In This Issue· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· Second-Guessing First Prevention
· United under God
· House Democrats Change Rules to Silence GOP
· Prayers for Israel (Part 1)
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief Thursday, January 8, 2009
"Lord, Your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven. Your faithfulness is for all generations; You established the earth and it stands firm." (Psalm 119:89-90)
The Daily Brief
1. Obama Picks Foreign Envoys - CBS News
Transition officials confirm that President-elect Obama has asked Dennis Ross, Richard Haas, and Richard Holbrooke, to serve as his chief emissaries to world hot spots. Ross and Holbrooke both served in senior Clinton administration roles. Haas had senior posts in the Bush administration from 2001 to 2003 and in the administration of President George H.W. Bush.It's expected that Ross will be assigned the Iran portfolio, that Holbrooke, the hard-headed architect of the Dayton Peace Accords, will take the difficult Southwest Asia portfolio, including India, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and that Haas will deal with the Middle East. Each men's turf is still in flux, so these early assignments are not firm.
· Father, we ask that each of these men be placed according to Your will and not that of man. If they are not Your choices, we ask they be removed. If they are, we pray that they will be effective in building relationships that will stabilize rather than create more problems.
· "Receive My instruction and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold." (Proverbs 8:10)
2. A. Obama Inauguration Attractive Target for Terrorist Attacks - AP
The upcoming inauguration of Barack Obama is an attractive target for international and domestic terrorists, but U.S. intelligence officials have no information about specific threats to the Jan. 20 event.An internal intelligence assessment, obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday, says the high visibility of the event, the presence of dignitaries and the significance of swearing in America's first black president make the inauguration vulnerable to attacks.
B. Secret Service Calls Obama's Limo: "The Beast" - Fox News
President-elect Barack Obama will ride in a new, heavily armored limousine during his Inaugural parade January 20th.The vehicle, referred to by the Secret Service as "the beast," will reportedly feature heavy armor that is at least 5 inches thick and comes complete with run-flat tires, bulletproof glass and a completely sealed interior to ward off a chemical attack, among many other high-tech security features.
· Father, while the nickname of the new Presidential limousine makes all of us shudder, we ask that it shield the President-elect from any plans of the enemy. We pray Your most holy protection over the entire inauguration, that it go smoothly without incident or problems. We call forth Your Heavenly host to do battle against terrorism, or civil unrest of any kind.
· "and behold the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about " (1 Kings 6:17)
3. Federal Judge to Hear Atheist's Attempt to Stop Inauguration Prayers - CNS News
Will the Rev. Rick Warren be allowed to give the invocation at the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama? Maybe not, if atheist Michael Newdow gets his way.A federal judge said Monday that he will hear arguments by Newdow, the American Humanist Association and 38 other atheist groups and individuals out to stop prayers from being said on Jan. 20. Warren, an evangelical minister who is currently under fire from homosexual activists for his stance in defense of marriage as being between one man and one woman, is one of the defendants named in the suit. Others include Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts; Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.); Maj. Gen. Richard J. Rowe Jr., and Rev. Joe Lowery, who will pray the benediction.
· Since when does a lower court have the right to tell a Supreme Court Justice what to do? Pray that this lawsuit will be so poorly written and presented that the court will have no choice but to dismiss it. Pray that the federal judge presiding over the case will see the truth, and not destroy centuries of precedent in most public ceremonies.
· "For this God is our God forever and forever" (Psalm 48:14a)
4. Obama Calls for 'Dramatic Action' to Jolt Economy Out of Recession - Fox News
President-elect Barack Obama called for "dramatic action" to pull the economy out of recession Thursday, as he made his highest-profile case yet for a nearly $800 billion stimulus plan.
· Father, we pray for wisdom on the part of legislators when responding to this appeal. We know that spending money that does not exist ultimately has one outcome, and that is disaster. We ask for a way out where there seems to be no way. You are the God of mercy, and we call upon you for Your help at this time of need.
· "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)
5. Pelosi Overturns Centuries Old House Rules - Newsmax
In a naked power grab for Democrats, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has angered Republicans by pushing through a rule change to curb the GOP's rights to affect legislation. The rule change - approved on Tuesday, the first day of the 111th Congress - puts new restrictions on motions to "recommit" a bill to the committee that approved it in order to add new amendments.
· Lord, we ask that this move will have the opposite effect than was intended, and that it will not destroy the opposing party's ability to affect legislation. We pray that no legislator will be rushed to decisions which are contrary to wise actions, and that this will cause all of Congress to consider bills more carefully than before. We pray that you will bring righteousness and truth to our Congress.
· "Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler " (Psalm 91:3a)
6. Israel Hit by Rockets from Lebanon, Conflict Widens - Fox News
A Hezbollah minister in Lebanon's Cabinet is denying any involvement by the militant group in the firing of rockets from Lebanon into Israel.At least three rockets were fired, and Israel responded with a few artillery shells into Lebanon, which borders the country to the north. The exchange threatened to open a second front as Israel continues its offensive against the militant group Hamas on its southern border, in the Gaza Strip.
· Lord as Israel's enemies surround her, we call on Your Name to save her.
· "Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15b)
7. Thousands Flee Historic Floods in Western Washington - AP
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,477445,00.html (read more)
Colorado Wildfires Force the Evacuation of Hundreds - AP
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,477749,00.html (read more)
CDC: Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 388 in 42 States - Reuters
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,477755,00.html (read more)
· Lord, we pray for the people in the above natural disasters. We call on Your love and mercy to help in time of need. We repent of our sins and pray Your forgiveness over the land and the people. We take authority over the storms, the fire, and the pestilence and stand against them in the mighty Name of Jesus!
· "When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." (Isaiah 43:2)
8. Dem Senators Oppose Obama's Tax Plan - AP
President-elect's proposed tax cuts hit hurdle from senators in his own party who say it wouldn't do much to jolt the economy.
· Offer praise that a number of members from the President-Elect's own party are publicly offering constructive criticism of pending policy decisions. It is this kind of attitude and courage that distinguishes our own form of government from that of dictatorships. Press in, in prayer, that such vigorous debate would continue to be manifested throughout the next administration.
· "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34)
9. Committee: Impeach Blago - AP
Illinois House to vote Friday after panel unanimously recommends impeaching Gov. Blagojevich for abuse of power.
· Clearly, the citizens of the State of Illinois, as well as its leaders, are having a big year. Offer praise that the governing authorities of the State of Illinois have been emboldened to take this step. Ask for wisdom to be granted to the full House in Springfield when they vote on this decision. Pray!
· "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked are in authority, the people mourn." (Proverbs 29:2)
10. Mr. Ellison Goes to Mecca - Fox News
Rep. Keith Ellison's pilgrimage, the first by a congressman to Islam's holy city, was backed by what one terror expert calls a 'Muslim equivalent of the neo- Nazi party.'
· Offer praise that this holiday journey has come to light, and ask that Congress respond in some manner (hearings, investigations, etc.) to the activities of this member. Scrutiny is in order.
· "Go, post a watchman; let him declare what he seeth." (Isaiah 21:6)
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:
"Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies." (Psalm 108:13)
1. Christian Dies As Israeli Offensive Continues - Worthy News
A young Christian girl has died in the Gaza Strip, amid growing signs minority Christians there are caught in the crossfire as the Israeli army continues its offensive against militants of the Hamas group, Worthy News learned Thursday, January 8.
2. Christian Dies As Israeli Offensive Continues - Worthy News
A young Christian girl has died in the Gaza Strip, amid growing signs minority Christians there are caught in the crossfire as the Israeli army continues its offensive against militants of the Hamas group, Worthy News learned Thursday, January 8.
3. Israel Rejects EU Requested 48 Hour Ceasefire - Worthy News
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has rejected a European Union request for a 48-hour ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, saying Israel will uphold its commitment to provide basic foodstuffs and medicines to the residents of the Hamas-controlled region.
4. IDF displays Hamas 'war map' seized in Gaza - ICEJ News
Israeli paratrooper's operating in northern Gaza this week captured a map prepared by Hamas that shows the terror militia's battle plan for ambushing IDF forces with various booby-trap bombs and sniper fire in the densely populated town of al-Atatra. The aerial map is handwritten and appears to have been created from a Google Map.
5. Egyptian-French ceasefire plan gaining steam - ICEJ News
Israel wants Cairo's 'guarantees' on blocking Gaza border tunnelsThe Egyptian-French proposal for a cease-fire continued to garner much attention from Jerusalem and Washington on Thursday as a plausible end to the fighting between Israeli and Hamas forces in the Gaza Strip.
6. UN stops Gaza aid convoys after Arab truck driver killed - ICEJ News
Dispute over cause of death; two IDF soldiers fall in combatIsraeli forces operating inside Gaza continued to cautiously press into more urban areas on Thursday to engage Hamas militiamen lurking among the civilian population, while a second 'humanitarian pause' ended with a UN truck driver killed under unclear circumstances.
Second-Guessing First Prevention
On the first day of the 111th Congress, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) sent a very clear message about what pro-lifers can expect from the next two years by introducing S. 21, "The Prevention First Act" that would direct hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to the abortion industry, a business that already receives over $286 million each year from federal taxpayers.
It should come as no surprise that Planned Parenthood, the largest supporter of unrestricted abortion, praised the bill. And why not? The abortion merchant will likely be the largest beneficiary of Reid's abortion bailout. Among other things, the legislation would use taxpayer funds to mislead people about the potential of the "morning after pill" (known as Plan B) to act as an abortifacient. It also encourages the use of Plan B for victims of sexual assault yet has no reporting requirement in place for young girls who may have been victims of abuse and/or rape. When you get right down to it, the bill does nothing to support parental involvement--let alone consent--for dispensing the morning after pill and other "contraception" to minors.
In addition to funding Plan B, the measure would also: subsidize birth control for college and low-income women; expand Title X, the main federal family planning program that requires abortion referrals; expand Planned Parenthood targeting of low-income women through Medicaid; target teens' with "comprehensive" sex education; and spread emergency contraception. (Family Research Council)
United under God
While plenty of people are scrambling for tickets to Barack Obama's swearing-in, most of us never thought the Almighty would be one of them. A hearing scheduled for next Thursday in Washington, D.C. will determine whether God is invited to this month's Presidential Inauguration. Last month, atheist troublemaker and American Humanist President Michael Newdow filed suit to stop the tradition of prayer at the ceremony, as well as the final words of the presidential oath, "So help me God."
Of course, the Founders of our country understood the "establishment" of religion to mean the creation of an official national church. It would never have occurred to them to claim (as today's atheists do) that the mere ceremonial acknowledgment of God at a public event represents an "establishment" of religion. Newdow made the same challenge in 2001 and 2005 but to no avail. His chances of succeeding this time may be even slimmer, thanks to the intervention of 50 state leaders. Down to a person, each member of the elite club of attorney generals--regardless of their party or religious affiliations--joined a rare coalition in defense of the nation's spiritual tradition.
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has been the most vocal of the group, spearheading a counter- movement which now includes Chief Justice John Roberts, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Revs. Rick Warren and Joseph Lowery. Although the suit has virtually no future in the court, it is incredibly encouraging--and significant--to note that despite the many efforts to secularize our country, all 50 state attorney generals linked arms to preserve our religious liberties. (Family Research Council)
House Democrats Change Rules to Silence GOP
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has brought back archaic procedures in order to silence conservatives. On Tuesday, the full House passed the Rules Package for the 111th Congress, 242-181. The changes limit the GOP's ability to use procedural rules like the Motion to Recommit, which is the last opportunity for the minority party to amend a bill before it passes. "The new rules consolidate power in the hands of a few and attempt to silence Republican input on key policy debates, in addition to making a mockery of the Democratic leaders' promises of presiding over an open Congress," Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said in a statement.
In the last Congress, Republicans were able to block some of the Democrats' tax increases using a Motion to Recommit. California Rep. David Dreier, ranking Republican on the House Rules Committee, called Pelosi's changes an "act of pure cynicism," according to The Washington Times. He said the changes will create "the most closed Congress in history."
Tom McClusky, vice president for government affairs at FRC Action, agreed. "It severely limits the democratic process in the House," he said, "and doesn't allow the minority to speak out on a number of issues where they represent a large amount of the American public." The House also repealed a rule limiting committee chairmen to three terms as head of a committee. (CitizenLink)
· It looks like the Republicans will need an absolute miracle in order to break this gag-order rule from taking effect on the House floor. Thankfully, we know where to go to ask for a miracle. Let's cry out that this rule can somehow be reversed, so that full, participatory debate can continue in our United States Congress.
· Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. (Isaiah 8:10)
Prayers for Israel (Part 1)
Submitted by: Arrows from Zion
A note about the necessity of this war you are not seeing on the nightly news:Many Christians do not realize the nature of this war. Some think it is about Israeli soldiers fighting against Palestinian soldiers, but the reality is it is about Israeli soldiers fighting against the jihad of international terrorism. It is important to understand that Israel is fighting against Hamas terrorists who have been running Gaza and terrorizing Israeli residents in the cities around Gaza by relentlessly lobbing rockets into Israel. The situation is something that even Left wing (nut) Senator Harry Reid understands: "I think what the Israelis are doing is very important," Sen. Reid said. "I think this terrorist organization, Hamas, has got to be put away. They've got to come to their senses."
People who are informed about the situation come to the same reasonable conclusion:- Since Israel pulled out of Gaza in 2006, 10,000 rockets and mortars have been fired at our civilian population;- Half a million people are in range of the Hamas missiles, including the large population centers of Beer Sheva, Ashkelon, and Ashdod;
"Ashkelon will see it and fear; Gaza will writhe in agony, and Ekron too, for her hope will wither. Gaza will lose her king and Ashkelon will be deserted. Foreigners will occupy Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. I will take the blood from their mouths, the forbidden food from between their teeth. Those who are left will belong to our God and become leaders in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites. But I will defend my house against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch." (Zechariah 9:5-8)
· Pray that world leaders - even in nations that generally do not speak up for Israel - will continue to agree that Israel is taking action that was necessary to root out the Hamas terrorist with a stranglehold on Gaza.
· Pray for the tiny nation of Israel where in a military call up of this scale, few families are not touched by a son, father, husband or close loved one going into a dangerous war. At this writing only 3 Israeli lives have been lost - pray God's continued protection over them.
· Pray for the parents of the believer soldiers who are in this conflict for the shield of faith to cover their minds and emotions. For the "Divine sedative" of trust in the Lord to keep them in peace. · Pray Iran and Hizballah keep out of this fight and that international pressure will not force Israel out prematurely -- that the job would be finished and Hamas crippled from rising up again; that the infrastructure and resources of terrorism would be fully eradicated from Gaza.
· Pray for fair media coverage, for Hamas supporter-protesters' lies to be exposed and the 'victim card' removed from voices seeking to deceive and manipulate.
· Pray for the continued pure heart in the Israeli ministries in the prayer directions they are giving to supporters. Nothing pleases God more than when we pray according to HIS heart.
· Pray for the rescue of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit from terrorist captivity in Gaza.
