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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 Friday, May 23, 2025
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> > > Please note that the Daily Brief will not be published next Monday, May 26th -- in honor of Memorial Day. We will return on Tuesday, May 27th. Thank you!
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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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Reflecting on the True Meaning of Sacrifice This Memorial Day
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This Memorial Day, we’re reminded that true freedom comes at a price—and the Gospel calls us to live with the same sacrificial courage. In a culture obsessed with comfort, Dr. Michael Youssef challenges us to embrace a faith that costs something, echoing the call of Christ to deny ourselves and take up our cross. If you’re longing for purpose, revival, and a deeper walk with God, this powerful reflection will stir your heart.
On Memorial Day, we pause to remember the men and women who laid down their lives for our freedom. We pause to honor the fallen and to reflect on the price of liberty. We pause, not because of sentimentality, but because of gratitude—and because God Himself calls His people to remember.
We are a forgetful people. Throughout the Bible, this is why God tells His people to set up memorials, to tell the next generation of His mighty acts. Memorials matter. Remembrance matters. And in times like these—when we are surrounded by cultural confusion, moral drift, and spiritual apathy—it’s a powerful reminder to live sacrificially not only for our country but, even more importantly, for the Gospel of Christ.
Far too often, the Western church has bowed to the idol of comfort. We admire sacrifice from a distance but shrink from it in our own lives. But Jesus did not call us to a life of ease—He called us to take up our cross and follow Him. This Memorial Day, as we remember those who gave their lives for our nation, may God stir His Church to true revival—a return to courageous, self-denying faith that lives not for this world, but for the glory of Christ and the advancement of His Kingdom. (Christianity.com) Read More Here |
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- Father, as we reflect upon this coming Memorial Day, we ask that You would bless the souls of those who selflessly sacrificed their lives for our beautiful nation. Bring Your comfort and healing to families across America as our country remembers the price paid for our liberty. May the Body of Christ also be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, bringing each of us deliverance from darkness and captivity. May Your Name be praised and the weight of Your Glory be felt across our nation, as we commemorate the sacrifices made for our country and the life-giving FREEDOM we have in Christ! In the powerful Name and Blood of Yeshua, Amen and Amen.
- "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:3)
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Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Shot Dead Outside Jewish Museum in DC
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The two were a couple, and had planned to get engaged in Jerusalem. The shooter yelled
"free Palestine"as he was taken into custody, according to D.C. Police Chief Pamela
Smith.
Two Israeli embassy staffers were shot and killed on Wednesday evening outside the Capital
Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., according to Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland
Security.
“We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for
the families of the victims,” Noem wrote on X. “We will bring this depraved perpetrator to
justice.”
The shooting reportedly occurred around 9:15 p.m. near the intersection of 3rd and F
streets NW, in front of the museum, and just behind the FBI’s Washington Field Office and
the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. embassy spokesperson Tal Naim Cohen wrote on X that the victims—a man and a
woman—had been shot “at close range.” (JNS.org) Read more here.
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SCRIPTURE: “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!”
Says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her,
That her warfare is ended"...Isaiah 40:1-2
PRAYER: Father, we are so grieved to hear this news, that a young couple, planning to get engaged, that their lives were cut off so cruelly. We pray for comfort for the loved ones and family members. We ask for swift and speedy justice for the perpetrator. We pray against the spirit of hatred that is being released upon this earth against the Jews.
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Netanyahu: Embassy Staff Killing a Result of "Blood LIbels Against Israel"
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The Israeli premier thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi
"for their clear stance against antisemitism."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday condemned the killing of two Israeli
embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., calling it a “heinous antisemitic murder.”
Netanyahu attributed the attack to “blood libels against Israel,” suggesting that incitement
and false accusations against the Jewish state had fueled the violence.
According to the statement, Bondi told Netanyahu that she was “deeply sorry,” and that
“President Donald Trump is personally involved in managing the response to the incident.”
She assured the prime minister that “the United States will ensure the murderer is brought
to justice” and conveyed her condolences “to the families of the young couple who were
soon to be engaged.”
Netanyahu thanked both Bondi and Trump “for their clear stance against antisemitism.”
In his remarks, the prime minister stated:
“We are witnessing the horrific price of antisemitism and the rampant incitement against the
State of Israel. Blood libels against Israel result in spilled blood, and they must be fought
with all our might.
My heart aches for the families of the beloved young man and woman whose lives were
abruptly cut short by a vile antisemitic murderer.
I have instructed to reinforce security arrangements at Israeli missions around the world
and to increase protection for our representatives.”
(JNS.org) Read more here.
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- Abba, our hearts break, as we know Yours does, for the loss of the lives of Your kids, Yaron and Sarah. Jesus, You know the heartbreak is overwhelming and seems to make the world stop. We ask You to hold in Your arms all whose hearts are torn, whose emotions are shattered. You are the only one who can speak the words each heart needs to hear, allow Your peace to flow over them, bring Your healing power to mend their lives.
Father God, we ask You to use this horrible tragedy, this hateful action to be the beginning of "enough is enough" of anti-Semetic words or behaviors of any kind! Holy Spirit, we ask You to move on the hearts of Your kids in the US and all over the world, let them rise up and push back the darkness of hell that is so prevalent and evident in people's attitudes and actions toward Your people, Israel. Begin to stir up an unwillingness to tolerate any Anti-Semetic actions anywhere, period. We ask this in the name Jehovah Sabaoth, The Lord of Heaven's Armies, the God who commands armies of both men and angels.
- "Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior. Don't you realize God's justice continues forever?" (Psalm 52:1)
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Why Should Christians Support Israel & the Jewish People? An Important Conversation with Al McCarn
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Since the Oct 7 war broke out, we have seen an alarming increase in Jew-hatred, not just from the “usual suspects” (like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Woke Left), but even from within the mainstream church and the Hebrew Roots community. Why is that so? Today, we have an important conversation with Al McCarn to discuss this. Al has recently published a book, “Christian Zionism 101: 10 Reasons Why Christians Should Support Israel and the Jewish people”.
What are some of those reasons?
Because God Himself is a Zionist! (Zechariah 1:14)
Because our Messiah (Jesus/Yeshua) is Jewish
Because God Promised the Land to Israel (Jeremiah 32:41)
Because Christian support for Israel is prophesied (Zechariah 8:19-23)
Action point: Christians are called to help restore Jews to the land of Israel and to support the nation of Israel. This is a MUST LISTEN interview!
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SCRIPTURE: So the angel who spoke with me said to me, “Proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts:
“I am zealous for Jerusalem
And for Zion with great zeal." Zechariah 1:14
PRAYER: Abba, we pray that this message about Christian Zionism will go FAR and WIDE! May this truth go forth like a laser precise arrow to pierce through the darkness of lies and propaganda and hit the mark bullseye in peoples' heart! May Christians STAND STRONG to support Israel and the Jewish people! Please pull down the strong hold of lies and propaganda with your TRUTH! In Jesus name, amen!
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House Passes Trump Agenda Bill in Early Morning Vote
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After weeks of negotiations, in a tight vote just before 7:00 a.m., the House approved the ‘big beautiful bill’ central to the president’s agenda.The House of Representatives in the early morning hours of May 22 approved legislation to enact President Donald Trump’s agenda, capping off weeks of negotiations and uncertainty within the House Republican conference.
The House narrowly approved the bill in a party-line 215-214 vote. The vote came just before 7:00 a.m. after an all-night debate in the lower chamber.
The bill now heads to the Senate which is expected to make revisions to the package. Any differences will then need to be resolved in conference before moving to Trump’s desk.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) celebrated the victory moments after the vote, saying: “It’s a great day to be an American. It’s great to be a Republican.” Johnson said the bill reflects the conservative values of the party, including limited government, individual freedom, and fiscal responsibility.
The speaker acknowledged that, at times, he questioned whether the party would unite over the bill. “I give glory to God,” he said. “There’s a lot of prayer that brought this together.” (The Epoch Times) Read more here.
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Omnipotent God and Father, we can’t thank You enough for this victory in the House. As Speaker Mike Johnson described it, “…the bill reflects the conservative values of the party, including limited government, individual freedom, and fiscal responsibility.” May this bill find great favor in the Senate except for any parts that are not in Your will or timing, Abba. We will accept any changes You would like, but none from the enemy! We pray that Your name will be glorified in all that is completed within our current Congress.
Lord God, our concern rests in the amount of the national debt. We pray that parts of Trump’s agenda will bring in revenue that will allow the balance we owe to be significantly reduced. We praise You that already DOGE has uncovered lots of waste and inappropriate spending within the government agencies; and now we also have many individuals and companies from other nations wishing to invest in ours. Lord, forgive our unwise expenditures in the past, and please show us the way out. Continue to speak wisdom, knowledge, strategy and encouragement to our President; and give him eyes to see and ears to hear what You are doing. Holy Spirit, please bring Pres. Trump the truth in all matters and empower him to carry out God’s will. In Yeshua’s mighty name, AMEN!
- "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
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1. Netanyahu: Embassy staff killing a result of ‘blood libels against Israel’ - JNS
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday condemned the killing of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., calling it a “heinous antisemitic murder.”
Netanyahu attributed the attack to “blood libels against Israel,” suggesting that incitement and false accusations against the Jewish state had fueled the violence.
According to a statement from his office, Netanyahu spoke with Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Yehiel Leiter and received “an immediate update on the details of the incident,” while also expressing his support for the envoy and the embassy staff.
The prime minister also spoke with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who “detailed everything currently known about the identity of the murderer and the two embassy staff members who were killed.” (Read more)
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2. Sa'ar: Direct line between antisemitic incitement and murder of DC embassy employees - Jerusalem Post
The murder of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim in Washington was a "direct result of the virulent and toxic antisemitic incitement that has been going on since October 7" Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said in a press conference on Thursday morning.
The two young employees of the Israeli embassy in DC were shot and killed by a far-left pro-Palestinian activist at an American Jewish Congress conference on Wednesday night.
Sa'ar spoke to reporters in Jerusalem about the "unprecedented wave of terror attacks and attempts against Israeli missions around the world, with an emphasis on Europe," adding that Israeli missions and representatives are disproportionately targeted.
"Antisemitic terrorism that has crossed all red lines," he said. (Read more)
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3. After Knesset clash, Likud MK Halevi vows to continue challenging defense minister on war - Times of Israel
Likud lawmaker Amit Halevi slammed the government’s management of the war in Gaza on Wednesday, arguing that its plans are insufficient to defeat Hamas and criticizing Defense Minister Israel Katz’s treatment of the Knesset panel tasked with overseeing the military as “inappropriate.”
Halevi spoke with The Times of Israel days after being removed from the Knesset’s powerful Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for voting against a measure to extend the government’s ability to issue emergency call-up orders for IDF reservists. He doubled down on his criticism, arguing that the latest IDF offensive, Operation Gideon’s Chariots, will not allow Israel to “totally defeat Hamas.”
Halevi has long expressed reservations about Israel’s wartime achievements, claiming last year that the IDF was overestimating the damage it had done to Hamas. (Read more)
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4. Netanyahu Picks David Zini as New Shin Bet Chief, Defying Left-Wing Opposition
- Jewish Press
In a bold and welcomed move, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the appointment of Maj.-Gen. David Zini as the next director of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), replacing outgoing director Ronen Bar, who will step down on June 15.
Zini brings with him a stellar record of service, deep loyalty to the State of Israel, and a clear-eyed understanding of the security threats the country faces. A decorated combat veteran and strategic thinker, Zini has served in numerous elite IDF combat unit imaginable: as a fighter in the Sayeret Matkal (General Staff Reconnaissance Unit), commander of Golani’s Battalion 51, the Egoz Unit, the Alexandroni Brigade, founder of the elite Commando Brigade, and head of both the IDF’s Training Command and General Staff Corps. (Read more)
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5. IDF reveals Hamas positions in Gaza, urges civilians to stay clear
- World Israel News
IDF Arabic Language Spokesman Avichay Adraee published a social media post identifying the location of Hamas terrorists in Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip, warning civilians to stay away.
The post showed that the terror group was using civilian infrastructure to plan and carry out attacks.
Adraee wrote: “This is a warning that Hamas is hiding among you!” The post also displayed an aerial image with Hamas hiding places marked on a map.
Adraee explained, “The attached image demonstrates how Hamas terrorists operate in your area, using your civilian infrastructure and positioning themselves in your area.”
The image revealed a college, a hospital, a mosque, and the Deir al-Balah city hall, where Hamas officers, including a Nukhba cell commander, were hiding. (Read more)
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1. The Great Betrayal: Western Powers Will Turn on Israel During June Conference – Prophecy Newswatch
In a move that should alarm every Bible-believing Christian and supporter of Israel, world leaders are gathering under the banners of France and Saudi Arabia this June to press forward with a plan that threatens the very survival of the Jewish state: the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.
This effort, cloaked in diplomatic jargon and humanitarian rhetoric, is nothing short of a strategic campaign to delegitimize Israel, embolden terror, and dismantle biblical promises that have stood for millennia.
Let's be clear: this conference isn't about peace. It's about pressure. It's about punishing Israel for defending itself. And it's about paving the way for a terror state on Israel's borders that would pose a direct and constant threat to the only democracy in the Middle East.
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- Father God, how we come against this evil coalition of nations that have decided to come against the plans You have for Israel, but instead seek to destroy it by supporting a group of people whose statement of reason for being is to take over their land. Father, please set a watch over Israel with Your mighty hand to defuse, destroy, disorganize, and demoralize all the plans of so-called major world leaders. We pray that this conference never comes together and is not able to agree on plans to harm Your chosen people or bring condemnation in any way. Bless You, Lord, for Your watch-care over Israel. Amen.
- "Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked." (Psalms 97:10)
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2. Netanyahu: "Gideon's Chariots" Will End Gaza War Decisively - JNS.org
Hamas terrorists “realize very well the destruction they have brought upon themselves,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday, speaking at his first press conference since the start of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots” against the terror organization in Gaza.
“Gideon’s Chariots is there in order to complete this war,” he said, noting “huge blows” against Hamas in recent days, including the “probable” death of de facto Hamas leader in Gaza, Mohammed Sinwar.
Southern Israeli cities like Sderot are now shaking “not because of Hamas missiles but the magnitude of IDF fire,” the premier charged, referring to the Israel Defense Forces.
Noting the deaths of two Israeli soldiers in Gaza this week, the prime minister said that “this war is making us pay heavy prices. However, it does have justified and clear goals,” including returning the hostages, fully defeating Hamas and neutralizing the Strip as a security threat. (Read more)
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- We rejoice at the news by Prime Minister Netanyahu that this latest effort by the military of Israel will decisively end the war and put Israel in a safer place in the Middle East and the world. Father, we pray that You would hold Israel in the palm of Your hand so that no more harm come to their fighting forces and that the ultimate and final defeat of Hamas will indeed be quickly on the way to completion. Protect them in every way and may they wage this war with Your divine wisdom guiding them. Amen.
- "Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." (Psalms 121:4)
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3. Walmart And Target Are Really Jacking Up Their Prices – The Economic Collapse Blog
Are you ready to pay 80 percent more for a USB-C cord? Unfortunately, Walmart, Target and other major retailers have decided to start dramatically raising the prices of thousands of imported products. Of course our paychecks are not going up dramatically as well, and so our standard of living is going to go down. We live at a time when 70 percent of Americans are already more financially stressed than they have ever been before, and now big corporations are going to be hitting us with a tsunami of enormous price hikes.
If prices of many imported goods go up by 5 or 10 percent, we can handle that.
But apparently Target is going nuts with their price hikes. For example, it is being reported that the price of one popular USB-C cord is being increased by 80 percent |
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- Jehovah Jireh, we still look to You for our provision for every need every day and resolve to fight the devourer's plan to destroy us by tithing and giving to Your ministries. We speak faith into Your people today to know that Your hand is on the leaders of our country to bring about a greater and more sustained prosperity by adjusting the unfair trade practices that have been in place for decades. We come against the negative speaking that produces fear and say that we shall all find our way as we navigate these possible price increases that will bring stability in the long run.
-"Do not be like them, for your father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:8)
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Trump's Tariff Doctrine: Trade Wins With Teeth
The Daily Jot, Bill Wilson, May 22, 2025
In a world where globalism has often meant gutting American jobs, President Trump’s latest series of trade agreements with China, the United Kingdom, and India signal a bold return to bilateral, America-first, fair trade economics. These deals aren’t just about diplomacy, they are reshaping the global supply chain to favor American workers, the domestic economy, and long-term consumer resilience. Let’s start with the headline-grabber: the US-China agreement. Following years of lopsided trade balances and intellectual property theft, the US secured a deal where both nations agreed to reduce tariffs by 115% for 90 days while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff going forward. The point? Leveling the playing field.
Trump kept the pressure on China by retaining Section 301 and 232 tariffs, ensuring that strategic sectors like steel and aluminum are protected. For the American worker, especially in manufacturing and heavy industry, this is not just a win—it’s a welcome reversal of the death-by-offshoring policies of the past two decades. Next, the US-UK deal. The United Kingdom was hungry for new trade relationships, and the US capitalized on that. In a calculated move, tariffs on British autos dropped from 27.5% to 10% for 100,000 vehicles annually, while steel and aluminum tariffs were eliminated. In exchange, the UK axed its 19% ethanol tariff, opening the door for a surge in US biofuel exports and farm goods. Read More
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A Sobering Sign in Washington
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On May 16, 2025, the White House officially announced the appointment of two controversial figures to President Donald Trump Names Advisory Board Members to the Religious Liberty Commission: Ismail Royer and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, co-founder of Zaytuna College.
Ismail Royer, currently serving as the Director of the Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team at the Religious Freedom Institute, has a complex history. In 2003, he pleaded guilty to weapons charges related to assisting the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba and served over a decade in prison. Since his release, Royer has worked with various nonprofit organizations to promote interfaith dialogue and religious freedom.
Shaykh Hamza Yusuf is a prominent American Islamic scholar and co-founder of Zaytuna College, the first accredited Muslim liberal arts college in the United States. He has been recognized for his efforts in promoting classical Islamic learning and interfaith understanding. Yusuf has also served as an advisor to the Center for Islamic Studies at Berkeley’s Graduate Theological Union and was a member of the State Department’s Commission on Unalienable Rights during the first Trump administration.
These appointments have stirred concern across multiple sectors. According to an official release by the White House on May 16, 2025, Ismail Royer and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf were formally named as members of the new Advisory Board of Lay Leaders (Source: whitehouse.gov). Meanwhile, coverage by the Times of India highlighted Royer’s past involvement with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) training camps in Pakistan, citing his 2003 conviction and later advocacy work as part of the context surrounding his selection (Source: Times of India).
It is important to reflect that what is being called the ‘Religious Liberty Commission’ could, in practice, become a vehicle for spiritual compromise — a platform that ushers in not liberty, but bondage. If not guarded carefully, it risks enabling the very destruction of the Judeo-Christian values upon which America was founded. In the name of inclusion, we may be witnessing the erosion of truth.
We are witnessing a convergence: a compromised America elevating controversial voices, even as Israel fights for its prophetic survival.
We must not forget the values upon which America was founded — values that defend biblical truth and uphold the Judeo-Christian principles that shaped the very fabric of this nation. These are values that honor God, uphold truth, and recognize the covenant God made with Israel. The erosion of these foundations places not just America, but the world, at spiritual risk.
“Gideon’s Chariots” Has Begun
Simultaneously, Israeli forces have launched a major offensive operation in Gaza and northern sectors—known as Operation Gideon’s Chariots. This operation has mobilized tens of thousands of reservists across the nation. These are not just soldiers—they are sons, fathers, and daughters being summoned for a time such as this.
The name is no accident. Gideon, in Scripture, led a small remnant against overwhelming odds—not with human strength, but by the command of the Lord. These modern chariots are not merely tanks and aircraft—they are prophetic instruments of divine purpose.
The war on the ground is intensifying. The war in the spirit is far deeper.
(Intercessors for America)
Please note: This article was originally published at Koenig World Watch Daily.
Read more here.
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- God, we pray against the influence of false gods and religions in the White House and our nation. Let America once again turn back to You.
- "A little leaven leavens the whole loaf." (Galatians 5:9)
SECOND PRAYER FROM CHPP:
Father God, we lift before You the current members of the Faith Advisory Board - men and women who know You and who have Your heart in all they say and do. We ask, Holy One, that You would move upon their hearts -- as they see this potential dangerous infiltration of "another god" moving into this Council -- to be moved to speak a word of truth to Paula White and to
our President, that they may steer the course in truth for the days that lie ahead. Thank You, Holy One, for hearing our prayer, amen and amen!
"You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:31-32)
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A City in Grief:
Washington, D.C. Mourns the Loss of Two Young Jewish Residents
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Grief, fear follow fatal shooting of Israeli Embassy staffers in DC
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A bouquet of flowers sits between two yellow roses across the street from the Israeli Embassy in D.C. on Thursday.
That’s where officials asked community members to place tributes, which honor the young couple who were shot and killed Wednesday night near the Capital Jewish Museum in Northwest. The couple worked for the Israeli Embassy and Lischinsky was days away from proposing to Milgrim on an upcoming trip to Jerusalem, according to Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter.
D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference late Wednesday night that a suspect, now identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, of Chicago, walked into the museum after the shooting and was taken into custody. The alleged suspect later shouted “Free, free Palestine.”
‘How can we stand here like it’s normal?’
Throughout Thursday, people paid their respects to Lischinsky and Milgrim, including Rabbi Scott Perlo, with the Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation in Bethesda, Maryland, D.C. Council members Brianne Nadeau and Brooke Pinto, and Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin.
“If you’re not enraged, you should be,” said Perlo, who organized a small vigil. “If you’re not brokenhearted, you ought to be. How can we stand here like it’s normal? Like this is our world. Don’t you want something better? Aren’t you willing to fight for it?”
Mourners left messages that said, “Love not hate” and “May we tend to seeds of peace not hate.”
Raskin, who arrived with other Jewish members of the House of Representatives, said they came to express their sorrow, shock and outrage at the “grievous, antisemitic murder of these two beautiful young people.” ‘This is about the safety of Jews globally’
The violent act has left people, such as Hannah and Tamar, both mothers, shaken as they process grief and fear over a wave of antisemitism amid the war in Gaza. “This is about more than just Israelis and Palestinians,” Tamar told WTOP. “This is about the safety of Jews globally. This was not an event that was an Israeli event. This was an American Jewish community event.”
At the time they were shot, the couple was leaving the Young Diplomats Reception for young Jewish professionals at the Capital Jewish Museum.
Tamar, a D.C. resident, called the shooting “extremely disheartening” and “scary.” “How do we explain to our Jewish children what’s going on in our backyard? How do we wrap our heads around what’s going on globally?” Tamar asked.
Leaders around the world have spoken out about the attack, with the Israeli government blaming it on “antisemitic and wild incitement” against Israel. (WTOP News) Read more here, including the increase
of security in and around Washington, D.C.
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- Father God, the shock and the trauma we all experienced upon hearing the news of these assasinations last night are only now beginning to sink in. We ask Your help, O Lord, in processing these deaths, and we ask You to help us help those who are also suffering. We pray that good will come out of this evil; and that the authorities will be graced with excellent strategies as they investigate these slayings. In Your Name, O Lord, we ask this prayer, amen and amen!
- "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)
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FBI investigating Israeli Embassy staffers’ slayings as ‘act of terror’
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The FBI is investigating the shooting of two Israeli Embassy aides outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night as an “act of terror,” according to law enforcement. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said in a statement Thursday morning the incident has the “full attention” of the bureau and pledged to pursue harsh penalties in the case, which he suggested could be an act of antisemitic violence.
“Last night’s act of terror has the full attention of your FBI,” Bongino wrote on the social platform X. “Targeted acts of anti-Semitic violence are typically carried out by spineless, gutless cowards,” he continued. “And the penalties will be harsh as we tighten up this investigation and run down any additional leads.”
President Trump and other members of his Cabinet have condemned the killings as antisemitic attacks.
Bongino said in an overnight statement that the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces team and the Metropolitan Police Department in D.C. were conducting a joint interview of the apprehended suspect. He also noted the agency was working with the U.S. attorney’s office to review the evidence “to determine additional actions.”
“Early indicators are that this is an act of targeted violence,” Bongino wrote. “Our FBI team is fully engaged and we will get you answers as soon as we can, without compromising additional leads.” (MSN.com) Read more here.
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- Lord God, we thank You that FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is among those who will be investigating this case. We ask for a smooth working relationship to evolve among the different agencies that will be involved in this investigation. Thank You, O Lord, that You have placed several top-notch men and women in charge of working on these horrific slayings.
May each team serve to support the others as they work together to understand what has happened, and to be sure that this will never happen again in our nation. In Your Name, Holy One, we offer this prayer, amen and amen!
- "Every joint supplies." (Ephesians 4:16)
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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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Over 900 tornadoes makes this season
worst since 2011
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The United States is 220 tornado reports above historical average for this time of year after a long week of twisters, and four states lead the pack.
The 2025 tornado season in the United States is the most active in over a decade, with more preliminary tornado reports by May 20 than in any year since 2011. Fueled by a series of major outbreaks this spring, four states have emerged as the hardest hit so far this year.
Over 900 tornadoes in 2025, 280 above normal
As of May 20, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has logged 922 preliminary filtered tornado reports nationwide— 281 more than the historical average of 641. That puts 2025 well ahead of every tornado season in the past decade at this point in the year, including last year.
Four states stand out with unusually high tornado reports. Mississippi leads with 97 tornado reports this year. Illinois follows with 93 reports. Missouri comes in third with 89, and Texas rounds out the top four with 87 tornado reports.
Much of 2025’s activity has been driven by four major tornado outbreaks in March and April, followed by last week's 161 tornadoes:
• March 14-16: 182 reports
• March 30-31: 56 reports
• April 2-3: 112 reports
• April 4-7: 56 reports
• May 15-16: 77 reports
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"But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day." (Proverbs 4:18)
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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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Please click on the links below for more information:
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"Daily Brief Newsletter Emails - Making Sure You Receive Them"
If you are having difficulties receiving daily brief emails, we have a quick troubleshooting article: GO HERE
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Capitol Hill Prayer Partners welcomes all who wish to pray for our leaders to join us in prayer for our nation. You may sign up to receive our alerts by sending an email to us at: chpp1994@gmail.com requesting that your name be added to our list of subscribers or CLICK HERE to subscribe.
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