In This Issue
· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· Dobson Challenges Obama
· River Takes Aim at Town
· Flood Waters of Crisis
· Links to Other Resources
· Visit our Blog
· Who We Are
· A Note to New Subscribers
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The Daily Brief Friday, June 27, 2008
" Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (I Cornthians 15:58)
The Daily Brief
1. Congress Passes $162B Iraq War Spending Bill - AP
The Senate passed a $162 billion war spending plan Thursday, sending to President Bush legislation that will pay for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan until the next president takes office. The package, approved 92- 6, includes a doubling of GI Bill college benefits for troops and veterans. It also provides a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits and $2.7 billion in emergency flood relief for the Midwest.· Offer praise for the passage of this long-debated bill. May its passage strengthen and encourage our troops who are on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, and may victory soon be ours.
· "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee." ( Ps. 84:11:12)
2. Senate Debates Rewrite Of '78 Law That Created Secret Intelligence Court - Washington Post
On a vote of 80 to 15, the Senate officially began debate on a sweeping rewrite of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, with an eye toward final passage of the bill as early as today. The bill would require that the secret FISA court approve procedures for intercepting foreign nationals' e-mails and telephone calls. Spying on U.S. citizens, including those overseas, would require individual warrants from the same court.
· Lord, as many major changes have taken place since the 1978 law, we ask for monitored changes that will balance the need for private rights and national security. We pray for wisdom over this debate resulting in decisions of integrity.
· "For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. " (Eccl. 7:12)
3. McCain Echoes Obama's Call to Rein in Oil Speculation - CNSNews.com
At a speech in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) echoed Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), who decried oil speculators early this week on the campaign trail. "Fairness also requires that we reform the oil futures market," McCain said during a speech that his campaign is billing as part of the presumptive GOP presidential candidate's "comprehensive plan for energy security.""We must purge the market of the reckless speculation, unrelated to any kind of productive commerce, that has inflated the price of gasoline -- at the expense of working men and women across our country," McCain said. "With new regulations, I intend to assure integrity in oil-futures trading, and to protect the public interest."· Father, we ask that wisdom be given to the legislators to come up with a fair solution to the wild speculation in oil futures that has produced such economic disaster. We thank You for Your mercy over us, and Your provision to us.
· "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)
4. North Korea Declares Nukes; Bush Lifts Sanctions - AP
Pledging "action for action," President Bush on Thursday said North Korea has demonstrated a commitment to dismantling its nuclear weapons program and will be rewarded by being removed from the U.S. list of state sponsors and having trade sanctions lifted. The president spoke hours after North Korea submitted its long-awaited declaration detailing its nuclear weapons activities. The government said that it would televise the demolition of the cooling tower at its Yongbyon nuclear facility on Friday, and turned over documents to China about its plutonium core and waste activities.· Lord, we ask Your protection over America as this new policy is enacted. We also pray Your Holy Spirit will move over North Korea to redeem the lives of the people from horrifying living conditions and vicious governmental policies, in order to bring them to Yourself.
· "For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption." (Psalm 130:7b)
5. Bush Calls Zimbabwe Runoff Election "A Sham" - APPresident Bush on Wednesday said the presidential runoff election in Zimbabwe this week appears to be a "sham," joining a chorus of international condemnation against the actions of that country's ruler. Saying "this is an incredibly sad development."' he called upon the African Union to continue to highlight the "illegitimacy" of the elections and keep reminding the world that the process is "not free and it's not fair."
· Lord, we call forth truth and integrity over Zimbabwe. We ask for a teachable spirit that will bear witness to the truth. Bring down deception and be lifted up in truth. · "The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. " (Prov. 11:3)
6. President Bush Meets With President Jalal Talabani Of Iraq - AP
President Bush and Iraq's president expressed cautious optimism Wednesday about prospects for completing a complex agreement that would keep U.S. troops in Iraq after a U.N. mandate expires at year-end. Bush said the U.S. was working on an agreement that "suits" the Iraqi government. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, speaking in the Oval Office after meeting with Bush, said, "We talked about the fact that the economy's improving and that the attitude of the people there has improved immeasurably over the years."
· Lord, we give You praise and thanksgiving for the progress and victories we have had over the enemy of freedom in Iraq. Bless our troops and their families. We continue to pray for complete victory and the stablization of Iraq to protect their country.
· "Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, bearing one another in love; . . . . " (NIV, Eph. 4:1,2)
7. UPDATE!! U.S. House Passes Speculation Measure - Bloomberg
Crude oil fell in New York, retreating from the record $140.39 a barrel reached yesterday, as the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill aimed at curbing excessive energy-market speculation. The bill, which passed 402-19, would require the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to consider using position limits, or constraints on the size of the stake each speculative investor can own, and raising margin requirements, the amount of money required to trade. The vote came after the record was set. · We JUST offered prayer over this bill yesterday, and LAST NIGHT IT PASSED!!
Offer praise to the Lord for His mighty deeds among men! Continue in prayer over this issue, for there are now at least two "companion bills" that must work their way through the Senate, after the Independence Day recess. Decree that THIS will be our "Independence Day" from the ties that have bound us to these greedy speculators!
· "Before they call, I will answer. While they're still speaking, I will hear . . . " (Isaiah 65:24)
8. Transgenders air their plight on Capitol Hill - McClatchy
Last year . . . House leaders removed transgender employees from a jobs discrimination bill that offered protections to gays, lesbians and bisexuals. Supporters of the legislation want the House to reverse that decision next year.Opposing the legislation, Glen Lavy, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund, said it would be a mistake to define gender identity or gender expression as a protected class. He said that objections to "the concept of transgender" are based on religious beliefs and that forcing the idea as a valid concept "is like forcing an Orthodox Jew to eat pork." And he said that employers would have difficulty enforcing dress codes and assuring privacy. "With gender identity being totally subjective, who could challenge any male who says he wants to use a woman's restroom?" Lavy asked. (Read more.)
· [Commentary from Tony Perkins] One of the main reasons we oppose legislation like ENDA is because it would symbolically declare that anyone who believes a man should remain a man and a woman remain a woman is a bigot. Frank, meanwhile, insisted that the bill is "no license to misbehave or be bizarre," but he was apparently ignorant of the fact that for a man to wear a dress is inherently bizarre. He also praised "transgenders" for having "courageously dealt with" their "deep anguish." But there is nothing "courageous" about indulging these desires rather than resisting them. Glen Lavy of the Alliance Defense Fund brought a note of sanity, reminding the committee that employers have rights too, and should be left alone to exercise them in this area.
· First of all, pray that there will be NO FRUIT coming from that hearing yesterday on the Hill. Then, pray for the souls of these poor, confused people. Our only true identity is IN CHRIST JESUS . . . and "male and female He created them." Pray.
· "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." (Genesis 1:26)
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: "Jerusalem will yet again dwell in their own place, even in Jerusalem." (Zech.12:6)
1. Mortar shells land near southern kibbutz - Ynet NewsTwo mortar shells were fired from the northern Gaza Strip into Israel on Friday morning. One landed near Kibbutz Kfar Aza in the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, and the second one hit an open area.
2. Presbyterians Urged To Side With Palestinians - NY SunThe Presbyterian Church is hearing impassioned pleas to declare its solidarity with the Palestinian Arabs by adopting a series of anti-Israel measures, including proposals for divestment and for backing a suspension of American military aid to the Jewish state.
3. Gay parade sashays through Jerusalem - Jerusalem PostDespite a backdrop of counterprotests and memories of the violence of years past, rainbow-colored flags and a crowd of a few thousand people made their way through the central streets of Jerusalem on Thursday as the annual Gay Pride Parade went off without a hitch.
Dobson Challenges Obama
Obama Supporters Launch Anti-Dobson Website Family Advocates Stand Behind Dr. Dobson
SUMMARY: Hundreds of supportive e-mails pour into anti-Dobson Web site.
Nearly 900 family advocates - mostly CitizenLink readers - have sent e-mails to an anti-Dobson Web site, expressing their support for Dr. James Dobson, founder and chairman of Focus on the Family Action. A "coalition of pastors and other Christians" launched the Web site after Dr. Dobson's Tuesday radio broadcast, in which he challenged Sen. Barack Obama's views on Scripture and the role of religion in the public square."I think he's deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own worldview, his own confused theology," Dr. Dobson said.
The Web site, which attempts to compare statements from Obama and Dobson, is trying to collect signatures of those who disagree with Dr. Dobson. Instead, the site is collecting hundreds of e- mails in support of Dr. Dobson."I can't stress enough the importance of being respectful and polite in your messages," said Gary Schneeberger, vice president for media relations at Focus on the Family Action. "We've received our fair share of phone calls and e-mails from people who disagree with Dr. Dobson, and I'm sad to say many of them have been irate and disrespectful, and a few have been vulgar - even from self-described Christians."Let's defend the truth, and let's do it with passion, but let's do it in a way that reflects well on Jesus."
TAKE ACTION
If you support Dr. Dobson and appreciate his strong stand for Christ, please send a respectful e-mail to the anti-Dobson Web site.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tony Perkins, president of FRC Action, has a question for Sen. Obama. Watch the video.
In his controversial speech in 2006, Sen. Obama called for more people to read their Bibles. The Pocket Testament League is offering free copies of the Gospel of John. Free online registration is required.
Watch Sen. Obama's 2006 speech.
River Takes Aim at Town
Frantic sandbagging aims to save Missouri town, hold Mississippi River after muskrat undoes levee.
A heroic effort by hundreds of townspeople, volunteers and National Guardsmen to hold back the Mississippi River failed Friday - undone by a burrowing muskrat.But within hours, defiant residents were mounting a new defense - a quickly constructed 4-foot-tall sandbag levee to protect 100 homes in the floodwaters' path. "We're not quitting - the Army doesn't quit," said National Guard Col. Michele Melton. "That's why we're here - to try and save these people." (AP)
COMMENTARY FROM CAPITOL HILL PRAYER PARTNERS:
On Monday of this week, we received the following message from one of our prayer partners, Pat, in Texas. She then quoted a series of prayer requests that came from Joe Airhart in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Now that the floods have moved downriver, the needs for prayer remain the same from town to town. We offer this alert for intercession tonight, then, not only for Cedar Rapids, but also for those who are in Winfield, MO and all up and down the mighty Mississippi.
Thank you all, again, for your prayers and your acts of comfort for those who have been the victims of these terrible floods. May God yet show His mercy upon all. * * * * *
Dear Intercessors, Here is an update for prayer needs in the Cedar Rapids area as they deal with the remnants of the flood, the recovery efforts, etc. This comes from a trusted Mission America intercessor working with the local City Reacher, Charles Daughtry.I send for a couple of reasons....may we learn in case we are ever in such a disaster as to how the church can minister and aid our cities in a time of need, ever expanding the Kingdom as we go...second, there are items covered here that are probably universal in the Midwest right now, so our prayers here can cover a LARGE area of America needing recovery and a touch of God after the unusual rains and flooding the last couple of weeks.Blessings,Pat--------------------
Hi Pat ,
The floods came up to my front porch 9 blocks from the Cedar River in Down Town Cedar Rapids. The River rose 35 feet higher than the usual level. I am sending this e-mail from my home, however access to my computer and home is limited by the National Guard and police. Charles is asking for prayer for Strength as the volunteers are tired. Stress is also at a high level but compassion is strong thru it all. The current list he sent was to also pray for, refreshment, unity, and that people will be touched. Also he is asking for prayer about adversary bringing Confusion.
My personal observation as I prayer walk is to pray for safety for all people. Heavy muck and sewage mixed with river water is a problem. Bugs are really biting in the flood areas. Air Quality is very stinky and choking comes as you enter the flood locations. We know that our Lord wants to protect the health of all the volunteers.I have mostly been praying over the whole situation with others. The Lord is bringing His glory to this City right now. I know many will come to know Jesus from all of the efforts of Charles Daughtry the local City Reacher and the Serve the City team, including more churches than ever.
We are now in Recovery mode in Cedar Rapids. The church is shining for Jesus with many leaders stepping up to take over many areas for Charles. Many of these leaders are church Pastors looking to raise up teams for clean up and assistance work. Please pray for the leadership of all these Pastors stepping up and the teams that they are organizing. Charles and Serve the City continues to take requests for needs from City officials. The needs are great but the Lord is showing us the way.
Please pray for the teams of dozens of prayer people going into the flood areas to pray with people who want prayer. The Midwest Prayer Center here has organized this part of Recovery. It is a wonderful thing to see all the churches and volunteers working together. This is truly a testimony of Prayer, Care and Share. Also pray for favor with FEMA; our federal government has released funds to give to the flood victims. Pray that these funds will be released in a timely manner. Many temporary shelters are still housing people and they also need prayer.
Thank you for all your prayers, Blessings - Joe Airhart· "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee." ( Ps. 84:11:12)
Flood Waters of Crisis
By:Matt LockettExecutive DirectorBound4LIFE Intl.
Last Friday I was with Lou Engle in Washington, DC. We watched in shock as the muddy flood waters of the Mississippi River broke through the levees in Missouri. A few minutes later Lou declared in a CBN News interview that the boundaries have been removed and the "moral levees" in the nation have broken."Everyone has to start sandbagging now!"
What a vivid parallel the news is broadcasting as we watch this devastation taking place in our heartland. Consider the images of those in the path of destruction as they feverishly build walls out of sandbags in an effort to restrain the incoming muddy waters. In this moment of crisis, those walls are necessary to protect their homes, crops and livelihood. Right now, the nation is in a moment of spiritual crisis, and it demands that walls be built. Not walls of sand but walls of intercession."I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.' (Ez 22:30)
With the coming elections looming large on the horizon so much is at stake. One of the walls that's imperative right now is the one we've built in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. That wall has been standing daily for nearly four years. Even now this summer it stands 24 hours a day-seven days a week. My team and I have been in DC this month holding that line while temperatures soared to 110°. We continue to contend for a third seat on the Court that will be filled with a righteous Judge that will stand for LIFE. We are challenged to stand in faith like Abraham believing that God is able to perform all that He has promised.
At the same time we stand and cry out for mercy for our nation. Heaven kissed us last week during a brief rain shower. We looked up as we silently prayed in the rain and saw a rainbow stretch out over the Court. A few moments later a second rainbow joined it. Then our eyes filled with tears as a third rainbow became briefly visible as well. We caught this image with one of our camera phones. It's hard to see, but trust me it's there. Our hearts were encouraged and strengthened that day.
What happens with the Court in the next couple years is of the utmost importance to us all. This wall of intercession must continue to stand. This wall must thrive. At the beginning of the year we launched The Patriot Campaign as a way for you to help mobilize Bound4LIFE everywhere. 154 Chapters have been established in America and seven other nations. I ask you again, would you please consider helping in this way as we pursue LIFE. Would you stand with us as we make plans to increase the number of young people being trained in DC? Would you join with us to build a wall that will not fail, come what may?
God end abortion and send revival to America.
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The Daily Brief is published by Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP). CHPP is a ministry dedicated to praying for our leaders, and for issues involving our national security. We are a 501 (c) 3, tax-exempt nonprofit ministry, relying solely upon the gifts of our friends to maintain this work.
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