In This Issue· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· Pray for the Persecuted Church
· Political Scandal in Illinois
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief Wednesday, December 10, 2008
"Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon." (Isaiah 55:7)
The Daily Brief
1. White House, Congress near deal on auto bailout - AP
A government "car czar" with the power to force U.S. automakers into bankruptcy would dole out $15 billion in emergency loans to the failing industry under an emerging deal between the White House and congressional Democrats, but bill could still face obstacles from congressional Republicans.
· Pray for the Lord's wisdom to dominate these plans of men. Only the Lord knows whether this bailout should take place and if so, under what regulations and conditions. Is there too much government control proposed? Pray for the Lord's will and also for the souls of the CEO's of the automotive industry.
· "Whom shall He teach knowledge and whom will He make to understand doctrine?" (Isaiah 28:9a)
2. BREAKING: House Approves Auto Bill - Fox News
House approves $14B rescue package by vote of 237 - 170, but bill still faces opposition from Senate Republicans.
· Continue in prayer over this very vital matter. May Congress and the White House find the correct balance between another "bailout" of an endangered inustry; and a loan that, in time, must be repaid.
· "Pray without ceasing." (I Thess. 5:17)
3. D.C. 'nightmare' looms for inauguration - Washington Times
Area business and government leaders warned Monday that the District is not prepared to handle the record crowds expected to converge on the capital for Barack Obama's presidential inauguration. At a briefing organized by the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the leaders expressed concern that the District will be overwhelmed by the influx and that visitors will find shortfalls in everything from milk and bread to parking for an estimated 10,000 buses. Even cell phone reception could be hampered by a lack of transmission towers. Between 4 million and 5 million visitors are expected during the four-day inaugural celebration next month. That number represents about 20 percent of the 20 million visitors who came to Washington during all of last year, said Board of Trade President Jim Dinegar. As a result, Mr. Dinegar said, the inauguration will be "a logistical nightmare."
· Our nation's capital needs significant prayer to handle such an influx. Because many will become impatient with the clogged city, the worst could happen. All hotel accommodations are already reserved. Bind any spirits of lawlessness.
· "And seek the peace of the city . . . and pray unto the Lord for it; for in the peace thereof, ye shall have peace." (Jeremiah 29:7)
4. Abortion Foes Open a New Front - Wall Street Journal
Abortion opponents are pressing state and local govenrnents to stop sending taxpayer dollars to Planned Parenthood, arguing that the nonprofit group has plenty of cash and shouldn't be granted scarce public funds at a time of economic crisis.
· Give thanks unto the Lord for His revealing a new strategy to eliminate abortion in America. Pray that many will join this strategy, calling for the complete end to funds for Planned Parenthood, a major abortion force in this nation.
· "I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I poured my complaint Him; I showed before Him my trouble." (Psalm 142:1,2)
5. Virtual World for Muslims Debuts - BBC
The first virtual world catering to practicing Muslims has made a trial launch in cyberspace, thanks to Muxlim, a English-language, Finland-based Web site devoted to Muslims living in the West. "We are not a religious site - we are a site that is focused on the lifestyle," site founder Mohamed El- Fatatry tells the BBC. "This is for anyone who is remotely interested in the Muslim culture and the Muslim lifestyle." The virtual world, called Muxlim Pal, isn't as high-tech as "Second Life." Its three-quarter viewing angle and blocky cartoonish figures make it look like an older version of the "Sims" series.
· Ask the Lord to keep watchmen attentive to this website so that we can follow what is being taught to Moslem children and others who look at the website. If any of you have seen the DVD entitled "Obsession," you know what horrific ideas are taught to children in the name of their god. Pray that the hearts of children will be fire-proofed against any wickedness.
· "But Jesus said,' Suffer little children and, forbid them not, to come unto Me for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.'" (Matthew 19:14)
6. Video: Hovering 'Multiple Kill Vehicle," Straight Outta Star Wars - Trunews.com
The Pentagon is investing big in an interceptor that can take out any countermeasures. But for this "Multiple Kill Vehicle" to work right, it has to be able to radically maneuver and reposition itself in mid- air. Earlier this months, a prototype payload was tested at Edwards Air Force Base in California. And the result, as Ares notes, was something that looked like the target droid that "zapped a blindfolded Luke Skywalker during lightsaber training." "The MKV isn't designed to 'knock down several missiles at once,'" Rick Lehner, with the Missile Defense Agency, notes in the comments. "It is being designed as a way to intercept and destroy all objects from a single ballistic missile -- warhead, countermeasures, booster debris, etc."
· Petition the Lord to find His will for this project. Does the USA really need such a device? Russia certainly seems to be intimidated by these American plans. Of course, only true revival in the USA and repentance by millions of citizens who deny their need for God and think that their actions have caused the blessings that we enjoy will bring the Lord's umbrella of protection over this nation.
· "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1)
7. President Bush Says "It Is Time For Robert Mugabe To Go" - United Press International
Pledges To Help Rebuild ZimbabweU.S. President George Bush says it is time for Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe 'to go,' joining an international chorus of criticism. "As my administration has made clear, it is time for Robert Mugabe to go," Bush said. . . 'We urge others from the region to step up and join the growing chorus of voices calling for an end to Mugabe's tyranny." Bush said the United States "stands ready to help rebuild Zimbabwe" once a government is established that includes members of the Movement for Democratic Change opposition party."
· Pray for the citizens of Zimbabwe that they may be freed of the oppressor Mugabe. This man is a dictator in his homeland and a squanderer of his nation's resources and people. Pray that the people find hope in President Bush's declaration and in the criticism of other nations.
· "Deliver me [Zimbabweans], O Lord, from the evil man; preserve me from the violent man." (Psalm140:1)
8. Jet Crash Widower Begs for Help Coping - AP
Overwhelmed with anguish, Dong Yun Yoon walked unsteadily to a pile of rubble where his home once stood and pleaded for advice on how to cope after losing his family. His wife, two children and mother-in-law were killed when a fighter jet lost power and crashed through their home and burst into flames. A day after the tragedy, Yoon held a news conference to ask guidance from people who have suffered "more terrible things." . . . "Please tell me how to do it," he said Tuesday, surrounded by his pastor, sister and brother. "I don't know what to do."
Yoon, sobbing into a tissue at the foot of his destroyed house, also asked for prayer for the jet's Marine pilot, who ejected safely from the F/A-18D Hornet after his training mission went awry Monday."I don't have any hard feelings," Yoon, 37, told reporters. "I know he did everything he could."
U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, the ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, called on the Marine Corps on Tuesday to release the maintenance records of all its F/A-18D Hornet fighters.
· Take a minute tonight, pause, and lift up a prayer for this precious man who has just lost everyone -- so suddenly -- that he held dear in his life. May the people of the world be moved not only by his plight, but also by his tremendous witness, as Mr. Yoon forgave the pilot who caused this, and asked that everyone pray for this man, too.· Pray, too, for "all in authority" in this case, including the members of the House Armed Services Committee, as they seek to learn the exact cause of this disaster -- so it never will be repeated again. Pray.
· "Comfort ye, comfort ye, My people," saith your God." (Isaiah 40:1)
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:
"It is of LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, Great is Your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)
1. Israel Worried By Report Iran Has Tripled Its Missile Arsenal - Haaretz
Reports on Monday suggesting Iran has recently tripled its missile arsenal have exacerbated concerns that the Islamic Republic remains tireless in its efforts to step up defensive capabilities against Israel. The number of Shihab-3 missiles in Iran's possession has gone from roughly 30 at the start of 2008 to more than 100. The long-range Shihab-3 missiles are capable of striking any point in Israel. At this point, they are armed with one-ton conventional warheads but are also capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
· If we ever needed to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the whole nation of Israel, it is now. Pray for the Lord's protection of Israel's borders. The Lord can dispatch mighty angels who can send those missiles back to their place of origin. Iran does not know what curses it is bringing on itself with these plans to eradicate Israel. But He does love the Iranian people and wants them to be saved in His Son Jesus Christ.
· "The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but He blesseth the habitation of the just." (Proverbs3:13)
2. Olmert refuses to rule out Gaza offensive ahead of meet on future of truce - Ha'aretz
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is due to meet with Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on Wednesday to discuss the future of the Gaza lull, a day after Olmert threatened that Israel would lash out against Gaza militants in response to a recent escalation in rocket and mortar fire from the Gaza Strip.
3. Iran Cleric Warns Israel of Muslim Anger Over Ongoing Gaza Siege - Fox NewsIran's former president and influential cleric is warning Israel of the consequences of the ongoing siege of the militant Hamas-run Gaza Strip.
4. New radar can pinpoint rocket launchers - Jerusalem Post
With an eye to a future conflict with Hamas and Hizbullah, the IDF's Artillery Corps is preparing to integrate a new radar system that will help locate and destroy rocket launchers more quickly than ever before, Chief Artillery Officer Brig. - Gen. Michel Ben - Baruch has told The Jerusalem Post.
5. Israel's top secret sites on Google Earth - SF Chronicle
Israel's most top secret security installations have been jeopardized by a new version of Google Earth, Israeli military experts say.
6. Eldad to push 'anti-Islamization' laws - Jerusalem Post
MK Arye Eldad, who is currently with the National Union-National Religious Party but has founded the new Hatikva Party, says he is planning to introduce a package of emergency "anti-Islamization legislation" in the next Knesset to "confront the enemy within and without."
Pray for the Persecuted Church
For all the needs listed below, let's pray THIS PROMISE this week for the persecuted church across the world: "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." (Matthew 25:40)
1. Comoros: Christians Oppressed on Indian Ocean Islands
Christians on the predominantly Muslim islands of Pemba and the Comoros archipelago are beaten, detained and banished for their faith, according to church leaders who travel regularly to the Indian Ocean isles off the east coast of Africa.
2. India: Christians in Orissa Fear Violent Christmas
Christians in Orissa state are anticipating Christmas with fear as Hindu extremists have called for a state- wide bandh, or forced shut-down on all sectors of society, on Dec. 25 - a move that could provide Hindu extremists the pretext for attacking anyone publicly celebrating the birth of Christ.
3. Russia: Authorities Threaten Baptists, report
Baptists in the Russian town of Lipetsk south-east of Moscow say local authorities are using "a bureaucratic way" to restrict their activities, BosNewsLife monitored Wednesday, December 3.
Political Scandal in Illinois
1. Arrest Puts Obama Ties in Spotlight - FOX News
Allegations against Illinois governor highlight ties between the disgraced leader and Obama's inner circle . Illinois First Lady prominent in FBI complaint
· Pray for the politics of Illinois, for it is known for its corruption. Praise the Lord that the truth about this planned selling of a Senate seat to the highest bidder has been revealed. One wonders what other corruption the Lord is revealing about the machinations inside the state of Illinois. Pray for salvation for the souls of Gov. Blagojevich and his wife.
· "In the house of the righteous is much treasure; but the revenues of the wicked is trouble." (Proverbs 15:6)
2. Obama Calls on 'Blago' to Resign - Fox News
President-elect joins calls for Illinois governor to step down, saying he can't 'effectively do his job.
· Lift up the former senator from the State of Illinois as he struggles to know how to position himself in the midst of the current political crisis in his home state. After Barack Hussein Obama is certified by the Electoral College next week, our nation will be looking to him, as the President-Elect, to establish a standard of righteousness from the highest office of political power in the United States of America.
· "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (Psalm 132:8)
3. Lawmakers at Odds Over How to Fill Obama's Senate Seat - Fox News
In a move to undercut Gov. Rod Blagojevich's appointment powers, Illinois lawmakers are drafting legislation that would call for a special election to replace Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.
· More prayer is yet needed for the governing authorities in the State of Illinois. Call forth that which Is a "new thing" for these legislators; and thank the LORD that He does cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him, who are the called according to His purpose.
· "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." (Jer. 33:3)
