in the left hip, the hospital said, and the bullet "traveled across his pelvis, fracturing bones, injuring internal organs and causing severe bleeding." (Read more)
6. Rep. Peter King: "It's Important For All of Us to Lower the Rhetoric a Bit" - Breaking Christian News
". . .unfortunately there are psychotic people on both sides [of the political spectrum]. I do think that, as the Speaker was saying today on the House floor, it's important for all of us to lower the rhetoric a bit, and try to calm things down. Because when the rhetoric does get out of control, or gets too loud, you do find psychotic people, or mentally disturbed people in society can respond to that. I don't in any way want to blame this on Democrats . . . but it should be a signal to people that disruptive behavior . . . I like a good political fight as much as anyone, but there's a certain line you shouldn't cross . . ." (Read more)
- Father, we pray for thinking men and women on the left to realize the urgency of changing our national conversation. Help us restore civil discourse to our nation.
- "Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances." (Proverbs 25:11)
7. Shooting spurs calls for new lawmaker security measures - Fox News
Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va., acknowledged the incident has sparked new security questions for members without assigned police protection at events outside Capitol Hill.
He, along with several other members of Congress, suggested the most critical change may be to boost security for large lawmaker gatherings, even informal ones like the baseball practice in Alexandria, Va.
"We already had concerns and we have great law enforcement at home, first responders do a great job, but this makes you anticipate every event now in a new way," Brat said on Fox News' "America's News HQ" on Wednesday. "Forty guys get together at the same time, that would be a major security event normally, but I think we got a little excited and didn't think things through as well as we could have." (Read more)
SECOND: THE EVIL
(The need for continuing prayer)
(The need for continuing prayer)
1. Congressional baseball practice shooting victim Matt Mika remains in critical condition - Washington Examiner
Matt Mika remains in critical condition after being shot multiple times at a congressional baseball practice Wednesday morning, his family said in a statement. Mika, a member of the Republican congressional baseball team, was shot multiple times in his chest and arm, and "suffered massive trauma," his family said.
"We are grateful for the care he has received, from the first responders in the field to the world-class care here at the hospital," the Mika family said. "We understand he is lucky to be alive and we owe it to these amazing individuals and Matt's fighting spirit and grit. Additionally, we want to thank the Capitol Police for their heroic actions to stop the shooter before he could hurt even more people."
- Lord God, even as we remember Steve Scalise in prayer tonight, so we also remember this brave young man, and all others who were wounded in this attack. Come, Lord, Jesus . . . bring healing in Your wings, we pray, amen.
- ". . . by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5) To learn about the condition of all victims, go here.
2. D.C. Shooter a Fan of the Southern Poverty Law Center - The Liberty Counsel
The D.C. shooter was a Facebook fan of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a reckless organization that falsely labels people and organizations as "haters" or "hate groups." The SPLC has now admitted James Hodgkinson "liked" the SPLC on Facebook. The SPLC continues to ignore warnings about its dangerous and false labeling, even though two separate mass murder attempts have been perpetrated by followers of the SPLC. Yesterday was the most recent attempted mass murder by someone who followed the SPLC. The first mass murder attempt was in 2012, when Floyd Corkins confessed he was motivated by the SPLC "Hate Map."
Yesterday, James Hodgkinson gunned down Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), Zach Barth, a staff member for Congressman Roger Williams, former Congressional staff member Matt Mika and two U.S. Capitol Police officers yesterday at a practice for a charity baseball game for members of Congress.
The SPLC's caustic and false rhetoric is dangerous because it creates a "Hate Map" listing so-called "hate groups." Mark Potock, with the SPLC admitted in an interview: "Our criteria for a 'hate group,' first of all, have nothing to do with criminality, or violence, or any kind of guess we're making about 'this group could be dangerous.' It's strictly ideological." Mark Potok is on video in a public meeting stating: "Sometimes the press will describe us as monitoring hate crimes and so on. I want to say plainly that our aim in life is to destroy these groups, to completely destroy them . . ." (Read more)
3. Trump assassination 'jokes' put America on the brink - WND
This week brought a chilling reminder of the devastating effects of leftist rage in America. A group of Republican congressmen practicing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game found themselves dodging a hail of bullets from a would-be assassin's gun Wednesday. The shooter, identified as 66-year-old James T. Hodgkinson, was a Bernie Sanders supporter who held fervent left-wing political views, if his Facebook profile is any indication.
Hodgkinson's Facebook "likes" included the Southern Poverty Law Center, Right Wing Watch, Media Matters, Occupy DC, MoveOn.org, Rachel Maddow, Michael Moore, Americans Against the Republican Party, and many more anti-Republican and left-wing pages. (Read more)
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Focus on Israel
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1. Palestinians paid terrorists $1b in past 4 years, Knesset panel hears - Times of Israel
The Palestinian Authority has paid out some NIS 4 billion - or $1.12 billion - over the past four years to terrorists and their families, a former director general of the Ministry of Strategic Affairs and ex-head of the army's intelligence and research division told a top Knesset panel on Monday.
Setting out the figures, Brig.-Gen (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser told the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that the longer the period for which a Palestinian security prisoner is jailed, "the higher the salary -- Anyone who has sat in prison for more than 30 years gets NIS 12,000 ($3,360) per month," said Kuperwasser, according to the (Hebrew) NRG website. "When they're released, they get a grant and are promised a job at the Palestinian Authority. They get a military rank that's determined according to the number of years they've served in jail."
(Read more)
2. WATCH: Israel to attend international conference on Gaza power crisis - World Israel News
Despite Netanyahu's insistence that the Gaza power crisis is the result of an "internal Fatah-Hamas Palestinian dispute," Israel has agreed to meet with Egypt and the EU in hopes of finding a resolution.
(Read more)
3. "The aim of the demonstrators - to bring down Netanyahu" - Israel National News
MK Yisrael Eichler (United Torah Judaism) slammed the protesters who have been demonstrating outside of the home Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in recent weeks and said they want to bring down the prime minister at any cost.
"I'm the last one to defend police violence," he said. "There is a right to protest against any accepted or unacceptable opinion, within the bounds of the law. But this is the most hypocritical demonstration ever held since the establishment of the state. The flag-bearers of 'democracy and the rule of law' are suspicious of the attorney general and are trying to force him to issue an indictment against the prime minister who was elected by a million citizens and another million supporters in the coalition."
"For many years you have been insulting the people of justice, the judges and the legal advisers," he added.
(Read more)
4. Hamas, Hezbollah 'not terrorists,' Russian envoy to Israel says - Times of Israel
Russia's ambassador to Israel has said that his country does not consider the Islamist groups Hamas and Hezbollah to be terrorist organizations, as they have not carried out attacks on Russian territory or against Russian interests abroad.
In a June 9 interview with the Israeli Russian-language Channel 9 TV, Alexander Shein said, "We do not consider these organizations to be terrorist," according to a translation by the Middle East Media Research Institute media watchdog, which posted and translated the clip.
Hamas, based in the Gaza Strip, is dedicated to the eradication of the Jewish state and has fought three major rounds of conflict with Israel since seizing control of the enclave from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah group in 2007.
(Read more)
5. Netanyahu, Litzman to meet with resigning Hadassah doctors - YNET News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Yaakov Litzman are expected to meet in the coming days with the six senior doctors who resigned from Hadassah's Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Department in an effort to resolve the crisis with the hospital administration.
MKs Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin (Zionist Union) and Yehuda Glick (Likud) sent a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu's wife Sara on Tuesday, asking her to help solve the crisis.
"Three days ago, my wife approached me to help solve the problem that was created at Hadassah Medical Center. In light of her request, I spoke with the health minister several times on this matter in an effort to find a solution soon," said Netanyahu. Sources close to Minister Litzman confirmed the two had spoken.
(Read more)
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The Daily Brief
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Please note:
Every prayer below is presented to our Lord in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.
1. Trump Attorney on WaPo Report: 'The Leak of This Information Is a Crime'- CNS News
"This Russian investigation has gone nowhere, so they're coming up with new charges," said Jay Sekulow, one of President Trump's attorneys.
Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, was reacting to a report in Thursday's Washington Post that says Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating President Trump "for possible obstruction of justice."
The report, based on five anonymous sources, describes the latest (alleged) development in the investigation as a "major turning point." (Read more)
- Father, we pray You would work on the hearts of these insiders and that someone credible would come forward with the truth, settling this matter completely.
- Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. (Philippians 4:2b)
2. Supreme Court weighs fate of Trump travel ban order - The Hill
It's decision time for the Supreme Court when it comes to President Trump's travel ban. The justices in the coming days must decide whether to lift the temporary injunction on the ban and whether to hear the government's appeal of lower court rulings that stopped the policy from taking effect.
The order, which Trump signed in March, would ban most nationals from six predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States for 90 days. The administration said the countries - Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen - are at heightened risk for terrorism. Critics have fought the policy tooth and nail in court, calling it unconstitutional.
If the court decides to take up the case, some expect that the justices will schedule a special sitting to hear oral arguments before they break for the summer at the end of the month or in early July.
"I don't think they will put it off until next term. It's too big of a case and too important," said Hans von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation. (Read more)
- Father, we pray the Supreme Court will find in favor of the Trump Administration and restore Constitutional authority regarding immigration policy back to the executive branch of our nation.
- The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence. (Psalm 18:20)
3. Trump's pledge to wipe out MS-13 gang paying off in NY - New York Post
President Trump's pledge to wipe out the notoriously violent MS-13 gang is gaining traction - at least in the Empire State.
Federal officials have rounded up close to 40 accused members of MS-13 in New York City and Long Island in the 30 days following vows by Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions to crack down on the gang, known for terrorizing immigrant communities.
Of the 45 New York-area gang arrests over the last month by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security, 39 were affiliated with MS-13, which has been blamed for a string of recent murders in normally placid Long Island, the feds said. (Read more)
- Father, we pray for those caught up in the gang culture. We pray for their deliverance and salvation. We also pray for the complete removal of this gang from our nation.
- The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from the land. (Proverbs 10:30)
4. Russian Cyber Hacks on U.S. Electoral System Far Wider Than Previously Known - Bloomberg
Russia's cyberattack on the U.S. electoral system before Donald Trump's election was far more widespread than has been publicly revealed, including incursions into voter databases and software systems in almost twice as many states as previously reported.
In Illinois, investigators found evidence that cyber intruders tried to delete or alter voter data. The hackers accessed software designed to be used by poll workers on Election Day, and in at least one state accessed a campaign finance database.
Details of the wave of attacks, in the summer and fall of 2016, were provided by three people with direct knowledge of the U.S. investigation into the matter. In all, the Russian hackers hit systems in a total of 39 states, one of them said. (Read more)
- Father, many people in our nation believe articles like this one to be completely true. We pray You would bring Your Light and Truth to this situation so that we may be truly informed about what happened and by whom.
- "For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God." (John 3:20-21)
5. Senate passes Russia sanctions package - Fox News
The Republican-led Senate voted decisively to punish Moscow for interfering in the 2016 election by approving a wide-ranging sanctions package that targets key sectors of Russia's economy and individuals who carried out cyber attacks.
Senators on Wednesday passed the bipartisan sanctions legislation 97-2, underscoring broad support among Republicans and Democrats for rebuking Russia after U.S. intelligence agencies determined Moscow had deliberately interfered in the presidential campaign. Lawmakers who backed the measure also cited Russia's aggression in Syria and Ukraine.
Despite Russia's bellicosity, there's been no forceful response from President Donald Trump. The president has instead sought to improve relations with Moscow and rejected the implication that Russian hacking of Democratic emails tipped the election his way. (Read more)
- Father, we pray the final bill between the House and Senate will provide the Trump Administration with the flexibility it needs to improve our nation's relationship with Russia.
- So watch yourselves! If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. (Luke 17:3)
6. GOP Senators May Fund Planned Parenthood in Obamacare Repeal Bill - Christian Post
Senate conservatives may be willing to give in to Democrats and pro-choice Republicans and provide direct funding to the nation's largest abortion provider if it means they can pass a bill that repeals Obamacare, according to a recent report.
As the House passed its version of the American Health Care Act last month, pressure mounts on Senate Republicans to pass the bill before the July 4 recess. Fox News reports that "several" GOP senators have indicated that they are willing to back health care legislation that provides funding to Planned Parenthood if it means that they get enough support to push the Obamacare repeal and replace measure through.
With a narrow 52-48 lead in the Senate, the report indicates that any legislation repealing Obamacare would have to be structured in a way that would not lose the support of moderate and pro-choice Republicans, such as Alaska's Lisa Murkowski and Maine's Susan Collins, and secure the necessary votes to pass the legislation.
"However, the apparent concession by conservatives might give leadership more room to maneuver," the Fox News report states. (Read more)
- Father, we pray for consensus to develop around defunding the left, including defunding Planned Parenthood. Help us to rise up and say "Not one more penny!" to this evil organization.
- The leech has two suckers that cry out, "More, more!" (Proverbs 30:15)
7. Iranian naval vessel trains laser on helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz - Fox News
An Iranian missile boat pointed a laser at a U.S. Marine helicopter while two Navy warships and a cargo ship were transiting out of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, a senior US defense official said.
The laser triggered a response and the U.S. helicopter automatically fired off flares toward the offending vessel. The Iranian vessel came within 800 yards of the U.S. warships.
Cdr. Bill Urban in a statement called the interaction "unsafe and unprofessional." "Illuminating helicopters with lasers at night is dangerous as it creates a navigational hazard that can impair vision and can be disorienting to pilots using night vision goggles," Urban said. (Read more)
- Father, we pray for a de-escalation of tensions with Iran and safety for all our civilians and military personnel traveling in the Persian Gulf.
- "Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me." (Psalm 59:1)
8. Otto Warmbier has extensive brain damage, doctor says - Fox News
An American college student imprisoned by North Korea and in a coma for more than a year has extensive brain damage and is unresponsive to his surroundings, the doctors treating him said Thursday.
A medical team from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center described Otto Warmbier's condition as a "state of unresponsive wakefulness" and did not say -- at the request of his family -- whether the 22-year-old will recover.
"He has spontaneous eye opening and blinking," Dr. Daniel Kanter, director of the hospital's neurocritical care program, told reporters Thursday. "However, he shows no signs of understanding language, responding to verbal commands or awareness to his surroundings. He has not spoken," Kanter said. "He has not engaged in purposeful movements or behaviors." (Read more)
- Oh, Father, we cry out in grief for what has happened to this brave young man. Only YOU can forgive our enemies for us, Lord, and so we ask this now, in Jesus' name. May there yet remain a miracle of healing for his life, and may You strengthen and comfort his family in their time of need. In Your name, amen and amen.
- "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God." (Isaiah 40:1)
9. Tillerson waters down statement that Palestinians 'changed policy' of terror payments - The Times of Israel
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Wednesday appeared to walk back his statement that the Palestinians intend to end the practice of paying the families of terrorists jailed for attacking or killing Israelis. Instead, he said that there was an "active discussion" between Washington and Ramallah on the matter.
"We will continue this dialogue with them," Tillerson told the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He went on to say that US President Donald Trump has only a "certain window of patience" and "a certain window which he will remain engaged and be interested. At some point," the top US diplomat added, "he's going to become disinterested. And when we become disinterested, that will certainly alter our level of support." (Read more)
- Father, we pray first of all for the Palestinian people to be delivered from the darkness of Islam and the poverty of their ideas. We pray this policy that incentivizes lawlessness, death and destruction will quickly come to an end.
- Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the Lord." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. (Psalm 32:5)
10. Congress bill to ensure Israel's qualitative military edge - Arutz Sheva
A bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives will strengthen the processes that have ensured Israel's qualitative military edge.
The legislation was introduced Friday, according to the JTA news agency. It stipulates that the president would be required to consult with officials in the Israeli government about their defense needs before authorizing arms sales or defense items to countries in the Middle East.
Reps. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., and Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., introduced the bill, entitled "Defending Israel's QME Act of 2017".
"The United States must continue to ensure that Israel, our closest, most reliable ally in the Middle East, if not the world, has the tools to maintain its qualitative military edge over those who seek to do it harm," Schneider said. (Read more)
- Father, thank You for the bipartisan support of this bill to assure Israel's military advantage over any other nation in the Middle East. Even with this, we pray their faith and trust will be in You first and foremost before any and all of their military might.
- Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7)
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The Daily Jot
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Thursday, June 15, 2017
Creating the hate crime atmosphere
Democrats across the land are appalled at the assassination attempt of Congressional Republicans by Illinois leftist James Hodgkinson, who wounded four and left Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) in critical condition. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said that her prayers were with Scalise and the others, as well as for President Donald Trump. She said that while there are differences among the parties, that they are all family. Other Democrats took a similar conciliatory tone, and socialist Senator Bernie Sanders even issued an apology because Hodgkinson was part of his campaign. Virginia Democratic Governor Terry McCauliffe expressed empathy, but used the opportunity to promote gun control. But wait.
These people, while they are acting all sympathetic and empathetic saying that we are all family, are the very same people who have stirred hate for Republicans and fueled the vulgar and nasty protests to resist, obstruct, undermine and overthrow the current Republican-led government. Look at the statements made by Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, the ex-"president," Keith Ellison, Ashley Judd, Madonna, and so on. Their hate-filled inflammatory rhetoric has people so stirred up that it was only a matter of time when a nut-case like Hodgkinson took matters into his own hands. How many more out there are about to cross that red line of no return because of the national rhetoric of the left?
Between radicalization of Muslims and the Democratic Party rhetoric, our country is becoming a very inhospitable place for the law-abiding. In this case, leadership of the Democratic Party, who are now expressing their contrite condolences, were part and parcel to this hate crime by Hodgkinson. Those who marched on Washington wearing their little pink vagina stocking caps and cheered in support of the speeches are also responsible for creating this atmosphere. Shame on them. Because of this heightened rhetoric, our way of life is threatened. This hate speech, and that is truly what it is even when they are saying peace out of the other side of their mouths, begets violence. Hodgkinson is not alone. There are others. Hopefully, they will stand down. But how much rhetoric can some of these leftist radicals endure before they turn violent?
George Washington, in his 1796 Farewell Speech, warned against divisions and suggested a higher duty to country and to one another when he said, "The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles." We should act as such. Jesus said in Mark 3:25, "And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand." Lincoln used this in his June 1858 speech forewarning the Civil War. As Christians, we know how Christ taught civility and solving our differences without hate and vulgarity. For the sake of our way of life and our eternal hope, let us exemplify Christ in this hate crime atmosphere.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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Prayers During Ramadan
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Prayers During Ramadan: Part One
This year, Ramadan began on the Islamic Calendar last Saturday, May 27th and will continue for one month until Sunday, June 25th.
A website titled "30 DAYS OF PRAYER" is now posted, with specific prayers offered each day for the Moslem people. When you visit this site, you will also see posted prayers offered on previous days if you need to "catch up" in this vital time of intercession for those who are being held captive by Islam.
To visit this website, go to:
https://www.pray30days.org/2017
or go here.
Prayers During Ramadan: Part Two
Another resource is also available now for targeted prayers for the Moslem population.
There is much valuable information here, too, so please do visit this site when you can this month. Thank you!
Ramadan Prayer Series - Focuses on Islam in the West
For the sixth year, Best Current News is publishing their thirty days of prayer for Ramadan series. Realizing that 65% of American Christians believe there are multiple paths to eternal life, this year's series has focused primarily on the differences between Christianity and Islam. Each day during Ramadan, the website publishes an infographic or short article about differing aspects of Islam, how it differs from Christianity, and its impact on the West. To view or receive the articles daily, go to http://www.bestcurrentnews.com/. You may also sign up to receive them in your email inbox. They are also on Facebook and Twitter under Best Current News.
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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:
The Solid Rock
"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (Matthew 7:25-26)
The Solid Rock
"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (Matthew 7:25-26)
Lyrics
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus' Name.
Refrain
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
Refrain
His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
Refrain
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain
Melody
Please go here.
About the Author:
Words: Edward Mote, 1834
Music: William B. Bradbury, 1863
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Signs and Wonders
Sweet!
Rare Strawberry 'Minimoon' Makes for Stunning Photos
It may not be sweet, but it sure is mini! A rare Strawberry "Minimoon" gave night-sky photographers a treat last week.
The full moon of June, also known as the Strawberry Moon, coincided with the "smallest" moon of the year. Of course, the moon is always the same size. However, its elliptical orbit brings it closer and farther from Earth, making it appear bigger and smaller in the sky.
On Friday (June 9), the moon reached its peak full phase about 15 hours after it reached apogee, or the closest point to Earth in its orbit. [10 Surprising Lunar Facts]
In Esterhøj, Denmark, photographer and videographer Adrien Mauduit captured a time-lapse video of the Strawberry Moon rising over Esterhøj, Denmark on June 10. Bad weather delayed his photo shoot by a day, so the moon is actually 99 percent waning gibbous in the photo.
Other photographers juxtaposed the moon with cityscapes of New York. Stan Honda set up his camera at the Eagle Rock Reservation in New Jersey, about 13 miles (21 kilometers) from the city, and captured an airplane descending toward Newark Liberty International Airport with the World Trade Center and the Strawberry Moon in the background.
But the minimoon looks more like a supermoon in Honda's photo. It's not a composite, but rather a photography trick. "The lens focal length and the distance from NYC allows the moon to be large in relation to the skyline," Honda told Space.com in an email.
Another photographer from New York captured the minimoon looking more appropriately miniature. Gowrishankar L. watched the moon rise over the Brooklyn Bridge. With a Canon 5D Mark III camera, he created a composite image of the moon with 14 shots taken in 3-minute intervals between 9 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. local time on June 9, he told Space.com in an email. Using a tool called The Photographer's Ephemeris, he set up the shot so that the moon would be on top of the bridge. (Space.com) Read more.
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The Good News Corner
Unity in the Face of Horror: Congressmen Bow Their Heads in Prayer for Rep. Steve Scalise
[Charisma News] When Rep. Steve Scalise, R-LA, was attacked during baseball practice, his Congressional colleagues didn't hesitate to bring him to the Father. Rep. Ruben J. Kihun, R-NV, posted a photo after the shooting showing Democrats and Republicans huddled together in prayer.
"@HouseDemocrats praying for our @HouseGOP @SenateGOP baseball colleagues after hearing about the horrific shooting," Kihun tweeted.
Other government officials tweeted out their prayers, including President Donald Trump.
"Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him," the commander in chief tweeted.
"Karen & I are praying for @SteveScalise, the Capitol Police, & all hurt for a speedy recovery. Our hearts are with them & their loved ones," Vice President Mike Pence tweeted.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Rep @SteveScalise, Congressional staff, Capitol Police, & all those affected by today's horrific shooting," Democratic Governors tweeted.
Read more
- Father, we continue to lift up Representative Steve Scalise and Matt Mika for the complete healing of their extensive injuries. We also pray for healing for Zachary Barth and Capitol Hill police officers Crystal Griner and David Bailey.
- In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. (Hosea 6:2)
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Today's Worship:
Newsboys - "We Believe"
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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.]
