"Decreeing the Word of God Over the News of the Day"
United We Stand Thursday, March 17, 2022
Purim
Tonight Jews all over the world will celebrate Purim. It is the story of Queen Esther, who broke protocol and saved the Jewish people in Persia from a plot to annihilate them.
Just as it did so many centuries ago, Israel is once again facing an existential threat from modern day Persia. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, routinely promises a second Holocaust and the annihilation of Israel.
His regime is working feverishly to develop ballistic missiles and other weapons of mass destruction, while his terrorist proxies, Hamas, Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad, encircle the Jewish state from Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.
So long as God gives me breath, I promise to fight the ancient evil of anti-Semitism and to always stand with Israel and its people, the apple of God's eye.
To all of our Jewish friends and supporters, Chag Purim Sameach!
Gary Bauer
Campaign for Working Families
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp1994@gmail.com
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.
"Standing United Together....Under the Cross of Christ"
TODAY'S TOP STORY:
Mr. Zelensky Goes to Washington
For members of Congress, who filed in to the dark-paneled congressional auditorium this morning, the mood was somber. Instead of the ornate House chamber, where important speeches to both chambers are usually held, the special room in the Capitol's visitor center had the feel of a situation room. And to the men and women there, wearing U.S.-Ukrainian pins, that's exactly what it was. Almost 5,000 miles away, the most unlikely of heroes had come to plead for his people from the belly of a war he didn't ask for. "The destiny of our country is being decided," President Volodymyr Zelensky urged, his larger-than-life face creased by weeks of sleepless nights. "I call on you to do more."
In Washington, the auditorium fell silent as Zelensky played a graphic video about the kind of horror being inflicted on the Ukrainian people. Emotional congressmen watched the smoldering homes and hospitals, as outside news outlets were just breaking the story of Russians shooting and killing 10 people standing in line for bread. The grisly footage, of onlookers racing to pile bleeding victims into cars while other bodies littered the ground, seemed to prove what Zelensky came to say: his country is in the worst war since World War II.
"Remember Pearl Harbor, the terrible morning of December 7, 1941, when your sky was black from the planes attacking you..." he implored. "Remember September 11th, a terrible day in 2001 when evil tried to turn your cities, independent territories, into battlefields. When innocent people were attacked from air," he said. "Just like nobody else expected it, you could not stop it. Our country experience[s] the same every day."
Before the screen went black, members of Congress stood to their feet in a passionate ovation -- the only Ukrainian-born representative, Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), visibly moved in the back of the room. Afterward, she was candid about her disappointment in this White House, telling reporters, "I hope President Biden will meet the expectations to be the leader of the free world, because I haven't seen it so far. But I hope [Zelensky] will be right and... our president will step up... to help people survive, because his actions and his words don't go together."
Elsewhere, members from both parties used the speech to put more pressure on Biden, who they feel has been far too unwilling to do what needs to be done. Like a lot of people, Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) thinks Zelensky understands the importance of an American audience and realizes that this is one way to force the president's hand. "Everything Congress has asked to do," Risch points out, "[the administration] has originally said no. And then later on, they say yes after our allies do it." They're too worried, he argues, about what Russia will do. "It's slow. It's excruciating." This, he hopes, will help create a new urgency. As Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) made clear, "The message to President Biden is that he needs to step up his game." (Family Research Council) To read the entire article, please go here.
- Holy King, we pray for Your Holy Spirit to be the strong arm of help in time of need for Ukraine. After the last five years, we have learned to look at all sides of an issue first. We ask You to bring wisdom, discernment and truth in this matter. We pray for a way to stop this conflict before other nations must get involved. We pray for Putin to be stopped and returned back to his borders and boundaries, and restitution be given instead, in Jesus name.
- "Restore us, O God of hosts; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!" (Psalm 80:7)
Zelensky: World War III May Have Already Started
Zelensky: World War III May Have Already Started
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 16 that World War III may have already started amid the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
When asked by NBC anchor Lester Holt about whether he believes a third world war has started, Zelensky responded, “Nobody knows.”
“Nobody knows whether [World War III] may have already started,” Zelensky told Holt, without elaborating. “And what is the possibility of this war if Ukraine will fall? It’s very hard to say.
“We’ve seen this 80 years ago when the Second World War had started. … Nobody would be able to predict when the full-scale war would start,” Zelensky said, claiming that the current conflict puts the “whole civilization at stake.”
The invocation of World War III has become increasingly common since the start of the Feb. 24 invasion, by both Russia and the West. Last week, President Joe Biden warned that getting directly involved in the current conflict by either enforcing a no-fly zone or sending troops to Ukraine would escalate the conflict between NATO and Russia.
“We will not fight a war against Russia in Ukraine. Direct conflict between NATO and Russia is World War III, something we must strive to prevent,” Biden said in public comments on March 11.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said days before that a third world war would be “nuclear and destructive.” While both the United States and Russia possess vast quantities of nuclear weapons with numerous different delivery methods, both generally adhere to the nuclear military doctrine of “mutually assured destruction.” (Epoch Times) Read more here.
- Thank You Father that Joe Biden is reluctant, if not unwilling, to actively engage in this conflict. We pray for active peace talks to take place routinely, particularly sponsored by nations much closer to Ukraine and very much invested in mitigating the expansion of this conflict. We bind the suggestion of such a thing to the glory of God. We ask You to bring peace in this midst of this tribulation and please Abba, protect the innocent people, especially children, in Jesus name.
- "Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies." (Psalm 108:12-13)
FOCUS ON ISRAEL
1. Israel Will Not Close West Bank Crossings During Purim for First Time in Five Years- Algemeiner
For the first time in five years, Israel will not place the West Bank under closure during the Purim holiday, Israeli media reported Wednesday.
Israel often imposes closures on West Bank crossings during holidays for security reasons, but in this case the decision not to was adopted by wide consensus in the security establishment, Israeli news site Walla has reported.
Consultations were held and none of the relevant officials raised objections, due to the belief that, despite some outbreaks of low-level violence, there is a state of relative calm in the West Bank.
The IDF, in particular, believes that security collaboration with the Palestinian Authority is strong and has improved in its effectiveness. (Read more)
2. Israel announces subsistence program for Ukrainian refugees - YNET News
The Welfare Ministry announced on Wednesday it would expand aid and services offered to refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The state would provide refugees with temporary shelter, food and other forms of material assistance and access to medical care and education and social services.
Almost three weeks since fighting first broke out in Eastern Europe, Welfare Minister Meir Cohen said that his ministry would cooperate with civil society groups to facilitate aid for incoming refugees. Cohen also promised to add more Russian-speaking representatives at the ministry's 118 hotline.
The program is designed to provide primary emergency assistance to asylum seekers until they receive official refugee status and a work permit, or until they return to their country of origin. (Read more)
3. Israel-Turkey reappearing ties could limit Russian influence - Jerusalem Post
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his guest, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, both lauded their meeting, the highest-level visit of an Israeli official in 14 years, as a turning point in the countries’ relations.
The Turkish Presidency stated, in a video posted Thursday evening on its Twitter account, that Ankara hoped there would be a future reciprocal meeting with Herzog.
Herzog’s account thanked Erdogan for wanting to “move forward to a better future as good neighbors in our Mediterranean region.” (Read more)
4. Israel's UN ambassador demands Security Council condemn Hezbollah - Israel Hayom
Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan on Tuesday asked the members of the UN Security Council to condemn Hezbollah's recent attempts to launch drones into Israeli territory and turn Lebanon into a terrorist base.
In an urgent letter addressed to the Security Council ahead of a special discussion Wednesday on the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, Erdan wrote: "Recently, drones were launched from UNIFIL's area of activity in southern Lebanon, which managed to penetrate Israeli airspace. Israel harshly condemns Hezbollah's provocative attempts to violate its sovereignty through the blatant disregard of UN Security Council resolutions. Israel will not tolerate any infringement of its sovereignty and will take every step necessary to defend its citizens.
"We demand that the Lebanese government, which is responsible for activities emanating from Lebanese territory, fulfill its duties and prevent all hostile acts from its territory. Lebanon must not allow Hezbollah to negatively influence regional security and stability," Erdan said. (Read more)
5. Mossad head's personal files, photos leaked by Iran-linked Telegram group - Jerusalem Post
Photos and personal documents disclosing information on Mossad director David Barnea and his family were leaked in a Telegram channel called "Open Hands" on Tuesday, Walla reported.
Created hours before the leak was published to some 30 followers, the channel is reportedly linked to Iranian groups.
A video released in the leak claims the documents and photos shown are a product of an extensive surveillance campaign targeting Barnea. According to the leakers, this campaign is ongoing since 2014, when Barnea was head of the Mossad’s Tzomet department responsible for the activation of the Mossad’s international agent network. (Read more)
The Daily Brief
1.Biden announces $800 million in new aid after Zelensky plea - The Hill
President Biden on Wednesday announced new military assistance for Ukraine that will include anti-aircraft defenses, drones and other weaponry, offering fresh U.S. support in the wake of an urgent plea from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Biden announced $800 million in new assistance for Ukraine, which, paired with $200 million authorized over the weekend, brings the total new aid for the country to $1 billion over the past week.
The new aid will help provide 800 anti-aircraft systems to combat Russian planes; 9,000 anti-armor systems to help destroy Russian tanks and armored vehicles; 7,000 small arms such as machine guns and shotguns; and a total of 20 million rounds that includes artillery and mortar. (Read more)
- Father God, we ask at the end of this very long day that You would cause Biden and his administration to use these monies wisely. The whole world is watching!
- "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
2. Putin's chilling warning to the West and oligarchs - The Daily Mail
V ladimir Putin today sent a chilling warning to the West and oligarchs telling 'scum' traitors that Russians will 'spit them out like a midge that flew into their mouths' - as he claimed Western 'attempts to have global dominance' is coming to an end.
The Russian President, speaking in a bombastic televised address from the Kremlin nearly three weeks into Moscow's invasion, warned the West would use 'those who earn their money here, but live over there' as a 'fifth column' to 'divide our society'.
I do not judge those with villas in Miami or the French Riviera. Or who can't get by without oysters or foie gras or so-called 'gender freedoms.' The problem is they mentally exist there, and not here, with our people, with Russia,' he said. 'The West will try to bet on the so-called fifth column, on traitors... to divide our society.. to provoke civil confrontation... to strive to achieve its aim. And there is one aim - the destruction of Russia. (Read more)
- Lord God ,we bind this communistic spirit working on all the governments in the world and break its powers that it will not succeed in Jesus name. We pray your peace and restoration over Russia, Ukraine, and the entire world. Amen.
- “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
3. Trump releases statement on NATO as Zelenskyy speaks to Congress - DML News
As Russian troops continues to bombard Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky asks for NATO nations to implement a no-fly zone, former President Donald Trump has released a statement through his Save America PAC.
Zelenskyy has conceded that Ukraine will not be allowed to join NATO. However, he delivered an emotional plea in an address to all U.S. Congress members Wednesday morning, asking for a no-fly zone and more aide to fight against the Russian invasion.
At about the same time Zelenskyy concluded his speech, Trump released the following statement:
People forget so quickly, with the help of the Fake News, that it was me that got the 20 out of 28 delinquent NATO countries to start paying the money that they owed in order to rebuild a floundering NATO. Nobody knew things would happen so rapidly, but NATO was poor and now it is rich, and all of the Fake News commentators that said Trump was tearing down NATO should be ashamed of themselves for telling lies. Not only was the United States being taken advantage of by the EU on trade, but it was forced to pay the costs of the many delinquent NATO countries. (Read more)
- Lord God, we thank you for a strong brave man, Donald Trump, that you appointed as president that took charge and tried to hold Those accountable who were taking advantage of their position of power. We pray Lord that Biden, his administration and all those in NATO would be bold, brave, and do what is right no matter what the cost. Lead and guide NATO with all wisdom in Jesus name.
- “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly” (1 Peter 5:2)
4. US said to mull nixing Trump’s listing of Iran Revolutionary Guards as terror group - Times of Israel
The US is reportedly weighing a move to delist Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terror organization, as it moves closer to reviving the nuclear agreement with Tehran.
Axios reported that in return, Tehran would commit to de-escalation in the region.
The IRGC, a hardline militia with close ties to Iran’s supreme leader, was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by former president Donald Trump’s administration after it withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. (Read more)
- Father God, we are so frustrated! When will Biden ever learn of the wisdom with which our previous President governed, and then follow suit accordingly? We simply cannot afford to call our enemies our friends and expect to survive as a nation. Lord God, let this foolishness end, we ask in Your holy Name, amen and amen!
- "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8)
5. North Korea may be gearing up for a full ICBM test, just when U.S. attention is focused elsewhere - Greenwich Time
It's about to be a volatile few months on the Korean Peninsula and much of the world is riveted on the crisis in Eastern Europe.
Pyongyang is showing mounting signs it may be gearing up for a major weapons test - potentially its first since 2017 of an intercontinental ballistic missile that could threaten U.S. cities. On Wednesday, it tested a suspected ballistic weapon that appeared to have exploded mid-air after reaching an altitude of less than 20 kilometers (12 miles).
On Wednesday morning, North Korea launched a projectile that Japanese defense and U.S. military officials said may have been a ballistic missile. The test was conducted near Pyongyang's Sunan area, South Korean military officials said, which was the location of the two recent ICBM-related launches.
"Their recent SLV [space launch vehicle] launches make a lot of analysts suspect that they are testing new ICBM capabilities without the political burden of calling them ICBM tests," said Melissa Hanham, a researcher at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation in California. "North Korea genuinely fears for its security from the South, the U.S., and Japan. ICBMs and a nuclear program makes them feel they can deter regime change and forced reunification." (Read more)
- Father God, as Your watchmen on the wall, we continue to keep a watchful eye on
events happening in North Korea. We ask that You would reach down from heaven, and put a guard around the minds of their leaders, ending fear and bringing peace to that land.
- "‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You." (Jeremiah 32:17)
6. Sen. Hawley warns of Biden SCOTUS pick's 'long record' of letting child porn offenders 'off the hook - Fox News
Republican Sen. Josh Hawley posted a lengthy Twitter thread Wednesday containing several examples that he says demonstrates an "alarming" pattern of lenient treatment of sex offenders who prey on children from BidenSupreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
"Judge Jackson has a pattern of letting child porn offenders off the hook for their appalling crimes, both as a judge and as a policymaker," the Missouri Republican tweeted Wednesday. "She’s been advocating for it since law school. This goes beyond ‘soft on crime.’ I’m concerned that this a record that endangers our children."
Hawley cited several writings from Jackson’s past dating back to her time in law school including a passage where she wrote that sex offender status can lead to "stigmatization and ostracism" and that public policy is driven by a "climate of fear, hatred & revenge" against sex offenders
"It gets worse," Hawley wrote. "As a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, Judge Jackson advocated for drastic change in how the law treats sex offenders by eliminating the existing mandatory minimum sentences for child porn." (Read more)
- Father God, we ask that the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who have the responsibility of vetting this nominee, would take careful heed to the warning of Senator Josh Hawley. We ask that You open the eyes of the blind, that they might see the facts that are in front of them; and that they make every effort to work to protect our children from the dangers of child molesters. In Your Name, amen and amen.
- "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped." (Isaiah 35:5)
7. Senate confirms Shalanda Young as Biden's OMB director in historic vote - Fox News
The Senate made history Tuesday by confirming the first Black woman to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Shalanda Young, who has been serving as the acting OMB director, will become the official director after a 61 to 36 vote in the Senate Tuesday afternoon. Her bipartisan confirmation will solidify Young's place as President Biden's Cabinet official and top aide on his government spending and regulation priorities.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Young's confirmation marks "another glass ceiling shattered by a remarkable member of the President’s historic Cabinet." (Read more)
- Lord God, we pray over this woman and her position that she be a leader who stands for righteousness and justice. We pray that she would use her position wisely bringing honor and glory to the position and to you Lord. In Jesus name amen.
- "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
8.Colorado Bill Would Legalize Abortions for All 40 Weeks of Pregnancy - Life News
Colorado Catholic bishops are urging pro-lifers to fight against a radical pro-abortion bill that would allow unborn babies to be aborted for any reason up to birth.
The Democrat-controlled state legislature almost certainly will pass pro-abortion House Bill 1279 this spring, and Gov. Jared Polis said he supports it. The bill would make abortion a “fundamental right” under state law and deny all rights and legal protections to any “fertilized egg, embryo or fetus.”
However, outrage is growing. Republican lawmakers held a record-breaking debate to delay the bill before it passed the state House, and hundreds of pro-lifers protested Saturday at the Capitol.
The Archdiocese of Denver also posted a message on its website urging Catholics to speak out against lawmakers’ push to “codify abortion on demand for 40 weeks of a pregnancy,” and included a link with more details from the Colorado Catholic Conference.
“This HB 1279 violates the fundamental human right to life for millions of preborn children,” the bishops’ conference said in a statement." (Read more)
- Lord, we ask for you to have Your way in the hearts and minds of these state legislators so they will be receptive to Your truth. We pray that legislation that seeks to destroy the lives of the unborn would be completely thrown out. Lord, we ask that the mind, will and emotions of those who are deceived by the enemy and desensitized to human life in the womb be invaded with compassion and understanding of the destruction they are causing. In Jesus name amen.
- “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;” (Daniel 2:21)
9.New York comptroller audit concludes Cuomo admin undercounted COVID nursing home deaths - Fox News
An audit released on Tuesday by the New York State government concluded that the administration of former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo failed to accurately account for the number of New Yorkers who died from the coronavirus in nursing homes.
According to an audit released Tuesday by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Cuomo’s Health Department failed to account for 4,100 nursing home deaths and undercounted the coronavirus death toll in nursing homes by as much as 50% from April 2020 to February 2021.
“Families have a right to know if their loved one’s COVID-19 death was counted, but many still don’t have answers from the state Department of Health," DiNapoli said in a statement released with the audit. "Our audit findings are extremely troubling. The public was misled by those at the highest level of state government through distortion and suppression of the facts when New Yorkers deserved the truth. (Read more)
- Lord God, there are no words to explain how evil and unjust this whole situation has been. We pray for every grieving family and every wounded heart Lord that you would let these families, who lost their love ones to a sick and evil agenda, be completely comforted tangibly feeling your love. And we declare that evil will not go unpunished and that vengeance is yours and that every person who participated in these heinous acts will have to answer to the Judge of all judges one day.
- "For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
10. Reports: 7.3 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Japan, Millions Without Power - Brietbart
The earthquake struck 60 kilometers, or some 37 miles, below sea level in the Pacific Ocean near the Fukushima prefecture on Japan’s east coast, the Japan Meteorological Agency reports. A tsunami advisory has been issued for the country’s Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures for wave surges of up to three feet.
The Associated Press reports:
The region is part of northern Japan that was devastated by a deadly 9.0 quake and tsunami 11 years ago that also caused nuclear plant meltdowns.
The Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings [TEPCO], which operates the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant where the cooling systems failed after the 2011 disaster, said that workers were checking for any possible damage. (Read more)
- Lord God, we pray for all those affected by this earthquake that you would send your angels to comfort them and minister to them in their time of grief. We pray Lord that you would supernaturally provide all the needs of those recovering from this tragedy in Jesus name amen.
- “I have seen his ways, but I will heal him;
I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to his mourners." (Isaiah 57:18)
The Daily Jot
Stupidocrisy: Common Sense Deficit Syndrome
The Daily Jot, Bill Wilson, March 16, 2022
It cost me close to $50 to put ten gallons of gas in my car yesterday. I told the guy on the other side of the pump that we need to take out a loan to fill up our cars. We shared a few choice words about Joe Biden and his stupid policies. Folks at other pumps were nodding their heads in agreement. Time for this nonsense to end. People may be offended that someone like me would call a policy or a president “stupid.” Too harsh, they say, disrespectful. Merriam Webster offers a definition of stupid as “given to unintelligent decisions or acts:acting in an unintelligent or careless manner; marked by or resulting from unreasoned thinking or acting.” Based on that definition, it’s not being disrespectful, but rather truthful.
Case in point: Congress passes a $1.5 TRILLION spending bill and the Speaker of the House says its not inflationary. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) actually had the audacity to tell the news media: “The government spending is doing the exact reverse, reducing the national debt. It is not inflationary.” And the news media, and probably most Democrats, believed her. Now let’s think about this a moment. If your bank account was in the red and you went out and bought a bunch of things that you really didn’t need, do you think your spouse would buy into the idea that your spending was going to reduce your debt? Is this “unreasoned thinking or acting”? Sure it is. In old farm boy terms, it’s stupid. Read More
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022: What's in It, What's Not
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022:
What's in It, What's Not
Congress approved the massive FY 2022 $1.5 trillion omnibus spending package that also includes $13.6 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine on Thursday, March 11, 2022. The legislation moved at the congressional version of warp speed, passing the House late Wednesday, less than a day after it was introduced, and clearing the Senate 24 hours later. The 2,741-page bill was signed by President Biden on March 15.
The House conducted two separate votes late Wednesday, approving the military spending portion by a vote of 361-69 and, a few minutes later, approving the non-defense part by a vote of 260-171. The Senate passed the bill in bipartisan fashion, 68-31.34
13.6 Billion in Aid to Ukraine
The budget delivers nearly $14 billion in emergency humanitarian and military funding to help address the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and shore up the country’s defense against Russia. The Biden Administration originally requested $10 billion but bipartisan support and pleas for additional help from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski, resulted in a $3.6 billion increase.8
The 2022 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill provides $234.2 billion for both discretionary and mandatory programs. Following up on 2021's bipartisan infrastructure bill investment of $65 billion in broadband access, this year's budget adds $4 billion to that total. (Investopedia) Read more
- We pray Lord for wisdom for our elected officials in dealing with the budget, taxes, spending, debt, and “community projects” that impact all Americans. We pray for clarity, wisdom and unity for the nation when it comes to being good stewards of the gifts given through God. For we know everything in the earth and in the heaven are His. Let us be good stewards of His creation. Amen.
- “The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.” (Psalm 24:1-2)
Signs & Wonders
Lithium mining may be putting some flamingos in Chile at risk
The quest to produce “greener” batteries may take a toll on biodiversity in some regions.
Flamingos may be a kind of canary in the coal mine when it comes to warning of a hidden cost of green technologies. Lithium mining appears to be a major threat to the iconic pink birds that rely on ecologically fragile salt flats bordering the high Andes Mountains. Mining of the metal and climate change together are causing the decline of two flamingo species found only on Andean plateaus, researchers report March 9 in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Lithium, used in lightweight, rechargeable batteries for electric cars, smartphones and other items, is expected to play a major role in helping fight climate change. Within the next decade or so, global demand for the metal is estimated to quadruple (SN: 5/7/19). The new finding highlights that the quest for lithium is not without drawbacks, fitting into a growing body of research revealing lithium mining’s adverse impacts on ecosystems.
One of the world’s richest deposits of lithium spans parts of Chile, Bolivia and Argentina, an area sometimes referred to as the “lithium triangle.” The region is also home to the Atacama Desert plateau, one of the driest places on Earth, and hosts a series of shallow, salt flat lake ecosystems that depend on the limited water supply. These ecologically sensitive “salares” nourish cyanobacteria and diatom algae, which in turn are eaten by three types of flamingos, half of the world’s flamingo species. Read More
The Good News Corner
Hungary elects a Bible-believing Christian woman as president – with a passion for supporting family values
Katalin Novák, Hungary's family minister until 2021, was elected president with a resounding 137 votes in the first round of the March 10 presidential election, giving her the needed two-thirds majority while her opponent, economist and lawyer Péter Rónai, received just 51 votes.
Novák has an impressive resume. . . the mother of three is particularly known for her strong pro-family policies which are a top priority of Novák’s. The Hungarian government has implemented a range of financial incentives to correct long-declining birth rates and declining populations.
Perhaps the most noteworthy reform Hungary has enacted is a life-long income-tax exemption for mothers who have given birth to at least four children. Large families – households with at least three children – also receive several benefits including an interest-free mortgage of approximately $51,000 and a subsidy of $33,000 to purchase a larger home.
In addition, the government helps large families purchase vehicles and pays maternity allowance to grandparents who care for children.
According to Novák, the government’s family support policies have born good fruit: The number of marriages has doubled in 10 years – the highest rate in Europe – and divorce is at its lowest rate in 60 years. Abortions have decreased by 41% and the birth rate has increased by 25% in 10 years. (All Israel News) Read more here.
- Lord, we PRAISE you for President-Elect Katalin Novak! Bless her because of her faith and guide her as she leads the nation of Hungary. May she align her nation according to Your holy will. Amen.
- "I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done." (Psalm 9:1)
Nightly Prayer to HOLD THE LINE... and Today's Prophetic Words
We invite you to join a NIGHTLY prayer call with Rick Warzywak, Prayer leader for Transform Michigan. The call is focused on prayer over the Presidential election results and is EVERY NIGHT from 9-10pm EST.
"Daily Brief Newsletter Emails - Making Sure You Receive Them"
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