ATTENTION: SCROLL DOWN to get t today's article entitled in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. And PLEASE be sure to note the various PRAYER REQUESTS listed AFTER the posted article. (NOTE the list of DAILY prayer requests for the persecuted church.) They deserve your intercession. THANK YOU.
BE Prepared TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST ABORTION
(...because ALL Babies Matter! - http://www.lifenews.com/2017/03/01/why-do-unborn-babies-matter-just-because-they-are/
: Go to: LIFE Training Institute - http://prolifetraining.com/resources/five-minute-11/
Be Prepared TO ENGAGE WITH THE PC CULTURE:
Go to:"Tactics" -
http://townhall.com/columnists/mikeadams/2016/04/29/tactics-n2154983
"Don't Argue the Exceptions - Beating Bad Arguments For Abortion and Transgenderism" - by John Stonestreet, Breakpoint.org, May 25, 2017; http://breakpoint.org/2017/05/breakpoint-dont-argue-exceptions/
NORTH KOREAN THREAT: Let's be praying that our leaders will be led by Godly wisdom in responding.
PERSONAL UPDATE of 8/2: Please check the right side of this blog page for the JOURNAL section. And THANK YOU for your continued PRAYERS.
"Don't Argue the Exceptions - Beating Bad Arguments For Abortion and Transgenderism" - by John Stonestreet, Breakpoint.org, May 25, 2017; http://breakpoint.org/2017/05/breakpoint-dont-argue-exceptions/
NORTH KOREAN THREAT: Let's be praying that our leaders will be led by Godly wisdom in responding.
CONGRESSMAN SCALISE: Let's Continue to pray for Congressman Scalise and his family as he has finally been allowed to go home.
FRIENDS NEED HELP WITH A SURVEY OF YOUNG ADULTS. Good friends of mine serving overseas in ministry are conducting an anonymous survey that they would appreciate your help with. Even if you do not fall into the age bracket being focused on, please consider asking those you know who are 20-29 to please take it. THANK YOU.“We have devised a short, 10-question, multiple choice survey that includes what our youths, themselves, feel has most influenced their beliefs. The survey is completely anonymous. We won't even be given IP addresses to know what location the answers are coming from! We are targeting those between the ages of 20 and 29, who grew up in church, whether they are now following the Lord or not.Be sure they understand that their answers will be anonymous. We look forward to sharing a summary of responses and how we hope to use them. Here's the link for you to share: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GXPGQ3X"PERSONAL UPDATE of 8/2: Please check the right side of this blog page for the JOURNAL section. And THANK YOU for your continued PRAYERS.
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Venezuela has succumbed to dictatorship. It’s going to take a concerted international effort to reverse this ugly development.
On July 30, socialist strongman Nicolas Maduro held a fraudulent and highly unpopular election. As a result, all 545 seats of a new “Constituent Assembly” are being filled with candidates hand-picked by Maduro’s National Socialist Party. The Constituent Assembly is empowered to rewrite Venezuela’s constitution, expel members of the opposition from the current National Assembly, and consolidate all power in the executive branch.
On the day of the election, Maduro’s security forces killed 16 innocent demonstrators and bystanders. Videos showed national guardsmen pouring live fire into unarmed crowds and lobbing teargas into hospitals and apartment buildings. In 121 days of anti-government protests, government forces killed 130 innocents and detained 3,500 demonstrators. As of Aug. 3, more than 430 protesters remained incarcerated.
This is unprecedented in Venezuelan history. Maduro’s jails hold a record number of political prisoners. Never has the Venezuelan government been so dangerously defiant of the people’s will.
Or of international opinion: A total of 40 countries quickly refused to accept the sham vote. Eleven are in the Western Hemisphere, including the U.S., Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Paraguay, and Peru. The European Parliament also condemned the results, as did multilateral organizations like the Organization of American States and Mercosur (Southern Common Market). Although Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, spoke strongly against the sham elections, the U.N. maintained its traditional weak-kneed, silent approach.
The Trump administration tried to warn Maduro off this anti-democratic course. Prior to the election, Washington froze the U.S. assets of some of his closest political cronies—13 current and former Venezuelan government officials—and barred them from traveling to the U.S.
Still, Maduro persisted, and U.S. Treasury sanctions have been extended to him as a result.
The point is that Maduro’s political coup stands on shaky ground. Only 19.5 million Venezuelans are registered to vote. Maduro’s approval rating stands at 15 percent. Laughably, he claims to have received 8.1 million votes. Exit polling, however, indicates that only a paltry 2.5 million ballots were actually submitted. Chalk up the “extra” 5.6 million votes to fraud.
Of course, Maduro had help in strangling democracy in Venezuela; most of it came from Havana.
Cuban officials have inserted themselves more and more into Venezuela’s government for years. Organization of American States Secretary General Luis Almagro aptly describes Cuba’s presence in Venezuela as that of an “occupational army.” Cuba and the rest of Venezuela’s support group of regional despots—the leaders of Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Nicaragua—all stand behind Maduro’s illegitimate power grab. Maduro reportedly allows only Cuban bodyguards to protect him. Cuba’s long, sad history of political arrests is replicating itself in Venezuela.
While under house arrest for failing health, opposition leaders and former Caracas Mayors Antonio Ledezma and Leopoldo Lopez were snatched from their homes in the middle of the night by Venezuelan intelligence services. Both previously spent time in Venezuela’s prisons. Ledezma was released in 2015 after two months. Lopez was not so lucky; he spent a grueling three years in a military prison where he was physically and emotionally tortured before his brief release earlier this year. To this day, their families receive death threats and are routinely victimized by government vigilante mobs. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet the wives of these two brave men. Their families’ strength in the face of brutality is heroic. The international community must demand their unconditional release.
President Donald Trump has recognized that Maduro crossed an irreversible line. His administration’s pivot away from President Barack Obama’s failed “strategic patience” strategy with Maduro has been the proper course of action.
But now, the U.S. must ratchet up the pressure on Maduro more than ever—and we cannot do this alone. It will take a coordinated effort of many nations.The good news is: The number of other nations on the side of the Venezuelan people is growing. A recent decision by Colombia, Mexico, and Panama to levy parallel sanctions against the 13 Venezuelan government officials the U.S. targeted is an exceptionally positive development and a testament to Trump’s leadership on this issue.
But there needs to be more. There must also be a diplomatic cost to the Latin American nations not fulfilling their obligations to Venezuela’s democracy as outlined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter. America cannot be forced to go at this alone.
[bold, italics, and colored emphasis mine]
Ana Quintana is a policy analyst for Latin America and the Western Hemisphere in The Heritage Foundation’s Allison Center for Foreign Policy Studies.
"IN VENEZUELA, A CLARION CALL FOR PRAYER" - August 3, 2017 by Open Doors/Prayer updates- https://www.opendoorsusa.org/take-action/pray/venezuela-clarion-call-prayer/?utm_source=WWPA&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=August1
Pray for the nation of Venezuela, that God will free her from the dark forces of evil and the violence that has already claimed so many lives.
Pray for every Venezuelan, inside and outside the country, that their hearts may remain pure and their spirits high, optimistic and hopeful. And pray, in particular, that the hatred, anger, resentment or vengeance does not take root in their hearts.
Pray for the families of those who have lost their lives in protests against the regime. May God give them peace and comfort.
Pray for those who suffer from food and medicine shortages, and for those who have suffered at the hands of criminals and an oppressive regime.
Pray for the opposition leaders, that they may ponder the best options to end this crisis and seek genuine opportunities for negotiation and dialogue.
Pray also for the rulers of the country, for President Nicolás Maduro, his ministers and supporters that they will understand and respect the will of the people, show humility and, above all, that they will stand in true solidarity with the millions of Venezuelans who have expressed their desire to have a free country again.
Pray that God will plant His Word in the hearts and minds of each government official to act in true justice and righteousness.
Pray that God will establish His kingdom in Venezuela and dispel the spiritual darkness.
Pray for the church in Venezuela, for their congregations, and for all who believe in God, so that the message of the peace, truth and love of Jesus may be proclaimed in power to all and bring about healing for the wounds that remain from years of oppression, violence and hatred.
Pray for lasting peace in Venezuela and for a return to the nation’s Christian values and beliefs.
Our Father, who holds the earth in the palm of Your hand, we pray for this nation that is on a path of self-destruction. We pray for the nation, that You will bring lasting peace. We pray for Your church there that the gospel message of hope might be proclaimed with great power and might through the work of Your Holy Spirit. And we pray for the people, that they may be freed not only from political oppression, but also from the oppression of the evil one. Raise up a mighty nation of people to stand for truth and righteousness, to serve Christ and to praise His holy name. And it is in the name of Jesus, who is before all things and in whom all things hold together (from Col 1) that we pray. Amen.
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PRAYER MATTERS:
"To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world." - Karl Barth; "Prayer is inviting God into a seemingly impossible situation and trusting/resting in His love and grace to accomplish His perfect will in His perfect time and for His greatest glory." - Stan
“INTERCESSORS ARE THE RUDDER” – A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT - Wanda Alger, June 28th, 2017; https://www.getamericapraying.com/blog/
I was recently given a word by my good friend, Bill Yount. His word greatly encouraged me as an intercessor. Working for Intercessors for America, I soon realized it was not just a word for me, but for all who have been praying for our nation, wondering if their prayers are truly making any difference. Bill told me, “I kept seeing you as a small rudder on a huge ship. Hidden, but giving guidance. Although it seemed slow it was turning the whole ship. Patience was needed to see the impact of your…ministry. I sense the Lord saying, ‘Don’t jump ship! I’ve made you the rudder!’ ” I was immediately touched in my spirit by this encouragement, knowing that our seemingly small place in prayer was having a great impact.
James 3:4 talks about the power of a small rudder to steer a large ship. In this scripture about the power of our tongue, consider the power of prophetic intercession! In the Forerunner Commentary on this verse we read, “…rudders manipulate the course of immense ocean vessels with a slight movement of a pilot’s hand. Since it is underwater and aft, the rudder of a ship does its work UNSEEN. A passenger is ignorant of its movements most of the time. Yet, when it is in proper working order, the rudder holds more power over the ship than the wind. The wind will blow, toss, even destroy the ship’s rigging, but the rudder guides the ship exactly where it directs.”
This is God’s promise to the intercessors in this hour of national turbulence. Don’t stop praying! Your prayers have great power to turn the ship! Continue praying, interceding, and discerning the workings and movements of the Holy Spirit, being faithful to God’s commands. As we come together to declare God’s faithfulness, this nation will, once again, head in the direction that God intends. Don’t give up and don’t give in. Regardless of the winds of adversity and the fires of the enemy, God’s people have a power that cannot be matched. Let us join in faith and continue to pray and speak of God’s faithfulness in order to bring God’s people and this nation into the fullness of God’s plans. Note this additional encouragement from God’s word:
Colossians 2:15 – “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (ESV).
Psalm 33:8-11 – “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”
Wanda Alger, IFA Field Correspondent
PRAY FOR AMERICA: THANK GOD for His many blessings on America throughout it's history. May we then ask that AMERICA once again be a blessing TO GOD, by once again submitting to HIS will in our affairs - both personal and national - that He may truly "heal our land." (2 Chron. 7:14) Short of that, we should not be saying "God Bless America"but instead "God be merciful towards America!"
PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS: 1) Pray for President Trump and his advisers, that they would select Godly leaders at the federal level who will be accountable to do an excellent job (or be fired!) ; that he would seek God's wisdom and be enabled to lead our country effectively in the years ahead; and 2) Pray our leaders at every level of government will Spirit-filled, leading us with Godly wisdom and integrity; that they will only pass legislation and enact policies that will benefit Americans today as well as future generations and NOT do any lasting harm.
SUPREME COURT: PRAY that the justices will only hand down decisions that are Constitutionally sound and in the best interests of our country now and for future generations.
World-Wide Prayer Requests:
[from OpenDoorsUSA -https://www.opendoorsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/August-PFA.pdf ]
August 1 | COLOMBIA - Pray that a law prohibiting pastors from entering parts of
Colombia is lifted.
August 2 | MALAYSIA - Continue to pray for Pastor Raymond Koh who was kidnapped.
A suspect has been arrested. Pray closure comes soon.
August 3 | SOUTH KOREA - Pray for two South Korean missionaries who are in trouble
for helping Chinese refugees.
August 4 | COLOMBIA - Pray for pastors and religious leaders as they deal with the aftermath of a huge mudslide that left hundreds dead.
August 5 | SRI LANKA - Pray for pastors and church leaders as they administer God’s Word in spite of ongoing persecution.
August 6 | COLOMBIA - Pray for a children’s shelter. Indigenous authorities are demanding that the children renounce their faith or risk severe punishment.
August 7 | CHINA - Pray for refugees seeking safety in South Korea.
August 8 | SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA - Pray for the 20 million people facing starvation in Yemen, South Sudan, Nigeria and Somalia.
August 9 | LIBYA - Pray for refugees both leaving and arriving in Libya. Pray for their safety as they strive to make a new home.
August 10 | INDONESIA - Pray for a children’s learning center that has been forcibly shut down for “Christianizing Muslim children.”
August 11 | INDIA - Pray for schools and universities as the government tries to take control of these institutions to shape culture.
August 12 | IRAQ - Pray for displaced young students whose education was halted by the Islamic State’s violent seizure of their territory.
August 13 | PAKISTAN - Pray for Christians in Pakistan, especially those who are evangelizing and risk being charged with blasphemy by friends, family and neighbors.
August 14 | BAHRAIN - Pray for wisdom as Christians strive to share the gospel with their neighbors.
August 1 | COLOMBIA - Pray that a law prohibiting pastors from entering parts of
Colombia is lifted.
August 2 | MALAYSIA - Continue to pray for Pastor Raymond Koh who was kidnapped.
A suspect has been arrested. Pray closure comes soon.
August 3 | SOUTH KOREA - Pray for two South Korean missionaries who are in trouble
for helping Chinese refugees.
August 4 | COLOMBIA - Pray for pastors and religious leaders as they deal with the aftermath of a huge mudslide that left hundreds dead.
August 5 | SRI LANKA - Pray for pastors and church leaders as they administer God’s Word in spite of ongoing persecution.
August 6 | COLOMBIA - Pray for a children’s shelter. Indigenous authorities are demanding that the children renounce their faith or risk severe punishment.
August 7 | CHINA - Pray for refugees seeking safety in South Korea.
August 8 | SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA - Pray for the 20 million people facing starvation in Yemen, South Sudan, Nigeria and Somalia.
August 9 | LIBYA - Pray for refugees both leaving and arriving in Libya. Pray for their safety as they strive to make a new home.
August 10 | INDONESIA - Pray for a children’s learning center that has been forcibly shut down for “Christianizing Muslim children.”
August 11 | INDIA - Pray for schools and universities as the government tries to take control of these institutions to shape culture.
August 12 | IRAQ - Pray for displaced young students whose education was halted by the Islamic State’s violent seizure of their territory.
August 13 | PAKISTAN - Pray for Christians in Pakistan, especially those who are evangelizing and risk being charged with blasphemy by friends, family and neighbors.
August 14 | BAHRAIN - Pray for wisdom as Christians strive to share the gospel with their neighbors.
STANDING STRONG THROUGH THE STORM - OpenDoorsUSA.org
At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 2 Timothy 4:16
Speak On Behalf Of Those Who Suffer
The Apostle Paul knew exactly what it was like to be alone, to be deserted by all who called themselves “brothers” and “sisters.” A former colleague who has done considerable travel among the persecuted says, “It is hard to believe that Christians are the largest persecuted group in the world today. But it is even more difficult to believe that this is so seldom mentioned in our gatherings and church services. More Christians know the names of their favorite actors than their fellow believers who are in prison.”
He continues, “With every trip something in my heart breaks as I hear the echoes of suffering:
I remember the echoes of an Egyptian mother as she shared how her young boy was stuck in a haystack because she refused to deny Jesus.
I remember the sounds of weeping as fellow students in Indonesia shared how Sariman, their co-student, was hacked to death.
I remember the cries of anguish as we walked from church to church that was burned to the ground on the island of Lombok.
I remember the tears of Rebecca in Iran as she showed the picture of her father who was stabbed to death for sharing the gospel.
I remember the voice of Pastor Daniel in Vietnam as he shared how he was chained to the ground for six months.
I remember the fear of Grace from Sudan as she shared how her church was attacked and her friend was shot through the head.
Oh, I remember the cries of Caleb in Eritrea as he shared with tears how two dear friends were executed in front of him because of their faith.
And I remember the tears of Joy in the southern Philippines as she shared how her fiancé was shot to death in their church in Mindanao.
But, most all, I remember the deafening sounds of silence every time I return home.
RESPONSE
How can I be silent today? How can I not speak on behalf of those who suffer? How can I desert those that belong to the same body that I belong to and who desperately need the encouragement of my intervention on their behalf?
PRAYER
Lord, broaden my awareness of the needs of my suffering brothers and sisters. May I not be known for my silence.
PRAY for the ON-GOING crisis now happening in IRAQ/SYRIA. Pray that coalition forces will be able to destroy the leadership and infrastructure of ISIS.*For believers in Syria and in this region as they navigate so much uncertainty. May they remain faithful to God through these most difficult times as He sustains them with peace and endurance. May the gospel be ever-present in their minds.
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