June 24, 2015 - If My People - On Watch in Washington

U.S. SUPREME COURT BLOCKBUSTER RULINGS

Tensions are building inside and outside the white marble facade of the U.S. Supreme Court building as the nine justices prepare to issue major rulings on gay marriage and President Barack Obama's healthcare law by the end of the month.

Of the 11 cases left to decide, the biggest are a challenge by gay couples to state laws banning same-sex marriage and a conservative challenge to subsidies provided under the Obamacare law to help low- and middle-income people buy health insurance that could lead to millions of people losing medical coverage.

Urgent Prayer Focus: We have been citing this need for urgent, prevailing intercession for many weeks. All intercessors who connect with this midweek Alert, know the issues and what is at stake. In the natural, the odds are high against a proper decision. But God does miracles, and America needs God's mercy! Pray with recognition of Proverbs 21 and Isaiah 64.

"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." (Prov. 21:1-3)

"Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence ... To make Your name known to Your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Your presence! You meet him who rejoices and does righteousness, who remembers You in Your ways. You are indeed angry, for we [as a nation] have sinned ... In these ways we continue; and we need to be saved." (Isa. 64:1-2, 5)

U.S. CONCERNED ABOUT LOSING GREECE TO MOSCOW

Throughout the prolonged showdown between Greece and its creditors, the Obama administration has largely sat on the sidelines, issuing the occasional warning about the potential economic impact of a default.

But with Greece now on the verge of bankruptcy, the US is also beginning to worry about the political fallout from a deeper crisis and the potential for Russia to gain increased influence over a NATO member.

As Washington tries to maintain a united western front in support of sanctions on Russia over Ukraine, a Greek default could provide Moscow an opportunity to sow new divisions among America's European allies.

Prayer focus: The saying is, "Politics makes strange bedfellows," and Greece's situation is complex and critical. IFA's calling is to pray, not to discuss international crises. But in the geopolitical tug-of-war over Greece's possible bankruptcy, keep in mind as you pray America's own "dark secret" rarely mentioned in current headlines, which is our $18 trillion national debt. How close is America to a fiscal crisis if our creditors were to demand more than paper money or promises?

"The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, and the rod of his anger will fail." (Prov. 22:7-8)

On Sunday, June 28, 2015, a growing number of faithful Christians will be on their knees across America, praying for our nation. To join this movement, visit Call2Fall.com and click "I'm in." When you do, you will see your first name and state pop up on the front page of the website.

Please watch the short video about the first prayer in the Continental Congress. Many of our Founding Fathers were moved to tears and to greater dependence on God as they faced grave uncertainty on the eve of war with Great Britain. May we, too, humble ourselves in prayer before God in this pivotal year for our nation!

Forward the video to your pastor and ask if your church could set aside a few minutes in your June28^th worship services to pray for our nation. There are many church-friendly tools and resources like this brief video on our website, that can help your church have a meaningful Call2Fall.

U.S. TO PROVIDE WEAPONS, AIRCRAFT FOR NATO

The U.S. will contribute weapons, aircraft and forces, including commandos, for NATO's rapid reaction force, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Monday, to help Europe defend against security threats, including Russia from the east and violent extremists from the south.

Under the plan, the U.S. will contribute intelligence and surveillance capabilities, special operations forces, logistics, transport aircraft, and a range of weapons support that could include bombers, fighters and ship-based missiles. It would not provide a large ground force.

Carter announced the new details about the U.S. contribution after meeting with defense ministers from Germany, Norway and the Netherlands. Those countries had agreed to provide the initial troops for the so-called very high readiness task force, which was announced last year at the NATO summit in Wales. The U.S. had pledged to support the task force, but NATO has been waiting to hear specifically what America was willing to provide.

For prayer: Although NATO's active defense needs have long been dormant, the U.S. has new concerns with Russia's emerging aggression under Prime Minister Putin. At the same time, Congress is debating our next budget and how much money is to be allocated to maintain military strength. Ask for both wisdom and restraint for President Obama and for Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter as he meets with heads of state. Overall, pray for a national turning to God as we invoke His mercy.

"Arise, O Lord, do not let man prevail; let the nations be judged in Your sight. Put them in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be butmen."
(Ps. 9:19-20)

Cultivating my heart for revival 2:05

WHEN FAITH PREVAILS

As we look around the world, there is an abundance of evil emerging, as though it believes it has a green light to wreak havoc. And yet, in the midst of an incomprehensible horror unleashed in a place of worship here at home, we're also seeing faith prevail in so many ways.

Wednesday night of last week thrust on us an atrocity which can never be fully comprehended. The calculated, cold-blooded murder of nine people in Bible study at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina shook this nation to her core.

For prayer and praise: As Christians across America pray for healing and restoration for the grieving families of those killed in last week's hate-filled shooting spree, let us also give God thanks for the spiritual witness that continues to come forth from Charleston's Christian community. The most powerful expression has been in the reported words of forgiveness and prayers for the killer. Such expressions come from those exhibiting God's loving heart.

"Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." (Ps. 126:5-6)

"'But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you." (Luke 6:27-28)

OBAMA RENEGES ON SEQUESTRATION PROMISES

Four years after agreeing to "sequestration" budget cuts, the White House has emphatically told Congress that President Obama will no longer abide by them and will use his veto to insist that lawmakers boost spending on defense and domestic programs alike.

In letters to the Republican chairmen of the House and Senate spending committees, Office of Management and Budget Director Shaun Donovan said sequestration "was never intended to take effect" and that it was time to officially end the budget tool, which has brought deficits under control at the expense of deep cuts to many programs.

Mr. Obama has threatened to veto every single spending bill that is working through Congress.

Pray for President Obama, who displays a consistent aversion for telling the truth. This is an observation, not a judgment. IFA maintains a respectful attitude toward the president, both the man and the Office. However, this character defect reflects deep spiritual needs. Last November, Americans elected what they thought were conservative majorities in both House and Senate. Pray for courage in the Congress to restore constitutional balance and thus prevent constant vetoes.

"These six things the Lord hates, yes seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren." (Prov. 6:16-19)

"Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably." (Heb. 13:18)