In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The First 100 Days
• True Spiritual Warfare
• David Hamilton Hearing Today
• No More "War On Terror"
• A Tale of Two Governors
• Good News Corner
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
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The Daily Brief - Wednesday, April1, 2009
". . . I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last He will take His stand on the earth." (Job 19:25)
The Daily Brief
1. Minnesota Senate Election Ruling Issued
Three-judge panel convened to review election contest brought by Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman (R) in his race against Al Franken (D) has dealt the Republican a serious setback. Both campaigns have organized conference calls to discuss the ruling; Franken's is set for 5:30 p.m., Coleman's for 6 p.m.
• We pray that God will help Sen. Coleman to retain his rightful U.S. Senate seat. Lord, we thank you that every truth being undermined would surface and this race would fall under Your just ruling. We recognize anything else as a disturbance that will absolutely be found out. We continually pray for and thank you for the courage of leaders, who at times must endure and overcome the perplexing passions of some to retain their rightful place with integrity.
• The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3)
2. NY House race too close to call, 81-vote Dem lead - AP
After a short, tense campaign, the two candidates in a New York congressional special election that focused on President Barack Obama's popularity and his economic policy were separated by fewer than 100 votes, and it looked likely the race would be decided by absentee ballots. With all but one of the 610 voting precincts in the 20th Congressional District reporting, Democrat Scott Murphy led Republican Jim Tedisco by 81 votes out of more than 154,000 cast Tuesday in the race to replace Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand. A problem with a machine in Saratoga Springs delayed the final reporting from one precinct.
• Father, this day we ask that the tallying and voting procedures in this country be addressed by a Mighty God. Simplify the task and measures with which we count the American voters choices. Pray for the man who would bring righteousness and balance to the House. Pray that the great state of New York will decide on behalf of uprightness and truth in the final tally.
• Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; But, by a man of understanding and knowledge, right will be prolonged. (Proverbs 28:2)
3. HHS Nominee Sebelius Pays $7K in Back Taxes, Corrects Three Years of Tax Filings - AP
See if this sounds familiar: Health and Human Services nominee Kathleen Sebelius has corrected three years worth of tax returns after finding "unintentional errors." In a letter to senators, Sebelius said the changes involved charitable contributions, the sale of a home, and business expenses. She and her husband paid a total of $7,040 in back taxes and $878 in interest from 2005-2007. Several Obama administration nominees have been derailed by tax issues, notably the president's first nominee for HHS secretary, Tom Daschle. Sebelius is to appear Thursday before the Senate's Financial Committee, which will vote on sending her nomination to the full Senate.
• We ask God to protect the office of the HHS secretary, and only be procured by the person worthy of this position, full of integrity and honor. Father, your Word states that a false balance is an abomination to you and brings detriment. Pray that people who cannot run their households well, will not be allowed to run things in an office of the United States Government. Good sense and prudence are required for such honors. Intercede with authority for a noble and just person to be nominated.
• Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? (Proverbs 20:6)
4. U.S. to Join U.N. Rights Council - Worthy News
The Obama administration said it will stand for election to one of three open seats on the United Nations Human Rights Council, reversing a key decision by the Bush administration.
"The decision is in keeping with the Obama administration's 'new era of engagement' with other nations to advance American security interests," a State Department spokesman said.
"The U.S. is seeking election to the Council because we believe that working from within, we can make the council a more effective forum to promote and protect human rights," said Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N.
Critics blasted the decision. "They just believe the U.S. presence is going to make a difference," said John R. Bolton. The Bush administration had refused to join the new rights body, saying it was not convinced that it represented much of an improvement over its predecessor. John R. Bolton, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations when the council was created, said at the time that the United States would have more "leverage in terms of the performance of the new council" by not participating in it and thus signaling a rejection of "business as usual."
Reached Tuesday, Bolton denounced the Obama administration's decision. "This is like getting on board the Titanic after it's hit the iceberg," he said. "This is the theology of engagement at work. There is no concrete American interest served by this, and it legitimizes something that doesn't deserve legitimacy."
As U.S. ambassador, Mr. Bolton led the fight against creating the new council, arguing that it would be no better than the commission. But it was adopted by the General Assembly with only the U.S., Israel, the Marshall Islands and Palau voting against it. Since then, the council has adopted a number of controversial positions, including condemning Israel at least 16 times. In 2007, the council decided to end scrutiny of Iran and Uzbekistan.
• Father, how far we have come with You in this country, to honor You and remain under Your watchful care. Your provision is amazing. We ask that Your mercy flow through us as we commit to prayer and intercession that the decision to represent ourselves outside of the UNHRC would remain. Just as the UN was not created to serve the interests of the United States, we ask that our leaders use their intestinal fortitude to continue to stand for our rights and to make them known. We stand on Your Word in this hour, and raise up a cry for a holy declaration to come forth from the United States of America. We bind a spirit of conspiracy and resolve to stand as a righteous example to other countries. Let them see a country that is sovereign, under God, who will always fight for justice, truth, and human rights.
• To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute on them the written judgment- This honor have all His saints. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 149:8-9)
5. Obama Faces High-Stakes Meetings with Chinese, Russian Leaders - Cross Action News
Stepping onto the world stage for the first time in his two-month presidency, Barack Obama is holding face-to-face talks with the leaders of the two nations -- Russia and China - that are most aggressively challenging the U.S. position atop the global order.
But first up for Obama was a sit-down with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the host of the London summit of the world's top 20 economies. The U.S. president and first lady Michelle Obama, arrived Wednesday morning at 10 Downing Street, where Brown and his wife, Sarah, greeted them and the four smiled broadly. On a busy day, Obama is meeting separately later with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Chinese President Hu Jintao. Officials in both countries have called for a new global currency to end the dollar's dominance. Dramatic in itself, the suggestion is also a sign of broader questions about whether U.S. status in the world could be threatened by the rise of a competing power bloc. It's not likely that the new currency idea will gain immediate traction. But Steven Schrage, an international business expert at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said it could eventually if the Obama administration doesn't tackle the perception that the wave of massive stimulus spending in the United States could create unsustainable debt levels. "People will be very closely reading the tea leaves," Schrage said.
That's one reason the public will see little of the meetings. Both are being held at the U.S. ambassador's residence, with the news media only allowed into the room before the talks take place and without the ability to ask questions.
• Father we ask that this unscrupulous behavior and practice of leaving the press, and thus the public out, be stopped in Jesus Name. Pray that God will have the last word in this and every meeting concerning United States currency. We ask for the "belly of the whale" to envelope every other agenda and any who purport wickedness in secret. Pray that this country will, by God's mercy, continue to be the super power He has raised it up to be, for His glory and the advancing good of His Kingdom.
• Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them. (Proverbs 28:4)
6. Treasury Under Fire for Handling of TARP - Worthy News
Lawmakers Say Treasury Department Has Not Resolved Problems With TARP's Accountability and Transparency
Six months after the Troubled Asset Relief Program was signed into law, lawmakers and oversight officials, worried about the trillions of taxpayer dollars at stake, said Tuesday, that the Treasury Department had not resolved problems regarding the program's accountability and transparency, nor a communications strategy.
One watchdog group said flatly that Treasury had not cooperated with oversight efforts up to this point. "Our concern right now is that we do not seem to be a priority for the Treasury Department," Elizabeth Warren chairwoman of the Congressional Oversight Panel told a Senate Finance Committee hearing today. "We have sent letters. We have requested that there be someone named so that we can get technical information. And so far, we have not been a first priority."
Neil Barofsky, special inspector general for TARP, voiced similar concerns. He noted that his office had recently conducted a survey of all 364 TARP recipients on their use of government funds, something his office had requested Treasury do, only for the department to decline to do it except for Citigroup and Bank of America. "One thing is clear: Complaints that it was impractical, impossible or a waste of time to require banks to detail how they used TARP funds were unfounded," Barofsky said. "The survey strongly supports my earlier recommendation to Treasury," he emphasized. "Banks can and should be required to report on their use of taxpayer money to provide maximum transparency and not simply be asked to report on the possible impact of the funds, such as giving only lending activity."
"Unfortunately, despite saying all the right things about open government, the new administration has not made any major changes aimed at making TARP more transparent," he said. "Moreover, I have heard about potential problems with access to information from all three of the oversight bodies testifying."
• Lift the Treasury Department up to the Father for an equipping and a house cleaning. Ask then that banks be held responsible for the use of taxpayer money and not give practice or policy as their disclosure, but account for every dollar of the American Taxpayer. Intercede that this standard of work would breed virtue in our government. Pray that a plea for less than this will not be heard and that all failures and omissions will be addressed. Intercede for transparency with a weight and a balance that is simple and effective amidst the enormity of any fraud and/or lack of accountability.
• With goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. (Ephesians 6:7-8)
7. Taliban Chief Vows 'Amazing' Attack on Washington 'Soon' - AP
The commander of the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility Tuesday for a deadly assault on a Pakistani police academy and said the group was planning a terrorist attack on the White House that would "amaze" the world. Baitullah Mehsud, who has a $5 million bounty on his head from the U.S., said Monday's attack on the outskirts of the eastern city of Lahore was retaliation for U.S. missile strikes against militants along the Afghan border.
"Soon we will launch an attack in Washington that will amaze everyone in the world," Mehsud told The Associated Press by phone. He provided no details. Mehsud has never been directly linked to any attacks outside Pakistan, but attacks blamed on his network of fighters have widened in scope and ambition in recent years. The threat comes days after President Barack Obama warned that Al Qaeda is actively planning attacks on the United States from secret havens in Pakistan.
• Father, we ask for Your Eyes to see what the wicked are plotting in this hour. Intercede for the safety and protection of the American people and for good intelligence with the equipping to handle every risk, threat, or danger we may find at our door. May the menacing agents find their own murderous schemes befallen on them, each and every one. We cover them with the blood of Jesus and cleanse ourselves of all unrighteousness, in Jesus Name. Lord, let there be no perforation or penetrations in the walls of protection You have placed around us.
• Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. (Exodus 12:13)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident. One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple." (Psalms 27)
1. Netanyahu sworn in as Israel's prime minister - Ha'aretz
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in late Tuesday to lead Israel's 32nd government, after cobbling together a coalition amid rising tensions within his own Likud party and with other leading political figures.
2. Netanyahu Says He Wants Full Peace With Arab World - NewsMax
Israel's incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struck a conciliatory tone as he took office Tuesday, promising to seek a "permanent arrangement" with the Palestinians and full peace with the entire Arab and Muslim world.
3. Netanyahu: Nukes greatest threat - Ynet News
'Greatest threat to Israel, all of mankind will come from radical regime that will try to arm itself with nuclear weapons,' incoming PM says during new government's induction ceremony, adding 'we have no desire to rule over Palestinians'.
4. Palestinians: US must press Netanyahu government - Ynet News
A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Tuesday night that the speech delivered by incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the induction of his new government "was not a promising start, as he did not mention our right to an independent state."
The First 100 Days
DAY 72
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)
1. Chavez Has Little Hope of Better Relations With Washington
When asked about Obama's recent overtures to Iran for improved relations, Chavez said he will wait and see how the new administration takes shape but that he isn't optimistic.
2. Senate GOP Freshman Scores Major Budget Victory
Republicans won a major victory that essentially rules out the use of a fast-track budget procedure known as "reconciliation" to create major energy legislation under protection from a Senate filibuster.
3. Obama, Brown Predict G20 Will Produce Global Deal to Tackle Recession
Brown, the host of the summit, predicted agreement on a coordinated strategy, including a possible $100 billion fund to finance global trade.
4. House Passes New Bill in AIG Bonus Controversy
The new bill, which passed 247-171, would allow corporate bonuses to companies receiving federal assistance if the Treasury Department and financial regulators determine they are not "unreasonable or excessive."
5. Obama's Budget Resurrects Death Tax
President Obama's budget keeps the estate tax at its 2009 level, which means the government gets 45 percent of a dead person's estate valued over $3.5 million dollars.
6. Obama's iPod Gift Includes 40 Broadway Show Tunes
President Obama's gift of an iPod to Queen Elizabeth II came loaded with 40 songs from popular Broadway productions, including "The King and I," "West Side Story" and "Dreamgirls."
The iPod was given to accompany a rare coffee table book of songs by composers Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, which Obama also gave the queen.
True Spiritual Warfare
Principalities Using Men To Remake America
The Apostle Paul, in his farewell to the elders of Ephesus, wrote in Acts 20:28-31, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." Paul's words of warning for the beginning church are as appropriate for the church 2,000 years later. Indeed, his wisdom can be applied to our nation as a whole, once predominately Christian, now the tares are overcoming the wheat.
The Founding Fathers, most of whom were Christians, knew that grievous wolves would enter among us and try to destroy the nation from within. That is why they labored so long and hard to write a Constitution that could, if followed, preserve the Republic. But grievous wolves and perverse speaking men have made their disciples and have been allowed to twist the words that stood as guardians over life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness-to give them new meaning that undermine the original intent. We know that from the beginning of the nation that secret societies such as the Masons, Illuminati, Trilateralists, Bilderbergs, and others have tried to use America as a platform to usher in the new world order.
Consider this from credible sources who cannot be named under threat of death: The highest authorities of the secret societies have initiated a plan to remake America into a nation that will lead the world toward a one world order. They have utilized deception to place people at the highest intersections of government and governments. They have small armies of secret society intercessors keeping 24 hour vigils over the spirits of these people, calling on the powers of darkness to grant them favor and success, and casting spells over all who are known to oppose them. They add to the list each day. There are leaders among them who have built altars and memorials to these political figures and worship them.
The anointed ones have been groomed, trained and worshipped by recognized names of political kingmakers, the same also being members of secret societies. The highest priestesses of voodoo and witchcraft wear their tattoos-a symbol of spiritual connection with the most high goddess. This is not conspiracy, it is satanically knitted together. All this said that it may be understood that our nation faces an extraordinary battle for the souls of its people, a battle against the powers of darkness, the principalities of the air. The Apostle Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 6:13, "Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
FOOTNOTE FROM CAPITOL HILL PRAYER PARTNERS:
This article depicts very clearly WHY we are commanded in Scripture to: " . . . first of all, [make] requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (I Timothy 2:1-4)
In this hour of increasing darkness and evil, let us be obedient to redouble our intercessions for "all in authority" -- both day AND night!
Ask our Lord for the GRACE to continue on and to "press in" on behalf of all of our leaders . . . for Christ died for them, too.
Amen!
David Hamilton Hearing Today
Judicial Nominee Says Prayers to Allah Okay, But Not to Jesus
True to his campaign promises, President Barack Hussein Obama has picked a rabid judicial activist as his first federal court pick. Judge David Hamilton has been chosen by Obama to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit.
Hamilton is precisely what Obama wants in a judge: Someone who ignores the Constitution and imposes his own liberal ideas on each case. Hamilton will have what Obama calls "empathy" for the poor, child molesters, abortionists, murderers, etc.
. . . Hamilton is also an enemy of the First Amendment and religious freedom. Interestingly enough, Hamilton has ruled that prayers in Jesus Name at the Indiana House of Representatives was unconstitutional, but prayers to Allah were not.
The Senate Judiciary Committee should soundly reject him as an out-of-control radical who has no respect for the Constitution or the rule of law. With a liberal majority on this committee, however, it is likely that Hamilton will be easily approved and his nomination will then go to the full Senate for confirmation. With a liberal majority in the Senate, his confirmation is virtually assured. (Traditional Values Coalition)
• The Senate Judiciary Committee will consider this nominee today (Wednesday) at 2:00 p.m. EDT. As this committee weighs the qualifications of David Hamilton to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, pray that they weigh all the evidence carefully, and that their decision to commend this candidate to the full Senate not be based on political correctness, but on that which is good for the people. In other words, pray for a miracle!
• "With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
No More "War On Terror"
Today's Wall Street Journal reports that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is no longer using the phrase "global war on terror." In fact, according to Hillary the entire administration has stopped using the phrase. Well, if the global war on terror has come to an end, Baitullah Mehsud evidently didn't get the memo.
Fox News reports that Mehsud, the Taliban commander in Pakistan, is planning "an attack in Washington that will amaze everyone in the world." Mehsud reportedly identified the White House as a target. Terrorism experts insist Mehsud's warning should not be taken lightly. He was connected to the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and a bombing that killed scores of people in Islamabad last year. There is a $5 million bounty on his head, but Mehsud isn't worried. He told the Associated Press, "I wish to die and embrace martyrdom."
I've never been a fan of the phrase "war on terror" because it doesn't identify the enemy responsible for the "man-caused disasters," (aka "terrorism") that our new Secretary of Homeland Security now refers to. But I am far less enthusiastic about the administration's repeated attempts to be politically correct and inoffensive to our Islamofascist enemy. Appeasement doesn't work, and words don't win wars. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; 3/31/09)
A Tale of Two Governors
In the last five days, two pro-abortion governors, Tim Kaine of Virginia (D) and Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas (D), signed legislation into law that benefits the pro- life cause. Late last week Governor Sebelius approved a bill that requires women who are considering an abortion to be fully informed about their "choice" through ultrasounds and literature. Then yesterday, Virginia governor Tim Kaine signed a bill that creates "Choose Life" license plates in his state-- the proceeds of which will benefit pregnancy resource centers. Not surprisingly, both of these decisions greatly upset pro-abortion groups like Planned Parenthood and NARAL, which have described ultrasound machines as "weapons" and claim pregnancy resource centers "promote extreme views to stop women from exercising their right" to kill their child.
Unfortunately for pro-lifers, it isn't likely that these two governors have had a sudden change of heart. Governors Kaine and Sebleius are under a national microscope and were probably being politically pragmatic. Kaine is also the head of the Democratic National Committee and knew that national pro-life and pro-abortion groups would scrutinize his decision. The reality in Kansas is that Mrs. Sebelius, whose pro-abortion record is unprecedented among sitting governors, was facing a veto-proof legislature. Not signing the popular bill could hamper her already controversial nomination as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Both governors realize that we still live in a pro-life nation and with the eyes of America upon them, they seemed more than willing to embrace (however temporarily) the mainstream view.
Sebelius's true positions will certainly be the topic of discussion at this week's Senate hearings. Please continue to contact your senators and urge them to oppose her confirmation. (Family Research Council; 3/31/09)
Good News Corner
A FAITH BUILDER (Submitted by a partner in north Texas)
As a faith builder, let me tell you a story. Last night a terrible hail storm appeared in the north central Texas area. Places around Ft. Worth had baseball-size hail knocking out car and truck windows, doing a lot of damage. As we tracked it on the news and the weather station, we could see that the ferocity of it wasn't abating as it moved east. The line of thunderstorms traveled at about 30 mph. We prayed and watched it move through Dallas. Then Garland. Then Terrell. Then Kaufman. We live very close to the Kaufman county line.
About 10 minutes before it was about to cross into Van Zandt County - where we have authority - we went out into our driveway and, as we've done before, faced the west and declared the Blood of Jesus and spoke to the "winds and the waves" of the air in the Name of the Ancient of Days, the King of kings, Lord of lords, Yeshua HaMeschiah. We told the clouds that they could drop their rain but with no violence. No high winds, twisting winds and absolutely NO hail. They could not bring about any damage in VZC to people, animals, houses or crops. We prayed thusly for about 10 minutes. Praised the Lord and went inside full of joy over our answered prayers.
We decided to stay up and watch the storm either stop dead in its tracks or part. It was almost 1:30 am. Shore 'nuff. It started to rain and the rain was soft and gentle. There was no wind and no hail. Of course at that hour of the night, there is no continuous news so we had to wait another 30 minutes. But by 2:00 o'clock, the weather channel was very clearly showing the line of storms as they came out of the metroplex. They came our way and - it was so exciting - as they crossed our county line, along I-20, the worst of the storm simply parted and went around VZC. We were wishing we could get a picture of it. It was so fun, we stayed up a bit longer to watch it over and over.
And now . . . a P.S. from Herndon, VA --
Several years ago, Hurricane Andrew came roaring up the Atlantic Coast, through North Carolina and on up into Virginia . . . heading right to our home here in Herndon, VA.
In addition to praying over our home, we were also taking "normal precautions" in the path of this storm: sealing off windows that were leaking, flooding the floors as the rain drove into the side of the house, in horizontal sheets of water from the high winds.
Meanwhile, everything we owned outside that might fly around in the wind was brought inside our house: trash bins; barbecues; patio furniture . . . everything.
OK, I sat inside that night, watching the storm online as the radar tracked its path: heading right into Fairfax County and aiming directly to our home -- like a bull's eye.
Suddenly, JUST AS IT REACHED THE COUNTY LINE AND WITH NO EXPLANATION, THE EYE OF HURRICANE ANDREW VEERED TO THE WEST AND HEADED UP INTO THE OHIO VALLEY! (It had been predicted to continue marching up the coast to Pennsylvania and beyond, directly north.)
The unexpected flooding that then hit the Ohio Valley is now in the history books . . . and my heart goes out to those who were affected by the remnants of Hurricane Andrew. But that night, as I prayed and wondered what had happened, Father showed me that He had placed a "wall of angels" south of our house, keeping us safe and sound --- and keeping my computer running so that our prayer network would be able to continue offering inrtercession, nonstop.
PRAISE GOD!!
Sara Ballenger; Herndon, VA
