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On Watch in Washington / The Informer

May 4, 2016 
Marvin Olasky is this month's special guest. We will focus on prayer for truth in the media. Many of you may know, Marvin as the Editor for World Magazine and a popular commentator on current events from a biblical worldview.

David Kubal, President and CEO of Intercessors for America, will be broadcasting from the Israeli Embassy.
 
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance which will be observed on Thursday, May 5, 2016, inviting people of all faiths to pray for our nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Since its inception, this day has continually united Americans from all socio-economic, political, and ethnic backgrounds in prayer while also encouraging personal repentance and righteousness in the culture. The National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans and is a day that transcends differences, bringing together citizens to celebrate our most beloved freedom; the freedom to humbly come before God and seek His guidance in prayer.

Mrs. Shirley Dobson serves as the Chairman and Dr. Tony Evans serves as the Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. The Theme for 2016 is Wake Up America and is based on Isaiah 58:1. <Click here for more information on this year's National Day of Prayer.>  
  
 
There's an old saying that many seem to have forgotten. But truer words were never spoken: "As the family goes, so goes the nation." America's families are fractured like never before, and our country is breaking apart at the seams as a result. While the Scriptures don't necessarily give specific policy prescriptions for every issue we face, they do provide very specific principles for how to live as both as free people and decent human beings. And these principles for nourishing human interaction apply to each member of the family. God himself created marriage, and the Bible is filled with stories about what makes families thrive and what pits members against each other. If everyone were to perfectly follow the principles given throughout the New Testament, our country would be a slice of "Heaven on Earth" and our homes would only be filled with bliss.

Each generation faces its own spiritual battles, and alert Christians are aware that the family unit in the U.S. is under assault more directly and with ferocious evil intent than at any time in our history. Every parent knows it is true. Read the final paragraph of this essay again, and where you need to shore up family relationships, follow God's leading to fight with spiritual weapons for those you love.

      
"And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, 'Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.'" (Neh. 4:1) 
 
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In the six months that have passed since then-retiring House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell cut a budget deal with President Barack Obama that suspended the legal limit on the federal debt until March 15, 2017, the federal debt has increased by more than $1 trillion. The Senate passed "The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015" with a vote held in the early morning hours of Friday, Oct. 30. Obama signed it on Monday, Nov. 2.

When we hear "billions" and "trillions," most of us have no frame of reference in which to understand what the numbers signify. We do comprehend three things: 1) our national debt is out of control; 2) our elected leaders have no working plan to stem the tide of more indebtedness; and 3) financial ruin occurs when a nation can no longer borrow, and the U.S. is very close. With that, we need to pray.

"A good name is more desirable than great riches... better than silver or gold.... The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." (Prov. 22:1, 7)
 


Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam on Wednesday signed a bill into law that allows therapists and counselors with "sincerely held principles" to reject gay, lesbian, transgender and other clients. "Although Senate Bill 1556 has received attention for its perceived focus, my job is to look at the actual substance of the legislation," said Haslam, a Republican in his second term. In a written statement to the media, he said two of his concerns had been addressed by this most recent version of the bill, which passed the state Senate on April 6. The first requires therapists and counselors to treat people who are an imminent danger to themselves or others. The second mandates the mental health professional arrange a referral to another counselor or therapist.

Whether the skirmish is over a wedding venue or a therapist's intellectual property (training and skills), these battles will continue as the LGBT community demands recognition and acceptance into mainstream culture. This is why Tennessee and other states are passing legislation to protect the freedom to decline services. Christians should pray for truth to prevail, while treating all with respect.

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." (Eph. 4:31-32)
 
 
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