Friday, May 30, 2008

The Daily Brief - Friday, May 30, 2008

"All the kings of the earth will give thanks to You, O Lord, when they have heard the words of Your mouth." (Psalm 138:4 NKJV)

The Daily Brief


1. Regulators look into possible price manipulation in oil market
- USA Today



Federal regulators are six months into a wide-ranging investigation of U.S. oil markets, with a focus on possible price manipulation.

· Lord Jesus, come and expose any hidden manipulation and fraud in the oil market. Bring transactions to light so that oil production and trading actions have public accountability. We ask for Your blessings over the fuel to bring the cost down. In Jesus' Name, amen.

· "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall every man have praise of God." ( ICorin.4:5)

2. Top Dems to push for swift end to primary race - AP

Top Democratic leaders intend to push for a quick end to the battle for the presidential nomination when primaries are over next week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday, adding that he, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and party chairman Howard Dean will urge uncommitted delegates to choose sides.

· Lord, You alone raise up and put down leaders. We ask for Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Our trust is established in Your name. Forgive the degrading character traits the political arena has embraced. Bring Your timing into the Democratic nomination race for the presidency.

· "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. " ( Dan. 2: 20-22)

3. Abortion provider Planned Parenthood could benefit from Senate's war funding bill - Baptist Press


The U.S. Senate has approved price breaks for the country's leading abortion provider in legislation funding American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

· Father of Life, we ask for this funding of abortion to cease. May the Holy Spirit move over Congress with a consciousness of accountability to God. Bring morality to the fore-front of all decisions concerning the taking of life. Lord, have mercy on us and forgive us of this evil. In Jesus name, we pray "Life".

· "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:" (Duet. 30:19)

4. Severe Storm, Tornadoes derails train, damages buildings in Nebraska - AP

A storm bearing rain, hail and tornadoes struck central Nebraska Thursday night, damaging businesses, derailing train cars, tearing down trees and disrupting power to thousands.

· Lord, bring comfort to those who have great lost from this storm. Give them strength in Your love to press forward. We ask You to desolve the storm's damaging force. Pour blessing on the workers in the restoration process.

· "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. . ." (Ps.46:1-2)

5. UN warns about higher food costs - BBC



Higher food prices may be here to stay as demand from developing countries and production costs rise, says an influential report out today. It said the current price spike was higher than previous records, partly due to bad weather ruining crops. But factors, such as rising biofuel demand, will keep future costs high. The FAO said speculators were also to blame for volatile commodity markets.

· Lord, we stand on promises from Your word. You will supply all our needs according to Your riches in Christ Jesus. Expose any fraud in the commodity markets. Bless our food and water, as we praise Your holy name.

· "The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thous givest them their meat in due season. Thou openset thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing." ( Ps. 145:14-16)

6. U.S. Cites Big Gains Against Al- Qaeda - Washington Post

Less than a year after his agency warned of new threats from a resurgent al-Qaeda, CIA Director Michael V. Hayden now portrays the terrorist movement as essentially defeated in Iraq and Saudi Arabia and on the defensive throughout much of the rest of the world, including in its presumed haven along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. In a strikingly upbeat assessment, the CIA chief cited major gains against al-Qaeda's allies in the Middle East and an increasingly successful campaign to destabilize the group's core leadership.

· Offer up a great chorus of PRAISE over this report! The War on Terror IS "winnable!" As we continue to pray that ALL hidden things be revealed; and to undergird our soldiers in prayer, this CAN be done -- one day at a time. Don't stop praying now . . or ever!

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

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:

"May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you." (Psalm 20:1)

1. IDF arrests 60 Gazans; mortar hits Negev home, but doesn't explode - Ha'aretz



The Israel Defense Forces arrested 60 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip overnight Wednesday over suspicions they were involved in terrorist activity. The detainees were taken to Israel for questioning.

2. 'Kadima must prepare for all scenarios, including elections' - Jerusalem Post

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni ratcheted up the pressure on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to leave office on Thursday, calling for a "swift clean process" within Kadima, and saying that the party "had to prepare for all scenarios, including elections."

3. Palestinian forces return from U.S.-funded training in Jordan - Ha'aretz



The first batallion of a Palestinian security force trained in Jordan under a U.S. program returned to the West Bank on Wednesday, part of a Western push to ready the Palestinians for statehood.

4. German student to be deported for alleged 'missionary work' - Ha'aretz

A student from Germany is set to be deported Friday, after the Interior Ministry determined that she was doing missionary work.

Iran in the News


IRAN IN THE NEWS

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming." (Psalms 37:12,13)

1. US: Iranian warhead blueprint 'alarming' - AP



A ranking International Atomic Energy Agency official called Teheran's possession of a drawing showing how to make part of an atomic warhead "alarming" Thursday and said the onus is on Iran to prove it had not tried to develop nuclear arms.

2. Report: Iran, al-Qaeda holding clandestine talks - ABC News

In recent months there have been secret contacts between the Iranian government and the leadership of al-Qaeda, top officials in the White House, the Pentagon and the intelligence community said Thursday. US officials familiar with highly sensitive intelligence on this issue told the ABC News Agency that the contacts are on the status of high-level al-Qaeda operatives, and include two of Osama Bin Laden's sons, who have been under house arrest in Iran since 2003.

3. Iran Arrests Suspected Converts to Christianity - Fox News

Amid a growing crackdown on religious freedom, Iranian police reportedly have been rounding up people they suspect have converted to Christianity.

4. U.S. Commander: Iran War Would Be 'Disastrous' - ABC News

The top U.S. Navy official in the Persian Gulf warned in an interview with ABC News that war with Iran would be "pretty disastrous," with "echoes and aftershocks" reverberating throughout the region. "Nobody I've spoken to suggests that going to war with Iran is a good thing," Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff told ABC News. "The preferred path by far is the diplomatic path, keep working with the international community to bring the right sort of pressure to bear on the Islamic Republic of Iran."

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:

"May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you." (Psalm 20:1)

1. Algeria: Prosecutor Demands 2-Year Sentence for Converts from Islam - Worthy News

A state prosecutor in western Algeria demanded two- year jail sentences and large fines for six Muslim converts to Christianity yesterday in one of two trials against Christians that have caught the north African nation's attention in the past week.

2. Christian preachers attacked by Hindu radicals - Worthy News

In yet another savage attack on Christians in India, news has just come out that some thirty Christian preachers were beaten by Hindu activists belonging to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Bainsa town in the Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh.

3. Eritrea: Jailed Pastor Could Face Treason Charges - Worthy News

Unconfirmed reports emerged this month in the Eritrean capital of Asmara, indicating that the repressive regime plans to press formal charges of treason against several Protestant pastors jailed for the past four years.

4. Algeria: Why Authorities Have Begun Clamping Down on Christians
- Worthy News

The debate was urgent and often heated at the annual meeting of the Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA) earlier this month. The looming question: whether to obey or disobey government orders that have closed over half of the North African country's 50 Protestant churches in the past six months.

Alert: Colorado ("Bathroom Law!")


Colorado Law SB 200 Threatens to Open Restrooms to All Genders

Congress may be adjourned for the Memorial Day recess, but a series of misguided state bills aren't providing any relief for pro-family groups. Just ask the residents of Colorado, where locals are bracing themselves for an "anti-bias" law that is actually changing where people use the restroom. Yesterday, over the protests of thousands of families, Gov. Bill Ritter (D) signed SB 200 into law. The legislation blurs the sexual lines by making all public accommodations, including locker rooms and restrooms, "gender-free." In other words, anyone-- regardless of their biological identity--will be welcome in the men's or ladies' room, including cross- dressers, men who self-identify as women, women who self-identify as men, and people who haven't made up their minds. To make matters worse, Colorado defines "public accommodations" as everything from malls, restaurants, and schools to small and even home businesses.

The other side says this is about discrimination. But the chance of offending a few people hardly justifies putting everyone else at risk, which is exactly what SB 200 does. For every transvestite who takes advantage of this law, there are a dozen sexual predators who will see this as a chance to put women and children into a vulnerable situation. Focus on the Family launched a statewide awareness campaign, but in the end, even Colorado's largest Christian ministry couldn't compete with Ritter's desire to pay off liberal financier Tim Gill, who sank serious dollars into the governor's election campaign in 2006. From here all eyes will turn to Montgomery County, where a November ballot initiative will determine the fate of its bathroom bill. (Family Research Council)

Dr. Dobson Sounds the Alarm on 'Restroom' Legislation

Dr. James Dobson began the Focus on the Family radio broadcast today with a warning that hoped the nation would hear.

"The state Legislature here in Colorado has frankly become just about as radical and extreme as the California Legislature," Dr. Dobson said, "in an effort that was designed to obviously appease the homosexual community [and] give access to all public restrooms by people of the opposite gender."

Tom Minnery, senior vice president of government and public policy for Focus on the Family Action, said "Restrooms are not the only problem. The bill adds a prohibition against discrimination in sexual orientation to more than 23 separate provisions of Colorado law that already prohibit discrimination in various areas of public life. Some of them threaten the religious liberties of every Christian, Jewish or Muslim business owner, who operates a business on faith-based principles."

"A refusal to do business with someone based on a sincerely held religious belief that homosexuality is wrong would violate the law."

· (Prayer request written by one of our prayer editors in Colorado). Please pray for comfort for His children in Colorado and throughout America who are being persecuted by the homosexual, abortion and other evil lobbies. This hurts because there is nothing we can do . . .only God.

· "Father God, there IS 'nothing' the citizens of Colorado can do now, except to turn to YOU for help. And so, we join them in their plea, not only for righteousness to visit their state, but for every state in America. In all of this, we yet offer up to our Lord the sacrifice of praise, for we are commanded to do so.

· "Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High; and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
(Psalm 50:15)

Alert: California (Euthanasia Law)


"Assisted Suicide" Bill Passes by One Vote

Governor Lets Voters Decide in November

Meanwhile, leaders in the California Assembly dealt another blow to values voters on Wednesday by passing an assisted suicide bill by one vote. Under AB 2747, doctors and nurses could suggest "death by unconscious dehydration" for terminal patients as well as those who are "depressed and confused." Although some say the sedation-starvation method is more painful than lethal injection, California leaders insist on pursuing a bill that treats humans with less dignity and sensitivity than animals. Interestingly, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's (R) position is that voters should decide. Under his system of selective democracy, Schwarzenegger is fighting to silence voters' opinion on marriage but welcoming their views on euthanasia. In 2006 he said that assisted suicide "probably should go to the people, like the death penalty . . . I don't think that we, 120 legislators and I, should make that decision."

· As in Colorado, we pray too today for California. May the voters in that state CHOOSE LIFE and reject this law in November. PRAY!

· "Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High; and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
(Psalm 50:15)

The Daily Brief - Thursday, May 29, 2008

"All the kings of the earth will give thanks to You, O Lord, when they have heard the words of Your mouth." (Psalm 138:4 NKJV)

The Daily Brief


1. 'Hezbollah Makes Al Qaeda Look Like Minor Leagues'
- Fox News


Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff warns that radical Islamic group in Lebanon is more disciplined, better armed to carry out terror attacks than Al Qaeda.

· Father we stand against fear over America, and against every plan of the enemy to destroy us. We do not trust in man's weapons, but in Yours alone.

· "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds." (1 Cor 10: 4)

2. Washington Urges US to Search for More Syrian Missile - Ynet News

The United States is pressing UN inspectors to broaden the scope of a search in Syria to include possible secret nuclear facilities, The Washington Post reported in Thursday editions, citing US government officials and Western diplomats.

· Lord we ask that all hidden plans be revealed, and all secret facilities be found out and destroyed. · "Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked, from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity." (Psalm 64:2)

3. Bolton: Little Alternative to Iran Strike - NewsMax



Military action against Iran would be a last resort but the United States and its allies have not done enough to promote the alternative, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said on Wednesday.

· Lord we pray that You will intervene to remove the evil regime of Iran without our military.

· "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. . ." (Matthew 6:13)

4. White House Writes Off McClelland Book as Disgruntled Former Employee
- Fox News

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Wednesday that President Bush is "puzzled" by former Press Secretary Scott McClellan's new book slamming the administration, and said its clear McClellan is "disgruntled" about his time working in the Bush White House.

· Lord, we take authority over the spirit of division within our government, and the attitudes and lies which perpetuate it in all of our leaders. Unite us, O Lord, in the fear of You rather than anger, deception, confusion, or desire for power.

· "Teach me Thy ways, O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth; unite my heart to fear Thy name." (Psalm 86:11)

5. Helicopter Crashes at Michigan Hospital, Explodes in Flames - AP



A helicopter crashed at a hospital on Thursday, sending thick, black smoke into the air over downtown and forcing the evacuation of patients from the building.

· We pray for comfort and mercy for the victims and survivors of this terrible incident.

· "But Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." (Psalm 86:15)

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:

"May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you." (Psalm 20:1)

1. Labor ministers: Olmert must go - Ynet News



Labor chairman, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, received the full backing of his party's cabinet ministers on Thursday morning, less than a day after he called on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to step down from office following the rattling deposition of Morris Talansky.

2. Olmert meet southern community heads, says adamant not to resign - Ynet News

"I'll continue to function as prime minister; there are those who believe that the launching of any investigation demands a resignation, but I don't adhere to this notion and I will not step down," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday evening, during a meeting with the heads of communities and towns located near Gaza.

3. Barak's announcement leaves some Labor colleagues surprised and angry - Jerusalem Post

The ministers closest to Labor chairman Ehud Barak were woken up at midnight on Tuesday night by family members and aides informing them of Channel 1 political correspondent Ayala Hasson's report about Barak's meeting at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv.

4. "Jerusalem offers 91% of West Bank in new map" - Jerusalem Post



Palestinian officials close to peace talks said Sunday that Israel has offered a West Bank withdrawal map that leaves about 8.5 percent of the territory in Israeli hands, less than a previous plan but still more than the Palestinians are ready to accept.

5. Hamas 'very disturbed' over peace talks - Jerusalem Post

Hamas was caught by surprise by the news of direct negotiations between Israel and Syria, Hamas representatives in the Gaza Strip said over the weekend.

Iran in the News


IRAN IN THE NEWS

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming." (Psalms 37:12,13)

1. Arab paper: Iran to give Hamas more arms, funds - Jerusalem Post

Iran has promised Hamas new rockets and more funds, an expression of the Islamic Republic's displeasure with recent news of renewed Israeli- Syrian peace talks, the London-based newspaper, Asharq Alawsat reported on Sunday.

2. Iranian President Ahmadinejad Requests Meeting With Pope - Fox News



Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has requested a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, a diplomatic source told The Australian newspaper on Tuesday. A meeting between the political and spiritual leader would be a first.

3. Ahmadinejad Rival Gets Powerful Post in Iran - NewsMax

Iran's lawmakers overwhelmingly picked conservative Ali Larijani as parliament speaker Wednesday, sending another strong message of discontent with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's leadership by boosting one of his likely challengers in elections next year.

4. Pakistan May Turn Over U.S. 'Spies' to Iran - ABC News

In another sign of growing tensions with the United States, Pakistan is threatening to turn over to Iran six members of a tribal militant group Iran claims are "spies" for the CIA.

Christian Values Under Attack in America


Christian Beliefs and Values Under Attack in America


A. New York to Recognize Out-of-State Homosexual Marriages - (AP)

Governor's order based on state appellate court ruling that said there is no legal impediment to N.Y. recognizing same-sex marriage. [See more on this decsion below.]


B. Obama Praised Wright, Criticized Black Churches, on Homosexuality - (CNSNews.com)

"Most African-American churches are still fairly traditional in their interpretations of Scripture," and that explains their "homophobic" messages.


C. Boy Scouts Sue Philly Over Impending Eviction
- (CNSNews.com)

City raised rent from $1 to $200,000 a year over Scouts' membership policies.

· Lord, as we have been praying in repentance for our nation for the last 20 weeks, we prostrate ourselves before You today in sorrow over the path our nation has taken. We call upon You for mercy and forgiveness of our sins. We have rejected Your moral compass, we have followed false gods, we have allowed sin to overtake our nation. May you find it in Your loving heart to forgive and cause the Holy Spirit to move like a mighty wind over America to change our hearts to bring righteousness to our land.

· "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up a hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." (Ezekiel 11:30)

New York's Governor: Recognizing Gay Marriage



The Homosexual Wedding March

In New York, the judicial branch may have some competition in the race to redefine marriage. Gov. David Paterson (D), Eliot Spitzer's replacement, is inventing new policymaking powers for the executive office by issuing a statewide directive that same- sex "marriages" performed in other jurisdictions will be recognized in New York. Announced the day before California's Supreme Court ruling, the sweeping decision will impact as many as 1,300 rules and regulations "governing everything from joint filing of income tax returns to transferring fishing licenses between spouses." Under the order, same-sex couples who reside or work in New York will receive the same benefits as heterosexual spouses.

Paterson described the decision as "a strong step toward marriage equality," instead of what it truly is-- an attempt to circumvent the legislature and propel the state closer to gay "marriage" without voters' consent. Under Spitzer, a bill was introduced to legalize homosexual unions, but it never passed New York's Republican-led Senate. Paterson's office sees this as the next best thing. Although the order is the first of its kind in the U.S., other left-leaning governors will almost certainly follow suit. If you're a New York resident, please express your outrage by contacting Paterson's office at 518-474-8390 or by emailing him at http://161.11.121.121/govemail. (Family Research Council)

California: An Unacceptable Result


California: An Unacceptable Result

At a packed press conference today, FRC hosted legal and political experts who discussed the impact the California Supreme Court ruling imposing homosexual marriage. With the news that California is likely to start doling out marriage licenses to homosexual pairs on June 17, our colleagues Glen Lavy (Alliance Defense Fund), Mat Staver (Liberty Counsel), and Ken Blackwell (Senior Fellow for Family Empowerment, FRC) described the sweeping consequences of this ruling for institutions and individuals alike.

We made clear that the ruling is an abuse of power and that we will be working day and night with a broad coalition of Californians to pass a marriage protection amendment there in November. Certification of the amendment for the ballot is likely. As Ken Blackwell pointed out, the political parties will be deeply affected by the firestorm this decision is generating. California marriage bureaus are even now being instructed to replace "bride" and "groom" on the license application with "party A" and "party B." Don't be fooled: the real implications are for Party D and Party R. Who will stand for the timeless meaning of marriage? Video of the panel will be available soon on our website. (Family Research Council)

A SPECIAL INVITATION . . .


A SPECIAL INVITATION FROM THE EMBASSY OF ISRAEL


On Sunday, June 1st, the Embassy of Israel is sponsoring an event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to celebrate its 60th Anniversary of Statehood.

Called Israel at 60: A Capital Celebration , the event begins at noon and lasts until 5:00 p.m.

All of our readers are most welcome to attend this event . . . and to bring your friends along, too!

Israel @ 60: A Capital Celebration promises to be one of the most exciting events to honor Israel. Cheer Israel's 60th birthday and its achievements in the arts, theater sciences and more.

Activities include: music, dance, theater performances, Israeli food, children's activities and family workshops. In addition, the Celebration includes hands-on exhibits and activities for all ages.

For more information about this exciting program, visit the website for the Embassy of Israel, by going here

We hope to see you all there!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

The Daily Brief - Wednesday, May 28, 2008

"All the kings of the earth will give thanks to You, O Lord, when they have heard the words of Your mouth." (Psalm 138:4 NKJV)

The Daily Brief


1. Boston Trains Collide at Rush Hour
- AP

Rescuers work to extract operator trapped in rail wreck, several passengers hurt.

· This news IS breaking out of Boston as we write tonight's Brief. Please join us in praying for the lives of those who were hurt; and for strength, wisdom, and skill for the rescue workers who are now extricating the passengers caught in this wreck.

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

2. Sources: Dems could meet Florida, Michigan halfway - CNN

The Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee meets Saturday in Washington to consider what to do with Florida and Michigan, which broke ranks to hold primaries earlier than party rules allowed. The Democratic Party is likely to meet rule- breaking Florida and Michigan halfway when it comes to seating their delegates at the national convention, two members of the rules committee said Wednesday. Such a move may help Sen. Hillary Clinton close the delegate gap with front-runner Sen. Barack Obama but not overtake him, said sources familiar with party deliberations.

· This meeting of the Democratic National Committee over the weekend needs to be covered in prayer, for its results could have a significant impact on the results of the Democratic campaign for the presidency. Please make this conference a matter of prayer.

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

3. Record Gas Prices: 20 Straight Days - CNN

Retail gas prices hit record highs for the 20th day in a row, motorist group AAA's Web site showed Tuesday. The most expensive state for buying gas is Alaska, where a gallon of regular unleaded costs an average of $4.201. The second most expensive state is Connecticut, where a gallon of gas costs $4.196, according to AAA.

In the face of surging prices, consumers are cutting back on the number of miles they clock on the road. Americans drove 11 billion miles less in March this year than the same month a year ago, the Department of Transportation said Monday.

· Gracious Father, You knew before cars were invented that this fuel crisis would surface and that Americans would need Your intervention to manage their monthly fuel costs. Please be glorified in this shortage that will most likely determine the future shapes and sizes of American and foreign automobiles. May we trust in You for this and all things. In Your Son's Name we pray. Amen.

· "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2: 9 NKJV)

4. Record Could Be Set In 2008 For Tornado Deaths - CNN

Saturday night's Parkersburg and New Hartford, Iowa tornado victims are among at least 110 people killed in the United States by tornadoes this year, putting 2008 on track to be one of the deadliest years in recent history. The average for recent years is 62 tornado fatalities for an entire year.

This year's death toll is already the highest since 1998, with seven months left in the year. "It does look like it's going to be a pretty remarkable year," said Greg Carbin, a meteorologist with the Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service. The figures for tornado deaths have skyrocketed over the past four years. In 2005, there were 38; in 2006, 67; and last year, 81.

· Dear Lord, You caused the winds and waves to cease to calm your disciples on the Sea of Galilee We ask You today to decrease tornadic activity and resultant deaths in America. We know that You exact a price for man's meddling in Israel's affairs and ask for your forgiveness for our nation's involvement in the dividing of this land. May Your fury abate to us and to those to those who disregard Your love for Israel. Show Your power in all things for Your salvation's sake. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

· "And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, 'Master, Master, we are perishing!' Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, 'Where is your faith?' And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, 'Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!'" (Luke 8: 24-25 NKJV)

5. Home Prices See Steepest Drop In 20 Years - ABC News

U.S. home prices dropped at the sharpest rate in two decades during the first quarter, a closely watched index showed Tuesday, a somber indication that the housing slump continues to deepen. Last week, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight said home prices fell 3.1 percent in the first quarter, the largest drop in its 17-year history and only the second quarter of price declines recorded.

· You have told us to not worry about what we shall eat or wear, so we know that You mean that also for where we will live. Even Your Son Jesus did not own a home while on earth. So may You increase our faith that You will provide for our housing needs even in the face of adversity. For Your glory we pray this. Amen.

· "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.'" (Matthew 6: 31-32 NKJV)

6. Largest American Tax Increase Looms If Tax Reliefs Sunset - White House Communications

Today marks the fifth-year anniversary of President Bush's 2001 and 2003 Tax Reliefs that have fueled economic growth and reduced the marginal rate for every income tax bracket. By the end of last year, Americans would have paid an additional $1.3 trillion in taxes had it not been for this tax relief. If it is allowed to expire at the end of 2010, Americans will pay about $280 billion more in taxes each year. The Democratic Congress has said it will sunset these tax reliefs.

· Dear Lord, please grant America continued economic relief through the extension of President Bush's 2001 and 2003 Tax Relief measures. We pray for legislators to be elected this fall, who will have a heart for the people of America and will want to see tax relief given to them, no matter who authored the legislation. May You receive the credit for America's economic turnaround. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

· "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." (Jeremiah 33: 3 NKJV)

7. California Homosexual "Gay" Weddings Set for June 14 - NewsMax

Same-sex couples in some California counties will be able to marry as soon as June 14, according to Stephen Weir, who heads the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials. He and his partner of 18 years hope to be the first ones to tie the knot. "They are shooting for the 14th," said Weir, adding that the state planned to give California's 58 counties advice this week for implementing the historic change so local officials can start planning. Massachusetts is the only other state to legalize gay marriage, something it did in 2004. More than 9,500 same-sex couples in that state have already "wed."

An effort, however, is under way to stay the Supreme Court's decision until voters can decide the issue with an initiative planned for the November ballot. The measure would overrule the justices' decision and amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage. Justices have until the ruling's effective date to weigh the request, but could give themselves longer to consider it, attorneys have said. Another complicating factor is that the Supreme Court also directed a midlevel appeals court that upheld the state's one man-one woman marriage laws a year ago to issue a new order legalizing same-sex marriage, and it's not clear when the appeals court would comply.

· Dearest Lord, there is nothing "gay" or positive about this decision for California to join Massachusetts in desecrating Your Holy Institution of Marriage. Please have mercy on those who have been misled by satan in their pursuit of false happiness with same-sex partners. We humbly ask that Californian voters will have the opportunity to correct this judicial injustice and re-establish that marriage in California is between one man and one woman. For Your glory we pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen.

· "For I the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, and will make with them an everlasting covenant." (Isaiah 61: 8 NKJV)

8. Putin To Head The Russia-Belarus Alliance - USA Today

The Belarusian president says he has named Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin the prime minister of the Russia-Belarus alliance. Russia and Belarus signed an agreement in 1996 that envisaged close political, economic and military ties, but efforts to achieve a full merger have foundered. Structures of the alliance have limited powers.

The meaning of the move Tuesday by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was not immediately clear. Some observers expected Vladimir Putin to become president of a unified state of Russia and Belarus after he stepped down earlier this month as Russian president.

· President Nixon said: "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." Dearest Lord we ask that You will quell Mr. Putin's desire to rule over both Russia and Belarus so that he might be satisfied with what You have presently given him authority over. We also pray that one day soon he will be satisfied with only You. For Your glory, we pray, as You triumph in this man's life and in the nation's lives that You have entrusted to him. Amen.

· "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6: 33 NKJV)

9. Please Pray for CONSTANT CONTACT! - CHPP

Our email list server, Constant Contact (which publishes our prayer requests to all of you) seems to be "down" just now, and we are struggling to even post this news to you at this time. Constant Contact indicates that they will be offline beginning at 11:00 p.m. tonight, for two hours, "for maintenance." Let's all pray that they are successful!

Constant Contact serves not only Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, but several other very fine ministries, too. Thank you all, amen!

· " . . . if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)

[Please note: Due to our current difficulties, we will not publish any other articles this evening. Shalom!]

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

The Daily Brief - Tuesday, May 27, 2008

"All the kings of the earth will give thanks to You, O Lord, when they have heard the words of Your mouth." (Psalm 138:4 NKJV)


The Daily Brief

1. Veterans' Burials Nonstop at National Cemeteries As WWII vets pass, memories preserved
- AP

Once 16 million strong, U.S. veterans of World War II are dying at a rate of more than 1,000 a day and now number about 2.5 million, the Department of Veterans Affairs estimates. As their ranks shrink, the National World War II Museum is one of several organizations rushing to preserve the personal accounts of veterans. Other such efforts are sponsored by the Library of Congress and the U.S. Latino and Latina WWII Oral History Project.

· Praise the Lord for all the lost lives of men and women willing to sacrifice for the love of America! Pray that this generation also has the same determination to fight for the freedom of America, and the vision of our Founding Fathers. Pray for repentance and revival in America, so that the Word of God is imbued in the hearts of Americans.

· "The memory of the just is blessed: but the the name of the wicked shall rot." (Proverbs 10:7)

2. 'Gay' day squashed on campus - WorldNetDaily

Nationwide outrage against public school participation in the "gay"-friendly 2008 Day of Silence resulted in hundreds of students boycotting the observance and some administrators canceling pro-homosexual activities. Parent and community protests against school involvement made all the difference, Linda Harvey, president of Mission America, told WND. "The Day of Silence Walk Out was extremely successful," she said. "In many high schools, hundreds of students stayed home. Here at Mission America, we had thousands of e-mails from both parents and schools, and more than 300 schools were taken off our initial list of those we believed would be sponsoring this pro-homosexual event."

· Praise the Lord that He heard our cries against this "Gay"day, making its observance a failure. Surely God is good; we need to listen to Him rather than the media. Pray for those children who attend schools where the observance was touted as a "good" thing, that the minds of the students and teachers are freed of false concepts and that the Word of God can enter in. With God all things are possible.

· "Thou are my hiding place and my shield: I hope in Thy Word." (Psalm 119:114)

3. Fingerprint Registered in Housing Bill

Most states already require fingerprinting of anyone involved in real estate/banking/teaching/alcohol/ childcare etc. In some states, for example, the prints are run against the interstate database called AFIS (Automated fingerprint identification system) as well as a CCH (Criminal History) to see if they have any prior arrests or were previously fingerprinted. The CCH files are federal and state, the AFIS is a mix of different states and is national. Another database is overkill on something already in place specifically to catch bad guys.

· While the states are doing an excellent job with federal fingerprinting files, are the federal agencies doing likewise with each other; we keep hearing echoes of jealousy between the agencies. Pray against more bureaucracy and pray for more cooperation.

· "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the Lord and stay upon his God." (Isaiah 50:10)

4. Congressman Broun to introduce constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriages - WAGT-TV; Atlanta, GA

Georgia Congressman Paul Broun, announced Tuesday, that he will be introducing a constitutional amendment to prevent same-sex marriage in response to a recent decision by the California Supreme Court that recognizes same-sex marriages. The recent 4-3 decision by the California Supreme Court redefines marriage to include legal unions. Some conservative legal scholars view the recent decision as activist in which the policy preferences of four justices overturned the democratically expressed will of California's voters.

· Praise the Lord that Congressman Broun has the determination to stand by his convictions of right to introduce this constitutional bill. The media may try to pillory him, but build a shield of prayers around him. Pray for other congressmen to join Broun.

· "Hearken unto Me , ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My law: fear ye not the reproach of men; neither be ye afraid of their revilings." (Isaiah 51:7)

5. Iowa town measures the loss after deadly tornado - AP

The damage in this town of about 1,000, was staggering: 222 homes destroyed, 21 businesses destroyed and more than 400 homes damaged. Among the buildings destroyed were the city hall, the high school and the town's sole grocery store and gas station.

· Please pray for the residents of this town in Iowa - that they will not lose heart as they try to rebuild their lives and their town. Pray that wise counsel will make decisions about the end of the school year for the high school students. Pray for the help of friends and neighbors. When will America fall on its knees and ask the Lord about all these devastating tornadoes?

· " Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly." (Joel 2:14)

6. U.S.'s Hill to visit Beijing and Moscow next week - Reuters

The top U.S. negotiator with North Korea visits China and Russia next week to brief their officials on multilateral efforts to get North Korea to give up its atomic programs, the U.S. State Department said on Friday. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, will visit Beijing from Tuesday through Thursday, and Moscow from Thursday through Saturday, State Department spokesman Tom Casey told reporters. A diplomatic source said on Thursday, Hill was expected to meet senior North Korean diplomat Kim Kye-gwan, Pyongyang's lead nuclear negotiator, in Beijing next week in what may be a sign that North Korea is closer to making a declaration of its atomic programs.

· Pray for Mr. Hill as he visits in Beijing and then in Moscow. Ask the Lord to give Hill the right words to use to open up North Korea to focus not on nuclear advancement but on its people. While in Russia, let Hill make no secret deals with the Russians that may bring harm to America in the future. Pray that whether or not Mr. Hill has any faith in God that he will walk through these negotiations surrounded by shields of prayers.

· "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." (Psalm 118:8)

7. Al-Qaida Bomb-Maker Revives WMD Program - Newsmax

A dangerous al-Qaida bomb-maker, whom the Pakistan military reported was killed two years ago, is in fact alive and well and working to develop chemical, biological, and radiological weapons - and perhaps nuclear weapons as well. That's the chilling word from Beirut-based Ed Blanche, who writes in The Middle East magazine that Egyptian-born chemical engineer Midhat Mursi al Sayyid Umar - known as Osama bin Laden's "sorcerer" - is working in secret laboratories in Pakistan's northwestern tribal area.

· Pray that this demon-driven man Umar loses his powers of "sorcery" and can no longer function in the development of WMD. Praise the Lord that Umar's existence has been exposed; now we can pray for his salvation in Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to expose his whereabouts to our military, even making the tribal leaders in that area of Pakistan annoyed with Umar, so that his location is revealed. The destruction of these secret laboratories is also needed.

· "Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord's thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is." (Deuteronomy 10:14)


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:

"May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you." (Psalm 20:1)

1. IDF considering buffer zone for Gaza - Jerusalem Post

In an effort to minimize chances of successful terrorist attacks against Israel, the IDF is drawing up plans to move the Gaza crossings away from Israel's border, defense officials said Monday.

2. Military Intelligence: Syria seeks peace but bolsters Hizbullah - Ynet News

The head of the research division of Military Intelligence, Brigadier-General Yossi Baidatz, attended the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting on Monday, and said that Syria was interested in advancing the peace process with Israel.

3. 'Rocket interception system to be tested next month' - Ynet News

Defense Ministry Director-General Pinchas Buchris told heads of Gaza vicinity local councils on Monday evening that the first tests in the 'Iron Dome' system will begin next month.

4. Israelis to receive new non-conventional warfare kits - JNW

While Israel was digesting news of sudden "progress' being made on the road towards peace with Syria, local media learned that the nation is soon be issued with newly refurbished kits for protection against non-conventional war. Gas-masks and other protective ...

5. Former IDF chief suffering battle fatigue?- JNW

The former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces appeared to be suffering a form of battle fatigue at the weekend when he declared that Israel has no real need of the Golan Heights. Dan Halutz, who resigned in ...


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:

"May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you." (Psalm 20:1)

1. Christian Karen Rebel Leader Dies In Burma - Worthy News

The leader of a rebel group fighting for autonomy and more religious rights of Burma's predominantly Christian Karen community has died, a Christian humanitarian group confirmed Friday May 23.

2. Indonesia Muslims "Burn" Christian Village; Four Killed, 56 Injured - Worthy News

Nearly all Christian families in a village on Indonesia's Seram island, in the religiously volatile Maluku province, were homeless Wednesday, May 21, after a Muslim mob burned their houses and other properties as well as killing four believers and injuring dozens others, investigators told BosNewsLife.

3. Iran: Police Arrest 12 Christian Converts - Worthy News

Police in the southern Iran city of Shiraz this month cracked down against known Muslim converts to Christianity, arresting members of three Christian families and confiscating their books and computers.

4. China Continues Crackdown On House Churches As Nation Mourns Quake Victims - Worthy News

As China mourned Monday, May 19, some 34,000 people killed in a massive earthquake, Chinese security forces, operating outside the international media attention, continued a crackdown on underground house churches, Christians said.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

A Call to Repentance: WEEK TWENTY

May 25, 2008

"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:32)


INTRODUCTION TO WEEK TWENTY


INTRODUCTION TO WEEK TWENTY

This week, we continue to press in during WEEK TWENTY of our 40 Weeks of Prayer and Fasting, to offer prayers of repentance for the sin in the church, the sin in the nation, and the blessing of Israel.

We now address these areas:

1. SIN IN THE CHURCH: THE CONTROLLING SPIRIT

2. SIN IN THE NATION: NATIVE AMERICAN ISSUES (III)

3. THE BLESSING OF ISRAEL: TWO POINTS

SIN IN THE CHURCH: CONTROLLING SPIRIT


REPENTANCE FOR SIN IN THE CHURCH:

THE CONTROLLING SPIRIT


The primary diversion that the enemy will use in order to sidetrack every new move of God will be the controlling spirit. As lawlessness increases, many church leaders will be prone to overreact to it in trying to bring order. These overreactions that use human strength, control and methods will ultimately result in even more disorder and confusion. The control spirit seeks to get Christian leaders to overstep their authority and try to do the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of others.

It is dangerous for those who are possessed with this jezebel spirit, to speak against the righteous and those who hear from the Lord. This spirit can come across very bold, abrasive or brash, but can also come across very sweet and friendly.. Beware, watch their body language and fruit and always be cautious. Keep watch and pray for discernment at all times.

They speak against or chase out watchmen and prophets whom the Lord sends to their church to reveal and warn of things occurring that are not of God or things to come. They stifle and choke out the word from the Lord and are not teachable. They also don't allow the Holy Spirit to move in their services.

"Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous." (Psalm 31:18)

(Source: Riding with the King in Unity, by Giles F.. Mack, P.O. Box 1761, Branson, MO 65615, pp. 90,92.)

"Father God, we repent that we have allowed Jezebel to take root among us, and have bowed the knee to the controlling spirit in man. Forgive us for fearing man above You; and help us to walk in Your ways. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

SINS OF THE NATION: NATIVE AMERICAN ISSUES (III)


REPENTANCE FOR THE SINS OF THE NATION:

NATIVE AMERICAN ISSUES (III)

Indian Removal Act (1830) & Legalized Lawlessness

Refusing to accept to the ruling of Supreme Court Justice John Marshall that such action was illegal, President Andrew Jackson pushed through the Indian Removal Act (IRA). The IRA resulted in the forced removal of over 17,000 Cherokee Nation members alone. Jackson involved the church by recruiting Reverend John F. Schermerhorn, a retired Dutch minister, as treaty commissioner to the Indian tribes. Schermerhorn defrauded the Cherokee of their lands by having illegitimate Native leaders sign a removal treaty while official tribal representatives were in Washington D.C.

The primary root issue was greed for the gold discovered in the heart of Cherokee territory in 1828. Over 4,000 Cherokee died on the trek to Oklahoma. When the highest office in the land refused to obey the highest court in the land, this released legalized lawlessness into the governing of this nation and paved the way for the outlawing of righteousness.

Scriptural Understanding

¨ Isaiah 5:20 -- Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

¨ II Thess. 2:7 -- For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.

Current consequences of Jackson's policy

Abortion has been legalized, the ten commandments are outlawed, and the nation's legislators are moving toward legalizing homosexual marriages and are also considering allowing homosexuals to adopt children, etc.

Current Consequences for the Church

Because they participated in the releasing of legalized lawlessness the church in America today holds little authority in the realm of influencing federal and state legislation and the appointing of supreme court judges. Most of the time the church's voice is not heard and usually it cannot obtain justice in legal or legislative matters.

[For an indepth examination of this topic, please visit the website for the First Nations Counseling Ministries. Look for the section marked "Spiritual Precedents" -- this material is from Precedent One.]

Prayer of Repentance:

"Father God, our Merciful Father, we come before you today as United States citizens and as Your children, and we ask you to forgive us for our sins against the Native American peoples. We ask You to forgive us for forcing them to endure such hardships, and to cleanse our sin through Your precious Shed Blood. We thank You that, when our government fails, Your government reigns supreme. Help us now to be "salt and light" to the Native Americans who live among us, and help us to love them as You do. In Jesus' Name, amen."

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

THE BLESSING OF ISRAEL: TWO POINTS


THE BLESSING OF ISRAEL:

Israel's Negotiations with Syria

Evangelical Christian support for Israel

(Source: Intercessors for Israel)

Part One: Israeli government's "peace" negotiations with Syria.

Israel and Syria are scheduled to begin indirect negotiations for a peace agreement in Istanbul through Turkish mediators in a few weeks. Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Moallen says, "Syria cannot progress one step forward in negotiations before it receives assurances that Israel will fully withdraw from the Golan Heights." (65% to 70% of Israelis are against ceding the Golan Heights to Syria.)

Amos 9:14-15: "'I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them,' says the Lord your God."

Jeremiah 6:14 -- "They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, 'Peace, peace!' When there is no peace."

We prayed, O Lord God Almighty:

· May the negotiations for the Golan Heights come to nothing.
· May the Golan Heights never return to Syria.
· Expose and stop all false peace negotiations.
· May the fear of God come upon the Olmert government to focus on and act upon Your prophetic agenda for the land of Israel.

Part Two: Evangelical Christian support for Israel

John 14:6 -- "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me..'"

Romans 1:16 -- "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."

We thanked God for the many Christians, ministries and Evangelical Christian political caucuses in several nations who support Israel.

We prayed, O Lord God Almighty:

· May all Christians have a revelation and understanding of your plan of salvation for Israel through Yeshua.
· May all remnants of replacement theology be rooted out of the Church.
· May all individual Christians, ministries and Christian political caucuses be bold to proclaim that salvation is for the Jew and the Gentile only in the name of Yeshua and by His sacrificial death on the cross.

Song of the Week


BLESSED ASSURANCE

"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."
(Hebrews 10:21-22)


Words: Fanny Crosby, 1873:

Music: Phoebe P. Knapp

"During the recent war in the Transvaal," said a gentleman at my meeting in Exeter Hall, London, in 1900, "when the soldiers going to the front were passing another body of soldiers whom they recognized, their greetings used to be, 'Four-nine-four, boys; four-nine-four;' and the salute would invariably be answered with 'Six further on, boys; six further on.'

The significance of this was that, in Sacred Songs and Solos, a number of copies of the small edition of which had been sent to the front, number 494 was 'God be with you until we meet again;' and six further on than 494, or number 500, was 'Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine.'"

(Sankey, Ira David, My Life and the Story of the Gospel Hymns,. Harper & Brothers, 1906.)

BLESSED ASSURANCE

Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Refrain

Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Refrain

A Closing Thought . . .


Those Nations Only Are Blessed Whose God is the Lord

"It is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord."

Abraham Lincoln