#2684 (5/27) "Memorial Day 2019 - Stories of Sacrifice Still Being Written"

ATTENTION:  SCROLL DOWN  to get TODAY'S article entitled in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. PLEASE be sure to note the various PRAYER REQUESTS listed BEFORE and AFTER the posted article. (NOTE the list of DAILY prayer requests for the persecuted church.)  They ALL deserve  your intercession.

THANK YOU.

PRAYER ALERT:

ANSWERED PRAYER! - 5/8 - Just learned that Asia Bibi (see TODAY'S post) has just been allowed to finally leave Pakistan and join her family in Canada! PRAISE GOD! Continue, however, to pray for her and her family as they will continue to face threats of viiolence in a country with open borders for terrorists.

1 - URGENT - 1) Pray for the many who are suffering from the tornadoes that swept through Okalhoma this past weekend.

2 - Pray for the continued violent crisis taking place in Venezuela and for America’s and other Latin American countries to respond appropriately;

3 Pray for Muslims around the world as they continue to observe their month of Ramadan, that many would have dreams and visions of Jesus that lead them to faith in Christ.

4 Continue to pray for the Jewish congregants who suffered a devastating anti-semitic attack in San Diego, and for the Christians and others in Sri Lanka suffering from the recent Easter Sunday attacks. 

5 PRAY also that our leaders will finally implement an effective border policy that will prevent these incidents in the future.

6)  Pray for U.S. Pastor David Lin in China (see "Something Serious Is Happening In That Dark Place" -  Tony Perkins, Washington Watch, April 09, 2019; https://www.frc.org/updatearticle/20190409/something-serious)

7) Leah Sharibu is a courageous Nigerian Christian teen girl held captive by Boko Haram. The Islamic militia is threatening to kill or enslave her because she won't renounce Jesus Christ. Pray that the UN will intervene in her release. [2/13 – This day marked ONE YEAR since her kidnapping.]

ATTENTION!

DECLARATION FOR LIFE: Please be sure to sign this at:  https://www.focusonthefamily.com/pro-life

PERSONAL UPDATE: 5/18 - Note my latest entry in the JOURNAL section on the right side of this page.

5/27 - PRAY for the President and others in leadership
 (1 Tim. 2:1-3)

Heavenly Father,

 I pray that you will guide President Trump to seek YOU with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength in the New Year. May he act with wisdom and strength against those whose actions would bring harm to this nation and the world now and for generations to come. I pray that you would strengthen his marriage and deepen the love he and his wife Melania share. Pray that you give them wisdom to speak into the life of their son Barron. Please protect him and his family and others in our leadership from physical harm that any might seek to do against them. May all that our President does bring honor and glory to YOU and cause him to draw in closer relationship with you. I ask this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen. P.S. - 3/27: I just finished reading the newly released book, "The Faith of Donald J. Trump" that the public library had and sent to me. Greatly recommend you read it to better understand our 45th President.

(from Intercessors For America) As the Lord Leads, please pray ...

*For the Americans around the nation as they remember the fallen on this Memorial Day.
*For wisdom for the president as he meets with Japan’s emperor,that he might find a way to point to Jesus and the gospel in their time together.
*For guidance as the president and Japan’s prime minister focus on a variety of issues that both nations share concerns regarding.
*For wisdom and guidance for President Trump and for members of the Senate Judiciary Committee who are working on the important issues of immigration.

*For wisdom for Secretary Mnuchin, Trade Representative Lighthizer and others negotiating on behalf of the U.S. as they navigate what seem to be new renegotiating “speedbumps” in the trade talks with China.
*For wisdom for President Trump, Cabinet members and advisers determining the best course of action for the United States in Venezuela.
*For all the negotiations being undertaken on trade with many of America’s trading partners.
*For wisdom for the president as he faces the probability of another round of investigations by Congress.
*For the new leadership of the Department of Homeland Security in advancing plans for dealing with the security and humanitarian crises at the southern border.
*For God to guide the president and make clear the decisions that he should make related to foreign policy.

*For safe travel for members of the administration who are making trips abroad.

*For the military leaders of the U.S. and Turkey to come to a working arrangement over America’s departure from Syria and the protection of the Kurds.

*For unity in Congress as they work to solve the many pressing issues that face the nation.
*For guidance for President Trump  as he works on a variety of issues, that God’s will would be accomplished through him.

     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/

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"MEMORIAL DAY 2019 - STORIES OF SACRIFICE STILL BEING WRITTEN" - by John Stonestreet and David Carlson, Breakpoint.org, May 27, 2019; http://www.breakpoint.org/2019/05/breakpoint-memorial-day-2019/ [AS I SEE IT: In the midst of having an extra day off from work, I hope that you will take a momen to PRAY for the families who have lost loved ones in service to our country, for those serving somewhere throughout the world, and for those wh are struggling with PTSD, esp. the estimated 20 who on average tragically commit suicide EACH DAY. May this serve to remind each of us that, truly, "freeedom isn't free." - Stan]

      Chuck Colson never missed a single Memorial Day opportunity to remind us all to remember the fallen. Often he did so by telling the stories of those who sacrificed their lives so that others might live. In just a moment, I want you to [read] one such story from Chuck himself, from World War II. But before we do, there’s something else we should all remember. Some stories are still being written.

     Since 2001, nearly 7,000 American service members have died overseas in any number of conflicts. So far this year, that number is 16. And their stories need to be heard as well. More on that in just a moment. 

   First, here’s Chuck Colson: It was February 1945—three months before the end of World War II. Eighteen-year-old Sergeant Joseph George was stationed in Lorient, France. It was evening, and George was preparing to go on patrol. The Americans were hoping to locate landmines buried by the Germans.
   Sergeant George had been on patrol duty the night before. As he told his friend Private James Caudill, he was tired—tired and scared. Private Caudill offered to take the patrol on his behalf. He pointed out that, at age 36, he was nearly two decades older than George. He told George—who had already been blown off a torpedoed ship—to go home and live a full, rich life. And then Private Caudill went out on patrol. A few hours later, he was killed by a German sniper.
   The actions of Private Caudill echo the values and valor of generations of military men and women we remember today. And it’s an example of the sort of behavior we almost take for granted when it comes to our men and women in uniform who fight just wars.

   What is a just war? One that is defined as providing a proportionate response to evil, to protect non-combatants, among other considerations. Today, our military men and women around the world are fighting to resist evil. Ridding the world of Islamo-fascism—by just means—is a good and loving act.

   This willingness to sacrifice on behalf of our neighbors is why military service is considered such a high calling for Christians—and part of what makes just wars just. Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologica puts his discussion of just war in his chapter on charity—the love of God and neighbor. John Calvin agreed; he called soldiering justly a “God-like act,” because “it imitates God’s restraining evil out of love for His creatures.”
   A world in which free nations refuse to fight just wars would be a world where evil is unchecked and where the strong would be free to prey on the weak—as we are now seeing in Darfur.

   Which brings me back to Sgt. George. He returned safely home to West Virginia. He married, fathered five sons. One of them—Princeton Professor Robert George—is a good friend of mine. He’s devoted much of his life to fighting the moral evils of our time: abortion, embryonic stem cell research, and efforts to redefine marriage in a way that would destroy it.
   In John 15:13, Jesus said, “Greater love has no man than this, that [he] lay down his life for his friends.” The story of Private Caudill and Sergeant George makes one realize more deeply what a tremendous gift this is. It’s why the George family has remembered Private Caudill in prayers for sixty-one years.

   Today, Memorial Day, we ought to remember the sacrifices of all the Private Caudills in all the wars Americans have fought—and we should pray for those who are still in the field—laying down their lives for each other, for us, and for the freedom of strangers. That’s a very Christian thing to do.
   John Stonestreet here again: Today, American service men and women are still making the ultimate sacrifice. Please pray for their families. And in their honor today, why not read their stories. The Military Times website has a photo and a brief story of each and every service member who has perished abroad since 2001. Come to BreakPoint.org, click on this commentary, and I will link you to the Military Times site—and to those stories of the ones who still today are giving their all.

[italics and colored emphasis mine]

RESOURCES
"Honoring the Fallen" - Military Times | Database of those who fought and died in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn; https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/

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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. Intercession is  one of the great privileges AND responsibilities for EVERY believer."- Stan

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“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:

 PRAISE GOD for the continuing recent successes against ISIS! Pray that coalition forces will be able to  fully 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 His Spirit's strength.

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Praying Through the Open Doors World Watch List for persecuted believers:https://www.opendoorsusa.org/take-action/pray/monthly-prayer-calendar/

On the world’s second-largest continent, Christians 
throughout Africa are enduring severe persecution. In May, Open Doors is focusing on African believers suffering from both oppression and physical violence. Please join us in praying with our brothers and sisters in these places where peace is elusive and conflict is ever-present.
May 27 | BHUTAN - Believers from different parts of Bhutan recently came together for a three-day fellowship. They prayed together, encouraged each other, and set their hearts and minds toward a unified vision. Praise God for this time of fellowship.
*Names changed to protect identities

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 Tim. 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 interven