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/
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/
CONGRESSMAN SCALISE: Let's Continue to pray for Congressman Scalise and his family as he has finally been allowed to go home.
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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They were practically kids, and they were sitting ducks.In the summer of 1940, roughly 400,000 British troops stood stranded on a beach in Dunkirk, France, besieged by an advancing German army and targeted by a swarming German air force. They had been Western Europe’s best hope for liberation. Now, pushed to the edge of the continent, they stood awaiting their fate: a miraculous rescue, or death.
Few Americans are likely to have heard of Dunkirk in the year 2017. This early episode of World War II history had fallen into relative obscurity, overshadowed by the more celebrated Allied feats at Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, the liberation of Paris, etc. But film director Christopher Nolan has now brought it roaring back to life in a vivid recreation on screen. His film “Dunkirk” is a profoundly gripping account of what took place on those French shores 77 years ago—and a powerful testament to the deepest bonds of nationhood.
From the very opening scene in the streets of Dunkirk, Nolan immerses us in a first-person experience that is seldom interrupted through the course of the film. Rifle shots pierce the silence. British soldiers drop like flies. A lone survivor runs for his life and hops a fence. The British are being hunted, and we feel hunted with them.
Nolan intensifies the sense of confusion and realism by keeping us grounded in the first-person experiences of a few, and by never showing us the enemy. Except for one momentary sight of German soldiers in the closing scene, the Third Reich remains a faceless enemy throughout the film—true to the soldiers’ experience. To the British private, the Third Reich was a gunshot from afar, a torpedo from across waters, the deafening screech of a dive bomber lunging toward you as you stood—then ran—on the beach. The enemy is both mysterious and lethal—almost godlike. It is terror inducing.
The film could not have achieved its sensory excellence without the music score written by Hans Zimmer. Throughout the film, Zimmer’s score artfully integrates the sounds of war, creating a seamless blend that fixes the attention. In some moments that are otherwise still, Zimmer’s pulsating beat pulls the viewer in and refuses to let us rest, putting the audience on edge for the full extent of the film.
The film score is also complemented by stunning visual work, particularly in the aviation scenes. The viewer can’t help but be awed by the skill and grit of World War II pilots, who literally chased each other down in the sky with mere bullets.
The plot of the film consists of three basic subplots that span three different periods of time—the beach, lasting one week; the sea rescue, lasting one day; and an air mission, lasting one hour. Each subplot runs its own course, and all three meet in one epic climax at the end.
The beach subplot—already mentioned—consists of British soldiers enduring gunfire and bombing raids on the beach in waiting for a sea rescue back to Britain.
The air subplot—arguably the most scintillating to watch—follows two Spitfire pilots as they fly a mission over the English Channel. They engage in various dogfights with German planes along the way, while aiming to protect sea rescue operations happening at the water’s surface.
But the true heart of the film—and of the Dunkirk story itself—is the sea rescue mission, which ultimately results in over 350,000 British troops being saved from capture or death.This mission is first undertaken by the British navy, which loads several large destroyers with hundreds of British troops. But these ships prove to be too easy a target for German bombers, who are able to sink several of them with relative ease.
It is here that we see true heroism of an unconventional sort on display. With naval efforts falling short, and with oil-soaked British troops jumping ship en masse to avoid drowning in a sinking destroyer, British civilians step in to save their troops. A flotilla of civilian boats—yachts, pleasure boats, etc.—heads from the British coast into the battle zone, lifting the stranded soldiers to safety and returning them to England. It is simply extraordinary that this feat was performed. It was, of course, no military victory—as Prime Minister Winston Churchill would note, “wars are not won by evacuations.”
But because of the unconventional heroism of hundreds of British civilians, 350,000 British troops lived to fight another day—and would eventually help win the war as part of the Allied coalition.
The lack of overt military triumph in “Dunkirk” actually serves to highlight a more enduring concept—that of nationhood.
In the modest rescue encounter between an elderly man and a group of young, exhausted foot soldiers, we are reminded of what exactly binds them together. A language. A culture. A history.
In the faces of these men, we see not a random collection of persons who just happen to live on the same piece of land. We see the deep and abiding bond of nationhood. And it is that bond that calls forth extraordinary acts of rescue from ordinary men in boats.
In a day when soulless globalism is the established orthodoxy of the West (save for Brexit and the United States in recent months), Nolan’s depiction of nationhood in “Dunkirk” is a much-needed medicine for our culture.
For that—and for a masterpiece of film—we owe Nolan heartfelt thanks.
[bold, italics, and colored emphasis mine]
Daniel Davis is the commentary editor of The Daily Signal.
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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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