In This Issue· The Middle East in Focus
· The White House in Transition
· Victory in Dallas
· First National Thanksgiving Proclamation
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief Wednesday, November 26, 2008
"Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." (Revelation 7:10)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM CAPITOL HILL PRAYER PARTNERS . . .PRAISE THE LORD!
The next issue of the Daily Brief will be published on Tuesday, December 2.
The Daily Brief
1. Organization Calling Itself Deccan Mujahideen Claims Responsibility for Mumbai Attacks - Fox News
At least 40 people are reportedly being held hostage in Mumbai, India, by gunmen who targeted luxury hotels, a popular tourist attraction and a crowded train station in at least seven attacks that killed at least 80 in the nation's financial capital, police and witnesses said. Eyewitnesses said the terrorists appeared to be targeting Americans and the British. An organization calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen claimed it was behind attacks in India's financial capital Mumbai that have left at least 80 people dead, television channels reported, according to Reuters. The State Department condemned the attacks and said it couldn't confirm any U.S. casualties. "Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of those killed and injured, and to the people of Mumbai," said Robert A. Wood, a deputy spokesman at the State Department. "We are monitoring the situation very closely and stand ready to support the Indian authorities as they deal with this horrific series of attacks. At this point, we are unaware of any American casualties."
Sajjad Karim told Britain's Press Association news agency that he and several other lawmakers were barricaded inside the Taj Mahal Hotel.Karim was part of a delegation of European lawmakers visiting Mumbai ahead of an upcoming EU-India summit.
· Lord, we pray for calm within the government of and on the streets of India. We know that there are evil people who seek to attack the innocent in order to impose their will. Lord, we pray for Your shelter over those who are still in danger and for Your healing over those who have been injured. We also call out for peace and comfort for those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. May the perpetrators of this violence be rooted out and may they be held to account for the destruction and murder that they have wrought.
· Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:3,5)
2. Feds Warn of NYC Subway Terror Plot - Intercessors for America
Federal and local law enforcement authorities beefed up security in New York City today because of a "plausible but unsubstantiated" report that al-Qaida terrorists are plotting an attack against the city's subways and trains.
· Pray for NYC and U.S. cities over this holiday weekend.
· "He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success." (Job 5:12)
3. Runoff Election Scheduled for Tuesday in Georgia - CHPP
The run off election in Georgia on December 2nd is critical. This election could greatly determine major future decisions in the United States Senate. Whichever party wins will get 60 votes in the Senate and be able to control all legislation.Saxby Chambliss is bringing in Sarah Palin this weekend to stress the importance of conservative economic principles, upholding the sanctity of life, upholding traditional marriage and standing strong for the family. Meanwhile, (according to local sources) Barack Obama is bringing in "a flood" of speakers in support of the Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate in Georgia: Jim Martin.
· If you live in the State of Georgia, please be sure to vote in this critical election. May the man of God's choosing -- not man's choosing -- win this race.
· "Thy people shall volunteer freely in the day of Thy power." (Psalm 110:3 NAS)
4. Supreme court to rule on Obama's eligibility for presidency - Iowa Apostolic Prayer Network
U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter has agreed that a review of the federal lawsuit filed by attorney Phil Berg against Barack Hussein Obama II, et al., which was subsequently dismissed for lack of standing is warranted. SCOTUS Docket No. 08-570 contains the details.A review of that docket and the Rule 10 of the Supreme Court makes abundantly clear that Justice Souter's granting of a review on the Writ of Certiorari is not a right entitled to citizen Phil Berg, but rather is a matter of judicial discretion based upon a compelling reason. That compelling reason is the Constitutional requirement that "No person except a natural born citizen . shall be eligible to the office of President." What this means is that on or before 1 DECEMBER 2008 Barack Hussein Obama II must respond to the writ of certiorari, and since the Berg v Obama case hinged primarily on the question of Obama's place of birth, it is almost inconceivable that Barack Obama will ignore the Justices of the Supreme Court and he is absolutely compelled to provide a vault copy his original birth certificate. (Read more.)
· "Father God Almighty King we pray for our country. We pray that truth would be known and that we as believers would surrender to You in prayer. That we would trust You in all things. That our lives would radiate hope, peace and joy to a world that trusts in knowledge, beauty, sex, wealth, a world that has left You out of our thoughts and actions. Please forgive us Lord. We pray for truth Father and we pray for the United States of America that we could be once more a nation that can say "In God We Trust." We pray for our supreme court justices that You would give them discernment and integrity to do what is right, we know You put kings into place and remove kings. Father God help us to trust You in all things. To You be the glory, praise and honor. We pray for Your perfect will, nothing less than Your perfect will, for our country and our lives. In Jesus amen"
· "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men." (Daniel 4:17)
5. U.S. Automakers Told To Draft Viability Plan - The Washington Post
The Bush administration yesterday said Detroit's Big Three automakers must show they have a plan to ensure their financial viability if they are to win support for emergency loans to help them through the current financial crisis. In a letter addressed to Democratic leaders in Congress, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez and Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman said firms requesting bridge loans "must have a product mix and cost structure that is competitive in the U.S. marketplace. . . A satisfactory plan for viability, therefore, should address the factors that drive overall competitiveness" including labor, management and legacy costs; debt structure; dealership network costs; capacity; fuel efficiency; and plans for new and existing vehicles, the letter said.
· To show a plan for expenditure of monies is always a sound idea. Taxpayers have too much invested in this country for companies to foolishly use our money. Pray that the regulations for these "bridge" loans, proposed by Commerce Secretary Gutierrez, will be carefully followed in Congress.
· "In the day when I cried Thou answereth me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul." (Psalm 138:3)
6. Commerce Secretary Gutierrez Calls On Congress To Pass Free Trade Agreements - RTT News; White House Morning Update
A top member of the Bush Administration said Tuesday that the most recent data about the economy points out the "serious challenges" the country is facing, but he urged Americans to be patient with the government's recovery plans and encouraged Congress to pass several pending free trade agreements. U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez argued that in the face of economic weakness, the country must not move away from polices of lower taxes and open markets. Gutierrez called on Congress to pass pending trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea during its expected session next week. "In the 735 days since the Colombian agreement was signed, more than $1.3 billion in tariffs have been imposed on U.S. exports to Colombia. As exports continue to be the bright spot of our economy, this is one way Congress can quickly work to stimulate growth," Gutierrez argued."
· One of the missions of Capitol Hill Prayer Partners is to bring you key news items for prayer, that you may have missed in the mainstream news. This issue of the passage of the Colombian Free Trade Agreements is one that the White House has been urging for some time now, but we (frankly) have neglected to lift this up in prayer.Clearly, the passage of these agreements would be GOOD for our economy -- and right now, our economy needs all the help it can get. Let's lift this up for passage in the remaining days of the lame duck session of Congress . . . let's yet demonstrate the POWER of PRAYER!!
· "Again, I tell you that 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)
7. US Imposes Sanctions On Zimbabwe "Cronies" - The Wall Street Journal
The Bush administration on Tuesday imposed financial sanctions on four people it called "cronies" of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe whose support allegedly allowed Mugabe to undermine democracy. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. Any bank accounts or other financial assets belonging to the four people that are found in the United States must be frozen. Americans also are forbidden from conducting business with them. "The Mugabe regime continues to resist the call of the Zimbabwean people to loosen its corrupt and violent hold on power," OFAC Director Adam Szubin said in a statement. "The United States supports the people of Zimbabwe in their struggle to achieve a political and economic system built on fairness and transparency rather than patronage and self-dealing."
· Praise the Lord that the USA is still actively stopping corruption in countries working to establish democracy. Mugabe has been a thug and a corrupter ever since he gained power in Zimbabwe. Pray for freedoms in that country for its citizens. Pray for the salvation of Mugabe and his removal from power.
· "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." (Psalm 118:8)
8. US foiled missile shipment to Iran - Worthy News.com
A few weeks before dropping North Korea from the United States' list of countries that sponsor terrorism, the Bush administration thwarted a shipment of missile parts, possibly including gyroscopes for guidance systems, from the far eastern country to Iran, the weekly news magazine Newsweek reported Sunday, quoting US officials. US officials said that clearance over Indian airspace was annulled following a request from Washington. Japanese and South Korean officials publicly proclaimed that North Korea had stopped the process of decommissioning its reactor and was not standing up to other sides of its agreement with the US.
· Again, let us give thanks to the Lord for the surveillance of our friendly nations in keeping supplies from reaching Iran to use on its nuclear missiles. Pass the word along to your friends and relatives, so that Americans know how effective the Bush administration and the Lord have been in keeping America and Israel safe.
· "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19b)
9. Iraq's Parliament to Vote on U.S. Pact Thursday - Intercessors for America
Iraq's Shiite-dominated parliament today delayed voting on a pact setting Dec. 31, 2011, as the deadline for U.S. forces to leave Iraq as Sunni Arab lawmakers pressed for more concessions in exchange for supporting it. The parliament speaker, Mahmoud Mashadani, indicated that most of the demands had been met during private talks among political leaders. "We have a generally positive atmosphere," he said. But he said the blocs needed more time to hammer out details, so the long-anticipated vote would be put off until Thursday.
The pact, which is to take effect Jan. 1, would replace the United Nations mandate now governing the U.S. troop presence, which expires that day. In addition to setting the end of 2011 as the date for all U.S. forces to be out of Iraq, the roughly 20-page document also sets June 30, 2009, as the date for U.S. combat troops to withdraw from Iraqi's cities, towns and villages and confine themselves to distant bases.
· Continue to pray for passage of this Iraq / U.S. Security Pact.
· "For the eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, and his ears attend to their prayer." (I Peter 3:12)
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:
"Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1-2)
1. Hamas: After Nov. 4, 'we are stronger, and the Israelis and Americans are weaker' - World Tribune
The Hamas regime is not concerned that Israel will mount a major military invasion of the Gaza Strip, despite daily Palestinian missile strikes.
2. Olmert: U.S. never advised Israel to use restraint against Iran - Ha'aretz
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Tuesday the United States has not advised Israel to restrain itself from taking any action it deemed necessary against Iran's nuclear program.
3. Khamenei for Lebanese unity vs. Israel - Jerusalem Post
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Tuesday on Lebanon's disparate ethnic groups to unite against their common enemy - Israel - the Iranian IRNA news agency reported.
4. Olmert: No reason we can't agree on core issues soon - Ynet News
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made clear on Tuesday once again that he still has the mandate to make concessions on Israel's behalf, despite his lame duck government.
The White House in Transition
1. Gates Stays at Defense - Does He Know Something We Don't? - FOX News
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates stays - and that's good news for most Americans. First, it confirms President-elect Obama's pledge to include Republicans in his cabinet. And this is a special Republican indeed, the importance of whose portfolio is equaled only by the State Department. In accepting the appointment, does Mr. Gates know something we don't?
Nevertheless, this appointment coupled with the rather smart group of moderates Obama has selected for his economics team suggests that the bus that always seems to be following our next president still has some room underneath for yet one more group of ex-friends-the MoveOn.org crowd. And this raises another question: in accepting the appointment, does Mr. Gates know something we don't? (Of course, with the highest security clearance possible, he knows plenty that we don't, but that's not what I mean.)
· The choice of Gates as Secretary of Defense suggests that there will no immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq, allowing that country to establish its security. However, the reference to MoveOn.org may point to conflict within President-elect Obama's cabinet. Pray for security on all sides, so that Iraq is not abandoned, that our military has not served in vain, and that democracy is clearly established in Iraq.
· "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered." (Proverbs 28:26)
2. Obama to Remove FEMA from Dept. of Homeland Security - Washington Post
The Federal Emergency Management Administration . . . looks to be getting a facelift under the Obama administration, sources tell us. The likely plan is to break off the agency from the Department of Homeland Security, a move that would in itself help restore the pride FEMA folks felt when it was an independent agency. In so doing, FEMA officials will report directly to the new president, instead of through the chain of command of DHS.
· Thank our Lord that He promises to guide us in all decision-making every step of the way, one step at a time. May His divine wisdom guide the President - Elect now, in all matters that are before him. Praise God!
· "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go: I will guide you with my eye." (Psalm 32:8)
3. Cuomo Favored to Take Hillary Clinton's Senate Seat - Fox News
New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is emerging as the leading contender to take over the Senate seat of Hillary Clinton, who is poised to head the State Department after Barack Obama takes offices as President. Blogs and polls are showing a preference for Cuomo. In a new Marist poll, 43 percent of New York voters said they would like to see Cuomo replace Clinton, 1 percentage point more than those who said they were not sure about their preference. Cuomo, son of former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, has strong ties to the Clintons. He was secretary of housing and urban development for four years under President Bill Clinton before being elected the state attorney general in 2006.Clinton's role in the Obama administration still isn't official, though sources have said she is expected to be announced as his secretary of state nominee after Thanksgiving. She then would have to be confirmed by the Senate.Democratic Gov. David Paterson would get to appoint Clinton's replacement upon her resignation, and her replacement would face a special election in two years.
· The changes at the White House are also creating changes on Capitol Hill in the United States Senate. Before January 20th, the Governor of Illinois must appoint the man or woman who will fill the remaining term of former Senator Barack Obama; and now the Governor of New York may need to appoint one to take the seat of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, as well. As we pray for "all in authority," asking wisdom to be granted to the new president, let us also lift up the governors of these two states as they, too, fulfill their own responsibilities during this season of transition.
· "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Matthew 21:22)
4. Opinion: "A Time For Thanksgiving" - The Weekly Standard
Boston Herald's Jules Crittenden Thanks President Bush, Saying He "Has Made The World A Better Place As the transition progresses and Barack Obama's inauguration draws closer, it's a good moment to mull the gifts George W. Bush has left for the incoming president. Bush has made the world a better place, and if Obama wants to do the same, he will take the good things Bush has done and move forward with them. . . First and foremost, Saddam Hussein - a state sponsor of terrorism, a producer of weapons of mass destruction, a warmonger, and a genocidal maniac - is gone. . . The nuclear arms race in the Middle East was checked after 2003 when Iraq was cut out of it, Libya surrendered, and Iran momentarily halted its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Iran is back in the game, and apparently Syria as well, but Europe and the U.N. have come into line with George Bush on Iran, recognizing that ultimately someone must be willing to use force when all else fails.
· Offer Thanksgiving to the Lord for His goodness to America. Let our national celebration this year be a time of recognizing what God has done in blessing our nation. This is not a time for whining nor for recriminations. Read God's Word at the dinner table so that children can see that praising lifts the spirit and focuses us on what is truly important.
· "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)
5. President Bush Says "I Will Always Be Thankful For The Honor Of Having Served As The Commander In Chief." - The Tennessean
President George W. Bush spent the first Thanksgiving of his presidency at Fort Campbell, and that's where the commander in chief returned Tuesday for one final holiday meal with the soldiers. In a brief speech to the troops, Bush thanked them for their service, lauded their accomplishments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and promised "we're growing closer to the day when our troops will come home. And when they come home, they will come home in victory. . .""You know, this is going to be my last Thanksgiving as president," Bush said, as the crowd cheered and waved hundreds of small American flags. "Sometimes I'm asked what I will miss most about the job. Well, above all, I'm going to miss spending time with men and women who wear the uniform. We are blessed to have defenders of such character and courage. I will always be thankful for the honor of having served as the commander in chief."
· Praise the Lord for the blessings of having George W. Bush as president for the last eight years. While not perfect and certainly wrong about Israel, President Bush has been a man who has cared for America and its citizens. We have much to praise the Lord for. Pray for . President Bush's life beyond the White House.
· "The fear of Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil." (Proverbs 19:23
Victory in Dallas
Holy Land Convictions Reveal Tip Of Terrorist Organization Within US
After a long and arduous trial ending in a hung jury, the United States Department of Justice won its retrial against the Islamic terrorist front, the Holy Land Foundation, as the jury handed down guilty verdicts on all 105 counts against the foundation itself and four of its leaders and associates. The Holy Land Foundation, based in Richardson, Texas, was found to be an indirect arm of the Muslim Brotherhood terrorist organization and a fundraising arm in the United States for the Hamas terrorist organization- which endorsed President-elect Barack Hussein Obama in the waning days of the recent presidential election.
According to court documents, there was an October 1993 meeting of Palestinian activists in Philadelphia, a month after the Oslo Peace Accords were signed between PLO terrorist Yassir Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. These activists were determined to use US Constitutional protections of religious freedom to raise money for social activities and infrastructural support of the Hamas terrorist group. The money would be used to build the terrorist organization's social infrastructure, and to free it to conduct its terrorist activities. The documents indicated that humanitarian efforts associated with Hamas provided the perfect cover to raise money to fund the terrorist influence of Hamas.
President Bill Clinton issued an executive order prohibiting any kind of support, including charitable, to Hamas. The court document stated, "This broad prohibition recognized the vital role a terrorist group's social infrastructure plays in strengthening the movement by exploiting the needs of the civilian population and providing radical indoctrination through its schools and social programs... Between 1995 and December 2001, the defendant HLF delivered hundreds of thousands of dollars into the West Bank and Gaza to construct schools, medical clinics, libraries and other community-based facilities, in addition to supporting individuals and families of individuals arrested, detained or injured during violent confrontations with Israel."
The Holy Land Foundation worked closely with many other so-called Islamic charities to provide support for terrorist organizations. The government named an intricate web of Islamic organizations, including the Council on American Islamic Relations, that cooperate under the Muslim Brotherhood's plan to create a "civilization Jihad" in America with the intent to destroy the nation. The convictions in the Holy Land trial appear to be just the tip of a carefully orchestrated plan to use the freedoms America offers to destroy her from within. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 24:4, "Take heed that no man deceives you." There is deception from within this nation. It is found in using our Constitution as cover to destroy the nation.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
First National Thanksgiving Proclamation
American Minute - Nov. 26 George Washington, First National Thanksgiving Proclamation
In order to thank God for the First Amendment, which was passed a week earlier by Congress, President George Washington issued the first National Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1789: "Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me 'to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness;'"
Washington continued:
"Now, therefore, I do recommend...Thursday, the 26TH DAY of NOVEMBER . . . to be devoted by the People of these United States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be;"
Washington concluded: "That we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks . . .for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government . . . particularly the national one now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed . . . to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue."
(Source: American Minute with Bill Federer)
