US Congressmen defend National Day of Prayer
CNS News reports that 63 members of the House and four senators (both Republican and Democrat), members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, have filed an amicus brief to defend the National Day of Prayer. Jordan Sekulow, attorney at the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) which is representing the congressmen, was quoted as saying the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment protects the National Day of Prayer because it is not the call of, or for, a specific religion, it is not mandated, and there are no punishments for not participating. ‘That goes back to, what I think the First Amendment is about, which is an establishment of a religion in the United States. That means you don't say that it is, for instance, the Baptist Day of Prayer, just the National Day of Prayer,’ Sekulow said. Praise: God for this move to establish prayer to be central to the US government. (Heb.13.7) More: http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=8040
INSIGHT ARTICLE: Ramadan1431 – Muslim month of fasting
There are at least 200 Muslim people groups of over 100,000 individualsThere are at least 200 Muslim people groups of over 100,000 individuals who do not receive any Christian witness. During the 30 days of Ramadan, August 11 to September 9, many Muslims will sincerely seek God through prayer, fasting, repenting of past sins, and attempting to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. In closed countries where Christians are forbidden to openly share their faith we hear testimonies from Muslims to whom Jesus has directly revealed Himself through dreams and visions during Ramadan. We may not be able to reach them ourselves, but we can and ask God to pour out His Holy Spirit on the spiritually dry and thirsty in the three weeks leading up to and through this ‘Holy Month’. For inspirations to help your prayers for Muslims click link. (see also item 3) Pray: .for many Christian prayers to be released, preparing the way for revelations of God's Kingdom. (1Jn.4:18)
Iran: Pastor facing execution plus fears for Christian in solitary confinement
A well-known Iranian pastor detained in June faces execution after two judges agreed to make him ‘liable to capital punishment,’ in a crackdown on growing Protestant churches. A senior pastor of the Church of Iran movement, comprising house churches across Iran, said judges had already signed an Islamic death sentence order, pending further investigations. see Also Ali Golchin has been in Evin Prison’s solitary confinement since April 29, and is believed to have been ill-treated. After weeks of petitioning authorities his father was allowed a ten minute visit and found his son 'crying uncontrollably' and in obvious pain. Ali, a chemical analyst, had twice been sent to the prison health centre due to 'weakness and severe stomach aches'. Farsi Christian News Network’s sources believe Ali has been ill-treated during interrogation sessions. But praise God for the release of two Church of Iran Christians and the expected release on bail of two other Christians identified as ‘brothers Mehdi and Afshin'. Pray: for Ali's spiritual and physical strengthening, and for God to touch the hearts of Iranian officials charged with detaining Christian prisoners of faith. (2Ch.11:17)
Palestinians want mediator for peace talks with Israel
Israeli bulldozers destroyed six buildings in East Jerusalem on Tuesday, resuming the demolition of Palestinian property after a halt aimed at encouraging peace talks. House demolitions are a volatile issue because Israel sees East Jerusalem as part of its capital city, while Palestinians want it for their future capital. No houses had been razed in the eastern sector since last October, and the demolitions indicate a shift from the unofficial freeze Israel imposed after criticism from USA see Meanwhile, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki comments on the peace talks with Israel saying, ‘Palestinians and Israelis have been trying to resolve their conflict via direct talks since 1991 but have produced absolutely nothing,before we re-engage again, we have to draw lessons. We, the Palestinians need a third party presence, not only to watch us but to intervene in order to bridge the gaps, build proposals and help the two sides to move in the right direction.’ Pray: for a return to direct peace negotiations. (1Sa.7:14 & Ps.122:6) More: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=117054#axzz0tkGRSMcE
