Thursday, April 30, 2009

CHPP Daily Brief - April 30, 2009

In This Issue
• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The First 100 Days
• Commentary: Swine Flu
• Swine Flu Prayer Strategy
• Of Obedience, Occupation and Reward
• Specter the Defector
• Abraham Lincoln's Prayer
• The Good News Corner

Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net


The Daily Brief - Thursday, April 30, 2009

" You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." (Psalm 91:5,6)

The Daily Brief

1. Senate Passes $3.5 Trillion Budget Plan - Fox News

Following House vote, Senate approves $3.5 trillion budget outline that lays the groundwork for President Obama's ambitious initiatives on health care and education. The major legislative victory for Obama comes on the president's 100th day in office.

• Pray that God will have mercy over America, and stop the runaway train of spending. With governmental control of health care, education, and other items in this bill, America will not be debt free for many years into the future. Pray that He will give lawmakers, leaders, and the people of America strategies for wise actions.

"Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6)

2. U.S. House passes "hate crime" bill that Bush opposed - Reuters

"On a vote of 249-175, the House passed and sent to the Senate a bill backed by the new Democratic White House to broaden such laws by classifying as 'hate crimes' those attacks based on a victim's sexual orientation, gender identity or mental or physical disability."

• Pray that this bill will be stopped in the Senate and/or stopped in the Supreme Court. It's intentionally vague language fails to define the legal terms used, which leaves room for anti-Christian forces to target any stance on immorality.

"The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming." (Psalm 37:12,13)

3. N.H. Senate passes marriage bill - Dartmouth

The New Hampshire state Senate voted 13-11 to legalize same-sex marriage on Wednesday. The legislation, which distinguishes civil marriages from religious marriages, will go into effect on Jan.
1, 2010 if it is not vetoed by Gov. John Lynch, D-N.H.


• If we didn't know why all of the difficult times have struck America before, we should know now. Lord, as our nation continues its slide into the morass of sin, we humbly ask that your spare Your chosen people.

"Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; and deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, for Your name's sake!" (Psalm 79:9)

4. Obama: Chrysler, Fiat To Form Partnership - Fox News

President says automaker will emerge quickly from bankruptcy as stronger, more viable company.

• Lord we praise You for a solution for the employees of Chrysler. Let this move be a stabilizing influence for the auto industry.

"My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my eet out of the net." (Psalm 25:15)

5. Obama's host dies from 'flu-like symptoms' - Independent UK

The White House says that Barack Obama is "highly engaged" in monitoring the swine flu outbreak that has spread over the border from Mexico into the US - and well he might. For a while, the President's doctors feared that he may have come closer than almost anyone in the country to contracting the virus.

According to alarming reports from Mexico City, Felipe Solis, a distinguished archaeologist who showed Mr Obama around the city's anthropology museum during his visit to Mexico earlier this month, died the next day from "flu-like symptoms". Mr Solis met the President at a gala dinner which was held at the museum on 16 April, before Mr Obama travelled on to the Americas summit in Trinidad and Tobago.Yesterday, the museum was shut, in common with most public attractions in Mexico City, and the nation's Health Minister confirmed that Mr Solis had died of pneumonia - but that it was not thought he had contracted swine flu.

In the US, the White House said that the President's doctors had given him an all-clear. Mr Obama showed no symptoms after the usual incubation period, his spokesman said.

• Lord, we thank You that the flu did not strike Mr. Obama. We do ask that if there be any hidden information or plan in this flu outbreak that you will reveal it to the American public. We also pray for wisdom for Mr Obama, that the decisions he makes will be in the best interests of America.

"There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel - that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21)

6. Pandemic 'Imminent': WHO Raises Swine Flu Pandemic Alert Level to 5 - ABC News

The World Health Organization has raised its pandemic swine flu alert level to phase 5 -- its second-highest level.

• Lord, as WHO continues to raise the threat level of this flu strain, we thank You that we can come to You for mercy and protection from all pestilence. We understand that judgment happens when people forget You and fall into sin, but we ask for You to remember that humans are frail and foolish and in need of Your redemption. We thank You for the promise of protection to those who love You, and ask for mercy for those who do not.

"Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you." (Psalm 91:6,7 NLT)

7. Hezbollah, allies positioning to win election - Washington Times

With quiet campaigning and moderate talk, Hezbollah is building its strength for Lebanon's June 7 parliamentary elections - and the militant Shi'ite Muslim group and its allies stand a good chance of winning.

• Father, You know the heartache and loss of life and property that the Hezbollah has perpetrated on Israel. You know the compromise and pain they have inflicted on the Christians of Lebanon. We ask that You intervene in this election, to show Yourself mighty, and drive out the evil influence of these extremists from Lebanon so that it may return to the peaceful, beautiful nation it was previously.

"Is it not yet a very little while till Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful friend - in that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness." (Isaiah 29: 17,18)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south." (Psalm 107:1-3)

1. Israel's Peres sees containment for a nuclear Iran - Washington Post

A nuclear-armed Iran could be contained through threats of retaliation, Israeli President Shimon Peres said Wednesday.

2. PM to tell Obama he accepts 'some form' of Arab peace plan - Jerusalem Post

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu plans to tell US President Barack Obama that Israel will accept "some form" of the Arab Peace Initiative, The Jerusalem Post has learned.

3. Obama: Bond with Israel 'unshakable' - Jerusalem Post

The US bond with Israel is "as unshakable as ever" as both nations pursue peace, President Barack Obama said on the state's 61st birthday.

4. 'Israel's response to drill with Syria doesn't concern us' - Ha'aretz

Turkey's military chief is not concerned about Israel's reaction to a joint drill involving Turkish and Syrian soldiers.

The First 100 Days

The White House and Democrat-controlled Congress have brought dizzying "change" to America - a virtual riot of profligate spending and borrowed trillions (to be repaid by our children), expanding big government and funding pet liberal projects. Candidate Obama promised to end earmarks, but as President signed a spending bill that included earmarks for 8,500 projects, costing $7.7 billion. The President's $3.6 trillion budget, passed by the Senate last night, will increase spending by $1 trillion over the next decade and raise taxes on all Americans by $1.4 trillion. Experts say higher inflation is inevitable.

Morally and spiritually, it has been even worse: Obama rescinded the conscience clause for health workers, rescinded the Mexico City Policy, eliminated restrictions and increased funding for embryonic stem cell research. His top appointees are dedicated to a pro-abortion, pro-homosexual agenda. His newly- confirmed HHS Secretary built her career on contributions from the nation's most egregious abortionist (80,000 abortions performed). She will implement Obama's Health Care plan, including federal abortion funding. President Obama has repeatedly declared, at home and abroad, that "the United States is no longer a Christian nation."

• May Americans awaken to understand that God will not bless a nation that defies his eternal laws. May Christians across America exercise their authority as citizens of Heaven and America, to turn the tide. With man it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible!

"The LORD is known by his justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands." (Psalm 9:16) (Source: FRC Prayer Targets)

Commentary: Swine Flu

Federal Government Negligent and Culpable In US Swine Flu Deaths

The Federal Government should be held accountable in the court of law for deaths of Americans due to the swine flu. Knowing of the disease before it spread to the United States, the Feds failed to shut down the border with Mexico, stop flights from Mexico and quarantine those who had come down with the flu symptoms. After declaring a state of health emergency, the acting head of the Center for Disease Control Richard Besser said, "I fully expect we will see deaths from this infection. . . We are dealing with a new strain of influenza, we're dealing with a strain of influenza that appears to be moving through our community." The government refused to take the necessary steps to protect its citizens.

But in response to reporters' questions on Monday that the border between the US and Mexico should be closed until the swine flu threat passes, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano replied: "We're already doing passive surveillance at the border. . .You would close the border if you thought you could contain the spread of disease, but the disease already is in a number of states within the United States." Noting that those infected with swine flu may not show symptoms for a few days, Napolitano said border closure is "a very difficult judgment to make." So let's get this straight, according to the person in charge of protecting the "Homeland", the government is taking a "hands off" approach.

Napolitano believes because the swine flu was already in the United States in very small numbers, that closing the border down and further isolating the swine flu was a bad idea. Her reasoning is that there is no benefit in closing the border because you can't contain the spread of the disease anyway. That's like having a couple of thieves robbing your house and instead of calling the police, you call the county jail and ask if the sheriff can open the jail and send more thieves to your house. Because of this negligence, many believe the government is purposely allowing the swine flu into the US so it can impose mandatory flu vaccinations on the population.

But the purpose and intent of this White House, filled with socialists, those who have refused to pay their taxes, and have consistently made anti-American public statements, appears to be far more than population control-it appears intent on destroying the country-first the economy and then the people. Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." And in verse 12, He says, "But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own sheep the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep." In verse 11, Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep." Be not deceived, the Federal Government is not Jesus.

Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

Swine Flu Prayer Strategy

By Donna Diorio

Isn't it apropos that the first strong candidate for a pandemic flu or virus the health people have been warning us was coming would turn out to be Swine Flu? Texas and other cities in the U.S. have seen a sudden increase in confirmed reports of this flu, and deaths from it. It is something that we should not shrug off, but pray about. Not panic, but seek a word of the Lord to speak to it.
The past week I have been reading in Exodus - when God was sending plagues on the Egyptians.

At a certain point in the midst of plagues God began telling Moses that He would put a division between the Egyptians and His people who lived apart from the Egyptians in the land of Goshen. Goshen means "drawing near" so God was saying He would put a distinction between His people who are drawing near and those who are not His, do not obey His Word nor have a regard for His presence in their lives.

The plagues would be on the rest of Egypt, but in the land of Goshen where the Israelites lived - the plagues would not come nigh their dwellings. Later, when the death angel would claim all the first born of Egypt, God instructed the children of Israel to put the blood of the lamb over their doorposts in Goshen and not to come outside until morning, because every human and animal firstborn not covered by the blood would be struck dead.

I believe we should speak for our family and friends as this Swine Flu sweeps through - a covering of the blood of Jesus over them all.

The promise of the Word of God is in Job 22:30 "He will even deliver one who is not innocent; Yes, he will be delivered by the purity of your hands."

Father, we pray the covering of the Blood of the Lamb over our loved ones to be protected from this Swine Flu epidemic. We ask that You would make a division between Your children so that this plague does not come nigh our doors and households.

We also intercede and speak for those without a voice or knowledge of the Son of God to call upon You for help in this hour of need - that the enemy cut off none who will ultimately respond to Your salvation, Yeshua, whose very name means salvation. We speak the Blood of the Lamb over our households, over our friends and that none be cut off before they that passed from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Light.

We speak to Swine Flu: Be stopped in your tracks, and cast into the sea - not the sea of humanity, but the place that drowns contagion. In Jesus' name.

Of Obedience, Occupation and Reward

Many Christian Americans are distraught over the turn of current events. They do not believe that there is any use in opposing the current government because it is too out of control and too powerful. They see their Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms being diminished one by one. They see the overarching dominion of the current administration as against everything Christian-using hard earned tax money to nationalize major financial and manufacturing businesses, to fund abortion in America and abroad, to support sexual immorality-and they throw up their hands and say "we cannot do anything, let us just pray and hide in the shadow of our Lord's protection until He returns."

In the gospel of Luke Chapter 19, Jesus speaks a parable to those who believed that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. The parable was about a nobleman who went into a far away country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then to return. Jesus said in verse 13, "And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, 'Occupy till I come.'" And after he returned, he called the servants together to see how they had managed the money. Some had done well and multiplied the money, others not so well. The servant who disobeyed, hid the money, and did not multiply it for the noblemen was punished and the money was taken away and given to the obedient servants.

Take heart Christian Americans: Jesus said "Occupy till I come." The dictionary says an occupier is one who "takes possession and control, such as a military invasion." It is not a passive charge. In order to occupy in this nation, where the Lord saw fit that the people choose its leaders and government, one must be clear on his mission. And to do that, one must know the Bible. God's word gives us all the tools and the Holy Spirit gives us the spiritual gifts to occupy. To do so, we must understand His word as it is meant, not as it is taught by deceivers who loosely translate the word of God to their advantage. Then we must know the US Constitution, which was based on the word of God. Then we must act.

By using the word of God as our understanding, the Constitution as our legal standing, and by discerning the times and the events of the nation, we must take possession and control. A government that terrorizes its people for photo opportunities; that casually says it expects deaths from pandemic disease, yet is doing virtually nothing to protect its citizens; that uses citizens' money for wicked purposes against both the Bible and the Constitution; is a government that must be brought into alignment with both. And Christian Americans, charged to occupy by their King, Lord and Savior, must engage the fight. Otherwise, When the Lord returns, we will be treated like the servant who was disobedient.

Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

Specter the Defector

After more than four decades, Sen. Arlen Specter (D- Penn.) is officially going home. The once-GOP leader announced his re-affiliation with the Democratic Party yesterday after years of work as one of its greatest allies. Although I have visited often with Sen. Specter and genuinely like him as a person, his "moderate" agenda as a senator on life, spending, marriage, and judges often did more harm to the pro-family cause than good. When asked about the switch, the Pennsylvanian said frankly that he didn't believe he could win the Republican primary against a staunch conservative like Pat Toomey.

His departure officially puts the RINO's (Republicans In Name Only) on the endangered list. One of the few liberal senators left in the GOP, Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), lamented Specter's passage in a New York Times editorial. " It was when we began to emphasize social issues to the detriment of some of our basic tenets as a party that we encountered an electoral backlash." She aggressively tried to make this case to her colleagues yesterday as Republican senators met to discuss Specter's departure.

Of course, the fundamental problem with Snowe's theory is that in the last eight years, the GOP's emphasis on social issues has been as absent as its fiscal discipline. And that, not Snowe's "shrinking ideological confines," is what has banished Republicans to the political wilderness. Moderates like Specter and Snowe voted for the stimulus, the bailouts, legislation that takes innocent human life, and bills that harness free speech. With a track record like that, what exactly is the difference between the two parties if social issues don't distinguish them?

Abraham Lincoln's Prayer

Today, millions of believers across the nation have responded to the call by Dutch Sheets and other ministry leaders to enter into seven days of prayer and fasting for our beloved nation in its hour of crisis.

We have been asked to read out loud the prayer that President Abraham Lincoln prayed during another time in our history when America was in peril.

Please find the words to this prayer, below, and please join us from now through May 7th -- the National Day of Prayer -- in coming before the Lord in repentance for our sins as a nation, and in reciting the words of Abraham Lincoln. Amen.

In 1863, amid civil war, Congress asked President Abraham Lincoln to proclaim a national day of "public humiliation, prayer and fasting." Like Congresses, governors, and presidents before him, Lincoln called the nation to "fervent supplications to Almighty God."

Whereas it is fit and becoming in all people, at all times, to acknowledge and revere the Supreme Government of God; to bow in humble submission to his chastisements; to confess and deplore their sins and transgressions in the full conviction that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and to pray, with all fervency and contrition, for the pardon of their past offences, and for a blessing upon their present and prospective action. . .

[It] is peculiarly fit for us to recognize the hand of God in this terrible visitation, and in sorrowful remembrance of our own faults and crimes as a nation and as individuals, to humble ourselves before Him, and to pray for His mercy, -- to pray that we may be spared further punishment, though most justly deserved; that our arms may be blessed and made effectual for the re-establishment of law, order and peace, throughout the wide extent of our country; and that the inestimable boon of civil and religious liberty, earned under His guidance and blessing, by the labors and sufferings of our fathers, may be restored in all its original excellence. . .

Therefore, [I appoint] a day of humiliation, prayer and fasting for all the people of the nation. And I do earnestly recommend to all the People, and especially to all ministers and teachers of religion of all denominations, and to all heads of families, to observe and keep that day according to their several creeds and modes of worship, in all humility and with all religious solemnity, to the end that the united prayer of the nation may ascend to the Throne of Grace and bring down plentiful blessings upon our Country.

The Good News Corner

Holding Out Hope of a Cure for Deafness

An Israeli hearing loss expert has discovered one of the root causes of deafness, opening up the potential for a whole new range of treatments, and even possibly a cure for both genetic and age-related deafness. In a landmark study, Prof. Karen Avraham of Tel Aviv University has revealed that microRNAs-tiny molecules that regulate cell functions found in the "hair" cells of the ear-help us to hear.

Avraham, a world-renowned geneticist, whose groundbreaking work has previously discovered four deafness genes and novel mutations in 10 deafness genes, among 46 known ones, looked to microRNA's for the answer.

MicroRNAs are tiny pieces of RNA, the chemical building blocks that carries genetic information between DNA, to becoming proteins. MicroRNAs control whether or not a protein will actually be made. The important roles of microRNAs in animals have been discovered only during the last decade, and major efforts are being made to develop strategies for inserting these tiny molecules into cells, in order to use them as new drugs and potential cures.

Working with an international team of researchers, including Avraham's post-doctoral fellow Dr. Lilach M. Friedman, and scientists from Purdue University, Avraham discovered that "hair" cell microRNAs are regulators involved in the normal development and survival of cells in the inner ear and are necessary for proper hearing.

If scientists can figure out how microRNAs regulate hair cells, they could be used to rescue the cells that are dying, says Avraham, who believes that this knowledge will have both diagnostic and therapeutic applications on hearing loss in the near future, even in people where the hearing loss has no genetic basis, like after a major injury to the ear.

(Excerpts from Staff, www.Israel21c.org, April 14, 2009)


Reported by: Bridges for Peace

• Pray for the success of this project and the rapid and widespread use of the information to bring relief to millions of people worldwide who suffer with deafness.

"Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped." (Isaiah 35:5)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

CHPP Daily Brief - April 29, 2009

In This Issue
The Daily Brief
The Middle East in Focus
The First 100 Days
"Scare Force One"
Do You Want Socialized Health Care?
THE FIRST 100 DAYS
The Good News Corner

Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net

The Daily Brief - Wednesday, April 29, 2009

" You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." (Psalm 91:5,6)

The Daily Brief

1. WHO Raises Swine Flu Pandemic Alert To Level 4 - VOA News

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its swine flu pandemic alert up one level to Phase 4 - two levels below the highest phase. The move comes after new cases of the virus that was first reported in Mexico were reported in several more countries.

The WHO says swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease found in pigs and is caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu, but cases have ranged from mild infections to severe pneumonia, resulting in death.

· Those who turn to Me shall be saved...We pray Lord, that America, Israel, Mexico and the whole world that You created will turn to You for help with this swine flu plague. Please, may those affected, know that You are their only hope and salvation; and may they receive Your salvation. We ask for wisdom for the doctors and medical community and strength for them to work even harder while trying to save those afflicted. And Lord, may we remember that this is a form of the flu and not a "bubonic plague." May mass hysteria not happen and may orderly cures and prevention be brought forth by You in ways that only You will get the credit for them. In Jesus' matchless Name we pray. Amen.

· Therefore, say to them, 'Thus says the Lord, of hosts, "Return to Me," says the Lord of hosts, "and I will return to you," says the Lord of hosts.'" (Zechariah 1: 3 NKJV)

2. White House Official Apologizes For Air Force One Photo Op In New York City - Wall Street Journal

White House Military Office Director Louis Caldera apologized for any panic caused by a flight mission and photo op that looked like Air Force One and fighter jets heading toward the New York City skyline Monday morning. "It's clear that the mission created confusion and disruption. I apologize and take responsibility for any distress that flight caused," Caldera said in a White House issued paper statement.

· It has been said that one who does not learn from the past, is doomed to repeat their failures. We humbly ask gracious Lord, that America will receive the Godly and Learned leaders that she so desperately needs. We know that America is founded upon the blood of Huguenot martyrs, and that their leader, Jean Ribault, said as he was to be executed for his faith, that he wanted this land to be a dwelling place of honor for You. We ask that his poignant request made 444 years ago, be honored by You, Lord, for all time. We pray that America and Israel will return to You and honor You for all time. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

· "Lord, remember David and all his afflictions; how he swore to the Lord, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob: 'Surely, I will not go into the chamber of my house, or go up to the comfort of my bed; I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.'" (Psalm 132: 1-5 NKJV)

3. 100 Days In Office, Coronated Messiah - World Net Daily

On his 100th day in office, President Obama will be "crowned" in messianic imagery at New York City's Union Square. Artist Michael D'Antuono's painting "The Truth" - featuring Obama with his arms outstretched and wearing a crown of thorns upon his head - will be unveiled today at the Square's South Plaza.

According to a statement released about the portrait, "The 30" x 54" acrylic painting on canvas depicts President Obama appearing much like Jesus Christ on the Cross: atop his head, a crown of thorns; behind him, the dark veil being lifted (or lowered) on the Presidential Seal. Even the title of the piece, "The Truth," suggests a play on biblical themes, as Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me

· Any human being likened to Jesus is an abomination. God will not tolerate any of this for long. He is the only One and True God; and to be lowered to a man's level, that is too much mockery of His Son for Him to tolerate. We pray Heavenly Father that You will forgive America and this artist, for as Your Son said on the cross, "they know not what they do." In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

· "An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked." (Proverbs 29: 27 NKJV)

4. Iowa's Same-Sex Marriage Law In Effect - UPI

A few hundred homosexual couples applied for marriage licenses in Iowa Monday, the day same-sex marriages became legal in the state. At least 360 same-sex couples, including 26 from other states, had applied for marriage licenses in Iowa, The Des Moines Register reported. The heaviest concentrations in Linn, Polk, Scott and Johnson counties, the newspaper said.

Because Iowa's law lacks a residency requirement, out-of-state gay and lesbian couples may join Iowans in seeking marriage licenses, the Register reported. However, gay rights advocacy groups warn most states won't recognize same-sex marriages that take place in Iowa.

· Father, we can hardly believe that our country is being led down this crooked path of same-sex marriage, that You say in Your Word, leads to death. Please dry up the resources of those activists and officials who are funding this activity throughout America at all levels of government and the judiciary. May marriage remain throughout the world as You intended, for all time, as a sacred covenant made between one man and one woman. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

· "Woe to the rebellious children, says the Lord, 'Who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add to sin.'" (Isaiah 30: 1 NKJV)

5. Maine, New Hampshire New Homosexual Marriage Front - Washington Times

New Hampshire and Maine are now at the top of the list in the fight for same-sex marriage, with New Hampshire's House narrowly approving a homosexual marriage bill last month and a Maine Legislature committee holding a hearing last week on the issue that drew a crowd of more than 4,000 people, mostly same-sex marriage supporters.

A New Hampshire Senate committee did reject a homosexual-marriage bill 3-2 in April, with one Democrat, Sen. Deborah Reynolds, joining two Republicans against the legislation after a strong show of opposition from pro-family conservative groups. In the Granite State, however, bills rejected in committee still go to the floor. A Senate vote on the legislation is slated for today, and homosexual-marriage advocates say they're hopeful that they can cobble together enough votes to send the bill to the governor.

This Monday, Iowa's Supreme Court's same sex marriage ruling became state law. This decision was followed by the District of Columbia's City Council voting to recognize same-sex marriages from other states and the Vermont General Assembly voting to legalize gay marriages.

· We pray to You, Father, that Your institution of marriage not be attacked anymore, and that it's true definition; a union of one man and one woman, will stand unblemished forever. We pray that they will see Your Son, Jesus as the bridegroom and Your church as the bride. We pray that those who oppose You and attack Your precepts will supernaturally be drawn to Your Word and in it, they will find the truth they have been searching for, that will show them how wrong they have been and that they can still receive Your Salvation if they ask for it. And we humbly ask that Your Kingdom will be established on earth as it is in Heaven, when You will receive the most glory! In Jesus Christ's Name we pray. Amen.

· "And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22: 17 NKJV)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south." (Psalm 107:1-3)

1. Peres to meet Obama in US Monday - Jerusalem Post

President Shimon Peres will meet with US President Barack Obama on Monday while in Washington to attend the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference, the Israeli Embassy announced Tuesday.

2. Netanyahu: Threat of terror is greater than ever - Ha'aretz

As Israel commemorated Memorial Day for its fallen soldiers and victims of terror on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the global threat of terror was greater than ever and vowed that Israel would never cease to defend itself.

3. Palestinian rivals deadlocked on power-sharing - Ynet News

Rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah ended a fourth round of power-sharing talks without a dealTuesday, but are to meet again on May 16, negotiators said.

4. Is Israel heading for clash with US? - BBC

It is Israel's Independence Day - traditionally time for leading Israeli politicians to give big interviews about their country's past and future.

The First 100 Days

DAY 100

"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)

1. First 100 Days: Obama Nudges Economy, But Policies Stir Fierce Debate

Economists say President Obama and his team may be pushing the economy in the right direction. But whether his initiatives significantly speed up the natural recovery of the economy, and whether those gains will justify the massive deficits for years to come, is a debate for the ages.

2. Federal Reserve: Recession Easing, But Economy Likely to Remain Weak

The Federal Reserve said Wednesday it sees signs the recession may be easing but warns the U.S. economy is likely to remain weak..

3. GOP to Obama: Show Us a Plan for Releasing Guantanamo Prisoners

Sen. Kit Bond calls the Obama administration's plan for closing Guantanamo Bay a "ready, fire, aim" approach, because costs in dollars and security have not yet been identified.

4. White House Calls New York City Flyover 'Stupid'

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Wednesday a photo-op featuring the presidential jet flying over the Manhattan skyline was as "stupid a thing to do as one could dream up." During an interview on Air Force One, Gibbs said if President Obama had had "any knowledge of the stupid idea to go take pictures of the plane in New York, I can assure you that wouldn't have happened."

5. House Passes $3.4 Trillion Budget, Boosting Obama's Agenda

President Obama's Democratic allies in the House have passed a $3.4 trillion budget outline that will help him pass health care reform later in the year.

6. Labor Department: Jobless Rates Rise in Nation's Metro Areas

Unemployment rates rose in all of the nation's largest metropolitan areas for the third straight month in March, the Labor Department announced on Wednesday.

(All articles from Fox News)

"Scare Force One"

Around 10:00 AM Monday morning, panic hit New York City as a low-flying jumbo jet was seen circling lower Manhattan as it was trailed by Air Force fighter jets. Buildings were ordered to evacuate and thousands poured into the streets as the nightmares of 9/11 were made real once again.

But as it turns out, it was all just a photo-op for the Obama White House, which did a terribly poor job of informing local authorities of the event. One New York politician said, "In New York of all places, not to warn the public that one of the largest jets in the country tailed by a fighter jet is going to fly low over their community defies logic and really borders on being either cruel or very, very stupid."

It's not very often that I agree with Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), but he nailed it. Not only was the fly over "very, very stupid," but it once again demonstrates the degree to which this administration is operating in a pre-9/11 mindset. Why should jumbo jets circling lower Manhattan bother anybody? This White House is clueless.

The White House Military Office director issued an apology for "any distress the flight caused." Evidently, the Defense Department wanted to update its photo file of Air Force One against scenic backdrops of America's most famous landscapes. This event was meant to capture Air Force One with the Statue of Liberty in the background.

I want to give the good folks at the Pentagon the benefit of the doubt here. My best guess is that previous photos included the Twin Towers in the background. But why couldn't someone use computers to "photo shop" the desired image? That would have made far more sense in this case, and spared the people of New York City a great deal of anxiety. Not to mention the waste of taxpayer money and - gasp! - the carbon emissions for this photo op. If the Bush White House had done something this stupid, we would have heard about it forever. But look for this "gaffe" to fade away quickly. (Gary Bauer; End- of-Day; Tuesday, April 28, 2009)

Do You Want Socialized Health Care?

Democrats in Congress, with the full support of the Obama White House, are set to ram through "reconciliation" rules this week that will set the stage for nationalized health care. I don't want to bore you with the details of congressional rules, but here's the bottom line: Democrats are using parliamentary tricks to fast-track the president's socialized health care scheme in the budget.

This maneuver denies the rights of the minority party to filibuster bad legislation, thereby allowing socialized health care to pass the Senate with limited debate and just 51 votes, instead of 60. The result will be yet another government takeover of a major sector of our economy, higher taxes and rationing of health care. In response to these heavy-handed tactics, Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) said, "I can understand shaking Hugo Chavez's hand, but I cannot understand embracing his politics."

A new Rasmussen poll finds that only 29% of Americans believe that government-run health care can provide better service and they are right to be skeptical. Writing in The Hill yesterday, Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK), a doctor, noted how people in socialized health systems are treated in order to control costs: "Consider Canadian patients, who may wait a year or longer to get radiation therapy. Or ask one of the nearly 1.8 million Britons who are waiting to get into a hospital or have an outpatient procedure. Or talk to the German breast cancer patients who are 52 percent more likely to die from the disease than Americans." (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; April 28, 2009)

THE FIRST 100 DAYS

First 100 Days: Social Policy Takes a Left Turn Under Obama

During his first 100 days as president, Barack Obama's reversal of contentious social regulations has garnered little attention -- leaving many to wonder how much social issues matter to Americans amid two wars and an economic crisis.

From the conscience clause to stem cell research, President Obama has shifted social policy to the left in his first 100 days in the White House. But the reversal of several of his predecessor's regulations has garnered hardly a whimper -- leaving many to wonder how much social issues matter to Americans amid two wars and an economic crisis.

"It's cultural aggression," former Bush adviser Karl Rove told FOXNews.com, adding that policy changes that "inject government" into moral matters -- like the conscience clause -- will have "enormous consequences."

But conservatives like Rove acknowledge that little attention has been given to Obama's agenda shift since he took office -- largely because lawmakers are more concerned with the economic downturn and national security.

"They're not getting attention because the defenders of these policies haven't grabbed the stage," Rove said. (Fox News) Read more.

· We praise God for the millions of "watchmen on the wall" who ARE paying attention to the stewardship of the foundational values of our nation; and who are standing in the gap, in repentance, when man's policies go against the Word of God. May our Lord grace each one of us now, in the days ahead, with a renewed vigor to STAND WATCH FOR AMERICA and to say "NOT ON MY WATCH" when our leaders fall short of their calling.

· "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

The Good News Corner

Prayer in Congress

(Editor's Note: As we prepare for the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 7th, let's rejoice at the wonderful foundation of prayer that has been in place since the beginning of our Congress . . . many, many years ago. May we NEVER lose sight of our freedom!)

Beginning APRIL 25, 1789, every session of the U.S. Senate has opened with prayer.

This was a continuation of the Continental Congress' practice during the Revolution, as Franklin remarked in 1787:

"In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection."

The first Senate Chaplain was Bishop Samuel Provoost, who conducted George Washington's Inaugural Service at St. Paul's Chapel.

All 62 Senate Chaplains have been Christian, though leaders of other faiths have periodically been invited to offer prayer.

The U.S. Senate Chaplain after World War II was Peter Marshall, who prayed:

"Our liberty is under God and can be found nowhere else. May our faith be not merely stamped upon our coins, but expressed in our lives."

On February 7, 1984, President Reagan addressed the National Association of Secondary School Principals:

"God . . . should never have been expelled from America's schools."

As we struggle to teach our children . . . we dare not forget that our civilization was built by men and women who placed their faith in a loving God.

If Congress can begin each day with a moment of prayer . . . so then can our sons and daughters."

[Posted by: American Minute with Bill Federer; Saturday, April 25th, 2009]

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

CHPP Daily Brief - April 28, 2009

In This Issue
• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The First 100 Days
• Obama Policy and Swine Flu
• More on Sebelius
• Victory at Supreme Court!!
• APRIL 30th: Dutch Sheets Call to Prayer
• Israel Celebrates 61 Years as a Nation
• The Good News Corner

Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net


The Daily Brief - Tuesday, April 28, 2009

" You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." (Psalm 91:5,6)

The Daily Brief

1. ALERT!! House to Vote on Hate Crimes bill this Wednesday! - Christian Women's Outreach

The liberal House Leadership has scheduled a floor vote on H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009, for this Wednesday, April 29th. Sponsored by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), H.R. 1913 will make a hate crime -- a crime in which the victim is intentionally selected based on his or her race, religion, ethnicity, gender, etc. -- a federal offense.

The bill seeks to accomplish this by mandating federal criminal prosecution for state offenses, with the possibility of life imprisonment, for crimes motivated by the "actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability of any person." H.R. 1913 will also establish homosexual and transgender persons as a protected class of victims by adding the words "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to Title 18 of the U.S. criminal code.
Not only is H.R. 1913 unconstitutional, it is also unnecessary. The underlying offense, whether it is murder, assault, or any other crime, is already fully and aggressively prosecuted in all 50 states. We do not need a new law; rather, we need strict enforcement of existing laws. All violent crimes are hate crimes and all violent criminals should be severely punished. Elevating particular groups of victims above others and awarding them a special status is not the answer to decreasing crime in America.

NOTE: THIS VOTE IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE EARLY IN THE DAY. CALL Capitol Switchboard: 202- 224-3121 AND ASK TO BE CONNECTED TO YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS. THEN VOICE YOUR OPINION ON THIS BILL!

- We know that legislation like this has been used to attack pastors in other countries. Lord, we pray for protection for those who will speak Your word with truth and for a change in the minds of the legislators who will attack Your people and Your law. We pray, too, that this bill be stopped in the Senate through a filibuster; and that You would raise up men and women in that chamber who will not be afraid to uphold righteousness by their vote.

- "There is nothing reliable in what they say; Their inward part is destruction itself. Their throat is an open grave; They flatter with their tongue." (Psalm 5:9)

2. Senate Confirms Sebelius to Lead Health Department - CitizenLink

The U.S. Senate voted 65-31 today to place Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in charge of the Health and Human Services Department (HHS). Sebelius has admitted tax problems and failed to report $23,000 in campaign contributions from notorious abortionist George Tiller.

As HHS secretary, she will profoundly influence federal and state policies on abortion, rights of conscience, bioethics and end-of-life issues. She also will be instrumental in distributing federal funding to abortion businesses such as Planned Parenthood.

• Father, forgive this nation for its apathy on this issue which is an abomination to You. Stop the confirmation of this governor, for we seek righteous people in our government. Remove all unrighteous people from authority in this nation.

These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him . . . a lying tongue, Hands that shed Innocent Blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil (Proverbs 6:16,18)

3. Arlen Specter Switches Parties - AP; Time Magazine

GOP Senator Specter's Party Switch Gives Obama a 100-Day Gift

Pennsylvania Republican Senator Arlen Specter turned the 111th session of Congress upside down Tuesday, announcing that he will switch parties and become a Democrat. The move was the product of weeks of intensive negotiation between Specter and Democrats in the Senate and the White House, and it favorably alters the balance of power for President Obama as he is facing tough votes in the months ahead on health care, energy and budget bills. "We are thrilled to have you," Obama reportedly told Specter on the phone just a few minutes after he learned of the switch Tuesday morning.

Specter was facing a nearly impossible primary challenge from his conservative nemesis, Pat Toomey, whom he defeated by just 17,146 votes (or 1.6% of the vote) in 2004. Specter's unpopular vote in support of Obama's stimulus package in February drove many of Pennsylvania's diminishing Republican votes to Toomey, giving him an edge of 41%-27% in one recent poll. This came after some 200,000 Republicans had switched parties to vote in the Democratic presidential primary last spring and have not switched their party registrations back. The combination made it extremely unlikely that a moderate like Specter would emerge victorious from a GOP primary next year.

"I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate," Specter said in his statement. "I have not represented the Republican Party. I have represented the people of Pennsylvania."

• Lord, in this time of political strife, we pray that men of integrity will be elected into office so they may serve their constituents and not their own devices. We pray that the electorate will awaken to their duty of praying humbly over their votes and then acting in a way that would be pleasing to You. Thank You that we can depend ultimately on You and not on any government that is led by men.

Rather, because we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, we speak as we do, not trying to please people but God, who tests our motives. (1 Thessalonians 2:4)

4. U.S. Weighs Release of More CIA Memos - Wall Street Journal

The Obama administration and senior national-security officials are reviewing whether to release additional Central Intelligence Agency memos on interrogation methods, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.

• Heavenly Father, we pray that You will change the direction that the release of these memos have taken. Let it not be used by our enemies against us and let them not be used as a political hammer for retribution. Protect our soldiers from harm because of the release of these memos and block release of any more things that would harm them and our nation.

How could one chase a thousand, And two put ten thousand to flight, Unless their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had surrendered them? For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. (Deuteronomy 32:30, 31)

5. Swine Flu: Updates

a. New Cases of Swine Flu in Kansas, California and Suspected in NYC - Fox News

New cases of swine flu were confirmed in Kansas and California and suspected in New York City. But officials said they didn't know whether the New York cases were the strain that now has killed up to 81 people in Mexico and likely sickened 1,324 since April 13, according to figures updated late Saturday by Mexico's health secretary.

b. WHO alerts countries to watch suspicious flu cases - USA Today

The World Health Organization warned countries around the world on Saturday to be on alert for any unusual flu outbreaks after a unique new swine flu virus implicated in possibly dozens of human deaths in North America.

c. Swine Flu Fears Prompt Quarantine Plans, Pork Bans - ABC News

Canada became the third country to confirm human cases of swine flu Sunday as global health officials considered whether to raise the global pandemic alert level.

• Heavenly Father, as long as we have Your favor and a hedge of protection around us, our nation will be safe. We pray for that hedge around us during these different attacks including this latest attack of the swine flu. We pray the flu will stop spreading and any destruction it has caused would halt.

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. (Psalms 91:5)

6. U.S. Regulatory Czar Nominee Wants Net 'Fairness Doctrine' - WorldNet Daily

Barack Obama's nominee for "regulatory czar" has advocated a "Fairness Doctrine" for the Internet that would require opposing opinions be linked and also has suggested angry e-mails should be prevented from being sent by technology that would require a 24-hour cooling off period.

"A system of limitless individual choices, with respect to communications, is not necessarily in the interest of citizenship and self-government," said, Cass Sunstein, Obama's friend from the University of Chicago Law School and nominee to head the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

• Lord, as each day goes by, more freedoms that we enjoy are being threatened or taken away. Please remove or block people from authority who would enact unrighteous laws and work to impede our freedoms.

A prudent one foresees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished (Proverbs 22:3)

7. Poll: No Net Shutdown - Even in Emergency - WorldNet Daily

The bill in question is the Cybersecurity Act of 2009, sponsored by Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.V., Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla. It would give to the U.S. government authority over all networks considered part of the nation's critical infrastructure. Under the proposed Cybersecurity Act of 2009, the president would have the authority to shut down Internet traffic to protect national security.

• Lord, as we move into the twenty-first century, we pray that only laws that are good for the people be enacted. Direct the minds, hearts, and actions of those who would make those decisions about the internet.

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight. (Proverbs 11:1)

8. Forget Nukes -- Watch Out for Economic War - Fox News

Fought with currencies, embargoes and hackers, economic warfare may lack the "shock and awe" of conventional battles but it could still pose a threat to the U.S., especially in these troubling economic times.

• Lord as our economy weakens, we pray that You will protect us from any bad repercussions such as currency dumping and cyber attacks on critical infrastructure, to oil blockades and economic sanctions coming from other nations against us.

Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms shall be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. (Proverbs 24:3)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south." (Psalm 107:1-3)

1. Israel remembers its 22,570 fallen - Ynet News

Thousands of bereaved families will visit their loved ones' graves at cemeteries across the country on Tuesday morning to honor the dead. The past year saw 133 Israelis join the list of fallen.

2. Meshal reelected Hamas political leader for 4 more years - Ha'aretz

Khaled Meshal, the head of the Hamas Political Bureau in Damascus, has been reelected to his post for four additional years, the Palestinian news agency Ma'an reported on Monday.

3. Israel surprised by report of U.S. aid to PA even if Hamas in gov't - Ha'aretz

Israeli officials expressed surprise yesterday at reports that Washington would continue providing aid to the Palestinian Authority if Hamas is included in a unity government.

The First 100 Days

DAY 99

"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)

1. Sebelius Wins Senate Confirmation as Health Secretary Nominee

The 65-31 vote came after Democrats urged quick action so that Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius could get to work leading the federal response to the flu outbreak.

2. Specter Defection Raises Stakes for Minnesota Senate Race

Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter's switch from Republican to Democrat means that if Al Franken wins in Minnesota, Democrats would have 60 votes in the Senate, raising pressure on whoever loses a grueling court battle over the seat to extend the fight even longer.

3. Official: Biden Pressured Specter to Join Democrats for 6 Years

Vice President Biden has talked to Sen. Arlen Specter no fewer than 15 times since he voted for President Obama's stimulus bill.

4. First 100 Days: Michelle Obama Has Big Shoes to Fill, But So Far is Walking in Stride

In her first 100 days as first lady, Michelle Obama has stayed busy, reaching out to military families, serving in soup kitchens, visiting Washington public schools and health care facilities and inviting children to the White House. But she has yet to decide her niche.

5. Obama Administration Revokes Rule Limiting Species Protections

The Obama administration revoked a last-minute rule change by the Bush administration that ended a requirement of federal agencies to consult with the government's wildlife experts before taking any actions that could impact threatened or endangered species.

6. Congress Seeks to Bolster Iran Sanctions

A group of Democrats and Republicans introduced legislation Tuesday that would give the president expanded authority to crack down on companies that export gas and other refined petroleum products to Iran.

(All articles from Fox news)


Obama Policy and Swine Flu

Government Says No Effort To Stop Swine Flu Epidemic Through Border Security

The Federal government is putting Americans at risk by not shutting down the border with Mexico during the swine flu epidemic. The Center for Disease Control says that over 20 Americans in five states are infected. Some are likely to be those who recently crossed the Mexico border into the US, others were school kids who spent some time recently in Cancun. Already Mexico has shut down schools, athletic events, government offices and a host of other public venues to try to restrict the disease until people have been properly vaccinated. But the government of the United States has done nothing but observe. Is it not in the best interest of national security and safety of Americans to shut down the border?

Already the World Health Organization has warned countries around the world about the flu, saying the outbreak in Mexico and the United States represents a "public health emergency of international concern." After deliberating for days, the Department of Homeland Security has declared a national health emergency in the United States. The declaration, DHS says, will allow the federal and state governments easier access to flu tests and medications-whatever that means. Roughly 12 million doses of the flu vaccine are being released from federal stockpile. It is unclear whether the feds will mandate the vaccine be given to the citizenry. Still no word on shutting down the US-Mexico border.

DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a briefing at the White House that State Department is not going to issue travel advisories, neither is the US going to screen passengers on flights arriving from Mexico. Dr. Richard Besser, the acting head of the CDC, told reporters that he didn't know how long it would take to contain the outbreak and, "We view this more as a marathon. We do think this will continue to spread but we are taking aggressive actions to minimize the impact on people's health." In short, the Department of Homeland Security and the CDC have declared a national health emergency, but they are taking no steps to prevent the spread of the epidemic outside of making old flu vaccine available.

The vaccine, however, may not be effective, according to Dr. Isador Rosenfeld, a FOX News contributor. Rosenfeld said swine flu is dangerous because it changes its form and takes on characteristics like bird flu, and there is no vaccination. It is astounding that the federal government would rather risk a pandemic of swine flu than to close the border with Mexico, stop flights to and from the country, and test those who were already in Mexico for the flu virus. The government is failing its representation of the people by not providing for the general welfare and the national security. Jeremiah 8:15 says, "We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health, and behold trouble!" Trouble is arrived and its our government.

Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Monday, April 27, 2009

More on Sebelius

Senate Faces Life Altering Decision

You may be growing weary of hearing about Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D-Kans.), but the Senate's final answer tonight on the most polarizing figure to face confirmation this year will have far reaching consequences for health care in America. With health care "reform" about to be rushed through Congress with little debate, FRC has been in the thick of the opposition to Sebelius, who can be seen as the face of the Administration on the issue.

Some Republicans have apparently been swayed by the argument that President Obama would simply come back with someone equally objectionable if her confirmation was denied. He has done so with other sensitive appointments, like his choices for Ambassador to the Vatican--five of whom have been rejected for to their extreme abortion views, with no end in sight. In this case, however, we've urged Senators to vote no on Sebelius because she is not only "pro-choice," but she has abandoned women and children in her state and aligned herself with abortionist George Tiller, whose reputation is so abhorrent that even NPR describes him as "notorious."

Her record, including support for gruesome third- trimester abortions, veers well left of even Senators Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Pat Leahy (D-Vt.), and former Majority Leader Tom Daschle. Considering the country's revulsion for late-term abortions, it should be toxic for anyone to associate with a man like Tiller. It is even more reprehensible that our President would try to elevate such a person to a leadership post at the largest government's agency. Had you not called and emailed by the thousands, Gov. Sebelius would not have received the intense scrutiny she did. But even if she is confirmed, this is not the end of the fight. We must insure that health care "reform" is not infected with Sebelius' pro-abortion views. (Family Research Council)

Victory at Supreme Court!!

Most Important F-Word Is Family, Court Rules

Since Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" and Bono's mouth malfunction, networks have argued that they shouldn't be liable for indecency if it's "unscripted." Millions of viewers--and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)--disagreed. After an avalanche of complaints, the FCC modified its policy in 2004 and decided to punish even a single profane word on live television. Today, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld that policy in an overwhelming victory for American families. By a 5-4 decision, the justices overturned a 2nd U.S. Circuit Court ruling and empowered the FCC to fine networks that violate the rules. The court stopped short of deciding whether the FCC's policy is constitutional, but Justice Antonin Scalia wrote that it was "neither arbitrary nor capricious." In his opinion, he talked about the power of profanity to insult and said, "fleeting expletives constitute harmful first blows to children; it suffices to know that children mimic behavior they observe." (Family Research Council)

APRIL 30th: Dutch Sheets Call to Prayer

A Call for Consecrated Prayer and Fasting

Greetings,

Friends, we are two days away from April 30, the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Call to Prayer. Here are a few of his words from that proclamation:

"...We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!

It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness . . ."

These powerful words sound as if they were written today for we again find ourselves in a place where the sins of our nation overwhelm us. I, along with other national Christian leaders, am calling for a day of consecrated prayer and fasting on Thursday, April 30, 2009. I am asking that you join me as we beseech Heaven for mercy, asking forgiveness for the sins of our nation.

I am also asking you to join me in a 7 Day Prayer Strategy May 1-7. Each day we will pray together for a different area of influence in our society. These seven important prayer strategies will carry us through May 7, the National Day of Prayer. You can go to my website (www.dutchsheets.org) to find these prayer focuses and there you will also find my Call to Prayer video blog. I feel the need to pray for our nation with the power of agreement (Matthew 18:19- 20) and these daily prayer strategies will help us do this well. Print them out and give them to your family, your friends, your neighbor, your co-worker, your prayer group, etc. Get them to everyone who will join us in this critical prayer effort!

Please know that I am not sending this to you as a general call to prayer. We must know the hour we are in and cry out to God asking forgiveness for the sins of our nation. This is very important! Join me.

Crying out for mercy,
Dutch Sheets

Israel Celebrates 61 Years as a Nation

Special Greeting to the People of Israel

Jerusalem, April 28, 2009

To the great People of Israel,

On behalf of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem and its worldwide family, I wish to congratulate you on your 61st Anniversary of Statehood. Though your nation continues to be embattled and faces a growing threat from Iran, your achievements are profound and amazing.
Not only does Israel make a disproportionate and positive contribution to science, technology, medicine, agriculture and culture, but she exports all of these to a needy world and much more. Israel itself is a thriving democracy that promises hope and freedom to all its citizens and will, if allowed, enhance the wellbeing of the whole region in which she is settled.

We salute you on this great day and count it a privilege to stand beside you.

Rev. Malcolm Hedding
ICEJ Executive Director, Jerusalem

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners wishes to thank Rev. Hedding for expressing our own sentiments upon the occasion of marking 61 years of Israel's Statehood.

We join with ICEJ (the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem) in congratulating our friends in Zion on this remarkable achievement. Shalom!

The Good News Corner

Good News: Hundreds of Marriage Advocates Rally in D.C.

Hundreds of marriage supporters gathered in Washington, D.C., today for the Stand 4 Marriage Rally, weeks after the D.C. City Council voted unanimously in favor of an ordinance recognizing same-sex "marriages" from other states.

The rally was held at Freedom Plaza, which sits in front of the John A. Wilson Building, D.C.'s city hall.

"All of us are concerned that this is the nation's capital and that what happens here will affect the nation," Harry Jackson, founder of the High Impact Leadership Coalition, told NBC. "This may be more important in the same-sex 'marriage' battle than the other states that have come forth because it will be discussed at Congress."

The legislation faces a final vote in May, as well as congressional review. In addition, a bill to legalize same-sex "marriage" in the District could be introduced soon. (CitizenLink)

Monday, April 27, 2009

On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVI, Number 15

In This Issue
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVI, No. 15a
• Publishing Notice
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
• Who We Are
• A Note to Our New Subscribers

Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net


On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVI, Number 15
April 27 - May 1, 2009

* * DOMESTIC NEWS * **

" You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." (Psalm 91:5,6)

On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVI, No. 15a

DOMESTIC NEWS

1. SWINE FLU SWEEPING ACROSS THE GLOBE
2. OBAMA'S DNI SAYS THAT "ENHANCED INTERROGATION WORKED"
3. IN THE SENATE: VOTE TO CONFIRM SEBELIUS SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY
4. SENATOR INHOFE WILL FILIBUSTER JUDGE DAVID HAMILTON
5. IN THE HOUSE: HATE CRIME VOTE EXPECTED ON WEDNESDAY
6. OBAMA SIGNS "THE GIVE ACT" INTO LAW
7. U.S. EDUCATION SECRETARY SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH CHINESE
8. DHS LABELS PRO-LIFERS AS RIGHT-WING EXTREMISTS; GROUPS RESPOND
9. PENTAGON OFFICIAL BLAMES U.S. FOR AL- QAEDA ATTACKS
10. ELECTRICITY GRID IN U.S. PENETRATED BY SPIES


1. SWINE FLU SWEEPING ACROSS THE GLOBE

The outbreak of swine flu in Mexico has claimed at least 100 lives and effectively shut down the nation's capital, Mexico City. More than 1,600 people are being treated in hospitals for flu-like symptoms throughout Mexico. Cases of the disease are popping up all over the world: Israel, New Zealand, Canada, Spain, and there have been 40 confirmed cases here in the United States, in California, Kansas, Ohio, New York and Texas.

. . . the Health Commissioner for the European Union issued a statement urging Europeans to cancel travel plans to the United States and Mexico "unless it is very urgent." The Associated Press reports that "Russia, Hong Kong and Taiwan said they would quarantine visitors showing symptoms of the virus amid a surging global concern about a possible pandemic." And Japan, Thailand and Indonesia are installing thermal scanners to check people for fevers at key airports.

So far, we're doing none of that. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano held an unusual Sunday press conference at the White House to declare a "national health emergency." All we're being told to do is wash our hands and cover our mouths when we cough. That's what we tell kindergarteners. By the way, we go into this potential pandemic with no Secretary of Health and Human Services, the top 18 positions at HHS vacant and no Surgeon General.
At least one member of Congress is demanding that we close the border. Rep. Eric Massa (D-NY) issued a statement in which he wrote, "The public needs to be aware of the serious threat of swine flu, and we need to close our borders to Mexico immediately and completely until this is resolved. . . I am making this announcement because I see this as a serious threat to the health of the American public and I do not believe this issue is receiving the attention it needs to have in the news." (Gary Bauer)

• Pray for "all in authority" in this growing crisis. Is it possible that this flu is one of the end-time plagues described in the Bible? If so, we must pray grace through this. If not, we must ask for the Lord's perfect timing for that plague to appear on the earth. Either way, we praise God that, as we "pray in the spirit" over this complicated, global, and dangerous issue, our intercession WILL be in alignment with the perfect will of God, and our prayers will be heard. Praise God!

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." (Romans 8:26,27)

2. OBAMA'S DNI REMINDS OBAMA THAT "ENHANCED INTERROGATION WORKED"

President Obama's national intelligence director told colleagues in a private memo last week that the harsh interrogation techniques banned by the White House did produce significant information that helped the nation in its struggle with terrorists. "High value information came from interrogations in which those methods were used and provided a deeper understanding of the al Qa'ida organization that was attacking this country," Adm. Dennis C. Blair, the intelligence director, wrote in a memo to his staff last Thursday.

Admiral Blair's assessment that the interrogation methods did produce important information was deleted from a condensed version of his memo released to the media last Thursday. Also deleted was a line in which he empathized with his predecessors who originally approved some of the harsh tactics after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. He wrote, "but I do not fault those who made the decisions at that time, and I will absolutely defend those who carried out the interrogations within the orders they were given."

The assessment by Admiral Blair represents a shift for Blair since he took office and appeared before the Senate intelligence committee. On Jan. 22, he said: "I believe strongly that torture is not moral, legal or effective." But he declined to assess whether the interrogation program under Mr. Bush had worked. (New York Times)

• Pray for honesty and truth to be revealed and dealt with without politics. Now Mr. Obama is agreeing to an investigation of the members of the Bush administration who sanctioned this type of waterboarding. To do so places the focus of the world on the past, which cannot be changed. What we need now is focus on what is coming from the White House and Congress. Is the safety of our nation the goal of the Obama administration?

"I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him will I trust." (Psalm 91: 2)

3. IN THE SENATE: VOTE TO CONFIRM SEBELIUS SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY

Time is running out to stop the confirmation of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to be President Obama's Secretary of Health and Human Services. A floor vote in the U.S. Senate is imminent Gov. Sebelius has compiled a record that is anti-woman and anti-life, yet President Obama has chosen her not only to lead the federal government's largest agency but to oversee a massive expansion of the government's role in health care.

Troubling news about Gov. Sebelius continues to pour in. On Thursday, Gov. Sebelius vetoed a pro-life bill that increases reporting requirements for doctors who perform late-term abortions and allows lawsuits against them if the woman later comes to believe such a procedure was illegal.

Sebelius' close alliance with the Kansas abortion industry has been known, but the extent of her ties, as now revealed, suggest that she may owe her entire political career to the huge sums this industry spent on and gave to her campaigns for public office. . . This record underscores how beholden Sebelius is to the ugliest business in America. It renders her unfit for any office, but particularly to lead the agency charged with protecting our families' health.

• Pray that a mighty chorus of opposition will be raised against this nomination. Pray that Senators will begin to question the integrity of Sebelius and her alliance. Pray that God's people in our nation not lose heart or become faint as we work together to see God's standard of righteousness raised up over our nation.

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Gal. 6:9)

4. IN THE SENATE: SEN. INHOFE WILL FILIBUSTER JUDGE DAVID HAMILTON

Heroic Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) has vowed to filibuster federal Judge David Hamilton, the judge who issued controversial rulings (banning public prayers offered "in Jesus name," and hastening the abortion of unborn children). Sen. Inhofe agrees we should stop Hamilton's nomination to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, the same court that reversed his liberal, activist, aggressive decisions for many years.

To support Sen. Inhofe, and stop Hamilton, we first need solidarity among any good conservatives or moderates seated on the 19-member Senate Judiciary Committee, especially Sen. Arlen Specter (R- PA). Then we need 40 strong Senate votes (including Sen. Ben Nelson, D-NE, both Arkansas Senators Pryor and Lincoln, D-AR, both Maine Senators Collins and Snowe, R-ME, and all Senators in either party from southern states), to inhibit the majority cloture vote, and help Sen. Inhofe prevent Hamilton from getting a final floor vote.

Judge Hamilton is the worst of Obama's 15 new liberal appeals court appointees. He was nominated to the district court bench by President Clinton even though he had no judicial experience and was rated as 'not qualified' by the American Bar Association." The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals covers Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois. Since most cases never reach the Supreme Court, the federal appellate circuits often provide the last word on cases affecting life and liberty. (Pray in Jesus Name) Read more.

• Pray for Sen. Inhofe's courage to never flag in his battle against this obviously unsuitable judge. We wonder what Judge Hamilton actually believes in: his own reasoning ability? Pray that other senators will join Inhofe in this filibuster, and you can act by calling your own senators about this battle. Ask the Holy Spirit to visit Hamilton in his dreams so that this man can understand how much he is grieving the heart of the Lord.

"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to be enjoyed. Storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (! Timothy 6: 17,19)

5. IN THE HOUSE: HATE CRIME VOTE EXPECTED ON WEDNESDAY

In a vote of 15 to 12, the House Judiciary Committee Thursday advanced hate crimes legislation. But critics warn it could also criminalize preachers, who preach against homosexuality. (CBN)

The claim is that this bill applies only to physical violence. It is a lie. This is a further step toward criminalizing Christianity! The entire House is expected to vote on this bill next week, possibly on Wednesday April 29. (Federal intercessors)

- We know that legislation like this has been used to attack pastors in other countries. Lord, we pray for protection for those who will speak Your word with truth and for a change in the minds of the legislators who will attack Your people and Your law. We pray, too, that this bill be stopped in the Senate through a filibuster; and that You would raise up men and women in that chamber who will not be afraid to uphold righteousness by their vote.

- "There is nothing reliable in what they say; Their inward part is destruction itself. Their throat is an open grave; They flatter with their tongue." (Psalm 5:9)

6. OBAMA SIGNS "THE GIVE ACT" (H.R. 1388) INTO LAW

New law to 'manage' 8 million 'volunteers'

President Obama today (April 27) signed into law the "GIVE Act," H.R. 1388, which massively expands the National Service Corporation and allocates to it billions of dollars, and one executive for the program now says it will allow for the "managing" of up to 8 or 9 million people.

WND has reported on plans to create the corps since Obama told a campaign stop in Colorado Springs last year he wants a "Civilian National Security Force" as big and as well-funded as the U.S. military. The bill includes a "National Service Reserve Corps" whose members have completed a "term of national service," "training" and "not less than 10 hours of volunteering each year."

Joseph Farah, founder and editor of WND, used his daily column first to raise the issue of a "national civilian force" and then to elevate it with a call to all reporters to start asking questions. "If we're going to create some kind of national police force as big, powerful and well-funded as our combined U.S. military forces, isn't this rather a big deal?" Farah wrote. "I thought Democrats generally believed the U.S. spent too much on the military. How is it possible their candidate is seeking to create some kind of massive but secret national police force that will be even bigger than the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force put together? Is Obama serious about creating some kind of domestic security force bigger and more expensive than that? If not, why did he say it? What did he mean?" Farah wrote.

WND reported when the bill began its quick trip through Congress, and its original language called for a study of how best to implement a mandatory national service program for citizens of the United States. Later the language was dropped from that bill, only to appear at the same time in another legislative proposal. That plan, H.R. 1444, now is in committee.

Officials said there also are specific programs for seniors and children to become involved in the government operation, and the plan goes far beyond just working on planting trees or addressing storm damage. "The bill provides the opportunity for a social innovation fund," said one official, which will allow the government to pursue changes. The plan also raises First Amendment issues over its limitations on what various corps participants are allowed to do.

• We offer praise to the Lord for the careful investigative journalism that Joseph Farah and his staff have pursued during the development of this bill and this program. Certainly, there are more questions that must be asked. We encourage all of you to read this entire article now.

In the meantime, we will keep a watchful eye on H.R. 1444: The American Civic Service Act -- the bill that enforces mandatory service in this youth brigade. Continue to pray over all issues related to the impact of the federal government over our youth, for they belong to US to raise!

"Pray in the spirit and with understanding . . ." (I Corinthians 14:15)

7. U.S. EDUCATION SECRETARY SIGNS PARTNERSHIPS WITH CHINESE

SAME LEADERS PLACE DISSIDENTS IN RE- EDUCATION CAMPS

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has signed a formal educational partnership agreement with the Peoples Republic of China, a Communist regime that, according to the U.S. State Department, subjects political dissidents to re-education through labor. Duncan signed the 2009 Joint Statement of Exchange and Cooperation with the Chinese Minister of Education Zhou Ji on April 16.

The State Department's Human Rights Report on China, dated Feb. 25, 2009, states that the Chinese government puts political dissidents into reeducation through labor camps.

Leading human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize- nominee Harry Wu, who has documented many of China's human rights abuses and crimes, said you cannot compare China's way of governing with that of the United States. "You cannot [function in China] without it. Laogai and freedom and democracy are incompatible. That is very clear," he said. "The Communist Party is talking about dictatorship; talking about totalitarian. How to handle the dissidents - that is Laogai [re-education] camps," said Wu. The Laogai Research Foundation estimates there are at least 1,000 laogai prisons functioning in Communist China today, holding more than 6 million prisoners. The Black Book of Communism (Harvard University Press) estimates that at least 65 million people have been killed or died as a result of China's Communist policies. (CNSNews.com)

• Please pray for the soul of Ame Duncan so that she can understand that her actions with China do not speak of patriotism to the United States. She seems caught like an insect in a spider's web. Cancel any ties of the USA to this document, for we have nothing to learn from Communist China. After spending almost 3 decades "dumbing" down education in American public schools, we are now to turn to communism to teach us how to teach our children? Our president certainly needs much prayer, for his every political action leads us farther from the nation envisioned by our Founding Fathers.

"For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, Lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity." (Psalm 125:3)

8. DHS LABELS PRO-LIFERS AS RIGHT-WING EXTREMISTS; GROUPS RESPOND

Conservatives and religious groups across the nation are outraged by a recent report from the Department of Homeland Security that labeled them as right-wing extremists and terrorists. Republican members of the Committee on Homeland Security have requested a committee hearing and investigation on the report. Some are calling for the resignation of Secretary Janet Napolitano.

Gary Bauer, president of American Values, said an investigation is unlikely to go very far with Democrats in charge."It's going to be very difficult to get anything done about this outrage," he said, "or about any other issue, unless some of the members of President Obama's party begin to step up and hold his feet to the fire."

While the Homeland Security Department said it has no evidence to suggest any extremist group is planning violent action in the U.S, its memo included pro-life groups in its definition of right-wing extremists.

Dr. Janice Crouse, senior fellow at the Beverly LaHaye Institute, said the department is on a rampage against people with biblical views. She said: "It's astounding to me in a world where we are fighting extremism of all sorts from terrorists around the nation --- including pirates in the seas --- that Homeland Security would be concerned about people who are pro-life." Read the full report. (Source: CitizenLink)

• Watch and pray for the safety of our nation. President Obama needs to speak against such statements, for they are un-American. Pray that the Lord will cause Ms. Napolitano to be removed as the head of DHS, and to raise up a person who truly understands the purpose of this department.

"But God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another." (Psalm 75:7)

9. PENTAGON OFFICIAL BLAMES U.S. FOR AL- QAEDA ATTACKS

WARNS OBAMA MAY NOT GIVE JEWISH STATE 'BLANKS CHECKS'

She believes al-Qaida was an "obscure group" turned into a massive threat due to U.S. policies. She's referred to former President Bush as "our torturer in chief" and a "psychotic who need(s) treatment" while comparing Bush's arguments for waging a war on terrorism to Adolf Hitler's use of political propaganda. She's worked on behalf of George Soros' philanthropic foundation,and she served as a regular columnist at the Los Angeles Times.

Meet Rosa Brooks, the Obama administration's new adviser to Michelle Fluornoy, the undersecretary of defense for policy, a position described as one of the most influential in the Pentagon. Brooks will advise Michelle Fluornoy, the undersecretary of defense for policy, a position that wields enormous power over drafting U.S. military doctrine in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Regarding Israel, Brooks states that while President Bush was "blindly" and "mindlessly" supportive of Israel, President Obama may be less willing to give the Jewish state "blank checks." A WND review of her opinion pieces in the newspaper finds trends that defenders of the Jewish state may view as anti-Israel, including distorting history to seemingly whitewash Palestinian terrorism.

"Israeli policies are a major source of discord in the Islamic world, and anger at Israel usually spills over into anger at the U.S., Israel's biggest backer," Brooks wrote. "With resentment of Israeli policies fueling terrorism and instability both in the Middle East and around the globe, it's past time for Americans to have a serious national debate about how to bring a just peace to the Middle East," she recommends. "But if criticism of Israel is out of bounds, that debate can't occur - and we'll all pay the price." (WorldNetDaily)

• Please pray against the appointment of Rosa Brooks to such an important position at the Pentagon. This lady truly needs several Bible lessons without which she is a real danger to the USA. Her views reflect those of George Soros but not those of American Christians and Jews. Pray also for this woman's soul that she may know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Pray also that voices within the Pentagon will rise up against Ms. Brooks' appointment.

"I see the treacherous, and am disgusted because they do not keep Your Word." (Psalm 119:158)

10. ELECTRICITY GRID IN U.S. PENETRATED BY SPIES

Cyberspies have penetrated the U.S. electrical grid and left behind software programs that could be used to disrupt the system, according to current and former national-security officials. The spies came from China, Russia and other countries, these officials said, and were believed to be on a mission to navigate the U.S. electrical system and its controls. The intruders haven't sought to damage the power grid or other key infrastructure, but officials warned they could try during a crisis or war.

• Father, as it seems the enemy may have the US in it's crosshairs, we raise up a cry to You for a complete nullification of any plan that does not fit with The Word of God for this hour. We thank you for your protection and Your wisdom flowing through the hearts and minds of Your people. Nothing can happen that Your timing will not preempt. Please, intercede for every aspect of American life to be under the Hand and the Purposes of God.

And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings. (Acts 17:26)

On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVI, No. 15b

• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVI, No. 15b
• Alert: Pakistan
• NEWS ALERT: Pakistan Taliban Executes Christian
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

* INTERNATIONAL NEWS *

" You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." (Psalm 91:5,6)

1. TALIBAN TAKE MORE OF PAKISTAN
2. NORTH KOREA BEGINS EXTRACTING PLUTONIUM; REFUSES TALKS
3. OBAMA'S PLAN FOR MIDEAST PEACE: STRIP ISRAEL BARE
4. U.S.: P.A. NEED NOT RECOGNIZE ISRAEL AS JEWISH STATE BEFORE TALKS
5. IDF PREPARES FOR TERROR ACTIVITIES


1. TALIBAN TAKE MORE OF PAKISTAN

The government of Pakistan, seeking to appease Islamic radicals who had helped orchestrate the 9-11 Jihad attack on the United States, gave these terrorists the Swat Valley. Of course appeasement never works, and soon the Taliban terrorists moved into another province just 60 miles from the Capitol. Pakistan sent in troops, and the Taliban backed off into the Swat Valley after destroying some schools. "It's a tactical move, these kinds of movements make tactical retreats," said Hasan Askari Rizvi, a military analyst based in Lahore. "They'll be back." (Religious Freedom Coalition)

Clinton Raises Alarms About Spiraling Security in Pakistan

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is raising alarms that the Pakistani government is losing control of its country and ceding ground to Taliban extremists, as she presses lawmakers to approve fresh funding for the region. In back-to-back days of testimony on Capitol Hill, Clinton raised concern that government- backed law enforcement was losing the northwest region of the country. (Fox News)

• Father we pray that You would station Your angelic host around Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, and keep it from the hands of the Taliban or any other terrorist group. We pray that You would stabilize this nation as a friend of America, and remove all hostile entities within it.

"I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies." (Psalm 18:3)

2. NORTH KOREA BEGINS EXTRACTING PLUTONIUM; REFUSES TALKS

S. Korea, Japan Sign Defense Pact

North Korea has started to extract plutonium from spent fuel rods at its nuclear arms plant, its foreign ministry said on Saturday, further raising regional tensions already stoked by its defiant rocket launch this month. The announcement came hours after a U.N. Security Council committee on Friday placed three North Korean companies on a U.N. blacklist for aiding Pyongyang's missile and nuclear programs, eliciting a sharp rebuke from a North Korean envoy. Reclusive North Korea has lashed out at being punished for the April 5 launch, widely seen as a disguised long-range missile test that violated U.N. resolutions, saying it would boycott six-way nuclear talks and bolster its nuclear deterrent. (Reuters)

Meanwhile, South Korea and Japan signed a letter of intent on bilateral defense cooperation, Thursday, the first formal military pact between the two neighboring countries, the Ministry of National Defense said. The letter covers goodwill exchanges of top defense officials and military units from the two nations, exchanges between defense institutes, institutionalization of joint search-and-rescue operations, reciprocal visits by aircraft and naval ships, and joint international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, according to the ministry. (Korea Times)

• While our attention is diverted in so many other critical directions, let us not forget to continue to pray for this situation in North Korea, until it is resolved. Ask the Lord to soften the heart of North Korea's President Kim Jong Il, and to show His mercy and His grace to the people of that nation - especially to believers who are there. Ask for a miracle.

• [For Kim Jong Il] "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezek. 36:26)

3. OBAMA'S PLAN FOR MIDEAST PEACE: STRIP ISRAEL BARE

The Obama administration has decided to base its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on an Arab "peace" initiative, according to a source in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Defenders of Israel warn the so-called "Arab Peace Initiative" in its full form would leave the Jewish state with truncated, difficult-to-defend borders and could threaten Israel's Jewish character by compelling it to accept millions of foreign Arabs.

Netanyahu held a meeting with Obama's envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, to outline the prime minister's approach to Syria and the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. Netanyahu reportedly told Mitchell he would condition future talks with the Palestinians on Palestinian leaders' first recognizing Israel as a Jewish state, a step that would be difficult should Hamas join a unity government. This statement is now being contested.

The Israeli Ynet news website quoted Netanyahu telling Mitchell of fears that any Israeli withdrawal from strategic territory would leave a terrorist hornet's nest in its wake. "Israel must make sure that the political process does not result in the creation of a second 'Hamastan' (in the West Bank) that would threaten Jerusalem and the coastline," Netanyahu reportedly said.

The source said Mitchell conveyed to Netanyahu that Obama seeks to create a Palestinian state in hopes of normalizing relations between Israel and the Arab world in line with the "Arab Peace Initiative." The source told WND Mitchell relayed that Obama's Mideast strategy would be based on the concept of the "Initiative" but with security guarantees for Israel.

• Ask the Lord to forgive Americans for electing a man to the presidency who does not understand the significance of Israel to the health and welfare of the USA. Pray for someone to speak with George Mitchell about what he is allowing the president to say through his position. Pray for the Biblical view of Israel to permeate the White House and the Obama administration.

"But the Lord is with me as a mighty awesome one. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will not be forgotten." (Jeremiah 20:11)

4. U.S.: P.A. NEED NOT RECOGNIZE ISRAEL AS JEWISH STATE BEFORE TALKS

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand that the Palestinians recognize Israel as the state of the Jewish people as a condition for renewing peace talks is unacceptable to the United States, the State Department said during special envoy George Mitchell's visits last weekend to Ramallah and Cairo. Mitchell's talks also indicate the US does not accept Netanyahu's position the renewal of negotiations should be postponed until the Iranian nuclear threat is removed. (Ha'aretz)

"He drove out nations before them and allotted their lands to them as an inheritance. He settled the tribes of Israel in their homes." (Psalm 78:55)

5. IDF PREPARES FOR TERROR ACTIVITIES

The defense establishment is monitoring the rise in the number of terror attacks taking place in the Gaza Strip, West Bank [Judea and Samaria], and Jerusalem in the past few weeks, and security officials admit that although there is no common denominator or "guiding hand", this trend must be addressed with extra caution in order to be prepared for more radical developments.

Data collected by the defense establishment show that 50 terror attacks of various types were counted in January. February saw 124 terror attacks take place, including the firing of rockets from the Gaza Strip, while March saw 132 such incidents.

The IDF is cautiously examining the situation in the West Bank in light of the fact that the many incidents which took place there are unlinked to each other and are not executed following instructions issued by a "guiding hand".

The defense official added that "it's too early to reach conclusions on what has happened in recent weeks, but we can definitely say that terror activists are waking up, not necessarily the senior ones and not necessarily incidents which were planned in an organized manner."

"Our main goal is to prevent escalation," added the source. "Any incident may lead to additional incidents, which may be followed by an escalation, and therefore were examining this situation with extra caution." (Excerpts from Hanan Greenberg, Ynetnews.com, April 19, 2009) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]

• Pray that the Lord will bless IDF officials and soldiers with wisdom and protection as they work to secure the safety of the people of Israel; pray that escalation of terror will be prevented.

"He shall cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you shall find refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler." (Psalm 91:4-5)

Alert: Pakistan

Thursday, April 23, 2009
THE SITUATION ON THE GROUND

Here in Pakistan things are getting from bad to worse, We have four provinces of Pakistan namely Baluchistan, Sindh, Punjab, & NWFP (North West Frontier Post), Taliban have entered, Invaded and took full controll over NWFP, our Govt. has given them aproval of implementing the Sharia Law (Fundamentists Muslim Law). Due to this they got boldness and now the've started working in other provinces as well, in Baluchistan Last night Govt. of Pakistan has pulled out and now no police force is there it is being delibrately left emptied for them to come in.

We are in the province of Punjab, here also we are reciving many threats from them, foremost is that Women cannot go out of the houses niehter ofr shopping, women who are going out they are being humilated by them. two days ago in Lahore Taliban have asked for "Jasia" from the Minorities, "Jasia" is like you pay for your living and security to the stronger ones. Like you pay to bullies and Don's. Since people are poor and cannot afford to pay they've improsioned little children, women and men, yesterday some of them were released one dead and others badly injured. The Clusters of our Community are in server danger, they are threatning to do more if we do n ot pay them "Jasia".

Also They've captured the Village "Buneer" which is less than 100 Km from Islamabad, and we are now just waiting when they capture Islamabad. We need you prayer support badly, maybe in the following few months we might have to go underground.

In the Fourth Province "Sindh" in the area of "Maleer" three Churches have been burnt by them last week.

Please do pass on the prayer request to Roger and everybody there as we need prayer coverings.
Thanks for all your prayer and Moral support. May The Lord God Bless you abundantly!

In His Divine Protection
Rev. Dr. Asher Saleem

CALL TO PRAYER FROM AGLOW

We must urgently pick up this intercession and cry out to the Lord. Pakistan could totally fall to the Taliban in a very short time. Other reports coming in have suggested that beheadings have already begun in that nation, as these forces move through and seize control. If the Taliban take over the leadership of the nation, Pakistan's nuclear weapons will fall into their hands. The terror of that is unthinkable. There must be strong action taken immediately in the Spirit and in the natural.

The Pakistani government must not appease or surrender ground to this evil. They must fight. This wave of murderous wickedness needs to be stopped here and now . . . unless the cup of evil is overflowing . . . unless the Lord has chosen for judgment upon the world to continue to unfold. Our world is changing right before our eyes. Surely these violent men are demon possessed. It is as if the demon hoards, rushing onto the earth, have now been given legal right, authority, and power to ravage the planet. Humanism has opened the door for radical Islam to move with terrifying freedom and with crushing intimidation.

May the Lord help the people of Pakistan . . . especially the believers! Pray courage, safety, discernment, power and authority into these believers. In the midst of the horrors, the Lord can sustain His people. Our prayers of repentance and supplication may yet bring forth His mercy. Let's pray for a major revival in Pakistan and in India as well. The demonic deities that have received the worship of these nations can be overthrown by repentance from the people, and through intervention by God.

CALL TO PRAYER FROM CHPP

• Father God, the saints in PAKISTAN are facing the demon of Islam; and they are now fighting for their lives. We take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and we SEVER THE SINGLE-EDGED SWORD OF ISLAM -- the one that beheads Your people!! In the Name of Jesus and through the power and authority of His Shed Blood, we render the sword of Islam USELESS and of NO EFFECT. And we DECREE to that demon: "This far and no further, and here shall your proud waves STOP." (Job 38:10)

And now, Lord, we pray for our enemies, for You died for them. We ask You to send forth Your Sword of Truth into the hearts of each of these terrorists, and pierce each one unto salvation.
And finally, we lift up the Church in Pakistan -- Your remnant believers -- and we ask You to comfort each one as only You know how to do; and to surround them with the peace of God, which passeth all understanding. We ask these things in Your most precious and Holy Name, Lord Jesus, amen.

NEWS ALERT: Pakistan Taliban Executes Christian

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) -- Minority Christians in Pakistan feared more attacks Sunday, April 26, after militants of the Taliban group executed two residents in a Christian neighborhood while one child died during a crackdown on believers, local Christians and rights investigators confirmed.

U.S.-based International Christian Concern (ICC), which investigates cases of persecution, told Worthy News and its news partner BosNewsLife that the incidents happened Tuesday, April 21, in Taseer Town near the city of Karachi, where Christians protested against pro-Taliban messages "chalked onto the walls of two churches."

The messages included, "Long Live the Taliban," "Talibanization is our goal," and "Embrace Islam or Prepare to Die," Christians said. "Christian residents staged a protest in hopes of attracting the attention of the local government to provide protection. Officials, however, did nothing."

Instead, on the night of the protest Tuesday, April 21, "more than 100 masked terrorists invaded Taseer Town" with automatic rifles, ICC said. Christians reportedly ran away, but Taliban militants allegedly went door to door, breaking into Christian homes and dragging the elderly and women out into the street by their hair.

WOMEN ASSAULTED

"The terrorists sexually assaulted several women and physically abused dozens more with clubs, iron rods, and whips. They set a number of homes on fire. When two Christians resisted, the militants killed them execution-style directly in front of their families," ICC added, citing local sources.

In addittion, "The elderly were injured and one child fell to the ground and died in my friend's arms," said Christian politician Asif Stephen in comments released by ICC. "Militants carrying the latest weapons rushed in, entered homes and pillaged money and jewelry and abused the women and burned their properties."

The latest reported incident comes amid international concerns over the growing influence of the Taliban, which has imposed Islamic law in Pakistan's volatile Swat valley and is advancing towards the capital Islamabad.

MILITANTS DETAINED

Police have reporgedly detained seven of the Taliban militants involved in the anti-Christian attacks, however ICC Advoacy Director Jeremy Sewall warned that "The Pakistani government created an opening for terrorists to attack Christians indiscriminately by acceding to their demands in the Swat Valley."

Sewall said that altough Pakistani Christians in major cities of the country already experienced discrimination, they had till now not to fear threats of forced conversion or executions on a wide scale.

"This attack is a harbinger of worse to come if the Pakistani government continues to cower in the face of Muslim radicals." The United States has also expressed concerns over the growing influence of the Taliban in Pakistan.

This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

CREATOR (Bohray)

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. " (Isaiah 40:28)

It boggles my mind to think that You, the Creator of the universe, know me. May I live my life in thankfulness for all that You have done, are doing and will do in my life. How I praise Your name!
"I called on Your name, O LORD, From the lowest pit." (Lamentations 3:55)

(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)