CHPP Daily Brief July 25, 2008

In This Issue
· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· Iran in the News
· Pray for the Persecuted Church
· "Honor Killings" in America

Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net

The Daily Brief Friday, July 25, 2008

"For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace." (I Corin. 14:33)

SPECIAL NOTICE:
The Daily Brief will not be published all next week: Tuesday, July 29 - Friday, August 1, 2008. We will resume publication of this bulletin on Tuesday, August 5.

Our other publication, "On Capitol Hill This Week," (the "OCAP") will be published this Monday, July 28. After that, both the Senate and the House will go into its summer recess period, so the "OCAP" will also go into recess until Congress returns in September.


The Daily Brief

1. Paulson Directs Push To Support Fannie, Freddie - The Wall Street Journal

Congress has moved quickly to address the perilous state of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for one big reason: the shuttle diplomacy of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. "I think that his explanations and justifications for the actions that he's proposed went a long way, at least with me, and I think with many others up here, to help lay the predicate for why this step needs to be taken," said Sen. Mike Crapo (R., Idaho), a member of the Senate Banking Committee. The plan, which has been wrapped up with a broader housing bill, would temporarily allow the Treasury to extend an unspecified credit line to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It would also allow the government to buy equity in either company. Mr. Paulson says Treasury has no intention of using the authority, which is designed primarily to help calm markets.

· Lord, we commit our finances to You. Teach us how to live free from the burden of debt. Bring restoration and give guidance to increase finances. Lead us with wisdom in planning for the future.

· "And seek not ye what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Luke 12:29_31)

2. House Passes Bipartisan Housing Legislation - Washington Post

The White House announced that Bush would sign the measure, Washington's most ambitious response to a housing crisis that has pushed more than 1.5 million families into foreclosure and shattered investors' confidence in some of the nation's largest financial institutions. Although Bush continues to oppose a provision that offers $3.9 billion to communities devastated by foreclosures, he rescinded a veto threat after Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr. persuaded him that the overall measure was urgently needed to stabilize the housing and credit markets, said White House press secretary Dana Perino. "This is not the time for a prolonged veto fight, although we're confident that the president would prevail in one," Perino told reporters. "But with Congress scheduled to leave soon for yet another recess, the risk of not having a bill until the middle of September is not a risk worth taking in the current environment."

· Lord, bring us to a place of wisdom and discernment. Open our eyes to see clearly the consequences of our decsions. Remove greed and corruption from our financial institutions.

· "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels. " (Prov. 1:5)

3. Commerce Secretary Announces Successes Of Free Trade Agreements - Bureau of National AffairsU.S. free trade agreements with 14 trading partners have resulted in swinging a trade deficit in manufactured goods to a trade surplus with those countries, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez announced July 23. The U.S. trade balance in manufactured goods improved with all its FTA partners year-to-date through May 2008 . . when compared to the same period in 2007, Commerce said in a fact sheet. Prior to the implementation of the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), the United States had a trade deficit of $1.2 billion in manufactured goods with five out of the six CAFTA-DR countries (Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras, Guatemala). In 2007, after implementation, the U.S. trade balance in manufactured goods improved markedly to a $2.8 billion surplus."These figures show that our FTAs are succeeding and that Americans benefit from open markets," Gutierrez said.

· Thank You, Lord for this good report. We ask blessings over our ability to trade our products. Bring profit to our labor and balance our trade to a healthy market.

· "And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it." ( Ps. 90:17)

4. Oil Survey Says Arctic Has Riches - The New York Times

U.S. Geological Survey Reports That As Much As 30 Billion Barrels Of Oil Could Be Found Off The Alaskan CoastThe Arctic may contain as much as a fifth of the world's yet to-be-discovered oil and natural gas reserves, the United States Geological Survey said Wednesday as it unveiled the largest-ever survey of petroleum resources north of the Arctic Circle. "For a variety of reasons, the possibility of oil and gas exploration in the Arctic has become much less hypothetical than it once was," Donald L. Gautier, the chief geologist for the survey, said during a news conference Wednesday. A third of the yet-to- be discovered oil, or about 30 billion barrels, is off the coast of Alaska.

· Lord, we praise You for this abundant resource. Help us to be good stewards of Your blessings. Forgive us for being a wasteful people. The earth is Yours and all that is in it. Help us to use these blessing wisely.

· "Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his protion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God." ( Eccl. 5:19)

5. Pentagon Considering Ways To Speed Additional Forces To Afghanistan - USA Today

Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said officials were studying ways to speed more forces to Afghanistan. The planners' recommendations will be sent to Defense Secretary Robert Gates in "the next few days," the official said. "Commanders want to take advantage of this fighting season and would like more troops to do so," Morrell said. "The window of opportunity is closing quickly." Pentagon leaders, such as Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, have said they want to send three brigades of troops to Afghanistan. Two would be fighting brigades and one would be for training.

· Father, we seek Your face to bless our military. Give wisdom and power to accomplish victory over those who oppose freedom. May this window of opportunity be met with power to gain victory in every mission.

· "He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves." (Ps.66:7)

The Middle East in Focus
The Middle East in Focus This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE: "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of My lips." (Psalm 89:34)

1. Israel seeks input on U.S. Iran report - Ha'aretz

The United States is preparing a new intelligence report on Iran's nuclear program, which is to be published in November. The Americans now believe Iran is trying to produce a nuclear weapon, says an Israeli government source, contrary to their recent intelligence assessment that Iran had halted its military nuclear effort in 2003.

2. All options against Iran must be prepared: Israel army chief - AFP

The Israeli army chief of staff has said in Washington that all options must be prepared to counter Iran's controversial nuclear program, in remarks relayed on Thursday.

3. Israeli intelligence: Iran will wait for Bush exit - World Tribune

The Israeli intelligence community has reported its conclusion that Iran has decided to maintain restraint until the departure of U.S. President George Bush and that its allies hope for the election of Sen. Barack Obama.

4. Israel's Debate Over an Iran Strike - Time

Despite President Bush's insistence that the military option remains "on the table" for dealing with Iran's nuclear program, Israeli officials have recognized that a U.S. air strike on Iranian nuclear sites is increasingly unlikely in the waning days of the Bush Administration.

5. Obama to PM: Talks with Iran necessary to legitimize action - Ha'aretz

Near the close of his visit to Israel on Wednesday, Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama met with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. A major topic of their long conversation was Obama's declared willingness to engage in direct dialogue with Tehran.

Iran in the News

For all the headlines below, we thank God for the promise of His Word: ". . . thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee." (Isaiah 54:14)

1. Iran ends cooperation with IAEA probe - Jerusalem Post

Iran on Thursday signaled it would no longer cooperate with International Atomic Energy Agency experts investigating for signs of nuclear weapons programs, confirming that the probe - launched a year ago with great expectations - was at a dead end.

Pray for the Persecuted Church
Prayers for the Persecuted Church This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE: "Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me." (Psalm 32:1)

1. Eritrea: Christian Woman in Prison Dies of Malaria - Worthy News

Imprisoned and tortured for her Christian faith since December, 37-year-old Azib Simon died of malaria in Eritrea's Wi'a Military Training Center last week.

2. Belarus Fined Christian For Bible Study Group - Worthy News

A Christian in Belarus has been fined the equivalent of nine months minimum wage salary for attempting to organise an informal Bible study and discussion group, Christian rights investigators said Wednesday, July 23.

3. Iran: Tortured Christian Flees - Worthy News

Days after his release from a month of interrogations and severe torture under secret police custody, Iranian Christian Mohsen Namvar has fled across the border into Turkey with his family.

4. China House Church Leader "Homeless" After Meeting US Congress Delegation - Worthy News

One of China's most respected house church leaders remained homeless Sunday, July 20, with his wife after authorities expelled them from their home in the Chinese capital Beijing for meeting an American Congressional delegation, officials and a rights group said.

"Honor Killings" in America

Growing Number of Honor Killings By Muslims In U.S. Justified As Cultural Not Religious
Another attempted honor killing by a Muslim against a female Muslim teen has taken place--this time in upstate New York. Prosecutors say that 22 year old Waheed Allah Mohammed tried to stab to death his 19 year old sister, Fauzia on May 8th in front of their family home. Mohammed appeared in court July 18th on charges of attempted second degree murder and first degree assault. Court documents say that Mohammed wanted to kill his sister because she was going to clubs, was wearing immodest clothing, was a "bad Muslim girl," and had disgraced her family.
This is the second such honor killing case in upstate New York.

Four years ago Ismail Peltek stabbed and beat his wife to death because she had been sexually assaulted by a relative. He also tried to kill his two daughters because the one also had been assaulted by the relative and the other was "sullied" by a medical exam. Peltek was allowed to plead not guilty by reason of mental disease and is being held in a psychiatric center. These cases join what seems to be a growing number of attempted and successful "Honor Killings" conducted by Muslims in the United States. Most certainly, Americans and American courts would think these men are crazy, but it doesn't excuse this violent custom against women.

Whether it is Georgia or Dallas or New York, the story is always the same. A Muslim woman faces death because she either wanted to embrace American culture or she was the victim of sexual abuse--quite often assaulted by another Muslim. And the story in the news media is always the same. The reporters make careful note that honor killing is not an Islamic law, but rather a "cultural" occurrence originating in some Muslim countries. In the New York case, reporters quoted a retired Muslim professor saying that there is nothing in Islam that talks about honor killing, but that it has been practiced culturally in Islamic countries for over 1,000 years.

Whether it is practiced in Islamic countries or not, it is part of Islam because it is an accepted practice and the only ones doing it in America are Muslims. In fact, according to the United Nations Population Fund, some 5,000 women are killed each year in Muslim countries for allegedly disgracing their families--many are rape victims or rejected arranged marriages. Quite often the Koran is quoted before these women are tortured and killed. If these people truly worshiped the God of Abraham, they would follow his principles established in Leviticus 19:18, "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord."

Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry www.dailyjot.com

CHPP Daily Brief July 24, 2008

In This Issue
· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· 3rd Circuit Court: Not Protecting our Kids
· One Year Ago . . .
· More on that Birth Certificate . . .
· Lou Engle Conference Call Tonight


Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net

The Daily Brief Thursday, July 24, 2008

"For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace ." (I Corin. 14:33)


The Daily Brief

1. Obama says he would not hesitate to overrule American commanders - Intenational Herald tribune

Senator Barack Obama said Tuesday, that there was "no doubt security has improved in Iraq," but that he would not hesitate to overrule American commanders, and redirect forces to fight what he called "a perilous and urgent" battle against terrorism in Afghanistan. "My job as a candidate for president, and a potential commander in chief, extends beyond Iraq," Obama told reporters in Jordan after finishing a three-day tour of Iraq and Afghanistan.

· Lord, we pray that the decision-making process of both candidates be rooted in You rather than their own opinions. We bind the mind that tosses to and fro over the issues, and pray for true faith, Godly wisdom and keen insight.

·"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)

2. Rice To Press North Korean Envoy On Nukes - Washington Times and White House Morning Update

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, held talks with Asian officials here Wednesday , before meeting North Korea's top diplomat in what will be the Bush administration's highest-level contact with the Stalinist State in four years. Amid promising developments in the international effort to get the North to abandon nuclear weapons, Rice is hoping to gauge the North's commitment to the process when she sees North Korean Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun on the sidelines of an Asian security forum in Singapore.Pyongyang has been given a four-page draft document detailing what the United States says it must do to prove it has told the truth about its past atomic programs, a key element in the six-nation de-nuclearization initiative. 'It will give some indication of the amount of effort the North Koreans have put into the completing this verification protocol,' chief U.S. negotiator Christopher Hill said Tuesday. The draft calls for intrusive inspections of North Korean nuclear facilities, soil sampling and interviews with key scientists."

· Great are You Lord, and greatly to be praised! Thank You for keeping many foreign governments from launching their nuclear missiles against us. Please give Ms. Rice and Mr. Hill the stirring to ask You for wisdom as they continue nuclear disarmament talks with North Korea. May they find favor and know that You are the sole reason for their success. For Your glory we pray. Amen.

· "The Lord is righteous; He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked." (Psalm 129: 4 NKJV)

3. Existing Home Sales Tumble 2.6% - AP

Sales of existing homes fell more sharply than expected in June, as the housing industry continued to be bruised by the worst slump in more than two decades.

· Father, again we plead for mercy for the people of America whose homes have fallen in value, and incomes no longer cover the soaring prices of goods. They tell us that the "recovery" will take until next year now, so Father in Jesus' Mighty Name we pray for Your sustaining power.

·"In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears." (Psalm 18:6)

4. Fake Businesses Certified as Eligible for Government Contracts - CNSNews.com

Government investigators created four bogus companies and within weeks, each of the fictional businesses was able to obtain certification from the Small Business Administration, as vendors qualified to obtain federal contracts under the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program, the Government Accountability Office reported on July 17.

· Lord, thank You that these poor administrative practices were revealed. We pray that You will seal up the causes, and that legitimate businesses be the ones granted fair access to government contracts.

· "Justice and judgment are the habitation of Thy throne; mercy and truth shall go before Thy face." (Psalm 89:14)

5 . Germany Confident Ireland Will Approve EU Treaty - UPI

EU rotating president and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, says he's optimistic Ireland will find "a way forward" after a no vote to ratify the Treaty of Lisbon. Irish voters defeated a June 12 referendum to approve the package of EU governance changes. Ireland is the only EU country to put the treaty to a public referendum, analysts say, because the Irish feared giving the European Union more power over its foreign policy and domestic economy. All 27 EU countries need to approve the treaty before it can take effect.The "Treaty of Lisbon," also known as the Reform Treaty, is designed to streamline the workings of the European Union (EU) with amendments to the "Treaty on European Union,"(TEU, Maastricht) and the "Treaty Establishing the European Community" (TEC, Rome), the latter being renamed "Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union" (TFEU.) The stated aim of the Lisbon Treaty is "to complete the process started by the Treaty of Amsterdam and by the Treaty of Nice with a view to enhancing the efficiency and democratic legitimacy of the EU, and to improving the coherence of its action."

· Dear God, You have taught us that we need to have spiritual discernment when dealing with news concerning Rome. Perhaps You have given the Irish this same discernment in their "no vote" to ratify the Lisbon Treaty. May the European Union be a governmental body dedicated to You, and may You protect and use Ireland to bring this about. In Your gracious Name we pray. Amen.

· "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." (Psalm 127: 1 NKJV)

6. International Olympic Committee Bans Iraq from Beijing Games

The International Olympic Committee confirmed its decision to ban Iraq from taking part in the Beijing Olympics because of the government's interference with sports by disbanding the country's National Olympic Committee, Reuters reported.

· Lord, what a sad time for the handful of Iraqi athletes who trained to go to the Olympics! Father we ask that You will visit the leadership of Iraq and bring change to their hearts, and move over the athletes to comfort them. May the government of Iraq stabilize to a true democracy that understands Your ways.

· "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried; He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him." (Psalm 18:30)

7. Iran to Get New Russian Air Defenses by '09 -Israel - Reuters

Iran is set to receive an advanced Russian-made anti-aircraft system by year-end, that could help fend off any preemptive strikes against its nuclear facilities, senior Israeli defense sources said on Wednesday.

· Lord, we pray that according to Your word, You will intervene in the plans of Iran against Israel or the United States. We pray that any shipment of arms will not be completed before the nuclear facilities are destroyed.

· "And it shall come to pass at the same time, when Gog comes against the land of Israel, says the Lord God, that My fury shall show in My face." (Ezekiel 28:18 NKJV)

The Middle East in Focus
The Middle East in Focus This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE: "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of My lips." (Psalm 89:34)

1. 'We must prepare for every Iran option' - Jerusalem Post

While US Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama told Israel during his visit to the country that he would do "everything in his power" to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi seemed to receive the same message from senior American officials during his visit to the Washington, D.C.

2.Obama tells Haaretz: Two states for two peoples - Ha'aretz

If elected, Barack Obama has no intention of wasting time on consolidating an "Obama peace plan." He would rather dive in and promote the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians on the basis of existing American initiatives, associates of the U.S. presidential hopeful said Wednesday during his visit to Israel.

3. Obama visits Sderot, warns of nuclear - Ynet News

Israel should not negotiate with Hamas so long as the Islamist group poses a threat to Israeli citizens, US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said on Wednesday during his visit to the town of Sderot.

4.Obama pledges to coordinate Iran policy with Israel - Ha'aretz

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama pledged to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Wednesday that if elected, he will coordinate his policy on Iran with Israel.

3rd Circuit Court: Not Protecting our Kids

In the last week, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals has become a graveyard of decency regulations. First the judges sided with CBS over the fines imposed after Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction." Then, yesterday, the court struck down the Child Online Protection Act (COPA), which tightly regulates Internet content to ensure that kids aren't exposed to inappropriate material. The justices ruled that the Clinton-era law was unconstitutional censorship. Under COPA, adult websites are ordered to "verify visitors' ages." Those caught posting images or content that's unsuitable for children without some form of "age verification" face up to six months in jail.

Although the battle to maintain some sense of online decency without violating the First Amendment has made its way to the Supreme Court twice before, it looks as if COPA is bound for return trip. The Internet continues to be a playground for sexual predators, yet the courts insist on stripping the government of any authority to regulate it. The Justice Department and the government at large have a substantial interest in protecting our children from exploitation. Laws are already in place so that minors can't legally purchase pornographic magazines in convenience stores. Why shouldn't the same protections hold true on the Internet? (Family Research Council)

One Year Ago . . .
Focus on Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA)

A year ago this week, Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) told a Planned Parenthood audience that the first thing he would do as President is sign into law the mislabeled Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). As a new Insight paper from Vice President of Government Affairs Tom McClusky shows, if FOCA were to become law it would overturn hundreds of state laws that have put limits on abortion. Planned Parenthood, NARAL and other pro-abortion groups agree with Tom's assessment. The ACLU proclaims, "This [FOCA] bill prohibits such restrictions as parental notification and consent, as well as the requirement that all abortions be performed in a hospital, spousal consent, waiting periods."

Recent polls show that most Americans agree there should be more restrictions on abortion and that tax dollars should not go to the life-ending procedure. However, the passage of FOCA would guarantee that more taxpayer dollars pay for abortions. Its sponsors, including Senators Obama, Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), argue that they want to make abortion rarer. However, when FOCA-like legislation was passed in Maryland that state saw its abortion rate skyrocket, just as the national abortion rate was dropping. Passage of FOCA would be a big payoff to the abortion industry at the deadly cost of citizens' rights. (Family Research Council)

More on that Birth Certificate . . .
Don't Allow Websites To Establish Truth - Demand Obama Prove His Citizenship

A good part of what The Daily Jot tries to do is to teach thinking and discernment from a Biblical world view. From time to time there are issues that arise that arouse great passion in people. The birth certificate fabrication of Democratic presidential candidate B. Hussein Obama is one such issue. There have been many people who have written in with thanks and encouragement that this story is being brought to the forefront. Others, however, have passed the story along to their friends and family only to be berated, scoffed at, and ridiculed. The premise is that if the dot- com's--snopes or fact or fiction--say its false, then it must be false.

People, learn to think on your own. All the reasons that these web sites give for debunking the story are the very reasons people like myself and other truth seekers want validation of the Obama birth certificate. People say that it doesn't matter that Obama's mother wasn't a legitimate citizen at the time of his birth; others say that it doesn't matter that the "unnamed forensic expert" was threatened; others say that the entire story is a hoax because Obama was born in Hawaii and, therefore, he is a natural born citizen of the United States and is eligible to run for president.

Think, people, think. If a man running for president knows the Constitutional requirement to become president is natural born citizenship, yet he allows his campaign to release and post a fabricated birth certificate, he is trying to hide something. Now this might be just an oversight by the Obama campaign in the mix of a myriad of events that occur daily in campaigns. But I don't think so. If the requirement for me to hold office is to have natural born citizenship, why wouldn't I readily provide proof of that if someone asked? That's just one part of the equation. The real crux of the matter is where Obama was actually born. If he has to fabricate a Hawaiian birth certificate, can he prove where he was born?

America has never had a presidential candidate whose origin was so mysterious. There are those who say he was actually born in Kenya. There are those who say he was born in Canada. There are those who claim one island in Hawaii. There are those who claim another island in Hawaii. Bottom line, what is wrong with requiring validation of Obama's citizenship?--its required by the Constitution. Proverbs 12:17 says, "He that speaks the truth shows forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit." Someone who intentionally would provide the public a fabrication about his birth would deceive about other things. Think, people, think. Demand truth so there is not a shadow of deceit over your land.

Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry www.dailyjot.com

Lou Engle Conference Call Tonight
Join Lou Engle for a Live Conference Call on July 24th - Information Below

As the persistent, lazy heat and the commotion of summer marches on, our nation finds itself in the midst of a great spiritual battle. Rarely seen in the media and not frequently seen by the eye of flesh, deep below the surface a battle wages over the destiny of our nation. As you read this, ungodly and immoral legislation giving license to homosexual marriage literally rests in the hands of a few judges in the Supreme Court of California. Daily the unborn of our nation are being sacrificed to the "God of convenience." Currently our nation stands in the midst of a whirlwind of confusion over what issues are political and which ones are moral. Truly our nation stands at a pivotal threshold-the hour in which we stand is urgent.

As waves of darkness break against our shores, a concurrent move of the Holy Spirit today is breaking forth from the heart of America. Men and women of different races and backgrounds are joining together to cry out in the place of prayer and fasting for an inbreaking of God's mercy in our nation. In grassroots prayer meetings across America, the Holy Spirit is falling on hungry hearts, igniting wholehearted love for God and releasing the groans of Spirit-infused intercession. God is not through with America.

In less than one month men and women, young and old, from across the nation will gather together on the Mall in Washington, DC to cry out to our merciful God for another great spiritual awakening in our nation. Coming from the most obscure parts of our country, busloads of people will be flocking to our nation's capital and for a prayer meeting! People are booking entire airplanes-not to attend a great sporting event or to see a celebrity rock star-but to join the body of Christ in a corporate bowing of the heart in repentance. Truly, God is doing something in this hour that is beyond our good ideas or ministry plans.

Today, even as you read this, across the nation local radio stations, nationally known news agencies and respected newspapers are filled with a new sound. Piercing through the political jargon of talking heads, God has miraculously opened up massive doors in the media for TheCall to trumpet this new sound in interviews with Fox News, the 700 Club, The Christian Post and the Washington Times.

We encourage you to stay connected in a practical level with the movement that God is miraculously raising up. You can do this by: Joining a live conference call with Lou Engle and Steven Strang on Thursday, July 24 at 8 p.m eastern time. To get instructions for joining the conference call by phone or live audio web-stream, sign up at http://www.connect2leaders.com/engle. Register for TheCall DC online at www.TheCall.com (this helps us logistically) Continue to spread the word. Forward this email to 10 of your friends.

CHPP Daily Brief July 23, 2008

In This Issue
· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· Iran in the News
· Conservatives Fight UNFPA
· Senator Reid: "Judges Aren't a Big Issue"
· The Obama Birth Certificate Cover Up


Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net

The Daily Brief Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace ." (I Corin. 14:33)


The Daily Brief

1. Hurricane Dolly Makes Landfall in Texas, Downgraded to Category 1 Storm - Fox News

Hurricane Dolly slammed into the South Texas coast Wednesday, with punishing rain and winds of 100 mph, blowing down signs, damaging an apartment complex, and knocking out power to thousands before weakening over land. Local officials' greatest fear - that the levees holding back the Rio Grande would fail and cause massive flooding - eased when Dolly meandered 35 miles north of the U.S.- Mexico border just before coming ashore on South Padre Island as a Category 2 storm. About two hours later, Dolly's winds slowed to 95 mph, and the storm was downgraded to a Category 1.

· Thank You, God, for calming Your winds for Your glory. May many come to know You as their Savior for the miracle You allowed in Texas today.

· "Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!" (Psalm 150: 1-2 NKJV)

2. Finally, End In Sight For California Wildfires - USA Today

Officials reported progress Tuesday with California's remaining 33 blazes -- down from more than 2,000 in the past month -- although fire danger, causing some evacuation orders, remained high in some rural areas.Wildfires burning since June 21 have scorched 1,528 square miles (3,958 square kilometers) across the state and destroyed 122 homes.

· Thank You, God, for answering our prayers. May California thank You, too, for sparing them from further harm. May many be brought to salvation due to the miracle of Your quenching California's flames.

· "Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!" (Psalm 150: 5-6 NKJV)

3. Treasury's Paulson Lifts Dollar From Lows - Financial Times

U.S. Treasury Secretary Paulson's proposed economic recovery plan is credited with strengthening the U.S. dollar. Wednesday, the dollar rallied from close to a record low against the euro on Tuesday, after Paulson moved to calm fears over the health of the U.S. financial system. However, the greenback recovered after Mr. Paulson predicted U.S. lawmakers would pass a bill this week to shore up Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac--the state-sponsored mortgage providers-- even though analysts say it might have as much as a $25 billion price tag.

· Thank You, Lord, for giving Treasury Secretary Paulson wisdom on how to begin the long journey back to monetary health for our U.S. dollar. May he seek Your Face as he helps America re-establish the dollar as the international currency of choice. May America thank You, too. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

· "'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 4: 6b NKJV)

4. Poll Finds "More Than Two-Thirds Of Americans Support Expanding Drilling" For Oil - Wall Street Journal

Oil prices have fallen since President Bush announced his support for more drilling, and polls these days are shifting overwhelmingly in favor of it. More than two-thirds of Americans support expanding drilling along the coasts, and 59% approve of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, according to a Reuters-Zogby poll.

· Only You, God, could bring hearts to change in America to use the energy resources that You have given us. Please spare us from our enemies and their oil. Please dry up their natural resources if they do not turn to You and spare Israel. And, may You grant Israel and her allies all of the oil that they need. May many be saved because of Your divinely given oil. For Your glory we pray these things. Amen.

· "I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, am the God of Israel. I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, that they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is none besides Me." (Isaiah 45: 3, 5-6 NKJV)

5. U.S. General Warns Russia On Nuclear Bombers In Cuba - AFP and Washington Post

Russia would cross "a red line for the United States of America" if it were to base nuclear capable bombers in Cuba, a top US air force officer warned on Tuesday. "If they did, I think we should stand strong and indicate that is something that crosses a threshold, crosses a red line for the United States of America," said General Norton Schwartz, nominated to be the Air Force's chief of staff.Russian bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons could be deployed to Cuba in response to U.S. plans to install a missile defense system in Eastern Europe (Poland), a Russian newspaper reported Monday, citing an unnamed senior Russian air force official.

· Dear Abba. Please free Russia and Cuba from Communism and America from its indifference to You. May the United States again rely upon You for its security and in turn, praise You for this help. We pray that the Russian nuclear bombers will not be able to fly to Cuba, and that our military leaders will stand in total amazement at Your divine intervention. For Your total glory we pray. Amen.

· "Look to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other." (Isaiah 45: 22 NKJV)

6. United States And Poland Holding Talks On Missile Defense System - Associated Press and the White House Morning Update

Polish and U.S. officials are holding talks on Warsaw's demands for defense aid in exchange for placing part of an American missile defense system in Poland. U.S. Embassy spokesman Andrew Schilling says four so-called working groups are expected on Wednesday to wrap up their two-month study of Polish demands for U.S. help in upgrading Poland's armed forces. The U.S. wants to place 10 interceptor missiles in northern Poland and a radar base in the neighboring Czech Republic, saying the defense system is needed to protect Europe and the U.S. from possible future attacks from Iran."

· Thank You Lord, for protecting the U.S. and Europe from military aggression from Iran and Israel's other enemies. We ask for continued wisdom for those involved with the planning and construction of this missile defense system in Poland. May they seek Your Face in this strategic matter. May this glorify You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

· "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Romans 8: 26 NKJV)

7. Russia Increases Weapon Sales To Chavez-- Chavez Claims Alliance With Russia Will Protect Venezuela - Fox News and Washington Times

Russia is showing its irritation with U.S. missile intervention with Poland, by selling more weapons to Venezuela's Hugo Chavez. Chavez is on a shopping spree for military hardware from Moscow, and energy deals--his third visit to Moscow since 2006, when he purchased $3 billion in Russian weapons systems.Chavez called for a strategic alliance with Russia to protect his country from the United States. He is in Russia to broker a number of deals involving weapons purchases, oil exploration and possibly the creation of a joint financial institution. Venezuela's state-run oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA signed separate deals with three Russian energy companies - Gazprom, Lukoil and TNK-BP - during the first day of Chavez's visit.

· Heavenly Father, please allow America to continue its promise to build a missile base in Poland despite Russia and Venezuela's plans to intimidate and stop its construction. May the world realize that You are its only hope for peace and prosperity. May Mr. Putin and Chavez and their countries be saved for Your Son's glory. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

· "If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us. Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 124: 2-3, 6 and 8 NKJV)

The Middle East in Focus
The Middle East in Focus This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE: "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of My lips." (Psalm 89:34)

1. Obama Calls for Lasting Peace in Israel, Warns of Iranian Threat - Fox News

Barack Obama said Wednesday, that he brings an "unshakable commitment" to Israel's security, but called on the nation to make peace with the Palestinians and warned of the "grave threat" posed by a nuclear Iran.

2. Government defeated in 3 no confidence votes - Ynet News

The Knesset passed three votes of no confidence in the government on Monday. The victory attained by the opposition was only symbolic, as a majority of 61 Knesset members is required in order to dissolve the Knesset.

3. Hezbollah chief to UN: Ready to swap more prisoners with Israel - Ha'aretz

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday released details of a letter he received from Hassan Nasrallah, in which the Hezbollah leader expressed willingness to carry out further prisoner swaps with Israel and outlined his group's conditions for future deals.

4. 18 injured in Jerusalem bulldozer attack - Ynet News

Three weeks after the previous Jerusalem bulldozer attack, another tractor driver went on a rampage on the capital's King David Street on Tuesday afternoon.

5. Settler grandpa saves the day - Ynet News

Yaakov Asael, a resident of the Susiya settlement in southern Mount Hebron is Tuesday's hero. Asael shot and killed the terrorist who carried out the bulldozer attack in Jerusalem earlier in the day.

Iran in the News
For all the headlines below, we thank God for the promise of His Word: ". . . thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee." (Isaiah 54:14)

1. Iran vows no nuclear concessions - BBC

Iran will not "retreat one iota" in its nuclear activities, its president says, in his first reaction to a new call for Tehran to end uranium enrichment.

2. Ex-Advisers Warn Against Threatening to Attack Iran - Washington Post

The Bush administration should stop talking about a military attack as an option if negotiations do not immediately halt Iran's uranium reprocessing program, two former national security advisers said yesterday.

3. McCain: US will not allow second Holocaust by Iran - Ynet News

American presidential candidate John McCain told Israel's Channel 2 News station that stiffer sanctions might stop Iran's threats against Israel. In the interview broadcast Monday, the Republican candidate said that in any event, the US would not allow Iran to try to destroy Israel.

4. Obama in Israel: Iran's nuclear program problem for entire world - Ynet News

Iran's nuclear program poses a problem for all of humanity, US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Wednesday as he began a visit to Jerusalem.


Conservatives Fight UNFPA

The House and Senate are providing a frightening glimpse of things to come if a pro-abortion President and congressional majority are elected this November. With Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kans.) casting the only dissenting vote, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a Foreign Operations bill that would boost so-called "family planning" funding by 13 percent, raising the 2009 total to a whopping $520 million. Among the programs boosted by the hike is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which would receive $45 million to support forced abortion and sterilizations. Under the Senate's bill, the Mexico City policy, which bans U.S. funds from subsidizing groups that "promote or perform" abortion, would die. Although the House version wouldn't overturn the Mexico City policy, it raises the Senate's pledge by $15 million, providing $60 million for the UNFPA.

Before both chambers schedule their floor votes, we encourage you to contact your leaders and ask them to respect the longstanding policy that bars American funds from taking innocent unborn lives via overseas aid. (Family Research Council)

· Today, we offer special prayer for Senator Sam Brownback, the only one who opposed this wicked bill. Ask our God to visit Senator Brownback with a fresh portion of His joy, and the oil of His spirit, that his hands would indeed be strengthened as he works to turn the battle at the gate. Amen.

· " In that day the LORD Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people. He will be a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate." (Isaiah 28:5,6)

Senator Reid: "Judges Aren't a Big Issue"

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) had the nerve to stand on the Senate floor and declare that no one cares about judicial confirmations. "I'm telling you, Madam President, I can't ever remember going home and somebody saying, 'Could you guys [confirm] some more judges? Frankly, judge[s] [aren't] a big issue." This runs counter to what Senator Reid said after the Supreme Court upheld the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act. The majority leader was quick to comment, "I would only say that this isn't the only decision that a lot of us wish that Alito weren't there and O'Connor were there." His counterpart on the House side, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), had an even higher opinion of judges in 2005 after the Supreme Court Kelo ruling on land rights. Her reply to the controversial decision was that when judges handed down a ruling it "was almost as if God has spoken."

Of any issue we face today, judges are the ones who are literally making policy-often by overruling a complacent legislature. If Senator Reid doesn't think judges matter, then perhaps he can explain why he's been so insistent on holding so many of President Bush's nominees hostage. Last week marked the one-year anniversary of Robert Conrad's nomination. Meanwhile, Mr. Peter Keisler has been waiting for more than 750 days to be treated fairly by the Democrats in Congress. A president's lasting legacy is marked by the judicial nominations he makes, and Senator Reid is making his own legacy one of obstruction. (Family Research Council)

The Obama Birth Certificate Cover Up
The Anatomy of a Crime of Passion:The Obama Birth Certificate Cover Up

Many people are wondering why reports of Democratic presidential nominee B. Hussein Obama's birth certificate being fabricated are debunked, even mocked, by snopes.com and truthorfiction.com. These sites pose the question, "Does anybody really believe that Obama's citizenship would have been overlooked?" The basis of both website's debunking of the Obama story is that he has become a lawyer, a state senator and now a U.S. senator, and in doing so, someone, somewhere along the way would have brought up the birth certificate issue. This is simply not the case.

It would be rare that anyone going to college or running for office would have to produce an official original of their birth certificate. The State Department even suggests several ways to verify citizenship other than a birth certificate. But this is the presidency.The issue here must be clarified. According to the extensive investigation by the Israeli Insider, which included journalists from Atlas Shrugs and the National Review, when asked for a legitimate copy of Obama's birth certificate, Obama provided a fabrication. Even the spokesman for the Hawaii Department of Health, Janice Okubo, admitted that the Obama fabrication lacks the seal to authenticate it . . . after she said that it appeared to be valid.

According to Israeli Insider, Obama claimed in writing to have a valid certificate of live birth. "In the first chapter of his book Dreams From My Father, describing his origins, he wrote about finding a local Hawaiian newspaper article about his Kenyan father: 'I discovered this article, folded away among my birth certificate and old vaccination forms, when I was in high school.'" So if Obama has an original birth certificate, why then does he continue to provide a fake? Why not just come clean and release the original? What is being hidden from the public?

The Constitution says that Obama must be a natural born citizen in order to become president. It is a requirement. Obama must provide legitimate proof of where he was born and to whom he was born. And now, since he has tried to scam America with a fabrication, if and when he does provide an "original", that document must undergo tremendous scrutiny. Americans should demand it, but don't expect the mainstream media to help. Obama's campaign has admitted in a recent email, "The media is in love with Barack Obama. If it wasn't so serious, it would be funny." Jeremiah 9:5 speaks of treacherous men, saying, "And they will deceive every one his neighbor, and will not speak the truth." For your life, for your country, demand the truth.

Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry www.dailyjot.com

CHPP Daily Brief July 22, 2008

In This Issue
· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· Iran in the News
· Pray for the Persecuted Church
· Dr. James Dobson Named to National Radio Hall of Fame

Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net

The Daily Brief Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace." (I Corin. 14:33)


The Daily Brief

1. Paulson Reassures On Banks, Warns Of More Tough Times - AP

Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr. sought to reassure an anxious public on Sunday that the banking system is sound, while also bracing people for more troubled times ahead. Paulson said he hoped Congress soon would approve his plan to help shore up Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored mortgage companies. "I'm very optimistic that we're going to get what we need from Congress here, because Congress understands how important these institutions are," Paulson said.

· Heavenly Father, we ask that You block any legislation that would cause problems in the future for our nation. Let only rules and regulations be enacted that will benefit our nation and are righteous after Your ways! Amen!

· "He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain." (2 Samuel 23:3, 4)

2. Blunt Blasts Pelosi For Not Allowing Drilling Vote - The Hill

House Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) on Sunday strongly criticized Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) for not allowing a vote on a measure that would allow offshore drilling. While acknowledging that Pelosi can prevent such a vote, Blunt said the Democratic leader would have to live with that decision, which he argued "does not make sense to the American people. When we're talking about offshore, we're talking about 50, 100, 200 miles offshore," Blunt said on CNN's 'Late Edition.' "Nobody's going to see that. This is an environmentally safe thing to do."

· Heavenly Father, we pray for our elected officials to put aside their partisan opinions in order to pass legislation concerning issues that need to be addressed and that will benefit our nation. Let citizens complain so they will listen.

· "In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry entered His ears . . . They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support." (2 Samuel 22:7, 19)

3. The Wall Street Journal Praises President's 2003 Tax Cuts - Wall Street Journal

The ranks of U.S. millionaires nearly doubled to 354,000 from 181,000 in a mere three years after the tax cuts. This is precisely what supply-siders predicted would happen . . . The idea that this has been a giveaway to the rich is a figment of the left's imagination. Taxes paid by millionaire households more than doubled to $274 billion in 2006 from $136 billion in 2003. No President has ever plied more money from the rich than George W. Bush did with his 2003 tax cuts. These tax payments from the rich explain the very rapid reduction in the budget deficit to 1.9% of GDP in 2006 from 3.5% in 2003.

· Lord, we pray that credit for the great economy and life-style we have enjoyed be given to President Bush for the wise decisions he made after 9/11. He has been a strong leader. Let the nation recognize the positive things he has done.

· Then the king said, "What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?" And the king's servants who attended him said, "Nothing has been done for him." . . . So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai and led him on horseback through the city square, and proclaimed before him, "Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!" (Esther 6:3, 11)

4. Condoleezza Rice To Visit Asia For Six-Party Talks - Agence France-Presse

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice left Washington for travel to the Middle East and Asia late Sunday, as she prepared to meet her North Korean counterpart for the first time on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum. Rice is expected to meet North Korean Foreign Minister Pak Ui-chun in an informal meeting of the top diplomats of the six countries negotiating Pyongyang's denuclearization program.

· Lord, Your wisdom is above our own wisdom and everything must acknowledge you. We pray that these meetings will be directed by You and that no decision will be considered or made that would jeopardize every nation's securities.

· "There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless, it is the Lord's counsel that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21)

5. Mullen: "Conditions-Based Assessments Are The Way To Go [In Iraq]" - AP

Joint Chiefs Of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen on Sunday said, "A fixed timetable for withdrawing U.S. combat troops from Iraq could jeopardize political and economic progress. He added that the agreement between President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to set a "general time horizon" for bringing more troops home from the war was a sign of "healthy negotiations for a burgeoning democracy." The best way to determine troops levels, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman said, is to assess the conditions on the ground and to consult with American commanders.

· Lord, we pray that as these negotiations are taking place, President al-Maliki will not be pressured by those who want a quick withdrawal of our troops. Let all the Iraqis remember our help and remain close, faithful allies with us always.

· "For at that time they came to David day by day to help him, until it was a great army, like the army of God." (1 Chronicles 12:22)

6. Bush Administration to Propose Rules for Oil Shale Leases - Fox News

The Bush administration wants to set the stage before leaving office for developing oil shale, rocky deposits in the western U.S. that could eventually yield 800 billion barrels of oil, according to government estimates.

· Offer praise to the Lord for this new initiative, and continue to ask wisdom for "all in authority" as they work to make America more energy- independent.

· "In everything give thanks . . ." (I Thess. 5:18)

7. T. Boone Pickens Testifies Before Senate Committee - Fox News

Pickens, the Republican Texas oil mogul, testified Tuesday before a Senate panel to lay out his new, self- titled "Pickens Plan" to boost renewable energy sources, get the U.S. transportation sector off oil and cut U.S. use of foreign petroleum.Pickens told the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee that aside from getting away from foreign oil, he's for just about anything, from electric cars - like those advocated by Al Gore - to offshore drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.Recalling a conversation he recently had with Gore, Pickens told the panel: "I said, 'I'm for everything that's American.' ... I only have one enemy, and that's foreign oil. That's what I want to get rid of."

· As above, lift up anyone in the private sector, too,to be granted wisdom in dealing with the current oil crisis.

· "Ask, and ye shall receive . . ." (John 16:24)

8. Court upholds prison porn law - One News Now

A 1996 law that prohibits tax dollars from being used to distribute pornography is being used to argue against the distribution of porn to prison inmates.Under the 1996 Ensign Amendment, federal tax dollars cannot be used to pay a prison employee to deliver porn to inmates, even if the prisoner requested and paid for the material. A federal district court in Denver recently denied a challenge to the law -- and Pat Trueman, special counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund and former chief obscenity prosecutor for the Justice Department, believes that was a good idea.

· Offer praise for this excellent decision by the federal district court in Denver!

· "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." (Prov. 14:34)

9. Hurricane Dolly Takes Aim - The Associated Press

Texans have been told to flee as Dolly, now a Category 1 hurricane, approaches.

· This is the first of what will probably be many prayers we will lift up this year during Hurricane Season 2008. Offer praise for the many times we have seen the LORD turn away storms, in answer to our prayers, and once again lift up this storm before Him for His intervention. Pray, too, for the safety tonight of all who are in the path of Hurricane Dolly.

· They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" (Mark 4:41)

The Middle East in Focus
The Middle East in Focus This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE: "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of My lips." (Psalm 89:34)

1. Sixteen wounded in copycat bulldozer attack in Jerusalem - Jerusalem Post

Sixteen people were wounded, one of them moderately, as a bulldozer driver went on a rampage in central Jerusalem Tuesday afternoon in an apparent attempt to recreate the terror attack in the capital earlier this month. Settler grandpa saves the day - Ynet News Yaakov Asael, a resident of the Susiya settlement in southern Mount Hebron is Tuesday's hero. Asael shot and killed the terrorist who carried out the bulldozer attack in Jerusalem earlier in the day.

2. Israeli chief of staff in Washington for 2nd round of talks on Iran in a month - World Tribune

Israel's strategic dialogue with the United States has resumed with the return visit to Washington by a top military official.

3. 'Israel to free Barguti for Shalit' - Ynet News

Israel has agreed in principle to release Marwan Barguti and a number of prominent Hamas leaders from prison -- diplomatic sources were quoted as saying in Monday's 'Al-Bayan' newspaper, based in the United Arab Emirates.

4. Gordon Brown calls on Israel to 'grasp the chance' of peace with Palestinians - London Telegraph

In the first speech by a British prime minister to the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, Mr Brown proclaimed himself a lifelong friend of Israel but said that he would also give his "honest analysis".

Iran in the News

For all the headlines below, we thank God for the promise of His Word: ". . . thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee." (Isaiah 54:14)

1. 'I'm fighting 2 wars, don't need a 3rd' - Jerusalem Post

The Pentagon's top military officer Adm. Mike Mullen on Sunday discussed the fallout from a potential attack against Tehran by either the US or Israel. "Right now I'm fighting two wars and I don't need a third one."

2. Gordon Brown to condemn Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - London Telegraph

Gordon Brown will pledge "unbreakable" support to Israel while launching his strongest attack yet on Iran.

3. Activists: 9 Iranians Convicted of Adultery Set to Be Stoned to Death - Fox News

Eight women and one man convicted of adultery are set to be stoned to death in Iran, activists said Sunday.

4. Rice Says Iran Not Serious at Weekend Nuke Talks - ABC News

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice accused Iran on Monday of not being serious at weekend talks about its disputed nuclear program despite the presence of a senior U.S. diplomat, and warned it may soon face new sanctions.

5. US, UK, France launch sea exercise for naval blockade on Iran - DEBKAfile

Operational Brimstone, starting Monday, July 21, aimed at giving military teeth to the two-week ultimatum the six world powers gave Iran in Geneva Saturday to accept the suspension of uranium enrichment or face harsh sanctions and isolation. After warning of punitive measures against Iran, Condoleezza Rice met the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council plus Egypt, Jordan and Iraq in Abu Dhabi. First she was briefed by Under Secretary of State William Burns.The penalty of withholding refined oil products from Iran would be exercised by means of a partial international naval blockade of its Gulf ports. Taking part in the 10-day exercise in the Atlantic Ocean are more than a dozen ships, including the US carrier strike group Theodore Roosevelt and expeditionary strike group Iwo Jima; the French submarine Amethyste, and the British HMS Illustrious Carrier Strike Group, as well as a Brazilian frigate.

Pray for the Persecuted Church
Prayers for the Persecuted Church This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE: "Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me." (Psalm 32:1)

1. India: State Admits Few Complaints of 'Forced' Conversions - Worthy News

The Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party government in Gujarat state has disclosed that there were only three complaints of alleged "forcible" conversions in the state in the last 10 years, and only two of those concerned Christian conversions.

2. Turkey Authorities "Supported" Murders Of Christians, Trial Observers Claim - Worthy News

There was concern Wednesday, July 16, that Turkish authorities were involved in last year's murder of three evangelical Christians at a Christian publishing house in the city of Malatya.

3. Spike in Attacks against Egyptian Coptic Christians - ICC

The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) www.persecution.org has learned that a recent increase in attacks against Egypt's Coptic Christians has prompted various Christian groups to organize demonstrations condemning fanatic Muslims engaging in these attacks and the officials of the Egyptian government who have failed to protect Christians against such attacks.

Dr. James Dobson Named to National Radio Hall of Fame
Dr. James Dobson Named to National Radio Hall of FameDr. Dobson's fans propelled him to victory through online votes

Dr. James Dobson's more than 30 years of broadcasting have been honored with induction to the National Radio Hall of Fame. The 2008 Class was the first selected through national online voting, and the "Focus on the Family" broadcast is the first religious program to receive such an honor. "I've made a living putting thoughts into words throughout my adult life, but it is difficult to express how I feel about this honor," said Dr. James Dobson today at a staff assembly. "I am especially pleased because the wonderful people at Focus on the Family deserve it. Our radio program has not been a solo effort. It has been a symphony performed by more than 10,000 people over the past 32 years. I am indebted to them all."

Focus Daily Radio Show Wins Place in Hall of Fame Dr. Dobson's fans propelled him to victory through online votes Colorado Springs, Colo. -- Dr. James Dobson's more than 30 years of broadcasting have been honored with induction to the National Radio Hall of Fame. The 2008 Class was the first selected through national online voting, and the "Focus on the Family" broadcast is the first religious program to receive such an honor. "I've made a living putting thoughts into words throughout my adult life, but it is difficult to express how I feel about this honor," said Dr. James Dobson today at a staff assembly. "I am especially pleased because the wonderful people at Focus on the Family deserve it.

Our radio program has not been a solo effort. It has been a symphony performed by more than 10,000 people over the past 32 years. I am indebted to them all." "Particularly, I want to thank the Broadcast Team, past and present. They have earned the accolades this honor recognizes. I also want to thank all the friends across the nation who cast their votes for me. I love and appreciate them all." Focus on the Family President and CEO Jim Daly added: "To have 'Focus on the Family' honored in this manner means we've made a difference in families all over the world. That Dr. Dobson's listeners recognized the excellence and relevance of the content of the daily broadcast and voted to give him a much-deserved win shows Dr. Dobson's influence is as strong as ever in the hearts of his fans, as well as in the culture."

As host of the daily broadcast, Dr. Dobson's joins the ranks of radio luminaries such as Orson Wells, Paul Harvey, Gene Autry, Bing Cosby, Kate Smith, Jack Benny, Walter Winchell, Dick Clark and Rush Limbaugh, while "Focus on the Family" is featured alongside shows like "The Shadow" and "Your Hit Parade."

Dr. Dobson didn't anticipate the overwhelming and immediate success of the broadcast. Soon after his program went on the air in 1977, however, Dr. Dobson received an avalanche of mail from people across the country asking him for help and advice. Today, Dr. Dobson's internationally syndicated radio program is heard daily on more than 3,000 radio stations across North America. It also airs in 27 languages in more than 160 countries. (Source: Focus on the Family)

CONGRATULATIONS, DR. DOBSON!!

We praise the Lord that this honor has been bestowed upon you!

"Render to all men their dues. [Pay] . . . honor to whom honor is due." (Rom. 13:7 AMP)

On Capitol Hill This Week - July 21-25, 2008

On Capitol Hill This Week

Volume XV, Number 20

July 21 - 25, 2008

"For God is not a God of disorder but of peace . . ." (I Corinthians 14:33)

	On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XV, No. 20

1. QUESTIONS BEING RAISED: IS OBAMA'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE A FORGERY?
2. DR. DOBSON "MIGHT" ENDORSE SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
3. SENATE BILL DESIGNED TO LOWER GAS PRICES AT THE PUMP
4. COURT TOSSES INDECENCY FINE FOR "WARDROBE MALFUNCTION"
5. S. 1780: PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM INDECENT PROGRAMMING ACT
6. HOUSE, SENATE WORKING ON FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS BILL
7. GAYS IN MILITARY: "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL" UNDER REVIEW
8. PETRAEAUS APPROVED AS CENTCOM COMMANDER BY SENATE
9. U.S. TROOPS RETURN FROM IRAQ WITH PRIDE OVER SUCCESS OF THE SURGE
10. CHOOSE NEGOTIATION OR ISOLATION, U.S. TELLS IRAN AFTER NUKE TALKS
11. REPORT: EU SHOULD DRAFT ITS OWN MIDDLE EAST "ROAD MAP"
12. AFTER PRISONER EXCHANGE, FAMILIES SHARE FEELINGS OF GRIEF AND RELIEF

1. QUESTIONS BEING RAISED: IS OBAMA'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE A FORGERY?
Document forensics expert: Obama "birth certificate" a "horrible forgery"

[Editor's note: For the past few weeks, reporters and bloggers inside Israel have been raising questions about the validity of the birth certificate of Illinois senator and presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Barack Hussein Obama. Below please find a brief summary of the arguments presented; then go to the link to read the details and to judge for yourselves.Note, too, that this article is the sixth in a series of reports on this critical issue, if true.]

Yesterday, an expert in electronic document forensics released a detailed report on the purported birth certificate -- actually a "Certification of Live Birth" or COLB -- claimed as genuine by his campaign. The expert concludes with 100% certainty that it is a crudely forged fake: "a horribly forgery," according to the analysis published on the popular right-wing Atlas Shrugs blog. The purported birth certificate was published by the left wing Daily Kos blog on June 12 in response to unconfirmed reports that Obama was not in fact born in the United States (Canada and Kenya were suggested as the possible locations of his actual birth). Since he would in that case not be a natural born US citizen (his mother was not present in the US sufficiently long as an adult to pass American citizenship on to him automatically), he would not be eligible to be president.

Israel Insider has followed the story in five previous articles and uncovered evidence, most recently, of admitted forgery among Daily Kos bloggers, tolerance of electronic forgeries on the blog site, as well as efforts by a blog administrator to conceal the admission of forgery. The latest examinaton of the purported documents is by far the most detailed and technically sophisticated to date. (To read the details of this report, go here.)

Perhaps the outspoken Israeli press corps will be able to do what their . . . American counterparts have failed to do so far. Obama's visit this week to Israel will be an opportunity to begin asking the tough questions -- however unpolitically correct -- about his apparently forged birth certificate and what that means for his citizenship status and Constitutional fitness to be the next leader of the free world. (Israel Insider)

· Normally, we wait for the mainstream media (MSM) to file a report before we bring it to you for prayer, but in this case, we are tired of waiting. This issue, if true, is too important not to be covered in prayer. We ask you to search the link for the original article and judge for yourselves. In the meantime, let's all join our hearts and our prayers so that this issue, and every matter related to this year's presidential election, would be based upon only the TRUTH, and that ALL DECEPTION BE UNVEILED AND REMOVED. Thank you!

· "Take heed that no man deceive you." (Matthew 24:4)

2. DR. DOBSON "MIGHT" ENDORSE SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

Dr. James Dobson says there is a possibility he "might" endorse Sen. John McCain for president. On today's Focus on the Family Action radio broadcast, he said concerns about Sen. Barack Obama have prompted him to reconsider his take on McCain.

"Neither of the candidates is consistent with my views," Dr. Dobson said, speaking as a private citizen. "But Senator McCain is certainly closer to them than Senator Obama by a wide margin. And there's no doubt . . . in my mind about whose policies will result in more babies being killed or who will do the greatest damage to the institution of marriage and the family. I'm convinced that Senator McCain comes closer to what I believe."

Joining Dr. Dobson on the broadcast was Dr. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a member of the Focus on the Family Board of Directors. Dr. Mohler called Obama "a very attractive candidate. "Iwould want to vote for him," he said, "but the closer I look at his positions, the more alarmed I become. He is the candidate who bills himself as the candidate of change and in an odd way he is, just not the kind of change that I think most Americans now understand. "We're looking at the most liberal candidate, I think, to gain a party nomination . . . in the history of this country."

Dr. Dobson said that while he has been critical of McCain in the past, "There's nothing dishonorable in a person rethinking his or her positions, especially in a constantly changing political context."(Citizen Link)

· Please pray that Americans will vote according to God's Word and His principles. Call forth God's mercy on this upcoming election and the political conventions. Remember the line from the American song, "America, the Beautiful": " who more than self their country loved and liberty more than life." God's heart has to be our voting guide.

· "O, satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." (Psalm 90:14)

3. SENATE BILL DESIGNED TO EASE PRICE OF GAS AT THE PUMPS

UPDATE: COMMODITY SPECULATION REFORM ACT (S. 3248)
Bill to be deliberated in Senate Agriculture Committee Tomorrow

Following a series of hearings where financial experts said that one reason for the recent spikes in food and energy prices may be due to excessive speculation in the commodities market, Senators Joe Lieberman, ID- Conn., Susan Collins, R-Me., and Maria Cantwell, D- Wa., introduced the Commodity Speculation Reform Act of 2008.

"There is little doubt that excessive speculation has had an effect on rising prices," Lieberman said. "Our bill will end that and help create a more orderly market for the industries and producers who must deal in commodities as a matter of business."

The Commodity Speculation Reform Act, S. 3248, will add transparency to futures markets and close the door to excessive speculation by tightening key investment laws and clarifying the oversight mission of the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The bill will also provide additional resources to the CFTC, whose oversight has grown over the past few years while its resources have dwindled. (Office of Senator Joseph Lieberman.)

To read more about this bill, go here.

· Friends on the Hill have advised us that the Senate Committee on Agriculture is poised to call for a vote of cloture tomorrow (Tuesday, July 22nd), so that this measure can proceed directly to the floor of the Senate for a vote. A companion bill was passed in the House on June 26 as the "Energy Markets Emergency Act of 2008" (H.R. 6377) by a nearly unanimous vote. Given the crisis we all are facing now at the pumps, LIFT YOUR VOICES TO HEAVEN, ASKING FOR QUICK PASSAGE OF THIS BILL THIS SUMMER, AND "TRUE" ADJUSTED PRICES OF GAS PER GALLON TO FOLLOW. Pray, too, that as soon as this bill reaches the Oval Office, President Bush WILL sign it into law. Praise God!

· "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

To read more about the Senate Bill, go here.
To read more about the House Bill, go here.
To read the Bloomberg report on that bill, go here.

4. COURT TOSSES INDECENCY FINE FOR "WARDROBE MALFUNCTION"

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia today threw out a $550,000 indecency fine levied against CBS for the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show. The three-judge panel ruled that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which fined CBS over Janet Jackson's infamous "wardrobe malfunction," acted "arbitrarily and capriciously."

Tim Winter, president of the Parents Television Council (PTC), said he was disappointed by the ruling. "If a striptease during the Super Bowl in front of 90 million people - including millions of children - doesn't fit the parameters of broadcast indecency, then what does?" he asked.

Dan Isett, PTC director of public policy, said the court is ignoring the 540,000 complaints that were filed. "Unfortunately, you have yet another instance where you have judges completely ignoring the will of the people," he said. (Citizen Link)

· Once more, our courts have failed us. But praise God -- our system of government has three branches, not just one. Please note the next item, below, and prayerfully considering taking the action suggested.

· "The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thess. 2: 9 - 12)

5. S. 1780: "PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM INDECENT PROGRAMMING ACT"

A bill that could clean up television is sitting in the U.S. Senate. The "Protecting Children from Indecent Programming Act" (S. 1780) would allow the FCC to fine broadcasters over "fleeting" instances of profanity or nudity.

TAKE ACTION
Call your senators and ask them to urge Sen. Harry Reid to schedule a vote for S. 1780. You can find contact information through our Action Center.

· "Thy people shall volunteer freely in the day of Thy power." (Ps. 110:3 NASB)

6. HOUSE, SENATE WORKING ON FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS BILL
Funding coercive abortion and involuntary sterilization?

Last week, both the House and Senate subcommittees approved versions of this year's Foreign Operations Appropriations bill that contain language to undermine Kemp-Kasten, the annual pro- life rider that prohibits funds for "any organization or program which, as determined by the President of the United States, supports or participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization."

Both bills next go to the full Appropriations committees which are already punting most substantive legislative activity until after the elections--when both the Congress and the President are at peak lame duck status. Such being the case, it's less likely to be considered by full committee, and more likely not to be considered separately at all, but rather as part of an omnibus bill.

In other words, from man's standpoint of what man has done, the majority has so far successfully attempted to place this provision just far enough out of reach for this year, and at the same time set a precedent for policies possibly coming in a new administration. However, from God's standpoint, "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes." (Proverbs 21:1)

· Pray that the President and our nation will continue to uphold his promise to "veto any legislation that weakens current Federal policies and laws on abortion, or that encourages the destruction of human life at any stage" and that should any such veto be necessary, that it would stand. (Tim McGhee; Deeper Inside theMountain; excerpt)

7. GAYS IN MILITARY: "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL" UNDER REVIEW

House Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel will hold a hearing on whether the law outlawing homosexuals in the military should be overturned. The powerful homosexual lobby continues to seek to overturn American traditions, and the latest example is the Democrats in the House of Representatives caving in to the homosexual lobby and allowing a hearing next week in the Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel to debate on whether to overturn the law outlawing homosexuals from serving in the United States military. Bill Clinton illegally ignored the law passed by a Democrat Congress overwhelmingly in 1993 banning homosexuals from serving in the American military. Yet Bill Clinton installed an illegal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

Mrs. Elaine Donnelly, President of the Center for Military Readiness, will be joined by Sergeant Major (retired) Brian Jones, a highly-decorated soldier and former member of the US Army's elite Delta Force, who served with the Department of Defense in Iraq in 2004. Sergeant Major Jones and Mrs. Donnelly will testify in support of the 1993 law stating that homosexuals are not eligible for military service. The law passed Congress with veto-proof majorities in 1993 and has been upheld as constitutional several times. . . . this may be the only hearing that liberals in charge of Congress will hold before they move to actually repeal the law. Mrs. Donnelly has also alerted America as to the outrageous "perception management" (PM) techniques employed by powerful forces in the radical left-wing "news" media and by fellow left-wing activists who are determined to impose a sexual agenda on the military.

Mrs. Donnelly said that she and Sergeant Major Jones will -- during their testimony before the House Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee -- expose the extent of real damage that will be done to the culture of our military if the current policy is repealed. She said that we cannot stand by and allow the full force of mandatory social engineering to be imposed on our men and women in uniform. The situation is critical, and everyone who cares about our military needs to defend our military from this threat. (Christian Coaltion of America)

· If you cannot attend this hearing, please pray for the testimony before, during,and afterwards. Pray also that the ears and hearts of the members of Congress are touched by truth so that they can reject these outrageous attempts by the homosexual lobbies to advance the gay agenda. Praying in faith, ask our Lord to bring each congressman face to face with His righteousness.

· "All unrighteousness is sin; and there is a sin not unto death." (1 John 5:17)

8. GENERAL PETRAEAUS APPROVED AS CENTCOM COMMANDER BY SENATE

Today General David H. Petraeus was confirmed as Centcom Commander by a vote of 95-2. Senators Byrd and Harkin voted no. General Patreaus' previous role will now be filled by Lt. General Raymond Odierno, confirmed also today to serve as the General andMulti-National Forces Iraq Commander by a vote of 96-1. Senator Harkin was the lone dissenter.

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor Thursday regarding Generals Petraeus and Odierno: "We'll have an opportunity today to confirm the nominations of two of our nation's leading generals. Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen have both, rightly, talked about the challenges facing the nation as we transition from one Presidential administration to the next during a time of war. The next president will be fortunate to have General Petraeus and General Odierno responsible respectively for the Central Command area of operations and Iraq.

"What we know is that our strategic interests in the Middle East and Persian Gulf are long-standing-and being challenged. We know that the threat of an Iranian regime bent on securing a nuclear weapon will not end when a new President is sworn in next year. We know that despite the real progress made as a result of the surge of forces into Iraq that the transition of forces, responsibilities and missions must be managed with a steady hand." "Both of these fine officers are well prepared for their next responsibilities. As a nation we are lucky to be able to call upon such men at this critical point in American history." (Associated Press)

· If Sen. McConnell is to be believed, then as a nation, we are indeed blessed to have two such intelligent and discerning generals leading the troops in the Middle East. Please pray for the protection of these two generals in every aspect of their lives and for their families. Praise the Lord that the Senate, even those Senators decrying the wars, thought that the confirmation of the two generals worthy of its support.

· " A good name is rather to be chosen than riches; and loving favor rather than silver and gold." (Proverbs 22:1)

9. U.S. TROOPS RETURN FROM IRAQ WITH PRIDE OVER SUCCESS OF THE SURGE

The soldiers, who came to Iraq as part of President Bush's troop increase, began returning home last week. They leave with sunburned faces, calloused hands, tattered boots.. . . They leave buoyed by a sense of pride over dramatic security improvements they helped bring about. Violence in Iraq is at its lowest level in years, the rate of U.S. casualties has dropped since the United States began implementing a new counterinsurgency strategy last year, and Iraqi politicians have made some strides in bringing about political reconciliation. (The Washington Post)

· The timing of the withdrawal of most American troops from Iraq is now being hotly contested between the two major presidential candidates: Senators John McCain and Barack Hussein Obama. In the midst of this debate is the center of God's will. Pray for "all in authority" in this delicate matter -- Americans and Iraqis -- that they would surely know the will of God and find the power to carry that out.

· "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." (Matt. 6:10)

10. CHOOSE NEGOTIATION OR ISOLATION, U.S. TELLS IRAN AFTER NUKE TALKS

The United States said on Saturday after inconclusive international talks with Iran's nuclear envoy that Tehran must choose between cooperation or confrontation and give up sensitive nuclear work. "We hope the Iranian people understand that their leaders need to make a choice between cooperation, which would bring benefits to all, and confrontation, which can only lead to further isolation," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack after the Geneva talks attended for the first time by senior U.S. diplomat William Burns. He said Burns did not meet separately with any member of the Iranian delegation and that EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana told Iran it must give a "clear answer" to an offer made by world powers within two weeks.

Iran's chief negotiator Saeed Jal