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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, April 17, 2025
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Please note: we will not publish the Daily Brief tomorrow, Friday, April 18th, in honor of Good Friday. We will return on Monday, April 21st.
All of us on the team at the Daily Brief want to wish you and your families a most blessed upcoming Resurrection weekend, filled with the hope of His soon return!
He is risen!
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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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‘HE IS RISEN!’
Trump’s Easter Speech Goes Viral!
Christians Are Praising This Moment!
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President Trump’s holy week statement is taking the world by storm. On Truth Social, the president released a statement Sunday night about the remembrance of the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ as we begin Holy Week. This Holy Week, Christians around the World remember the Crucifixion of God’s Only Begotten Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and, on Easter Sunday, we celebrate His Glorious Resurrection and proclaim, as Christians have done for nearly 2,000 years, “HE IS RISEN!”
"Through the pain and sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, we saw God’s boundless Love and Devotion to all Humanity and, in that moment of His Resurrection, History was forever changed with the Promise of Everlasting Life. As we approach this Joyous Easter Sunday, I want to wish Christians everywhere a Happy and very Blessed Holiday. America is a Nation of Believers. We need God, we want God and, with His help, we will make our Nation Stronger, Safer, Greater, more Prosperous, and more United than ever before. Thank you, and HAPPY EASTER!" The White House also released an official statement that the president mentioned he and the First Lady are joining in prayer with Christians all over the world right now. (Charisma News) Read More Here |
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- Father God, we rejoice over Jesus' promise of Everlasting Life being proclaimed across Truth Social by President Trump. May every heart be turned towards You as we celebrate, in coming days, that CHRIST HAS RISEN!! We pray that the same power, as on the day of Jesus' resurrection, will fall upon every believer and upon our nation to cause transforming faith, love and Holy Spirit revival across America and the world! By the Blood of Yeshua- Amen.
- "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
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'Cancel vacations': Judge gives Trump admin two weeks to prove they aren't in contempt of court
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A federal judge told Trump lawyers they must expeditiously comply with her requests in the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, the Maryland resident wrongfully deported to El Salvador last month, as she weighs next steps in the politically charged case.
U.S. Judge Paula Xinis told Trump administration lawyers Tuesday that they will have two weeks to comply with discovery requests in the case of Abrego Garcia, the Maryland resident deported to El Salvador last month in what Trump officials have acknowledged was an "administrative error," demanding the government spend time detailing with what, if any, steps it is taking to facilitate his release and return to the U.S.
"Cancel vacations, cancel other appointments," Xinis told lawyers at the Tuesday evening hearing.
She also said she would issue an order in writing directing the government to show her how they have complied with her order to facilitate the release of Abrego-Garcia from El Salvador.
After the two-week period, she will weigh the discovery submissions and determine whether or not the government acted in good faith — or whether there is evidence that could preempt potential contempt proceedings. (Read more) Source: Fox News
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- Abba, this issue with Mr. Garcia is very confusing and very sad. We ask You to intercede and intervene in this situation, bring truth into the light so that all facts are in the open and we know what really happened and why. Father God, we ask for Your perfect will to be done, we ask that lines of authority be established that take away any areas of confusion and determine if decisions made were based on fact or implication. We ask Holy Spirit to pour out peace and hope into Mr. Garcia's heart and all in his family. We ask Holy Spirit to speak to the heart of El Salvador's President, Naylb Bukele, soften his heart and give him courage to change his position on the return of Mr. Garcia. Please give Your son, President Trump, Your wisdom and insight as he speaks with Mr. Bukele. Jesus, make a way where right now there seems to be no way, You're the only one who can. We ask this in the name El Shaddai, God Almighty, the God with ultimate power over all things.
- "Summon your power, God; show us your strength
our God, as you have done before."
(Psalm 68:28)
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Pentagon deputy chief of staff is second Hegseth advisor removed amid DOD leak probe
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Pentagon officials Darin Selnick and Dan Caldwell are being investigated amid the probe
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The Defense Department's (DOD) deputy chief of staff was placed on administrative leave on Tuesday, following the steps of another Pentagon official earlier in the day.
Darin Selnick, the deputy chief of staff for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has been removed, a senior U.S. official confirmed to Fox News.
Selnick is under investigation for the same leak probe that saw Hegseth aide Dan Caldwell escorted out of the Pentagon by security. Both Selnick and Caldwell are on administrative leave.
According to the Pentagon's website, Selnick is a retired Air Force officer who has worked extensively in veterans' affairs organizations. Mr. Selnick leverages his extensive government and non-government experience advocating for veterans to position Service members for productive post-separation lives from the first day they put on a uniform," the biography states. (Fox News) Read more here.
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- Abba, it feels like the enemy is stirring up confusion and strife all through this new Administration. We ask You to bring all your intercessors into prayer agreement through Holy Spirit speaking to each of us how we are to pray in uinity, that our prayers will not be hindered. Father God, we ask You to shine Your light on the facts in this probe, bring Your truth out of the shadows, allow those who are guilty to be exposed and those that are not to be seen as You see them, bringing an immediate clearing of their names and reputations. Jesus, we ask You to open doors that need to be opened and close those that need to be closed, we ask for this investigation to be carried out in strict professionalism and integrity. We ask this in the name Yahweh Shalom, The Lord Our Peace.
- "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace --" (1 Corinthians 14:33a)
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DC transit police officer stabbed at train station as Sec. Sean Duffy arrives to talk safety: 'Unacceptable'
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U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unexpectedly came across a violent incident against a police officer in the middle of Washington, D.C., Tuesday afternoon.
In an X post, Duffy explained that he was walking to the Navy Yard Metro Station when his staff told him a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) police officer had just been stabbed in the face. Duffy said he was about to talk about transit safety when he learned of the incident.
The WMATA later confirmed the incident to Fox News Digital, saying an officer was stabbed "with a sharp metal object" by a suspect who did not pay fare at the station. The suspect will be charged with assault and prosecuted, per the organization.
"The officer sustained lacerations and puncture wounds to the face," a WMATA official said. "The suspect was detained by additional officers nearby. The suspect has been placed under arrest, and the weapon has been recovered." (Fox News) Read more here.
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- Abba, we are saddened to learn about the stabbing of a DC transit police officer. We ask You to heal him, release any pain and discomfort, and make him whole. We ask Holy Spirit to dispatch his warrior angels into the DC transit system, speak to anyone whose heart is turned toward violence, put the fear of God into them, give them an awareness of Your displeasure over their thoughts, give them reason to change their minds.
Father God, we ask You to speak to the hearts of those who have authority over this transit system, as they try to find better avenues of intervention and change within this transit system. Give them Your ideas on how best to cover so much territory while keeping everyone safe. We ask You for thoughts and ideas that lead to technical advancements in developing new types of protection from those who would intend harm, yet providing ease of accesability within the system. Jesus, You know how to fix this problem. Please give us Your insight, wisdom and knowledge to find the answers. We ask this in the name Jehovah Rohi, The Lord Our Shepherd, the God who knows our needs before we do.
- "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth
come knowledge and understanding."
(Proverbs 2:6)
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White House proposes drastic cuts to State Department and funding for UN, NATO
and other groups
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The White House’s Office of Management and Budget has proposed gutting the State Department’s budget by almost 50%, closing a number of overseas diplomatic missions, slashing the number of diplomatic staff, and eliminating funding for nearly all international organizations, including the United Nations, many of its agencies and for NATO headquarters, officials said.
The proposal, which was presented to the State Department last week and is still in a highly preliminary phase, is not expected to pass muster with either the department’s leadership or Congress, which will ultimately be asked to vote on the entire federal budget in the coming months.
Trump’s second administration has moved swiftly to scale back the federal government, slashing jobs and funding across agencies. It’s already dismantled USAID and moved to defund so-called other “soft power” institutions of foreign policy importance like the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Radio Free Asia and Radio/TV Marti, which broadcasts to Cuba.
Thus, State Department officials and others have expressed increasing concern about the possibility that the proposed drastic cuts could actually be implemented. (OPB) Read more
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- Abba, Your son's administration is proposing very deep cuts to funding for The State Department and other outside organizations. We ask for Your hearts' intentions to be done, that Your perfect will will guide and direct all funding cuts, that the final decisions will be the working out of Your plans, not man's plans. Father God, You know everything about every department within all these organizations. You know where funds are not being spent wisely and where they are, and we ask Your favor on all groups that are spending with wisdom. We ask that those not spending as they should, be held accountable for any funds that are misspent for whatever reasons. We ask for Holy Spirit to move on their hearts as information is shared. Please give all soft hearts but strong integrity. Let Your will be done, in Jesus' name. We ask this in the name El Roi, The God Who Sees everything. Amen.
- "His eyes are on the ways of mortals;
he sees their every step."
(Job 34:21)
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1. Hostage families to Dermer: 'Free all hostages at once, don't select between them' - Israel National News
Representatives of families of hostages from the Tikva Forum met today (Wednesday) with Minister Ron Dermer and received from him an overview of the state of the negotiations for the release of the hostages.
At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed deep concern over the possibility of a partial deal, in which only some of the remaining hostages would return as part of the deal.
"We understood once again that the State of Israel is negotiating over a limited number of hostages - and all the rest will be abandoned in Gaza for at least several months," said Ditza and Yaron Or and Zvika Mor, members of the Tikva Forum. "This is unacceptable. It is forbidden to select among the hostages. All the hostages must be released together – in one go and on one bus." (Read more)
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2. IDF says holding off on bid to crush Hamas; current op aimed at coaxing it into deal - Times of Israel
The Israeli military said on Wednesday that it was not dragging its feet in the Gaza Strip and was continuing to ramp up pressure on Hamas to bring the terror group to agree to a hostage deal, but was not moving ahead with a major offensive just yet.
The Israel Defense Forces on March 18 resumed its attacks against Hamas with a surprise wave of airstrikes, ending a two-month ceasefire. Efforts to restore the truce have so far failed.
A major offensive, which is intended to defeat Hamas on the battlefield, would likely cause the ceasefire-hostage negotiations to completely collapse, according to the military. Such an offensive would also endanger the remaining 59 hostages still held by Hamas, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. (Read more)
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3. Israeli defense minister confirms Israel Hayom report on Gaza aid distribution plan - Israel Hayom
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Wednesday the exclusive report published in Israel Hayom, announcing that Israel will distribute humanitarian aid directly without Hamasinvolvement. Following this declaration, Israeli coalition members and the Hostages' and Missing Families Forum strongly criticized the defense minister, stating, "They promised the gates of hell, but in practice they're bringing in aid." Katz subsequently reversed his position, clarifying, "No aid is going to enter."
In his initial statement, Katz wrote, "Israel's policy in Gaza is clear and unequivocal. First and foremost, making every effort to secure the release of all hostages under the Witkoff framework and creating a pathway to defeat Hamas afterward. Also, stopping humanitarian aid that undermines Hamas' control over the population, and creating infrastructure for distribution through civilian companies in the future."
As exclusively revealed in Israel Hayom, the proposed plan would establish supply distribution centers – similar to logistics hubs – in southern and central Gaza under IDF control. International organizations employing foreign workers or Palestinians approved by the IDF would be responsible for distribution. Gaza residents would access these areas with minimal or no contact with the IDF to receive supplies. (Read more)
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4. IDF chief medical officer tells reserve doctors to remove signatures from petition - Jerusalem Post
The IDF chief medical officer’s headquarters requested on Wednesday that reservist medical officers who signed a letter calling for the end of the ongoing war and the return of the hostages remove their signatures, emphasizing that “there is no place for politics in the army.”
The letter was signed by 208 reserve doctors and sent to Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the night of Passover. Since then, about a hundred more signatures have been added.
The IDF claimed that they are not trying to immediately expel the doctors but rather get them to remove their names from the petitions. They're being more lenient with the doctors than with the Israel Air Force pilots, who signed a similar petition and were simply removed from their positions. (Read more)
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5. IDF jet accidentally drops bomb near kibbutz - JNS
An Israeli fighter jet on the way to the Gaza Strip inadvertently dropped one of its bombs on an open field near Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in the northwestern Negev on Tuesday evening.
The bomb exploded, but there were no casualties or damage as it landed in an unpopulated agricultural area.
“A short while ago, munitions dropped from a fighter jet during an attack in the Gaza Strip fell in an open area in the Nir Yitzhak area as a result of a technical malfunction,” according to the IDF Spokesperson. (Read more)
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1. Arkansas Cuts Out Corruption & Brings Christ To Classrooms - Million Voices
Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a slew of bills into law in April, many of which are aimed at reshaping education to cut out potential corruption, while mandating Christ return to our children’s curricula. Students from grades six through 12 will be taught, without any limitation, the identity of our Creator, God, as viewed by the Founding Fathers. Throughout these teachings, children will learn about the religious and moral beliefs our nation was founded upon.
Some of you may be concerned that this seems like a drastic shift away from the separation of church and state. Did you know that the precedent of “separation of church and state” doesn’t actually exist in any meaningful law?
Thanks to a 1971 ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court, something colloquially called the “Lemon test” created a framework that was later used to remove God from public schools by declaring religious expressions like the Ten Commandments unconstitutional. This marked a turning point away from the faith-based roots of our nation’s education system. (Read more) |
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- Dear God, we ask that people in every state across this nation awaken to Your power within them. We pray that You will use the voices of many to bring a Biblical worldview to the youngest minds. We know accepting you into our hearts is the most important thing we will ever do. Guide us and direct us, Lord. Help us to step into Your will for us and seek You first always. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen!
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
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2. Religious And Moral Beliefs’ Of Founding Fathers To Be Taught In State Schools - Million Voices
Arkansas students will soon start learning about the “religious and moral beliefs” American was founded upon thanks to the passage of HB 1705 in April. We spoke to State Rep. Hope Duke, the lead sponsor of the bill to get her take on how the new law will impact children. In the 2026-2027 school year, Arkansas children will be learning about how faith and freedom influenced the creation of the U.S. by way of our Founding Fathers. The bill was signed into law by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on April 8, along with a slew of others, many related to religious freedom.
“The purpose of this legislation is for students to learn the intent and meaning behind the documents that created our government. In order for our country to go the right direction, we have to understand the reasoning behind the path our Founding Fathers chose. This bill will ensure students in Arkansas will study how the religious and moral beliefs of the Founding Fathers influenced those decisions. Their intent matters,” Duke told Million Voices in an exclusive statement. (Read more) |
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- Father God, we ask that all young minds around this world are guided by Your light, purpose, and passion. Thank You for all you are doing to destroy the false narratives and deceit that took faith from our public spaces. We pray for every opportunity to share Your Word and its endless value to ourselves, our children, our communities, and our country. We know that Your timing has great meaning. We may not understand why you are choosing to uplift us in this Great Revival right now, but we Thank You for it. In Jesus' name, amen.
- “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)
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3. Hundreds Of Young People Accept Jesus Christ At US University - Million Voices
The UniteUS movement hit Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, in early April, allowing hundreds of students to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“God moved in Moody Coliseum as hundreds of students came forward to make a decision for Christ!” UniteUS wrote on social media following the major event. “Freedom found. Lives changed. God is moving in this generation!!!” The huge event comes as part of UniteUs major 2025 university and college outreach initiative, which has already brought countless young Americans to Christ.
The specific UniteUS aspect of this Great American Revival started at Asbury University in 2023. Countless students have since taken part in various worship events, and are fueling a massive boom in U.S. bible sales, while also pushing for a more biblical worldview within our political landscape.
In 2025 already, some 8,000 students were estimated to have shown up at University of Kentucky’s Rupp Arena, all in the name of worshiping God, as well as taking part in spontaneous baptisms. Roughly 6,500 students gathered at Ohio State for another revival (they do a lot at Ohio State), as well as Purdue University, West Virginia University, and more. (Read more) |
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- Our Heavenly Father, we praise Your holy name! Thank You for giving us this great country. Help us to be good stewards of the blessings You have given us. Create in us a desire for change, helping us elect Christian leaders who will stand up for biblical principles. Bring about opportunities for us to go into the fields ripe for harvest to win people for Jesus. In Your name, we pray, Amen!
- “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:38)
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4. California Gov. Newsom sues Trump over administration's tariffs - Just The News
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday he would be suing President Donald Trump over the administration's tariffs on U.S. trading partners.
“President Trump’s unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy – driving up prices and threatening jobs,” said Newsom, according to the news outlet Politico. “We’re standing up for American families who can’t afford to let the chaos continue.”
Newsom announced the lawsuit with California Attorney General Rob Bonta. This is the first legal challenge by a U.S. state to Trump's tariffs. Bonta called Trump's tariffs "chaotic" and "troubling." (Read more) |
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- We break all backlash, revenge, and retaliation towards President Trump, and his administration in the name of Jesus. We pray that this lawsuit would not come to fruition, in Jesus' name. Lord, give President Trump wisdom in dealing with the tariffs and our economy to make the best decisions possible for our country and its citizens, in Jesus' name, amen.
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8)
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5. Trump to appoint Hunter Biden whistleblower Shapley as acting IRS commissioner: report - Just The News
President Donald Trump is expected to appoint Gary Shapley, a whistleblower in an investigation into former first son Hunter Biden, to be the acting commissioner of the IRS, according to a news report.
Shapley and Special Agent Joseph Ziegler investigated the former first son's alleged financial crimes but were removed from the probe after telling Congress that the Justice Department interfered with their probe.
Shapley recently returned to his role as deputy chief of IRS criminal investigation, and Trump is going to tap him to lead the agency, according to CNN.
“Gary has proven his honesty and devotion to enforcing the law without fear or favor, even at great cost to his own career,” a Treasury spokesperson told the news outlet. “He’ll be a great asset to the IRS as we rethink and reform this crucial organization."
Last month, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised Shapley and Ziegler. (Read more) |
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- We thank you for this administration, that they are cleaning house and restoring justice and righteousness in this agency. We pray for Mr. Shapley that he holds his ground and performs this task with the upmost integrity. We break all bribes, schemes, and plans of the enemy to try and buy this man out, in Jesus' name, amen and amen!
- “The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.” (Proverbs 11:3)
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6. Iran says its right to uranium enrichment is non-negotiable - Jerusalem Post
Iran and the US are due to hold a second round of talks in Oman on Saturday over Tehran's escalating nuclear program, with President Donald Trump threatening military action if there is no deal. Iran's right to enrich uranium is not negotiable, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday, ahead of a second round of talks in Oman this weekend with the United States about Tehran's disputed nuclear program.
Araghchi was responding to a comment made on Tuesday by the US top negotiator Steve Witkoff, who said Tehran must "stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment" to reach a deal with Washington.
Iran and the US are due to hold a second round of talks in Oman on Saturday over Tehran's escalating nuclear program, with President Donald Trump threatening military action if there is no deal. (Read more) |
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- Lord, we repent on behalf of past administrations that have aided Iran’s ability to enrich themselves with uranium. Instead, we come against this agenda with the blood of Jesus, and in the name of Jesus that all powers working behind the scenes to cause nuclear war or nuclear destruction will be silenced. Give President Trump and his administration great wisdom while dealing with this hostile regime, in Jesus' name, amen.
- “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
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Stupidocrisy: Panic Over Tariffs on China
The Daily Jot, Bill Wilson, April 16, 2025
The news media and Democrats are creating panic over market corrections and China’s reaction to President Trump’s tariffs. but in reality the tariffs against China are designed to protect national security against the Chinese military. China’s military spending mirrors its trade deficit with the United States. For example, China announced its military spending in 2024 was $231 billion similar to the previous year. China’s trade deficit with the US in 2024 was $294 billion. In 2022, China budgeted $230 billion for military spending, but spent $292. Its trade deficit with the US in 2022 was $382 billion. A similar pattern has taken place since the 1990s—China uses the US trad deficit for its military spending.
Trump makes no bones about China’s use of its trade deficit with the US to increase military spending. He said, “China is a massive surplus. That they take and they spend on their military we don’t want that. I don’t want them to take $500 billion, $600 billion a year and spend it on their military. I don’t want them spending money on their military.” In the decade from 2014-2024, Chinese military spending increase 61% from $182 billion to $296 billion. During that time the US trade deficit with China has fluctuated from a low of $279 billion (2023—most recent under Trump) to a high of $418 billion (2018—also under Trump), averaging $351 billion over the ten-year period. Every president since Bill Clinton allowed China Most Favored Nation trading status has seen China’s military spending increase with the increasing US trade deficit. Read More
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Trump Announces Free Flights, Possible Stipends for Self-Deportees
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Mass deportations will continue to target violent criminals, while those willing to comply and seek legal entry could see benefits, according to the president.
The federal government will facilitate and pay for the self-deportation of those who have entered the country illegally, while operations will continue to target gang members and violent criminals, President Donald Trump told Fox Noticias host Rachel Campos-Duffy in an interview filmed at the White House that aired on April 15.
The president said that stipends, including plane tickets and money, could help incentivize illegal immigrants to leave and pursue legal status.
“We’re going to make it comfortable for people, and we’re going to work with those people to come back into our country legally,” Trump said during the interview. “And then ... if they’re good, if we want them back in, we’re going to work with them to get them back in as quickly as we can.”
He did not provide further details about how much money illegal immigrants could receive or how to apply for such benefits.
The president also announced a plan to work with some industries, including hospitality and agriculture, to help business owners mitigate the effect of mass deportations.
We’re making it so that if a farmer can give recommendations to people, we’re going to be very soothing,” he said.
While the United States is offering paths to citizenship for many in the workforce, the president said aggressive deportation operations will continue for violent criminals.
“Right now, we’re getting the murderers out,” Trump said. “We have our total aim on the very bad ones, as you can imagine. These are rough, bad people. We want them out, and that’s mostly our focus.” (The Epoch Times) Read more here.
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- Father God, we thank You that, in the midst of this deportation crisis, we see the heart of President Trump: a gentle heart that seeks to do good and to bring justice and protection to a nation that has suffered violence at the hands of illegal immigrants for too many years. Thank You, Lord, for the heart of this very wise man. Amen.
- "The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes."
(Proverbs 21:1)
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Easter Monday could soon become federal holiday under new GOP proposal
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'This isn't a radical idea,' Sen Eric Schmitt posted to X
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Easter Monday could soon be a federal holiday under a new legislative proposal.
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., and Rep. Riley Moore, R-W. Va., are leading the way on legislation to make the day following Easter Sunday a holiday amid several other countries also recognizing the holiday.
In a thread posted to X, Schmitt cited a poll that 81% of Americans celebrated Easter as of 2023, according to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
"This isn't a radical idea. It's a federal recognition of a tradition that is central to Western civilization—a tradition that's already recognized as a public holiday in nations across (and beyond!) the West, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most of Western Europe," the Republican lawmaker said.
"Easter is a floating holiday, it can fall from Mar 22 to April 25. The only two-month gap in our federal holiday calendar is April-May. An Easter Monday holiday fills the gap—creating a three-day weekend when workers and families need it most. Pro-worker. Pro-family. Pro-faith," he added.
"There are plenty of practical arguments for it, too. Easter weekend already generates around $15 billion for our economy. Making it a three-day weekend could boost that by an estimated 10-15%, adding up to $2 billion in economic activity while strengthening American families." (Fox News) Read more.
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- Lord God, we thank you for this initiative and we pray that it will pass both Houses of Congress quickly, to be then signed into law by President Trump. We praise You, too, that the White House has chosen to publicly honor Resurrection Sunday and Holy Week with an outstanding series of public events so that we all may join in honoring and in praising You, Holy One, for the miracle you gave us, almost 2,000 years ago. Hallelujah!
- "Ask, and you shall receive . . ." (Matthew 7:7)
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American pastor kidnapped in South Africa rescued after deadly police shootout
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Pastor Josh Sullivan, who leads a church in the Eastern Cape Province, was kidnapped during a service on April 10
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A kidnapped American pastor was rescued in South Africa following a deadly shootout at a house in the country's Eastern Cape province, officials announced Wednesday.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) said an operation led by the agency "resulted in the successful rescue" of an American citizen, "reportedly a local pastor who had allegedly been kidnapped and held at a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, on 15 April 2025."
Though the news release did not name the pastor, 34-year-old Josh Sullivan, of Tennessee, was kidnapped by several armed, masked men last week at his church in the Eastern Cape, Fellowship Baptist Church Motherwell.
"Josh has been released. I just got ‘the go ahead to let it be known’. SA media has started broadcasting. American media will follow. Thank you for your support and prayers. Please do not stop praying for The Sullivans. Praise The Lord Jesus Christ!" Tom Hatley, pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, wrote early Wednesday morning in a Facebook post.
The rescue comes after a U.S. State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital that a multi-law-enforcement agency team was assembled and was working on the ground to help locate Sullivan.
"A multi-law-enforcement agency team, including State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, has formed on the ground and is actively pursuing the case and supporting the family members involved with embassy and consulate colleagues," the spokesperson told Fox News Digital prior to the announcement of Sullivan's rescue.
"The U.S. Department of State and our embassies and consulates abroad have no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad," the spokesperson added.
The State Department did not immediately respond Wednesday to a request for further comment from Fox News Digital.
Sullivan was abducted in South Africa last Thursday after four men broke into his church and dragged him away from the pulpit, according to the Associated Press. Sullivan's truck was found abandoned several hours later, the news agency added. (Fox News) Read more here.
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- Father God, we praise You for the safe return of Pastor Josh Sullivan as he was ministering in South Africa. Lord God, we entrust all of our missionaries who are laboring in harvest fields abroad, sometimes at the risk of their own lives. We thank You for Psalm 91 protection, and that Your Word does not return void. In Your Name we pray, Holy One, amen and amen.
- "He rescued me from my powerful enemy who were too strong for me." (Psalm 18:17)
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UN Prayer Watch Newsletter
for Israel, America and the Nations
April 2025
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Greetings from New York City.
In John 1:5 we can read (ESV):"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Thank you for spreading light through your prayers into the darkness at the United Nations. As watchmen on the wall we are called to do exactly this. When we take the word of God as our double-edged sword and pierce the darkness so that God’s light shines into the situation, darkness has to flee, and we see the promises of God come forth.
The UN is the only place in the world where literally all the nations come together. Let us pray for them with Psalm 2:10-11 so they may hear God’s warning to them (NIV): “Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.”
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Items to Keep in Prayer
- Please pray for the members of the Security Council. The decision made by this council are binding and show more and more the bias against Israel that is visible within the UN body. Pray Psalm 2 over the representatives of the member states.
- Please pray for the release of the hostages, God’s protection over them and comfort for their families.
- Please continue to pray for an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, it needs to stop.
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Warm greetings from New York.
Claudia Kiesinger and Elisabeth Polifka
UN Prayer Watch
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Read the entire Newsletter PDF Here
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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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The Lyrids are back: How to catch this year's spring meteor shower
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The night sky will dazzle this week as the Lyrid meteor shower kicks off its annual display, marking the return of one of the oldest and most reliable celestial shows of the year.
Known for its fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs, the Lyrids are a welcome springtime treat for stargazers. Active between April 16-25, the Lyrids can be seen streaking across the night sky, building toward their peak in the early hours of April 22, when the shower could produce up to 10 to 20 meteors per hour under dark skies.
The Lyrids come from debris left behind by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. This comet, discovered in 1861, is a long-period comet that orbits the sun roughly once every 415 years. As it travels through the inner solar system, it sheds tiny bits of dust and rock that form a trail of debris
Each year in April, Earth crosses this dusty trail, and when those tiny particles — some no bigger than a grain of sand — enter the planet's atmosphere at around 30 miles per second (49 kilometers per second), they burn up and create bright streaks of light we see as meteors. Read More
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"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
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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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