Today’s News at a Glance:

1. A new pro-life bill puts its money where its mouth is.

2. The Biden administration tries to school tech giants, but can lawmakers keep up with these companies?

3. Under intense persecution, the church in Taiwan is thriving.

Thanks for joining us this Tuesday for PrayNews. In a dark and chaotic world, we are hoping to shed a bit of light. We pray today’s news leaves you informed and transformed, ready to tackle today with hope and courage that the Kingdom of God can’t be thwarted.

“For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

Dear Heavenly Father,

We acknowledge that we are in a constant spiritual battle. Our enemies are not our fellow people, but the forces of darkness and ideologies that seek to pull us away from Your light, love, and truth. We pray for Your protection as we navigate this battleground. Clothe us in Your full armor and help us to recognize the true nature of our struggle and to stand firm in faith against all forms of evil. Guide us in using Your Word as a weapon against the deceptions and manipulations of the enemy. We ask that You strengthen us for this spiritual warfare, not by our power, but by Yours. Through Your Holy Spirit, give us discernment to see beyond the surface, wisdom to choose rightly, and courage to fight the good fight of faith. In the name of Jesus, who has overcome the world, we pray. Amen.

Smaller Bites

Here’s today’s news: cut short and sweet with a prayer…

1. Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is: Tax Credit Bill for Unborn Children

Republicans, led by Rep. Ashley Hinson, are pushing for a broad expansion of the child tax credit to include unborn children through the 'Providing For Life Act'. The proposed legislation includes extending the refundable child tax credit to up to $4,500 depending on the child's age, with employed parents eligible to claim. The package also proposes options for paid parental leave using Social Security funds and enhanced benefits for new mothers. Amid tension over abortion access, this bill seeks to bolster support for expecting parents, aiming to foster a culture that values every life.

Prayer request: Dear Lord, we pray for our legislators. Grant them the wisdom to craft laws that uphold the sanctity of life and provide necessary support to families. Help those mothers who face challenging pregnancy circumstances. Empower us to seek solutions and provide aid to any pregnant woman who feels lost and without options. Amen.

2.Reigning in AI Development: Biden Assigns Tech Companies Homework

Seven major AI corporations, including Microsoft, Google, Meta, and OpenAI, have pledged to uphold a series of safeguards requested by the White House, underlining the principles of safety, security, and trust in the development of artificial intelligence. The Biden administration is pushing for responsible AI development that contributes positively to society while preserving public safety and democratic values. The tech giants have agreed to eight measures, which involve independent checks for potential malpractices, an investment in cybersecurity, and clear labeling of AI-generated content, among others. However, the voluntary nature of the agreement underlines the difficulty lawmakers face in keeping up with the rapid pace of AI development and generating timely, effective regulation.

Prayer request: Lord, we pray for the leaders of these powerful AI companies and our lawmakers, that they may be granted wisdom and discernment as they navigate the complex challenges of artificial intelligence. We ask for their commitment to safety, security, and trust to be genuine and lasting and for their innovations to be used for the benefit of all. We also pray for society as a whole, that we might understand and adapt to these technological changes with grace and patience. Amen.

3. Revival Under Pressure: Unprecedented Prayer Movement in Taiwan

As geopolitical tensions escalate between China and Taiwan, the Christian community in Taiwan is responding with an unprecedented prayer movement. More than 16,000 revival prayer groups have emerged across Taiwan, offering prayers for revival, unity, repentance, and protection amid increasing threats from Beijing. This faith movement, sparked by a prophetic warning from a former missionary, Don Young, involves small groups praying around the clock for Taiwan and aims to eventually consist of 300,000 groups. Impressively, this prayer initiative extends beyond Taiwan, incorporating members of China's underground church, aiming to impact China through united prayer.

Prayer request: Heavenly Father, we lift up Taiwan and its people, as well as the entire region, in prayer. We ask for Your divine intervention to bring peace and resolution amid the escalating tensions. Strengthen the faith of Your church there and multiply their efforts to seek Your wisdom and protection. May this spirit of unity and fervent prayer spill over the borders and touch all hearts involved, fostering a greater sense of understanding and empathy. In Your mighty name, we pray. Amen.

Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is:
Tax Credit Bill for Unborn Children

Republicans are advocating for an extensive child tax credit expansion encompassing unborn children. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, spearheads a collection of bills in the House named the ‘Providing For Life Act’. This legislation represents a concerted effort to revamp the federal government’s family care system. Hinson outlined that her legislation strives to establish a "policy course for a culture of life in America."

The core element of the proposal involves extending the refundable child tax credit to include a $3,500 cap for children under 5, and $4,500 for ages 6-17. Crucially, parents would have to be employed to qualify for the credit under the GOP bill. It also proposes a retroactive tax credit extension to unborn children, allowing parents to claim the credit in the previous year of pregnancy.

This move comes as a response to the Democrat-led efforts to make a work requirement-free expanded child tax credit permanent, a measure popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, which failed. Currently, the credit stands at up to $2,000 per dependent.

The bill package incorporates other significant measures, including an option for parents to use their Social Security to fund up to three months of paid parental leave. It also includes enhanced benefits for new mothers and incentives for states to establish guidelines on fathers contributing to pregnancy costs.

This legislation comes amid ongoing political tension over abortion access following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Hinson’s bill aims to provide additional support for expecting parents with programs on college campuses and at pregnancy resource centers.

Sen. Marco Rubio recently introduced a Senate counterpart to the package. Rubio stated that it offers "real assistance" for children and families, arguing that supporting pregnant mothers and their unborn children is crucial for America's future strength.

The proposal to extend child tax credits to unborn babies underscores a deep-rooted belief in the sanctity of life. Scripture reminds us that children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). This legislative proposal, aiming to support children from conception, can be seen as a move towards a society that values every life.

This is a good example of putting your money where your mouth is. If pro-life movements are going to succeed, they must include more support for women who feel like they can’t afford to bring a child into the world. To be truly pro-life, we must be pro-mother, and this bill, if passed, would be a huge step in that direction. Not every woman has a good support system around her, and she may feel like abortion is her only option. We, the Christian community, and pro-life lawmakers can band together to make these future-mothers feel supported and cared for.

We encourage our readers to pray for wisdom for our lawmakers so that they might craft legislation that respects life and supports families, particularly those most in need. We also invite prayers for those who find themselves in difficult pregnancy situations that they might receive the support and care they need.

In the spirit of Christ's teaching, let us continue to champion love, understanding, and support for all families, recognizing the inherent dignity of every life.

Reigning in AI Development:
Biden Assigns Tech Companies Homework

Seven AI industry bigwigs, including Microsoft, Google, Meta, and OpenAI, have raised their virtual hands and solemnly sworn to adhere to a certain set of safeguards for their technology at the White House's request. So, yes, it's a bit like a school assignment, with Biden at the front of the class setting some ground rules for these technology prodigies.

The Biden administration is making a concerted effort to ensure that these tech firms apply their AI know-how to benefit society without disturbing public safety, rights, or democratic values. It's a bit like telling someone, "Sure, you can juggle those chainsaws, just don't cut anything important."

The tech firms have agreed to eight measures focused on safety, security, and social responsibility. These include letting independent experts test models for "bad behavior" (which probably doesn't include making rude comments on social media, but one can always hope), investing in cybersecurity, and watermarking AI-generated content. The last one is especially handy for Drake fans out there.

"These commitments, which the companies have chosen to undertake immediately, underscore three principles that must be fundamental to the future of AI — safety, security, and trust — and mark a critical step toward developing responsible AI," read a White House statement, missing an opportunity to quote Spiderman's "With great power comes great responsibility."

The voluntary nature of this agreement underscores the challenge lawmakers face in keeping up with the fast-paced world of AI. It's like trying to catch a rabbit on a turbo-charged bicycle; it's tricky but not impossible. Several bills have been introduced in Congress to regulate AI, which is a comforting thought until you remember that legislation and tech innovations have a habit of moving at very different speeds. If lawmakers want to regulate AI credibly, they need to keep up. So far, they haven’t shown the capacity to do so.

In Proverbs 4:6-7, we read, "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." This ancient wisdom still rings true today as we navigate the rapidly changing landscape of AI technology.

These AI titans have been gifted with the ability to create incredible technology that, if used wisely, can truly serve the common good. As Christians, we must pray for discernment for these companies as they develop AI that can potentially reshape our world. Wisdom and understanding, matched with a commitment to safety, security, and trust, are key ingredients to ensure that AI technology benefits all of humanity.

Many have expressed skepticism and fear about the surging power of AI. At Pray.com, we believe technological innovation can be leveraged for the Kingdom of God. To quote Pray.com’s Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, Ryan Beck, “Good people with good tools do great things.” This has been true throughout history and is true today with the emerging capabilities of AI.

So, let's keep the tech wizards and policymakers in our prayers, so that they may continue to juggle their technological chainsaws with wisdom and caution. And let's also pray that those chainsaws turn out to be more beneficial than dangerous.

Revival Under Pressure:
Unprecedented Prayer Movement in Taiwan

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, Taiwan is witnessing a faith-filled response from its Christian population. Over 16,000 revival prayer groups have blossomed across the island nation as a means of facing down Beijing's increasing threats, a report from CBN News revealed.

"Tensions are peaking. Beijing's belligerence is once again making Taipei jittery," WION News reported. Recently, China's military released a video illustrating simulated attacks on Taiwan, ramping up the pressure on the island that faces almost daily military harassment from the mainland. Meanwhile, Taiwan is escalating its military preparedness with new U.S. weapons.

"To be clear, we do not seek conflict or confrontation, but we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion," U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin assured. Amid these mounting pressures, Taiwan's Christian community is intensifying its efforts to pray for revival, unity, repentance, and protection over its homeland.

Pastor Brian Lu of Shekinah House of Bread of Life in Taipei, speaking to CBN News, said, "The united prayers and fasting prayers of the churches in Taiwan are much more than ever before. It's an unprecedented prayer movement." People across the island are gathering day and night to pray.

Gordon Huang, a prominent church leader, echoes this sentiment: "I believe something so simple is starting to have such a huge impact upon people in the church and also the people around the church."

In May 2021, Don Young, a former missionary, felt called by the Lord to convey a warning of coming shake-ups. His message sparked the Revival Prayer Group (RPG) movement, which consists of small groups of people praying around the clock for Taiwan. Pastor Lu said, "Because RPG has two or three people in a group, so if one day a war happens and there are no physical buildings that people can meet in, we can still pray in small groups so the church will not be affected."

This movement is not confined to Taiwan, with members of China's underground church also participating. The goal is to have 300,000 RPG groups praying, according to Peter Yang, who leads the Taiwan Christian Alliance.

He said, "What's happening today is so rare... It's amazing, it's clearly God's doing. Unity will be the legacy of this movement."

Yang added, "We want to have 300,000 RPG groups where we also unite with churches in China, coming together, all the leaders and members, on both sides, so we can pray with the goal of impacting China as well."

As Christians, we are reminded in Ephesians 6:12 that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age." The prayer movement in Taiwan is a testament to this Biblical truth, as believers gather to seek divine intervention amid geopolitical conflicts. Prayer is a powerful instrument for change and a testament of faith in the omnipotence of God. As Taiwan's Christians turn to prayer in the face of impending crisis, they echo the actions of the early church, choosing faith over fear and unity over division. Prayer is what released Peter out of prison and broke the shackles of Paul and Silas in acts. Prayer is what preceded the coming of God’s Spirit at Pentacost, and we believe prayer is what will bring about revival in this generation.

It is encouraging to see the power of prayer and unity transcending geopolitical borders, bridging the gap between Taiwanese and Chinese believers. We invite our readers to join in prayer for Taiwan and for peace and wisdom to prevail in this tense situation. May we remember that, in Christ, we find true peace and the ability to stand together, even in the face of daunting adversity.

Disclaimer: These articles are based on available information as of the publication date. Please follow our publication for future updates and developments regarding this ongoing story.

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