SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS LEGISLATIVE PRAYER usa for Feb. 2012 A divided Supreme Court ruled legislative bodies such as city councils can begin their meetings with prayer, even if it plainly favors a specific religion. The court counts 5 to 4 that Christian prayers said before meetings of an Upstate New York town council did not violate the constitutional prohibition against government establishment of religion; the justices cited history and tradition.
Pray that Christians will respond to the Court's 5-4 decision with divine wisdom. Yes, we give thanks for the Court's vote favorable to public prayer in council meetings, but with caution. This decision is no "mandate" in favor of Christian prayers. Our freedoms do not come from human government but from the Creator.
Pray also for widespread spiritual awakening that will bring many to repentance and faith in Christ.
Pray for a national focus on the true "Author of liberty." All nations that repudiate a proper recognition of Deity eventually become insignificant. Pray accordingly.
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD."
(Proverbs 16:25, 33)
"To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." (Isaiah 8:20)
'UNDER GOD' IN PLEDGE DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE
The Pledge of Allegiance does not discriminate against atheists and can be recited at the start of the day in public schools, Massachusetts' highest court ruled friday. The supreme judicial court said the words "under God" in the pledge reflect patriotic practice, not a religious one. The court acknowledged that the wording has a "religious tinge" but said it is fundamentally patriotic and voluntary.
How far will this go? Federal buildings in Washington, DC, including the Supreme Court, are adorned with biblical symbols, from "In God We Trust" to images of the Ten Commandments and a statue of Moses. Now, Massachusetts' Supreme Judicial Court has rightly ruled against an atheist family's attempt to remove "under God" from the pledge. As Christians, we do not judge the atheist family, but the Bible calls unbelief in God as Creator "foolish" and "evil." Pray for them as you are led.
"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Proverbs 14:1)
"And the way of peace [unbelievers] have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Romans 3:17-18) "Beware ... lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God." (Heb 3:12)
CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY CANCELED OVER PRAYER
A New Jersey town has canceled a naturalization ceremony at its borough hall because federal immigration officials refused to let the event begin with a prayer. Carteret Mayor Daniel Reiman said he had requested that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services relocate the Saturday ceremony, which will now be held in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' Newark office.
These stories continue to pop up as the U.S. moves further away from its biblical roots and Christian heritage. The issue is not an individual bureaucrat but a trend. Pray that God stir up righteous anger in His people against the stealing of our national heritage. It is difficult for intercessors to face the harsh fact that we are no longer a Christian nation. Indeed, many national leaders show no regard for biblical truth. Let us call upon God, in Jesus' name, to revive His Church, bringing renewal and unity among believers to stem the tide of unbelief and reassert our country's biblical roots.
"Our father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matt 6:9-10)
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.... For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come." (Heb 12:28-29; 13:14)
Intercessors for America
Just 20 years ago, Islam was a little known religion to most people in Western nations. At that time there were about 1.1 billion Muslims, and efforts on the part of Christians to share their faith with them were scarce. Today, the number of Muslim people is estimated at 2.1 billion and endeavors to reach Muslims have increased ten-fold. The 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World is one of the many resources that brings attention to the call to share the message of Jesus with them.
Christians often struggle to pray for the Muslim world-especially since 9/11. Theological arguments or political manipulation may not impact Muslims, but we know prayer will. The 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World encourages a greater understanding of how to participate in God's purposes for these people who are so precious to Him.
The 30 Days Muslim Prayer Guide offers new information, statistics, stories and photos from all over the world. This is a great time to follow and pray through the guide at the same time that Muslims are fasting, praying and seeking God. It is not too late to join with millions of Christians around the world during the upcoming month of Ramadan, June 28 to July 27, 2014.
Check out a few sample pages and order this 56-page guide at www.waymakers.org/#sample-pages. You can also check out a sample page of the special 32-page, fully illustrated "Just for Kids" edition, which includes fun activities and stories.
WayMakers has made it easy for your church and family to order from our website or by calling us. The cost begins at $3 for a single copy ($3.50 for kids) with discounts as great as 60% when ordered in quantity. Check out the details online at www.waymakers.org/30-days or call us at 512.419.7729.
For His glory,
Stephanie Tucker/Barb Hawthorne
P.S. Let us remain resolute to seek God on behalf of all people to encounter Jesus and experience God's unconditional love for them.
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Here's a question asked often, yet is basically off the mark: "How can we get God to fix America" Instead we should be asking: "What is holding back the Presence of God which truly can transform America?" We need to recalibrate our thinking so that our focus is not so much on our comfort or us winning our cities for God as it is the honor of God and hosting His Presence which ultimately brings the change supernaturally. As Tony Evans once said: "Multitudes want God to bless America. Few truly want one nation under God."
To summarize Larry Tomczak's challenging call to prayer, God is seeking intercessors to pray for revival that will invite His transforming presence. Only then will God's power be released to change individuals and communities, turning our nation from idolatry and back to God. Pray for unity in the Church, the breaking down of walls, that God's people will be of one mind and one spirit.
"So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one." (Ezek 22:30)
"They ... their kings and their princes, and their priests and their prophets [say] ... to a tree, 'You are my father,' and to a stone, 'You gave birth to me.' For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble they will say, 'Arise and save us.' But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves? Let them arise, If they can save you in the time of your trouble...." (Jeremiah 2:26b-28a) Intercessors for America www.ifapray.org
Big response at festival to child trafficking campaign
Some 4,000 children have been protected from trafficking following Tearfund's 'No Child Taken' campaign at this year's Big Church Day Out at Wiston House, Steyning, West Sussex. The festival, now in its sixth year, partnered with Tearfund to raise awareness and generate support to prevent the unlawful trafficking of children across the globe. Big Church Day Out continues to grow each year and focuses on gathering people from across the church family, along with attracting increasing numbers of non-churchgoers because of its value as a great family day out. Crowds of more than 20,000 gathered on the Bank Holiday weekend and were greeted with a mixture of rain and glorious sunshine, classic festival weather. The incredibly varied line-up included artists from all over the world, with genres ranging from Latin rock to R&B, bluegrass to gospel choirs, and much more. It was attended by families and church groups, all connecting with each other on their journey of faith.
Turkey: Christian curriculum in public schools
In a country of 76 million where 99.9 percent of the population are Muslim, positive pro-Christian news is rare. But, Turkey's Ministry of Education has requested that Behnan Konutgan, Director for International Needs Network, would lead a group of Christians to create a Christian curriculum for a religion class for the public schools. ‘Because Turkey is on its way to joining the European Union, they have created a new thing for next year,’ said Konutgan. ‘They will have an elective course for the schools for 5, 6, 10, and 11 grades. They promised to print it. This is wonderful!’ According to the report, Christian students in the past were required to take Islamic education classes. Now any Christian student in a public school can request the alternate religion class. ‘This is the first in the history of Turkey. Pray that this project will be done,’ added Konutgan.
Big response at festival to child trafficking campaign
Some 4,000 children have been protected from trafficking following Tearfund's 'No Child Taken' campaign at this year's Big Church Day Out at Wiston House, Steyning, West Sussex. The festival, now in its sixth year, partnered with Tearfund to raise awareness and generate support to prevent the unlawful trafficking of children across the globe. Big Church Day Out continues to grow each year and focuses on gathering people from across the church family, along with attracting increasing numbers of non-churchgoers because of its value as a great family day out. Crowds of more than 20,000 gathered on the Bank Holiday weekend and were greeted with a mixture of rain and glorious sunshine, classic festival weather. The incredibly varied line-up included artists from all over the world, with genres ranging from Latin rock to R&B, bluegrass to gospel choirs, and much more. It was attended by families and church groups, all connecting with each other on their journey of faith.
Turkey: Christian curriculum in public schools
In a country of 76 million where 99.9 percent of the population are Muslim, positive pro-Christian news is rare. But, Turkey's Ministry of Education has requested that Behnan Konutgan, Director for International Needs Network, would lead a group of Christians to create a Christian curriculum for a religion class for the public schools. ‘Because Turkey is on its way to joining the European Union, they have created a new thing for next year,’ said Konutgan. ‘They will have an elective course for the schools for 5, 6, 10, and 11 grades. They promised to print it. This is wonderful!’ According to the report, Christian students in the past were required to take Islamic education classes. Now any Christian student in a public school can request the alternate religion class. ‘This is the first in the history of Turkey. Pray that this project will be done,’ added Konutgan.
Psychiatrists back down on 'born gay' claim
In a highly significant development, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has changed its position on the causes and nature of same-sex attraction. The review follows strong criticism made by the Christian Medical Fellowship and Core Issues Trust of the way in which the Royal College had handled scientific evidence on the issue. Andrea Williams from Christian Concern for our Nation, commented, ‘This is a remarkable development. The assumption that people are born gay has become deeply rooted in our society and has driven huge political, social and cultural change. Yet now the Royal College of Psychiatrists has admitted that things are not so simple and that post-birth environmental factors play a part. It is a step in the right direction and I congratulate the Christian Medical Fellowship and Core Issues Trust for ensuring that public debate acknowledges truth. We will continue to work to ensure that those facing unwanted same-sex attraction can access appropriate therapy.’ See also http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sexual-orientation
HS2 plans risk 'indecent' treatment of graves
The Church of England asked for bishops to have powers to oversee the removal and reburial of bodies in graves along the planned HS2 rail line. 30,000+ graves must be exhumed along the high-speed route. Church officials say the Bill paving the way for the line does not provide for those remains to be treated in a ‘decent and reverent’ way and the Bill should not pass without changes. The Archbishops' Council made its criticisms in a petition to Parliament, attacking the Bill for not striking a proportionate balance between the rights of the Church of England to manifest its religion and the general needs of the community that are to be met by the works on HS2. The petition says that by law, human remains interred in consecrated land are under the protection of the Church. Because the bill overrides that protection, the petition says other ecclesiastical safeguards should be provided for in its place.
Workfare scheme delayed after voluntary sector boycott
A flagship government employment policy is facing further delays following a boycott by over 300 voluntary organisations. The ‘Help to Work’ scheme will force long-term unemployed people to work full-time for six months for no pay, or face losing their benefits. Last Monday's deadline, by which the placements were required by contract to be up and running, has passed, but the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is now saying placements will begin later in the month. There is speculation that the DWP is struggling to find charities, faith groups or local authorities to host the placements. Hundreds of voluntary groups have signed the ‘Keep Volunteering Voluntary’ statement to say they will boycott the scheme. They include household names such as Christian Aid, Oxfam, Crisis, Shelter and Scope. Keep Volunteering Voluntary points out that even during the pilot scheme, the DWP failed to find placements for 37 percent of participants.