In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The First 100 Days
• California: Continued Call to Prayer
• White House Screens Prayers
• Witnessing Government Without God's Wisdom
• Good News Corner
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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The Daily Brief - Friday, March 6, 2009
"The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." ( Romans 13:12)
The Daily Brief
1. GOP Forces Senate to Delay Vote on $410B Spending Bill - Fox News
Senate Democratic leaders are still coming up short as they work furiously behind the scenes to gather up 60 votes to pass a $410 billion spending bill that funds the government through September. Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said Thursday night that he was one vote short of the votes needed despite calling Senate Appropriations Committee Republicans to try to secure support from about six of them. A vote had been scheduled for Thursday evening, but now the bill is on hold at least until Monday, meaning that for now most government departments will have to continue operating at 2008 spending levels.
- As another bill goes to the floor that contains billions of dollars of spending, we pray for wisdom and for temperance for those in authority. We pray they will recognize the awesome responsibility they have been given and will act wisely.
- "And He was saying to them all, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.'" (Luke 9:23)
2. Obama to Reverse Embryonic Stem Cell Ban - CNN
President Obama is planning to sign an executive order Monday to overturn Bush-era policy that limited federal tax dollars for embryonic stem cell research, according to administration officials familiar with the deliberations.
- We pray for this administration to protect life and to be an advocate for the unborn. We pray that there will be breakthroughs in science that will make this battle moot and that these advances will be reported on fairly.
- "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8)
3. Stimulus Raises State Sovereignty Issues - CNN
From Montana to South Carolina, lawmakers in mostly red states have pushed ahead with measures calling for state sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment, saying the federal government has overstepped its bounds with the stimulus package. The states are calling for the right to ignore laws they deem unconstitutional. Oklahoma state Sen. Randy Brogdon, a Republican and the first to introduce this type of legislation last year, originally pursued it because he thought then- President Bush and Congress exceeded their authority with the Real ID Act, which required states to include certain information on driver's licenses. Brogdon's bill passed the state Senate on Wednesday and the state House approved a similar measure. The office of lead House sponsor Republican Rep. Charles Key said it is confident a joint resolution will get through. The legislation would be binding. So, if the governor signs it, it theoreticallly would allow Oklahoma to ignore laws that are not "enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution," as stated in the Tenth Amendment.
- Lord, we pray that those in government will be true to the foundations of this nation and that all levels of government will act within their authority without attempting to usurp additional power. We pray for those within state governments who are close to the people and who fight for their best interests.
- "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)
4. U.S. Officials Vow to End Cycle of Job Losses - Fox News
The top Republican in the House called for a freeze on government spending after new data showed the U.S. unemployment rate had hit a 25 year high last month. U.S. officials vowed Friday to break the "destructive cycle of job loss" after the Labor Department reported he nation's unemployment rate bolted to 8.1 percent in February, the highest since late 1983, as cost-cutting employers slashed 651,000 jobs amid a deepening recession.
- We pray for peace and comfort for those who have lost their jobs. In addition we pray that these job losses will be a short-term problem and that government officials will join together to make wise choices that will help in the short-term without causing long-term harm.
- "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:19)
5. Minnesota High Court Denies Franken Call for Election Certification - CNN
Minnesota's high court has denied Democrat Al Franken's request to force the state to issue a certification of election results in the U.S. Senate race while the case continues to be appealed. Franken currently holds a 225-vote lead over Republican Norm Coleman, who has filed suit over his allegation that some valid absentee ballots may not have been counted. The state's governor, Republican Tim Pawlenty, and Democratic Secretary of State Mark Ritchie have both said that they will not sign a certification of that election that would make the current count official until that lawsuit is resolved.
- Lord, You know what entails justice in this case and we prya to You that no one will be seated who has gained power by deception or fraud. We pray for wisdom for the jurists who are taking a front seat in so many of our recent cultural battles.
- "If you are pure and upright, Surely now He would rouse Himself for you And restore your righteous estate." (Job 8:6)
6. U.S. to Reportedly Invite Iran to Afghanistan Conference - Fox News
The Obama administration reportedly plans to invite Iran to an international conference on Afghanistan later this month, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced Thursday. "If we move forward with such a meeting, it is expected that Iran would be invited as a neighbor of Afghanistan," Clinton told reporters in Brussels after meeting NATO foreign ministers, Reuters reports.
- We pray for world-wide support for Israel and for all nations to recognize threats and act to disarm those threats.
- "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience." (Ephesians 5:6)
7. U.S. Reportedly Ready to Sell Military Gear to Libya - Fox News
The United States is ready to consider sales of military equipment to Libya, a country that only a few years ago was shunned by the U.S. for its ties to terrorism, Reuters reported Friday. The equipment could include transport aircraft and systems for coastal and border security in areas of mutual interest, Reuters reported, quoting U.S. Army spokeswoman Lt. Col. Elizabeth Hibner.
- As we look back on the historical dangers of arming hostile nations temporarily at peace, we pray there will be careful thought given before the US supplies weapons to those who have attacked innocents, especially targeting Americans and Israelis. We pray that anyone who is brought alongside this nation will be worthy of trust.
- "Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us at Jerusalem; they are rebuilding the rebellious and evil city and are finishing the walls and repairing the foundations." (Ezra 4:12)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart. I will show forth all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You. I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. When my enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at Your presence. For You have maintained my right and my cause." (Psalms 9:1-4)
1. Netanyahu reaffirms plan to cut taxes - Jerusalem Post
Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday reiterated that he plans to lower taxes this year, even though the Bank of Israel and the Treasury have expressed concerns that government revenues would adversely affected.
2. Britain re-establishing contact with Hezbollah - Ha'aretz
Britain's government on Thursday said it was re-establishing contact with the Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah.
3. 'Iran could trigger nuclear arms race in Middle East' - Ha'aretz
If Iran is allowed to pursue a nuclear weapons capability, countries around the world might feel compelled to take the same path, Brent Scowcroft, who advised two U.S. presidents on national security, said on Thursday.
4. Bulldozer terrorist hurts 2 J'lem cops - Jerusalem Post
A Jerusalem Arab rammed a bulldozer into a police car, slamming it into a bus, on a highway near the capital's Malha shopping mall on Thursday, lightly wounding two officers before he was shot dead, in the latest in a string of attacks using vehicles to run down civilian targets in the city.
5. U.K. to Renew Hezbollah Contact - Wall Street Journal
Britain's government says it's re-establishing contact with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Britain ceased contact with members of Hezbollah in 2005. The U.K. listed Hezbollah's military wing as a proscribed terrorist organization last year. But Britain's Foreign Office said on Thursday that it has reconsidered its position following political developments in Lebanon. Britain's ambassador attended a meeting in January in Beirut alongside a Hezbollah lawmaker, the ministry says.
The First 100 Days
DAY 46
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)
1. GOP Forces Senate to Delay Vote on $410B Spending Bill
Senate Democratic leaders are working furiously behind the scenes to gather up 60 votes to pass a $410 billion spending bill that funds the government through September.
2. Study: Dow's Decline Is Fastest for a New President in Nearly a Century
The Dow Jones Industrial Average has fallen faster under President Obama than under any new president in at least 90 years, according to a review conducted by Bloomberg.
3. U.S. to Reportedly Invite Iran to Afghanistan Conference
The Obama administration reportedly plans to invite Iran to an international conference on Afghanistan later this month, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced Thursday.
4. Obama's Blockbuster Gift for Brown: 25 DVDs
While the British prime minister presented Obama with uniquely historical gifts symbolizing America's relationship with England, the president gave Brown a set of movies.
5. Clinton Meeting With Russian Foreign Minister Will Test Diplomatic Skills
Secretary of state's planned meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday in Geneva is aimed at advancing an Obama administration effort to put U.S.-Russian relations on a more positive track.
6. Obama to Meet Privately With Queen in London
President is expected to be granted an audience with the Queen when he comes to London next month for talks on global efforts to tackle the recession, a British newspaper reports.
(All articles from Fox News)
California: Continued Call to Prayer
Editor's note: Yesterday, Lou Engle released this call to prayer for the Court Case on Proposition 8 in the State of California. Please note that the justices have now entered into a 90-day period to deliberate this case, before they announce their decision. FOR THIS REASON, CAPITOL HILL PRAYER PARTNERS IS NOW ASKING ALL OF OUR READERS TO CONTINUE TO LIFT THIS CASE BEFORE OUR LORD, UNTIL THAT DECISION HAS BEEN RENDERED.
In addition, please note that you can join a nationwide conference call, hosted by Prayer Surge Now, to intercede over the California case TOMORROW at 8:00 a.m. EDT, by calling:
1-712-432-9998
Access code: 526338#
On that call, you will hear prayer leaders across the nation who will give you the very latest news out of California.
No matter where you live in our great nation, thank you for taking the time to intercede over this critical case in the State of California now. Amen.
Call to Prayer - Continued
Yesterday, March 5th, one of the most significant court cases in America's history took place. The California Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the overturning of the vote of the people last year to pass Proposition 8, which defines marriage between a man and a woman. If this vote is overturned, not only will it set a major precedent of the court's power over the will of the people, but it will likely be the flashpoint that will determine the future of America as liberal and homosexual agendas will disseminate throughout the educational systems and into the very fiber of American culture. The California State Senate just ruled against the peoples' vote and asked the court to overthrow the defining of marriage as between a man and a woman. Senator Leno likened the people who voted for Prop 8 to the Germans who voted for the Nazi Regime.
During these past three months since President Obama's election, the voices of rage against Judeo-Christian values and against the church have been emboldened to use inflammatory language and pass bills and laws that are anti-Christian in their very nature. When senators use such language, persecution is close at hand. We are in a desperate moment in American history.
Everyone is pointing to the severe crisis of our economy, but I am convinced it is only an indicator of a massive moral decline America has slid into. It is time to pray, humble ourselves, and rid ourselves of moral compromise in the Church. If the salt loses its savor, it is only good for being thrown out and trampled under the foot of man.
Today we are calling the Church across the nation to pray.
Take this moment and hear His call to humility, fasting and repentance. If we do this, God can deal with kings and judges like He haunted Nebuchadnezzar with dreams and removed Herod by the angel of the Lord.
This hearing today will be followed by a 90-day period in which the court must make a decision. Pray for these judges that the hand of God will influence their minds and hearts, that the fear of the Lord would fall upon them, and that dreams would invade their world, their wives, their children, and their innermost thoughts. Pray that God would restrain principalities and powers that have mustered their forces of demons to seize this nation through this door in California. Pray for an unprecedented outpouring of the Spirit in California and America. Pray that God would raise up righteous leaders and bring down the unrighteous ones. Pray for the cleansing of sexual compromise and divorce in the church so that she can reclaim spiritual authority. Finally, pray that the love of God would be poured out on those struggling with homosexuality across this nation. Oh that the power of God, the power of the gospel, would be released again to free the captives!
This is a moment in time that calls for crisis intercession.
To resign to an inevitable collapse of society is sin, for throughout history God has moved with amazing power to change the courses of nations and overthrow the wrongdoers. Just look at Elijah's confrontation with Ahab and Jezebel. This could be our Elijah moment.
Seize the day,
Lou Engle
White House Screens Prayers
This Prayer Approved by the White House?
Is the Obama White House vetting prayers? Dan Gilgoff of U.S. News and World Report reports that this represents a "new tradition" established by the administration of President Barack Obama. As Gilgoff revealed, "In a departure from previous presidents, his public rallies are opening with invocations that have been commissioned and vetted by the White House."
The issue of public prayer is increasingly controversial in an age of religious diversity and increasing secularization. Yet, prayers at government ceremonies and events have been common since the nation's founding and, until recently, few prayers related to White House events have been controversial. Radical church/state separationists consider these prayers to be improper and perhaps unconstitutional, but this is a hard case to make given the nation's historic practice.
On the other hand, sign me up as an opponent of any prayer that is vetted by any government official or agency. For reasons having less to do with the Constitution and more to do with the nature of prayer, I cannot imagine that a Christian minister could in good conscience allow the government to edit or approve a prayer.
Gilgoff's report contains some shocking details: [Source: Christian Post]
• Please read this article in its entirety; then seek the LORD for your own direction in prayer. One thing is clear: this administration does not like the Name of Jesus being used in the public square. One little word: JESUS. We wonder why?
• "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
From "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"
And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
Witnessing Government Without God's Wisdom
Since the presidential inauguration on January 20, the stock market has fallen from 8729.63 to 6594.44, or nearly 24.5%, this compared with the stock market crash of 1929, where the market lost 39.6% of its value. The market continues to fall each time Congress or the White House makes a new policy announcement or passes more tax and spend legislation. The market is a strange animal. Its greed causes a ruthlessness rarely seen on a day to day basis in normal relations with mankind, but even with that lack of chivalry, the market is a clear indicator of where the nation is headed economically.
Moreover, jobless claims are nearing 8% --a level that has not been seen since the aftermath of the economically challenged Carter Administration. Now supporters of the current gaggle of politicians claim foul when statistics are used measuring the wrecking of the economy since the new Administration and Congress has taken charge. But if those running the economy thought that these economic policies were going to make things better, there would have been a much more positive response on Wall Street. Like ice storms following Al Gore when he exercises his global warming hysteria, there is a severe economic sell off most every time the White House or Congress moves on the economy.
In short, spending yourself out of debt does not work, no matter how much smoke and mirrors are applied to make believe otherwise. The government spending trillions of dollars to bail out the economy is an even bigger sham. Government ownership of private companies will result in nationwide poverty. In 1992, I went to Ghana, West Africa. It was a socialist dictatorship moving toward democracy. The government was trying to privatize its government owned businesses. These were once successful companies that were taken over during the revolution, sacked of their cash, and left to die. Entrepreneurs lost everything. The people who had jobs were paid virtually nothing and their productivity reflected their pay.
Socialism and communism-the "isms" that the current politicians are trying to institute in America without telling Americans the truth-are remarkably devoid of God. In fact, the Communist Manifesto denounces God and seeks to establish the government as the provider, as the entity deserving of the people's worship. We are seeing the concept of separation of church and state in action. Romans 8:13, 14 says, "For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Wisdom comes from God. Separating God from governing is government without wisdom. You are seeing its results.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Good News Corner
"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger." (Psalm 8:2)
