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The Daily Brief:
An Online News Source for Intercessors
"Decreeing the Word of God Over the News of the Day"
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United We Stand Thursday, May 15, 2025
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Join our Bible Readathon, every night except Sunday morning, from midnight to 6:00 a.m. Call 508-924-5411 (no access code). Our moderator will welcome you and invite you to share in our reading. Praise God! His Word does NOT return to us void!
"So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)
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>>> Be sure to read today's thoughts on repentance by Pastor Jeff Daly | National Day of Repentance. Go Here.
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Texas Says It’s Halted Construction Of Muslim-Centered ‘EPIC City’ Outside Dallas
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott says the state has put an end to all construction of EPIC City, a massive development planned outside Dallas that was intended to be exclusively for Muslims and where sharia law was expected to be imposed on residents when it came to fruition. “Texas has halted any construction of EPIC City,” Abbott declared on Sunday on X. “There is no construction taking place. The state of Texas has launched about a half dozen investigations into this project. That includes criminal investigations. And, the US Department of justice is also investigating. This matter, and similar matters, are taken very seriously, and actions are being taken to address all concerns.”
His statements came days after news that the Trump administration’s Department of Justice had launched an investigation into the project. Last month, Texas Sen. John Cornyn (R) called on the administration to carry out the probe, saying it was a discriminatory “religious settlement where Islamic principles govern not only daily life and education, but commerce. A master-planned ‘community of thousands of Muslims’ could violate the constitutional rights of Jewish and Christian Texans, by preventing them from living in this new community and discriminating against them within the community,” Cornyn said. “I further encourage the Department to investigate whether Christians, Jews, and other non-Muslim minorities would receive equal protection under the law in this new community. Religious-based discrimination, whether explicit or implicit, is unconstitutional under the First and Fourteenth Amendments.” (Dailywire) Read More Here |
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- Father we thank You for exposing this planned development in Texas, designed exclusively for Muslims, with intentions of governing the community by Sharia law. Bless Governor Abbott, Senator John Cornyn, AG Ken Paxton and others for investigating plans regarding the 'EPIC City' and calling forth an abrupt end to this development. We pray for diligence in investigating other potential cities that have the same intentions for sharia law within their region. In the Name of Jesus Christ, we rebuke and renounce all plans of the enemy to create foreign governing entities within our own nation clearly violating our Constitutional rights as Christians, Jews and non-Muslims. Bring unwavering boldness upon those in authority to stand strong for our beloved America and the safety of her citizens! By the Blood of Yeshua, we offer this prayer, Amen and Amen.
- "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1)
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Trump signs agreements with Qatar on defense and Boeing purchases
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President Donald Trump signed a series of agreements with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday.
The agreements involved a purchasing agreement by Qatar for Boeing aircraft, as well as letters of intent and "joint cooperation" between Qatar and the U.S. The emir also signed an intent agreement to purchase MQ-9 drone aircraft.
Al Thani said he had a "great" conversation with Trump prior to the signing ceremony on Wednesday, adding that the agreements have elevated the U.S.-Qatar relationship to "another level."
The deepening U.S. relationship with Qatar has drawn fresh scrutiny this week, both due to Trump's visit and amid reports that his administration may accept a free jet from the Qatari royal family to temporarily replace the current Air Force One.
The prospect has drawn bipartisan pushback, which Trump has met with indifference.
"Qatar is not, in my opinion, a great ally. I mean, they support Hamas. So what I'm worried about is the safety of the president," Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., told reporters on Tuesday.
(Fox News) Read more here
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- Abba, there is much confusion around President Trump's signing agreements with Qatar after once calling them out for supporting and protecting terrorists. Father God, I ask You to honor Your son, Donald;s efforts in obtaining these agreements, let them be the beginning of peace and friendship between our two nations, allow them to be a springboard of new US relationships in the Middle East. Jesus, in Your word in the book of Isaiah, You say that You will guide the President's actions, so we decree and declare that these agreements are his obedience to Your voice, that they will become a blessing for Qatar and the United States. We ask this in the name Jehovah Jireh, The Lord Will Provide.
- "He renews my strength, He guides me along
right pathways, bringing honor to his name."
(Psalm 23:3)
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From The Middle East, Trump Vows To Defend America With ‘Devastating Force’
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Speaking from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, President Donald Trump issued a firm warning to foreign leaders: his priority is defending the United States of America, and he will do so using “overwhelming strength” and “devastating force” if necessary.
“In recent years, far too many American presidents have been afflicted with the notion that it’s our job to look into the souls of foreign leaders and use U.S. policy to dispense justice for their sins,” Trump said during the U.S.-Saudi investment forum in Riyadh. “They loved using our very powerful military. And now it’s really the most powerful it’s ever been … we’re getting the greatest missiles, the greatest weapons.”
Trump emphasized that the United States believes in peace through strength, arguing that “bad things could happen” if the United States was not powerful and in a position to defend itself.
“It is God’s job to sit in judgment, my job to defend America, and to promote the fundamental interests of stability, prosperity, and peace,” he said Tuesday. “That’s what I really want to do.”
(Daily Wire) Read more here.
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- Abba, we give You high praise for Your son, Donald, speaking Your heart to so many middle eastern leaders. We thank You that he is living out forgiveness, healing and restoration in the relationships he is building and those he is trying to build. We ask You for hearts to be open and willing to work with President Trump as he opens new avenues for working together to bring peace and prosperity to Your world. We decree and declare that any plans of the enemy to bring strife and fear are declared null and void, that they will fall to the ground as dust. We ask Holy Spirit to move over all those involved in these negotiations pouring out faith, trust and great hope for what the future holds for each nation. Jesus, You are the Great Shepherd, draw Your children to You and the love You have for them. We ask this in the name Jehovah Rohi, The Lord Our Shepherd
- "May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you."
(Psalm 33:22)
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Trump to roll back US sanctions on Syria
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President Trump announced Tuesday he was rolling back sanctions on Syria at the urging of allies in the Middle East in an effort to boost the new government in Damascus.
“I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,” Trump said in remarks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, prompting a standing ovation from a sea of Saudi officials in the room.
Trump said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had encouraged him to remove the sanctions, which had been imposed against the former Bashar Assad regime amid a brutal civil war. The Assad government was driven out of office by Syrian rebels late last year.
“Oh, what I do for the crown prince,” Trump said with a laugh Monday. “The sanctions were brutal and crippling and served as an important function … but now it’s [Syria’s] time to shine.”
Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio would meet later this week in Turkey with the new Syrian foreign minister.
U.S. sanctions had cut Syria off from the global financial system and imposed other economic penalties on the government as civil war raged on for more than a decade. Leaving those sanctions in place would make it difficult for the new government to lead a recovery, experts said.
“In Syria, which has seen so much misery and death, there is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilizing the country and keeping peace,” Trump said. (The Hill) Read more.
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- Abba, we thank You for the heart You have placed in Your son, Donald. for the wellbeing of many nations. We ask You, Holy Spirit, to move on the minds and hearts of the leadership in Syria and Lebanon, bring them into a place of willingness to work with the US in rebuilding their countries and establishing stability. We ask for leaders in both nations to begin building relationships with other countries that will create avenues for understanding and trust.. Father God, through the actions of President Trump, we ask for peace to become the norm instead of war, and safety instead of fear throughout the Middle East. We ask this in the name Jehovah Shalom, The Lord Our Peace.
- "When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone's way,
he causes their enemies to make peace with them."
(Proverbs 16:7)
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Chief Justice Roberts addresses divisions between justices after several recent SCOTUS skirmishes
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Chief Justice John Roberts on Monday urged Georgetown Law’s newest graduates to collaborate across ideological lines, commenting that on the Supreme Court, it's necessary for those who disagree strongly to work past their differences.
Speaking to the dean of Georgetown Law, William Treanor, at a fireside chat Monday, Roberts lamented current political divisions, and though he was careful not to be specific, his comments came as President Donald Trump has sharply criticized judicial decisions that have set back his second-term policy agenda.
It's "really too bad," Roberts said of the environment facing aspiring lawyers. "We’re developing a situation where a whole group of young people is growing up having no real sense about how our system of justice works."
He also noted that some of the harshest criticisms of Supreme Court rulings, past and present, often come from fellow justices on the bench. But he also urged the importance of keeping these relationships above the fray and maintaining a sense of decorum.
Though Supreme Court justices may "disagree a lot," such differences have not strained their relationships. "We have to work together on these things that are difficult," Roberts said. "You find a way to get along."
"It’s a long job. If you’re sort of really at each other’s throats with bad feelings and stuff like that, it’s just not a good way to function," Roberts said, adding that the justices work to avoid the "toxic" relationships seen in earlier generations of the court.
(Fox News) Read more here.
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- Abba, thank You that Chief Justice Roberts gave everyone an idea of what work involves as a Supreme Court Justice. The reality is that not all Judges are the same, not all Judges make decisions outside of their political beliefs. Father God we ask for a realignment of the minds of all Justices with "the mind of Christ", grant all of them renewed vision, vision that sees with Your eyes. Jesus, we ask for their hearts to be realigned with Your heart of love, a love that is far greater than any political beliefs, a heart that trusts You to speak truth and a willingness to follow Your truth as they deliberate and make very important decisions. We ask for hearts of integrity and strength, to stand on Your truth even when it is hard to do so. We ask Your peace and Your blessings on each one. We ask this in the name Yahweh-Tsidkenu, The Lord Our Righteousness.
- "The integrity of the upright guides them, but
the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."
(Proverbs 11:3)
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1. Pregnant woman critically wounded in Samaria shooting attack - Israel National News
A woman was critically wounded and a man was severely hurt on Wednesday when a terrorist opened fire at a vehicle between Bruchin and the Peduel Junction in Samaria.
MDA EMTs and paramedics provided medical treatment and evacuated to Beilinson Hospital a female around 30 years old in critical condition with gunshot wounds, and a man around 40 years old in serious condition, fully conscious, with gunshot wounds.
IDF forces are searching for the terrorist.
A defense official stated that initial details indicate that terrorists fired at three vehicles and hit one of them. It was also reported that the terrorists pointed lasers at the vehicle before shooting at it. (Read more)
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2. Netanyahu asked Trump not to lift Syria sanctions, Israeli official says - Times of Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested that US President Donald Trump not lift US sanctions on Syria, during Netanyahu’s visit to Washington last month, says an Israeli official.
The official says the request was made out of concern that a cross-border attack similar to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault, could come from Syria.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the request with the media.
The Prime Minister’s Office has not immediately responded to a request for comment on the report. (Read more)
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3. Israel Intercepts Missile From Yemen, Houthis Claim Responsibility - Algemeiner
The Israeli military said on Wednesday that it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen towards its territory.
The launch coincides with US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf. Trump has announced that he reached a ceasefire with Yemen‘sHouthis, an internationally designated terrorist group, that will halt attacks on US vessels.
The Iran-aligned group fired a missile towards Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, according to the group’s military spokesperson Yahya Saree.
Trump announced early in May that the US would stop bombing the Houthis in Yemen as the group had agreed to stop attacking US ships. (Read more)
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4. IDF issues warnings to Houthis with no attack after Yemen fires twice in one day - Jerusalem Post
The IDF on Wednesday issued evacuation warnings to civilians in Yemeni seaports controlled by the Houthis for the second time in recent days without, at press time, having actually attacked.
The warning was sent at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, following a similar warning against the Houthis on Sunday, in which the military also did not actually attack.
Pressed on why the IDF would threaten to attack the Houthis on two separate occasions, days apart during the same week, without following through on the threat, the military and the Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment.
Defense Minister Israel Katz had not responded by press time. (Read more)
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5. IDF strike in Southern Lebanon kills regional Hezbollah commander - JNS
An Israel Defense Forces airstrike in Southern Lebanon on Wednesday killed a regional Hezbollah terror commander, the military confirmed.
“Earlier today, the IDF struck in the area of Qaaqaaiyet el-Jisr in southern Lebanon, eliminating a Hezbollah terrorist who held the position of the commander of the Qabrikha area within the Hezbollah terrorist organization,” according to the Israeli military statement.
Lebanon’s independent Al Jadeedbroadcaster identified the Hezbollah operative killed in the Israeli strike as Hussein Naama, a resident of Qaaqaaiyet el-Jisr, which is located in the Nabatieh Governorate. (Read more)
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1. Trump, Crown Prince Sign $600B Economic Deal - Newsmax
President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MbS, signed a $600 billion strategic economic partnership agreement in Riyadh during Trump's regional visit Tuesday. The partnership includes agreements for energy, mining, and defense.
Trump was kicking off a four-day Middle East trip with a focus on dealmaking with a key Mideast ally while shared concerns about Iran's nuclear program and the war in Gaza dragged on in the background.
MbS, the Saudi de facto ruler, warmly greeted Trump as he stepped off Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital. The two leaders then retreated to a grand hall at the Riyadh airport, where Trump and his aides were served traditional Arabic coffee by waiting attendants wearing ceremonial gun belts.
"I really believe we like each other a lot," Trump said later during a brief appearance with the crown prince at the start of a bilateral meeting.
They later signed more than a dozen agreements to increase cooperation between their governments' militaries, justice departments and cultural institutions. Additional economic agreements were expected to be inked later Tuesday at a U.S.-Saudi investment conference convened for the occasion. (Read more)
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- We pray for our president as he deals with all foreign countries, that you would give him wisdom and favor with all men that he is in the process of making deals with that everything will work out in our favor in Jesus name amen.
- “Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” (Psalms 5:12)
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2. Capitol Police arrest protesters disrupting budget markup as Cory Booker thanks them for defending Medicaid - Fox News
More than two dozen protesters were arrested for disrupting the House Energy and Commerce's budget reconciliation markup on Tuesday, as Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., thanked those holding court in the hallway.
"Around 2 p.m., 26 people were arrested for illegally demonstrating in the Rayburn House Office Building. They were arrested for 22-1307 Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding. It is against the law to protest inside the Congressional Buildings," the U.S. Capitol Police Department told Fox News Digital.
Dozens of protesters, many in wheelchairs, filled the halls outside the John D. Dingell Room in the Rayburn House Office Building on Tuesday afternoon, chanting, "No cuts to Medicaid!" Several protesters, who were blocking the entrance to the committee room, were wheeled away and arrested by Capitol police after multiple warnings. (Read more)
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- Lord, we pray for justice in this situation. We know we have the right to peacefully protest in our country but we pray against protesters or rioters that seek to cause chaos and division that their agenda would be stopped. We pray peace and protection over our nation that no harm or evil can prevail in Jesus name amen.
- “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
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3. Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan indicted after allegedly helping illegal alien evade ICE - Fox News
A federal grand jury indicted a Wisconsin circuit courtjudge on Tuesday, who was arrested last month for allegedly shielding an illegal immigrant from federal agents. Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested and charged with obstruction of an official proceeding on April 25, after evidence became known that she had shielded an illegal immigrant from federal agents, according to a criminal complaint. She was also charged with concealing an individual to prevent discovery and arrest.
Dugan was indicted by a federal grand jury after listening to testimony regarding charges that she allegedly tried to help an illegal alien escape arrest in her courtroom. On Tuesday, a federal grand jury convened to consider the indictment, hearing testimony that included statements from Eduardo Flores-Ruiz's attorney, who has since withdrawn from his case, and Dugan's court clerk.
Also giving testimony was Milwaukee County Judge Kristela Cervera, a misdemeanor judge whose courtroom is next to Dugan's. The panel was expected to decide whether to indict Dugan ahead of her previously scheduled preliminary court hearing. (Read more)
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- Lord, we pray for each and every judge in our nation that is acting according to their own agenda. May each one have a change of heart and choose to serve the American people, according to the laws of the land. We also pray for Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, that she would repent and honor the immigration laws, as written. Lastly, we pray that the "America first" idea be supported by every representative and judge to make our country a better place. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.
- “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16)
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4. Faith Leaders Call On Trump To Protect Christian Refugees - Million Voices
A large group of pastors sent a letter to President Donald Trump in May to “act swiftly to protect Afghan Christians from deportation to Afghanistan.” “President Trump, your Administration has rightly prioritized international religious freedom as a central pillar of American foreign policy.
Under your leadership, we have seen unprecedented efforts to elevate the cause of persecuted religious minorities worldwide — hosting the historic Ministerials to Advance Religious Freedom, launching the International Religious Freedom Alliance, and taking courageous actions against regimes that persecute religious minorities, you have championed the rights of the oppressed.
We are deeply grateful for these efforts,” the group of pastors wrote in the letter, which was CC’d to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. “Afghanistan is among the most dangerous places in the world for Christians. Conversion from Islam is considered apostasy under Taliban rule and is punishable by imprisonment or execution. According to reports, including by Fox News and Christian Broadcasting Network, Afghan Christians living in the United States now face the terrifying prospect of forced return to a country where their faith puts them at daily risk of death. Many of these individuals found safety in America only to now be told they must self-deport within a week — an impossible timeline given the grave dangers they would face.” (Read more)
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- Dear God, please guide us in this crisis in how to help our church at home and abroad. We know the threats we face are among us, but we also know Your protection is here, too. When all feels like we are in chaos, we thank You for the calming nature of Psalm 23. We also thank You for bringing so many of us together to finally face these battles for our faith under a united revival. In your name and the voice of the Holy Spirit we pray, Amen.
- “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
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5. Bombshell report suggests 'Chinese spies' infiltrating prestigious US university: 'Widespread campaign' - Fox News
A bombshell report out of Stanford University sheds light on the influence of spies from the Chinese Communist Party that the student newspaper says have likely infiltrated the prestigious institution and other universities nationwide to gather intelligence.
The report, published by the Stanford Review, tells the story of a Stanford student working on sensitive research at the school – and given the name "Anna" to protect her identity – receiving unexpected messages from a man with the alias Charles Chen asking about seemingly harmless topics like networking opportunities.
Those messages soon took a "strange turn," according to the outlet when Chen’s questions became more personal, asking Anna if she spoke Mandarin, encouraging her to visit Beijing on a trip he would pay for, and referencing details she had never disclosed to him.
Charles advised Anna on how to enter China briefly enough to avoid visa scrutiny from authorities, told her to only communicate through the CCP-monitored WeChat and told her to delete screenshots. (Read more)
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- In the name of Jesus, we bind all efforts by the CCP, trying to infiltrate and spy on us that their plans are cast down and completely canceled. We plead the blood of Jesus over this country, our military, our children, our schools, and our government (federal, state, and local) that they will not be infiltrated and that any hidden acts of sabotage would be revealed, in Jesus' name, amen.
- “But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from me.” (Isaiah 54:17)
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Stupidocrisy: CBS Portrayal of Child Sacrifice
as Not Violent
The Daily Jot, Bill Wilson, May 14, 2025
In a recent archaeological discovery, an ancient altar used for child sacrifices was unearthed in Tikal National Park, Guatemala. On April 9, CBS News reported that the altar, attributed to the Teotihuacan culture, contained the remains of three children under the age of four. An archaeologist described these sacrifices as a means of “connecting with the celestial bodies,” suggesting they were not acts of violence, but cultural religious practices. Regardless of cultural context, the deliberate taking of innocent life constitutes violence. Labeling such acts as non-violent due to their ritualistic nature risks normalizing the unjustifiable. CBS should know better than to give such a story the slightest of credence.
CBS justified its position using an “expert,” reporting, “María Belén Méndez, an archaeologist who was not involved with the project, said the discovery confirms “that there has been an interconnection between both cultures and what their relationships with their gods and celestial bodies was like. We see how the issue of sacrifice exists in both cultures. It was a practice; it’s not that they were violent, it was their way of connecting with the celestial bodies.” What? Really? Drawing parallels to contemporary society, abortion in the United States since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision has claimed over 63 million lives of the unborn. In addition, there is child slave and sex trafficking that further devalues life and normalizes children as disposable. And the “Left” also tries to sell these abominations as non-violent “rights” of American culture. Read More
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Judge Backs Trump’s Use of Alien Enemies Act to Deport Tren de Aragua Gangsters
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A federal judge ruled Tuesday that President Donald Trump and his administration were allowed to use the 1798 Alien Enemies Act for the expedited removal of suspected Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang members.
While U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines ruled the Trump administration’s description of TdA’s predatory incursion into the United States was faithful to the Alien Enemies Act definition of “predatory incursions in 1798,” she also found the Trump administration had not provided “individual detainees” subject to deportation adequate amount of notice.
“In light of all of the foregoing, this Court reaches the following definition of ‘predatory incursion’ under the AEA: ‘a hostile entry into the United States by a cohesive group of individuals, such as a military detachment or a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization [FTO], who are united by a common goal of causing significant disruption to the public safety — whether that be the safety of persons, property, or pecuniary interests — of those within the United States,” Haines said in her ruling. “The Court finds that that definition is faithful to the meaning of ‘predatory incursions’ in 1798, but it also accounts for new applications given ‘changes in the world.'”
The court document also noted that Trump’s Proclamation, issued in March, and the “Declarations that Respondents have submitted to this Court indicate that there is a factual basis for President Trump’s conclusions in the Proclamation.”
“Most of all, the Proclamation references the fact that the Secretary of State has designated TdA as an FTO pursuant to Title 8, United States Code, Section 1189, a designation that heavily supports the conclusions within the Proclamation that TdA is a cohesive group united by a common goal of causing significant disruption to the public safety of the United States,” the court document added. (Breitbart) Read more
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- Abba, we give You praise and thanksgiving that a federal judge ruled the Trump Administration can use the 1798 Alien Enemies Ace to expedite removal of suspected Tren de Aragua gang members and other dangerous illegals.. We ask You to continue providing legal agreement with this administration as they keep their promise to rid our country of illegals with police records. We ask You to give the ICE agents and all who are supporting them supernatural downloads of where suspects are hiding and how to bring them into custody safely. Father God, we ask for Your protection of all who are trying to bring these individuals in, send Your warrior angels to cover them, giving them wisdom and insight. We ask that all individuals not involved be protected during these operations. We ask this in the name Jehovah Sabaoth, The Lord of Hosts, The God who is able to accomplish whatever He determines to do.
- "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good
understanding. To him belongs eternal praise."
(Psalm 111:10)
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House GOP moves Trump's agenda forward after all-night committee debate
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The House of Representatives' tax-writing panel took a key step in advancing President Donald Trump's tax agenda on Wednesday morning, finishing a marathon session that began with lawmakers entering a cavernous and chilly room in the Longworth House Office building just after 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
The House Ways & Means Committee advanced its portion of Trump's "one big, beautiful bill," one of 11 committees working on the effort that will then be part of one massive piece of legislation.
It happened despite a barrage of protest amendments lobbed by Democratic lawmakers in a bid to slow proceedings down and make Republicans take politically tricky votes.
The Energy & Commerce Committee and the Ways & Means Committee both held meetings through the night to debate and advance key parts of Trump’s bill.
The former's meeting is expected to go into Wednesday afternoon after beginning Tuesday at 2 p.m. The Ways & Means Committee advanced its portion early on Wednesday morning in a party-line 26 to 19 vote.
As committee meetings stretched long through the night and next morning, Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., was caught snoozing during the Energy & Commerce's budget markup on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, at the House Ways & Means Committee's markup, Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, had to be jolted awake to participate in a vote.
The House Agriculture Committee, another critical panel, began working on its portion on Tuesday evening and paused proceedings around midnight. That committee is expected to resume later Wednesday morning. (Fox News) Read more here.
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- Father God, we thank You that members of Congress, in different committees, have been working, often through the night, to pass President Trump's "big, beautiful bill." We ask that You grace each member of Congress, and the Senate next, with the energy, strength, and sharp thinking needed, so that this bill will finally be passed, according to the plan of President Trump. We do thank You, O Lord, for giving us a Congress whose heart is truly turned to Your people, and who is committed to serve the American people in truth and integrity, amen.
- "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." (Colossians 3: 23,24)
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From South African Farms to American Soil: White Afrikaners’ Asylum Stirs Heated Debate
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The first group of white South African refugees, fleeing persecution in their homeland, has arrived in the U.S. However, for many on the Left, their asylum has sparked outrage.
Forty-nine Afrikaners, including women, children, and entire families, landed at Washington Dulles International Airport on Monday. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Troy Edgar greeted the arrivals as they walked in waving American flags. “It is such an honor for us to receive you here today,” Landau told the refugees. “This is the land of the free,” and “it makes me so happy to see you with our flag in your hands.”
“[T]hat flag,” he added, “symbolizes liberty for so many of us.”
Their arrival follows President Trump’s February executive order, “Addressing Egregious Actions of The Republic of South Africa,” which condemned South Africa’s Expropriation Act for enabling the seizure of Afrikaners’ farmland without compensation. The order criticized South African policies for undermining equal opportunity and inciting violence against white landowners, noting that white South Africans, roughly 7% of the population, own over three-quarters of private farmland.
Trump also highlighted South Africa’s hostile foreign policy for taking “aggressive positions towards the United States and its allies, including accusing Israel, not Hamas, of genocide in the International Court of Justice,” as well as strengthening ties with Iran for commercial, military, and nuclear purposes.
South Africa’s government has rejected claims of persecution, with its Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRC) stating, “The South Africa Police Services statistics on farm-related crimes do not support allegations of violent crime targeted at farmers generally or any particular race.” MIRC Coordinator Ronald Lamola said, “They can’t provide any proof of any persecution because there’s not any. There is not any form of persecution to white South Africans.”
Circulating on X is a video in which thousands of South Africans are chanting: “Shoot to kill, kill the Boer, the farmer,” referring to the white Afrikaners. There is also footage of Julius Malema, Member of the National Assembly of South Africa, saying, “We must never be scared to kill. The revolution demands that, at some point, there must be killing, because the killing is part of the revolution.”
As others sidestep these issues, Trump continues to confront them directly. “It’s a genocide,” he told reporters on Monday. “White Farmers are being brutally killed, and their land is being confiscated. And the media doesn’t even talk about it. If it were the other way around, that would be the only story they talk about.”
He continued, “I don’t care who they are. I don’t care about their race, their color. I don’t care about their height, their weight. I don’t care about anything.” Trump stressed, “I just know that what’s happening is terrible. I have people [who] live in South Africa. They say it’s a terrible situation taking place, so we’ve essentially extended citizenship to those people to escape from that violence and come here.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced this stance: “The South African government has treated these people terribly — threatening to steal their private land and subjected them to vile racial discrimination. The Trump Administration is proud to offer them refuge in our great country.” (The Washington Stand) Read more here.
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- Abba, thank You for working through the Trump Administration to bring these Afrikaners to our country. We ask for open doors to make their assimilation process fast and easy. Holy Spirit, we ask You to go before all of these displaced people, create friendships for adults and children. Allow Your people to welcome them into their communities with open hearts and open hands, thank You that You are their provider as You are ours. We ask You to instill Your love in their minds and hearts, keep them from feeling abandoned or lost. Jesus, let the schools that will be accepting these children give each one a buddy, someone who can "show them the ropes" and introduce them to others. Give teachers sensitivity to those who might feel lost or stupid, providing support and acceptance. Keep children and adults close to Your heart, let them know they are safe. We ask this in the name Jehovah Roi, the God Who Sees everything.
- "He led me to a place of safety; he rescued
me because he delights in me."
(2 Samuel 22:20)
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And Now . . . Lion of Judah: ROAR!!!!
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"The Lord shall go forth like a mighty man;
He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war.
He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud;
He shall prevail against His enemies."
(Isaiah 42:13)
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Tornadoes, large hail threaten millions in Midwest as Wednesday kicks off 7-day severe weather stretch
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The central and northern Plains, as well as portions of the Upper Midwest, will see storms fire up first on Wednesday before threat zones shift and expand to include more areas of the nation through the workweek and weekend, as well as into the start of next week.
CHICAGO – There’s been an eerie lull in extreme weather across the U.S. recently, but all that is about to change as the FOX Forecast Center monitors a seven-day stretch of severe weather that kicks off on Wednesday.
The central and northern Plains, as well as portions of the Upper Midwest, will see storms fire up first on Wednesday before threat zones shift and expand to include more areas of the nation through the workweek and weekend, as well as into the start of next week
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The FOX Forecast Center said that confidence is continuing to grow around a more active severe weather pattern starting Wednesday as an upper-level disturbance emerges from the West and moves into the central U.S.
The disturbance will then help to form a vigorous area of low pressure at the surface across the central and northern Plains, setting the stage for storms to fire up across portions of the Midwest, including cities like Chicago and Milwaukee, by late Thursday and into Thursday night. Read More
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"For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:3)
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"Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name."
- Provided By: Billy Graham
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About Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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"Daily Brief Newsletter Emails - Making Sure You Receive Them"
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