Breaking News!
Ocasio-Cortez's seat in Congress may vanish
N.Y. Democrats reportedly looking to eliminate AOC's district
As the year 2020 rings in, one of the most controversial names in American politics may soon lose her seat in the House of Representatives. That well-known leftist figure is U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
With this being the year of the 2020 Census, it's possible the Democrat's district could be completely eliminated.
"New York is expected to lose a House seat after the 2020 Census, and state Democrats are looking to draw out @AOC's district," pollster Frank Luntz tweeted on New Year's Eve.
Luntz attached his comment to a story from the local New York City magazine known as the City, which proffered the notion that Ocasio-Cortez is intensifying her efforts to persuade her constituents to fill out the Census to help keep her in office.
"Our strategy is all about building trust in the community before the enumerators even come to your door," Ocasio-Cortez told the magazine.
"There's been an increased use of one's immigration status as a form of intimidation."
A whopping 47 percent of the residents in AOC's district are foreign born, and many may fear filling out any official government count.
. . . A review by THE CITY, building on data and analysis by The Texas Tribune, suggests Ocasio-Cortez's district could be particularly vulnerable to undercount because a little over a quarter of those living there are non-citizens.
That's a higher percentage than any other congressional district in the state.
A Census undercount in Ocasio-Cortez's district and elsewhere in the state could lead to the elimination of congressional districts -- potentially setting off politically charged redistricting battles. (World Net Daily) Read more here.
- Father God, we thank You, in advance, for this answer to prayer. We realize that many Democrats have been deeply embarassed in the past year over statements made by Ms. Octavio Cortez. We ask that You grant courage to the leadership of the Democratic party in the State of New York to "stay the course" until this seat has been, indeed, removed from the House of Representatives. In Your Name, amen.
- "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6,7)
Focus on Israel
1. Forced to give up portfolios, Netanyahu set to appoint new ministers - Times Of Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to appoint three new cabinet ministers on Wednesday after being forced to drop all his ministerial posts due to the criminal charges against him.
According to Hebrew media reports late Tuesday, Netanyahu will name new ministers of welfare, agriculture and diaspora affairs. Israeli cabinet ministers facing criminal indictment are required to resign from their cabinet posts, though no such explicit order is outlined in Israeli law for prime ministers.
Netanyahu promised the High Court of Justice that he would quit all positions except prime minister by the end of 2019. Due to a now-defunct, but not-yet-replaced coalition agreement from the 20th Knesset, one portfolio will go to a Shas lawmaker while the other two will go to Likud MKs.
2. IAF Commander Norkin: US airstrikes in Iraq a potential game changer - Jerusalem Post
The US strikes against an Iranian proxy group in Iraq could greatly up the stakes in the fight against Iran's expansionist ambitions, Israel Air Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Amikam Norkin said Tuesday as thousands of members of Shi'ite militias marched on the US Embassy in Baghdad in response to the deadly strikes.
"The attack by the United States Air Force is a potential game-changer," he said at a Calcalist conference, regarding the American strikes on Kataib Hezbollah locations in Syria and Iraq that killed some 25 paramilitary fighters.
The strikes came two days after a barrage of more than 30 rockets were fired by the Iranian-backed militia toward the K1 Iraqi military base in Kirkuk, killing a US civilian contractor and wounding dozens of Iraqi and American troops.
In a statement on Sunday, outgoing Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi called the strikes a "dangerous escalation that threatens the security of Iraq and the region."
3. Why did a large Palestinian flag cover Jerusalem's city walls? - Israel Hayom
A large Palestine Liberation Organization flag briefly covered a portion of the walls surrounding Jerusalem's Old City on Wednesday, prompting an outcry over the Palestinians' attempt to undermine Israel's sovereignty in the capital.
The flag also included images of the late PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
The past week has seen a spike in such provocations, perpetrated by Arab residents of east Jerusalem who want to inflame nationalist sentiment ahead of the anniversary of the founding of Fatah, the dominant group in the PLO. Most of the incidents have been in the vicinity of the Temple Mount.
Maor Tzemach, who heads the Lach Yerushalayim organization that promotes Israeli sovereignty over all parts of Jerusalem, told Israel Hayom that "Fatah members want to undermine Israel's sovereignty in the capital because of the 55th anniversary of this terrorist organization, but we are certain that the Israeli authorities will crack down on anyone who wants to divide the city and erode Israel's sovereignty."
4. Israeli Military Begins Formation of Unique Combined Forces Unit - Algemeiner
The Israeli military is in the process of creating a new combined forces unit that will be the first of its kind in the world. Israel's Channel 13 reported that the unit is the personal brainchild of IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, and will include infantry troops joined with engineering and armored personnel.
Soldiers and officers are being recruited from across the military. Specialized weapons are to be developed for the new unit's exclusive use.
5. Israel moving towards 'calm' agreement with Hamas - Jerusalem Post
Israel made progress toward a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza, in a two-hour meeting on Wednesday that ended without a vote.
According to an Israeli security official, while most of the clauses in the agreement will benefit Palestinians living in the blockaded coastal enclave, they are in line with Israeli security interests.
Cabinet ministers and security officials have been calling the agreement a "calm" as opposed to an official truce, with sources in the meeting saying that it will likely be finalized.
Aliyah and Integration Minister Yoav Gallant said following the meeting that Israel "needs to realize our potential in this topic called Hamas, in the right moment and the right time."
6. Family of victim stabbed at NY rabbi's home begs for prayers, says permanent brain damage expected - Fox News
The family of one of the five victims injured in Saturday's horrific stabbing attack at the home of a New York rabbi broke their silence Tuesday, offering details of Josef Neumann's condition and requested continued prayers from the public.
"Our father Mr. Josef Neumann was severely stabbed multiple times during the mass attack Saturday night. The knife penetrated his skull directly into the brain. He also suffered three cuts to the head, one cut to the neck, and his right arm has been shattered," they wrote in a statement released on Twitter.
"Our father's status is so dire that no surgery has yet been performed on the right arm," the statement reads. "Doctors are not optimistic about his chances to regain consciousness, and if our father does miraculously recover partially, doctors expect that he will have permanent damage to the brain; leaving him partially paralyzed and speech impaired for the rest of his life."
Thanking the public for their support, Neumann's family reiterated their call for continued prayers and urged "fellow Jews across the globe to share their experiences with anti-Semitism" using the hashtag #MeJew on social media.
"We thank all of those who have contacted us for prayers and support . . . please continue to pray," the family wrote. (Read more)
- May Father God miraculously heal him as a testimony to His Goodness and His Infinite Love for the Jewish People.
- "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
(Isaiah 53:5)
The Daily Brief
1. US conducts airstrikes in Iraq, Syria after contractor killed, American troops injured in rocket attack - Fox News
The U.S. military carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on Sunday - days after a U.S. defense contractor was killed at a military compound in a rocket attack.
Military jet fighters conducted "precision defensive strikes" on five sites of Kataeb Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Iraqi militia, Jonathan Hoffman, a spokesperson for the Pentagon told Fox News. Two defense officials added that Air Force F-15 jet fighters carried out the strikes.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien traveled Sunday to Mar-a-Lago in Florida to meet with President Trump and discuss the strikes, a senior administration official told Fox News. (Read more)
- Father, we pray Your wisdom over the decisions and plans that are being made over the escalating circumstances in Iraq. We pray insight and understanding for Mike Pompeo, Mark Esper, Robert O'Brien, and President Trump.
- You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. (Matthew 24:6)
2. Iraq warns US ties at stake after deadly strikes - Ynetnews.com
Iraq's government warned Monday that its relations with the United States were at risk after deadly American airstrikes against a pro-Iran group sparked anger on the streets with protesters torching US flags.
At least 25 fighters were killed in Sunday night's attacks which saw US planes hit several bases belonging to the Hezbollah Brigades, one of the most radical factions of Hashed al-Shaabi, a Tehran-backed Iraqi paramilitary coalition.
It came at a time when Iraq is caught up in mounting tensions between its allies Tehran and Washington and grappling with huge street protests against corruption but also against Iran's growing political influence in the country.
The strikes "killed 25 and wounded 51, including commanders and fighters, and the toll could yet rise," said the Hashed, which holds major sway in Iraq. Victims were still being pulled from the rubble of bases near Al-Qaim, an Iraqi district bordering Syria, on Monday, it said. (Read more)
- Lord God, we thank You for the courage that has been demonstrated by our President, in response to the killing of Americans on the ground in Syria last week. We pray in the Spirit over the events that are now unfolding in that region, "as we speak." In Your name, amen.
- "In everything, give thanks." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
3. Iran-backed militiamen withdraw from siege of US Embassy in Baghdad as more American troops deployed- Fox News
The siege outside of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad came to an end Wednesday afternoon after dozens of pro-Iran militiamen and their supporters withdrew from the compound.
The two-day crisis started early Tuesday, when, in an orchestrated assault, hundreds of protesters stormed the embassy compound, one of the most heavily fortified U.S. diplomatic missions in the world.
As the militiamen cleared the area, smoke still rose from a section of the compound building where hours before they had lit a fire on the roof. (Read more)
- Father God, we praise You that this danger is now over, and that no lives were lost in this melee. We ask for Your continued protection to be with the staff at our embassy in Iraq, as well as all others who are now posted in embassies throughout the Middle East. Thank You, Lord, we pray, amen.
- "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
4. US presses Iraq to protect American personnel after embassy attack: 'There will be no Benghazis' - Fox News
Trump administration officials and U.S. lawmakers turned up pressure on Iraq's government to keep American personnel in the country safe, after a stunning assault on the embassy in Baghdad renewed concerns about the influence of Iran.
Pompeo defended American actions on social media Tuesday, stating that the U.S. "responded defensively to the Iranian proxy attack that killed an American citizen," and wounded Americans and Iraqis.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., backed Trump in a Twitter thread, crediting the president for "acting decisively" and saying he's put the world on notice "there will be no Benghazis on his watch." This referred to the 2012 attack on the U.S. compound in Libya in which four Americans were killed. The Obama administration faced heavy criticism both for the embassy's vulnerability as well as conflicting statements regarding the nature of the attack and what led to it.
In his Twitter thread, Graham laid down the gauntlet, challenging Iraq to continue working with the U.S., insisting that it would be in their best interest.
"To our Iraqi allies: This is your moment to convince the American people the US-Iraq relationship is meaningful to you and worth protecting," Graham said. "Protect our American personnel. You will not regret it." (Read more)
- Once again, Lord, we thank You for the courage that has been demonstrated by our President in taking this action. We thank You that our nation will act to protect our citizens around the world whenever they are in danger. In Your Name, amen.
- "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." (1 Peter 2:17)
5. Trump accuses Iran of 'orchestrating' Baghdad embassy breach and violence- Times of Israel
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday blamed Iran for an attack hours earlier by militia supporters who broke into the US Embassy compound in Baghdad and damaged property, along with previous Iraqi Shiite militia attacks on US interests.
"Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible," he tweeted.
"In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!" Trump added. (Read more)
- Thank You, Lord, that President Trump has now drawn a line in the sand against the wicked actions of the Iranian government. His facts are true; and his statements leave no doubt of where we stand now in our policy towards Iran. Thank You, Lord, amen.
- " . . . honor the king." (1 Peter 2:17)
6. Up to 4,000 US troops could deploy to Middle East amid Baghdad unrest: officials - Fox News
The U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division's alert brigade has been issued orders to deploy rapidly to Kuwait amid the unrest in Baghdad, three U.S. defense officials told Fox News on Tuesday.
At least 750 paratroopers are set to deploy to the region immediately, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement.
The alert brigade of roughly 4,000 paratroopers, known as the DRB -- the Deployment Ready Brigade -- has been told to prepare for a possible deployment in the days ahead after hundreds of Iranian-backed militiamen tried to storm the U.S. embassy in Baghdad Tuesday. Within that alert brigade, three rifle battalions had a certain alert sequence, 18 hours, 36 hours and 54 hours for the third. The entire brigade had a 96-hour alert window to deploy. (Read more)
- Father, we pray over these troops as they deploy to Kuwait. We pray Psalm 91 over them that no evil shall befall them nor any plague or calamity come near them. Give them supernatural protection.
- A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the LORD, who is my refuge--
then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. (Psalm 91:7-10)
7. US promises action on any North Korea missile test - Jerusalem Post
The United States would be very disappointed if North Korea tested a long-range or nuclear missile and would take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday.
Washington has many "tools in its tool kit" to respond to any such test, O'Brien said in an interview with ABC's "This Week.""We'll reserve judgment but the United States will take action as we do in these situations," he said. "If Kim Jong Un takes that approach we'll be extraordinarily disappointed and we'll demonstrate that disappointment."
North Korea has asked Washington to offer a new initiative to iron out differences over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program. It warned Washington this month that failure to meet its expectations could result in an unwanted "Christmas gift."
US military commanders have said the North Korean move could involve the testing of a long-range missile - something North Korea has suspended, along with nuclear bomb tests, since 2017. (Read more)
- Father, we pray for a peaceful solution to the North Korea nuclear plight. We pray North Korea would continue to suspend their testing and seek peace.
- They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.
(1 Peter 3:11)
8. Putin thanks Trump for helping foil terrorist acts in Russia - Times of Israel
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with US President Donald Trump on Sunday to thank him for information that Putin said helped Russia foil terrorist attacks over the New Year's holiday, the Kremlin said.
Putin thanked Trump "for information transmitted through the special services that helped prevent the completion of terrorist acts in Russia," the Kremlin said in a brief statement posted on its website.
Based on the US information, the Russian security forces detained two Russians suspected of preparing to carry out terrorist acts in St. Petersburg during the upcoming holiday, state news agency Tass reported, citing the Federal Security Service. (Read more)
- We thank You, Lord, for this example of cooperation between our country and Russia that served to stop evil from happening in Russia. We pray earnestly that there will be more and more coordination between our two countries to work toward common goals. We also decree and declare that this will not be taken out of context to harm President Trump.
- "But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." (Luke 6:27)
9. Iranian pastor, 8 other Christians sentenced to 5 years in prison - Christian Post
Nine Christians were reportedly sentenced to a combined total of 45 years in prison by Iran's Revolutionary Court as the Islamic Republic continues its persecution of Christian converts from Islam. The Iran Human Rights Monitor raised an alarm last week about the sentencing of nine Christian converts who were arrested in January and February 2019. In Iran, it is illegal for a Muslim to convert to Christianity.
The monitor, which provides information in collaboration with the National Council of Resistance of Iran, reports that the nine were sentenced to five years imprisonment each by the head of Tehran's Revolutionary Court, Mohammad Moghiseh.
The convicted Christians include Pastor Matthias Haghnejad, Shahrooz Islamdust, Behnam Akhlaqi, Babak Hosseinzadeh, Mehdi Khatibi, Khalil Dehghanpour, Hossein Kadivar, Kamal Naamanian, and Mohammad Vafadar. The Christian persecution advocacy group Open Doors USA reports that sentencing for the nine was announced in October. Open Doors, which monitors persecution in dozens of countries, further reported that the converts were accused of "acting against national security" and "promoting Zionism." The nine have appealed their convictions. (Read more)
- Father God, our hearts are grieved at the continued persecution of Christians in Iran and other countries. We pray for Your plumbline of justice to be raised up in Iran to bring the basic human right of freedom of worship to these oppressed people. We pray for miracles from Your hand to work on behalf of these people and for our country to be able to pressure Iran in effective ways to relieve their suffering so that the Gospel is spread far and wide.
- "To say to the captives, 'Come out,' and to those in darkness, 'Be free!' They will feed besides the roads and find pasture on every barren hill." (Isaiah 49:9)
10. The rise of the 'Nones': Growing percentage of Americans reject organized religion - Fox News
"The rise of the 'nones'. Why is it happening?" FOX News contributor and Fox Nation host Tom Shillue asked a panel of experts on "Deep Dive."
Shillue was referring to new Pew Research Center polling that shows that more Americans than ever before say that they are not connected to any religious faith. The Pew survey, conducted in 2018 and 2019, found that the percentage of the U.S. population that described themselves as "religiously unaffiliated" had risen to 26%, up from 17% in 2009. At the same time, the percentage of Americans describing themselves as Christians has declined 12 percentage points over the past decades.
"First of all, I think the best way to understand 'nones' is 'none of the above' because that's usually how the question is asked,'" said Fox News contributor, theologian and ethicist, Jonathan Morris, a former priest. "That's not necessarily a bad thing. Much worse would be 'I don't believe in anything.' That's not really what this study says." In fact, Pew Research Center has noted that among those who identify as "religiously unaffiliated" in their survey, "many... believe in God." "It's not 'I don't believe in God,'" continued Morris. . . (Read more)
- Dear Lord, we are distressed to hear of the growing number of people who lack a knowledge of the one true God. We pray You will send laborers into this harvest to bring about strong and mature Christians who can influence those things in our country that have gone astray from Your will and Your ways. Bless You, Father, for bringing righteousness back into our society through a vast revival.
- "Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."(Matthew 9:38)
International Prayer Connect
International Prayer Connect:
Monthly Prayer Bulletin: January, 20202
To read this month's edition of this amazing report of the work of the saints around the world, published by the International Prayer Council, please go here.
Honoring Blaine Scoggin
Dear Friends,
Last night, as we honored the passing of two dear friends this week, Bill Lee and TC Kim, we had meant to include a third notice: the passing of Blaine Socggin on Christmas Eve last week. Blaine Scogin was one amazing prayer warrior. Over the years we have partnered and learned so much about how to pray for the Persecuted Church from him. He loved to mobilize prayer for the IDOP (International Day of Prayer) and partner groups together for special Days of Prayer. Even though he was legally blind he knew his Bible and listened in to audio Bible hours and hours each day. He could quote full chapters and prayed the Word with glee! Blaine you will be missed! What is Persecution Watch?
Persecution Watch is a U.S. national prayer conference call ministry that prays specifically for the global Persecuted Church. For over a decade, Blaine Scogin has led this national network of believers who faithfully pray for the persecuted and the global harvest for the Kingdom of God. Blaine also served as Prayer Director for Voice of the Persecuted.
If you would like to honor Blaine's life, you might consider a donation in his name to the group he loved and worked with, Voice of the Persecuted. You can contact this ministry by going here.> > > A note from the editor:
Clearly, in the short time of only the past two weeks, our Lord has promoted three mighty men of God to GLORY. We are confident that they are now interceding along with us from the other side of the veil; praise God!
And rather than mourn their passing for any length of time, I am sure that each one of them would say clearly to each one of us (if they were able): KEEP FIGHTING! And so . . . we shall stay the course, with them. Amen.
Our Hymn for Today
GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN
"I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20)
Lyrics:
God be with you till we meet again;
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain:
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus' feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again; Neath His wings protecting hide you; Daily manna still provide you; God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain
God be with you till we meet again; With the oil of joy anoint you; Sacred ministries appoint you; God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain
God be with you till we meet again; When life's perils thick confound you; Put His arms unfailing round you; God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain
God be with you till we meet again; Of His promises remind you; For life's upper garner bind you; God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain
God be with you till we meet again; Sicknesses and sorrows taking, Never leaving or forsaking; God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain
God be with you till we meet again; Keep love's banner floating o'er you, Strike death's threatening wave before you; God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain
God be with you till we meet again;
Ended when for you earth's story,
Israel's chariot sweep to glory;
God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain
Melody: Please go here.
Composer: Jeremiah E. Rankin, 1880
Melody: William G. Tomer, 1880
About the hymn:
Written as a Christian good-bye, it was called forth by no person or occasion, but was deliberately composed as a Christian hymn on the basis of the etymology of "good-bye," which is "God be with you." The first stanza was written and sent to two composers-one of unusual note, the other wholly unknown and not thoroughly educated in music. I selected the composition of the latter, submitted it to J. W. Bischoff-the musical director of a little book we were preparing-who approved of it, but made some criticisms, which were adopted.
It was sung for the first time one evening in the First Congregational Church in Washington, of which I was then the pastor and Mr. Bischoff the organist. I attributed its popularity in no little part to the music to which it was set. It was a wedding of words and music, at which it was my function to preside; but Mr. Tomer should have his full share of the family honor.