In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The First 100 Days
• Important news from Dutch Sheets
• A Call For A Spiritual Revolution
• Tea Party Triumphs
• U.S. and Israel: Here We Go Again
• The Good News Corner
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Friday, April 17, 2009
"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy." (Micah 7:18)
The Daily Brief
1. Most U.S. Christians don't believe Satan, Holy Spirit exist - Christian Today
The majority of American Christians do not believe that Satan is a real being or that the Holy Spirit is a living entity, the latest Barna survey found. Nearly six out of ten Christians either strongly agreed or somewhat agreed with the statement that Satan "is not a living being but is a symbol of evil," the survey found. Likewise, most Christians in the United States do not believe that the Holy Spirit is a living force. Fifty-eight percent strongly or somewhat agreed with the statement that the Holy Spirit is "a symbol of God's power or presence but is not a living entity." But a large majority of American Christians agree that a person must choose to side with either good or evil. More than six out of ten American Christians strongly agreed (61 percent) with the idea that a person must either side with God or with the devil - that there is no in-between position. Another 15 percent somewhat agreed.
- In this time of intense spiritual warfare, we pray that the American church will have the scales lifted from its eyes so that prayer will pour out and revival will come to this nation. Lord, we know that Your word is true and we pray that any false teachings will be nullified.
- "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves." (2 Peter 2:1)
2. EPA's Greenhouse Gas Mandate Causes Both Joy and Concern - ABC News
In another decisive shift from the Bush administration's environmental policies, the government took a new stance on greenhouse gases that is expected to radically change the landscape of U.S. environmental policy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that carbon dioxide, and five other greenhouse gases spewing out of tailpipes, "endanger public health and welfare" of the American people. These gases, they said, contribute to climate change, which is causing more heat waves, droughts and flooding, and is threatening food and water supplies. Critics say the administration's actions could cost jobs -- as many as two million -- and drive up energy prices. There also is concern that it will lead to government regulation of office buildings, planes, ships, farms, even cows, which are big methane gas producers.
- In the midst of increasing attacks on the free market, we pray that those in Washington will allow business owners to keep control over their own businesses.
- "For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth." (2 Cor. 13:8)
3. Federal Judge Bans 'In God We Still Trust' - WJXT, Jacksonville, FL
U.S. District Judge Schlesinger has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the St. Johns County Schools from having students at Webster School rehearse "In God We Still Trust." The injuction was issued in response to the lawsuit filed last month by parents of two third-grade students, who claimed the song was too religious to be taught in a public school.
- Lord, we are stung by those who will use children to advance their agenda. We pray for an uprising of the people to protest those in the judiciary who would impose their beliefs on the society at large.
- "By transgression an evil man is ensnared, But the righteous sings and rejoices." (Proverbs 29:6)
4. King family draws fees from DC memorial project - AP
The family of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. has charged the foundation building a monument to the civil rights leader on the National Mall about $800,000 for the use of his words and image - an arrangement one leading scholar says King would have found offensive. The memorial - including a 28-foot sculpture depicting King emerging from a chunk of granite - is being paid for almost entirely with private money in a fundraising campaign led by the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation. The monument will be turned over to the National Park Service once it is complete.
- May the legacy of Rev. King be given freely to the children of this nation so that the gains of the civil rights movements will be known and so that this nation will not be afflicted again by racism.
- "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Tim. 6:10)
5. A. Obama Embraces Opening for Talks With Cuba - Fox News
President Obama on Friday embraced new calls from Cuba's communist government to engage in talks-- as well as the possibility that the country could lift press restrictions and free political prisoners as part of those talks.
B. Obama, Chavez Shake Hands at Summit of the Americas - Fox News
President Obama shook hands with Venezuela's Hugo Chavez on Friday at the opening of the Summit of the Americas being held this weekend in Trinidad and Tobago. Photos released by the Venezuelan government show Obama clasping Chavez's hand and smiling broadly, and Venezuela quoted Chavez as saying, "I'd like to be your friend," while noting that he shook President Bush's eight years ago.
- May the Obama administration be wary of those who have been enemies in the past and may those in authority have their ears opened to the whispers of Your will.
- "Nor shall you accept any such from the hand of a foreigner for offering as the food of your God; for their corruption is in them, they have a defect, they shall not be accepted for you.'" (Leviticus 22:25)
6. Russia ends decadel - long Chechen operation - MSNBC
Chechens danced in the streets and waved flags to celebrate Russia's decision Thursday to end its decadelong counterterrorism operation in the war- weary southern region. The order by President Dmitry Medvedev paves the way for the withdrawal of tens of thousands of federal troops, whose presence has been hugely unpopular amid allegations of widespread abuses against civilians.
- We praise You that Russia has chosen to stop its incursion into Chechnia and that the Chechen people may have peace in their land.
- "For the LORD will vindicate His people, And will have compassion on His servants, When He sees that their strength is gone, And there is none remaining, bond or free." (Deuteronomy 32:36)
7. A. Barak to Russia: International action against Iran needed - Ynet News
Defense Minister Ehud Barak told visiting Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Sultanov on Thursday that vigorous international action is required to curtail Iran's nuclear program.
B. U.S. nuclear experts pull out of North Korea - MSNBC
U.S. monitors of North Korea's nuclear program left the communist nation Friday after the regime ordered them out and vowed to restart its reactor in anger over U.N. criticism of its recent rocket launch.
C. Canadian charged with trying to illegally export nuclear technology to Iran - UK Telegraph
Canadian police acting on a tipoff from the United States charged a Toronto man on Friday with trying to illegally export nuclear technology to Iran.
- We pray that dictators intent on seizing nuclear technology will be handcuffed and that their secret plans will be brought into the light of day.
- "But the LORD is with me like a dread champion; Therefore my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will be utterly ashamed, because they have failed, With an everlasting disgrace that will not be forgotten." (Jeremiah 20:11)
8. A. 22 dead in earthquakes in Afghanistan - CNN
A pair of moderate earthquakes struck Afghanistan on Friday, killing at least 22 people and destroying 200 homes, an official said.
B. Friday evening: 3.5 mag earthquake felt in northern Israel - YNET News
Epicenter 12 miles east of Tyre in Lebanon. Earlier in the day 4.2 magnitude tremor hits north Israel; residents from Haifa to Nahariya and Kfar Blum report earth moved for several seconds; no injuries reported.
- Lord, we pray for relief for those in fear over the earth shaking beneath them. We pray for peace for those affected and that humanitarian efforts will be strong and will not be hampered by any interference.
- "I looked on the mountains, and behold, they were quaking, And all the hills moved to and fro." (Jeremiah 4:24)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
1. 'Pressure Israel, or peace process will be a joke' - Ynet News
The Palestinian Authority is betting on George Mitchell. The PA sees the current round of talks held by the US special envoy to the Middle East as crucial to salvaging the peace process.
2. Netanyahu: We won't accept another Hamastan - Ynet News
It appears the coveted assurance from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States that the Israeli government will back the two state solution has failed to materialize.
3. Netanyahu: Palestinians must accept Israel as a Jewish state - Jerusalem Post
Palestinian recognition that Israel is a Jewish state is a fundamental element for any talks between the two parties, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told visiting US envoy George Mitchell on Thursday evening.
4. Obama wants concurrent Israeli talks with Palestinians and Syria - Ha'aretz
The Obama administration is preparing a Middle East peace process that will include simultaneous bilateral talks between Israel and the Palestinians, and between Israel and Syria. The plan is based on the Arab peace initiative that offers establishing normal relations between Israel and Arab League states in exchange for withdrawing from the occupied territories and establishing a Palestinian state.
5. U.S.-Israel Divide Emerges On Palestinian Peace Talks - Washington Post
Stark differences between U.S. and Israeli policy toward peace talks with the Palestinians emerged clearly Thursday in the first meetings between President Obama's Middle East envoy and top leaders of the new Israeli government.
The First 100 Days
DAY 88
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)
1. Obama Ready to Tell Chavez U.S., Venezuela Should Shelve 'Old Arguments'
President Obama is ready tell Hugo Chavez the two nations should put aside "old arguments."
2. Former Congressman Fossella to Spend Weekend in Jail
The former Staten Island congressman pleaded guilty to drunken driving on Monday.
3. RAW DATA: Draft Guidelines for Stem Cell Research
The National Institutes of Health issues draft guidelines for human stem cell research.
Go to FoxNews.com to read a copy of the draft guidelines for taxpayer-funded human stem cell research, issued by the National Institutes of Health.
4. Stem Cell Guidelines Limit Research to Fertility Clinic Embryos
The National Institutes of Health is issuing draft guidelines on steps scientists must take to conduct embryonic stem cell research with taxpayer money.
When President Barack Obama eased limits on federally funded embryonic stem cell research, the big question became how far scientists could go. Friday, the government answered: They must use cells culled from fertility clinic embryos that otherwise would be thrown away.
5. Appeals Court Cancels Drilling Program Off Alaska Coast
An appeals court orders the Interior Department to analyze environmental risks and potential damage before moving ahead with a program to expand drilling off the Alaska coast.
6. Coleman Dodges Egg-Throwing Vandal in Minnesota
Republican Norm Coleman's house gets egged one day after judges rule Democrat Al Franken won last year's Senate race.
7. Attorney: Justice Memos Prove U.S. Did Not Torture
Attorney David Rivkin's argument disputes claims that the Department of Justice memos prove the Bush administration violated anti-torture laws.
At least one high-profile attorney says the declassified Department of Justice memos detailing interrogation techniques prove the U.S. did not torture, even as the ACLU and some lawmakers claim the memos are proof positive the Bush administration did.
(All articles from Fox News)
Important news from Dutch Sheets
April 15, 2009
Today I am coming to you with a message from my heart.
Now, more than ever, the need to stand for our Christian beliefs is apparent. There is a war taking place attacking our Christian heritage, values, and even life itself.
On April 30, 1863, during the darkest days of our country, President Abraham Lincoln called for a day of united pray and fasting. As we approach the anniversary of that historic day, I am asking that we again petition God on behalf of our nation. In the following brief video I explain this call to prayer beginning on April 30, 2009, whereby we can agree together with millions leading up to May 7, 2009, the National Day of Prayer.
This is very important. Please join me in this endeavor.
Crying out for mercy,
Dutch Sheets
A Call For A Spiritual Revolution
A Call For A Spiritual Revolution in America
I told over 2,000 people at the Naples, Florida TEA Party that an Axis of Evil had declared war on American citizens-Wall Street, the Federal Reserve and the Federal Government. They have used: the love money to destroy the lives, the liberty and the happiness of fellow countrymen; unparalleled power to destroy the workforce, nationalize companies, and drain the financial lifeblood from the citizenry; taxpayers' money to fund killing the innocent pre-born here and abroad by the millions; taxpayers' money to provide special protections for a class of same sex immorality that God calls abomination; and taxpayers' money to teach in public schools to our minor children that sexual immorality is normal.
I believe it would be evil for us as a moral people to stand by and allow this to continue. If people on their own intend to embark on these evil things, let them do so at their own peril according to the laws and customs of the nation and their own fear of God, but let us not partner with these usurpers another day to support such wrongdoing. It is time we meet locally. We must find points of agreement. We must organize. And from that organization we must take action and create a grass roots movement to defeat the evil before us. In obedience to God, in repentance, in great humility and diligence as did our Founding Fathers, we must change the heart of the nation, by changing the hearts of our countrymen.
My friend Ronald Reagan on March 4th, 1984 said, "The difference between the path toward greater freedom or bigger government is the difference between success and failure; between opportunity and coercion; between faith in a glorious future and fear of mediocrity and despair; between respecting people as adults, each with a spark of greatness, and treating them as helpless children to be forever dependent; between a drab, materialistic world where Big Brother rules by promises to special interest groups, and a world of adventure where everyday people set their sights on impossible dreams, distant stars, and the Kingdom of God. We have the true message of hope for America."
With combined hearts beating as patriots, we must begin today a Spiritual revolution to save the America of our Fathers and of our children. We must rise to the majestic heights of confronting these principalities of darkness with spiritual force. We must understand, as our forefathers before us, that our destinies are our common bond and that our Liberty is inextricably dependent upon the actions of one another. We cannot walk alone. Romans 13:12 says, "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light." If we put our trust in God, and do what is right, we will have the power, the Holy Spirit power, to fight this good fight. Are you in?
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Tea Party Triumphs
The coast-to-coast Tea Parties protesting outrageous government spending were a tremendous success. By one estimate, more than 340,000 Americans participated, and that is probably a low number. Fox News recorded an incredible boost in viewership because Fox was the only network where anyone interested in the events could get fair and balanced reporting. . . .
How about our politicians -- did they get the message? Not Nancy Pelosi. She said the Tea Parties weren't grassroots but Astroturf funded by "some of the wealthiest people in America to keep the focus on tax cuts for the rich." They don't get it. The issue is government spending and an ever-expanding bureaucracy that is encroaching upon our liberty. Pelosi was joined in her scorn by liberal Democrat Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), who condemned the Tea Parties as "despicable" and "shameful. . . "
The Left's vitrol is proof that the Tea Parties were a success. If they had flopped, no one would be talking about them. But the Left's reaction illustrates the cultural war that continues to rage in America. The Left has great tolerance for obscene homosexual "pride" parades, protests by illegal aliens, anarchists and anti-military, anti-America radicals like Code Pink and ANSWER. Yet when hard working, decent Americans protest the government's growing demands on their liberty and labor, the Left loses its tolerance and derides its fellow Americans as "despicable, shameful racists."
Elections have consequences. And the past two elections have given us the most leftwing president and Congress in history. In just a few short weeks, they have given us a $1.5 trillion "stimulus bill," a $410 billion "omnibus" spending bill and a $3.5 trillion "bankrupt us" budget bill. You, your children and grandchildren are going to get stuck paying the bill!
But the Tea Parties will be meaningless if the activism of April 15th is not translated into effective political action in November 2010. I pray that everyone who attended a Tea Party will get active in their community, engage friends and family members, register new voters, volunteer for conservative candidates and support conservative organizations like Campaign for Working Families. Working together, I believe we can make America "a shining city upon a hill!"
(Gary Bauer; Campaign for Working Families; End-of Day; April 17, 2009; excerpt)
U.S. and Israel: Here We Go Again
When Israel and the United States should be standing united against a nuclear-armed Iran, the Obama Administration seems more interested in appeasing Iran by seeking a confrontation with Israel. The Associated Press reports that former Senator George Mitchell is acting as the administration's envoy for Middle East peace. He's in Israel right now pushing the Israelis to create a Palestinian state. The Netanyahu government is pushing back.
Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly told Mr. Mitchell that he is not interested in creating a new state that will be run by the terrorist group Hamas, and he also "demanded that the Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state, a step they have refused to take."
Netanyahu is right. Previous concessions by Israel have not resulted in peace. Israel gave up Gaza, and the Palestinians turned it into "Hamastan," rewarding Israel by firing thousands of rockets at its cities. They are not interested in peace with Israel or even a piece of Israel. Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and their Iranian sponsors seek the destruction of Israel. After liberating millions of Muslims in two nations from brutal regimes, the last thing the United States should be doing is encouraging the creation of another Islamofascist state in the Middle East.
(Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; April 17, 2009)
The Good News Corner
Faith and religion viewed as beneficial to health
The Unrelenting Doctor Who Insists Faith Has a Positive Effect on Physical Well-Being
"Images of the brain in prayer resemble that of a person interacting with somebody they love.''
(Coral Gables, Florida)-The Miami Herald has published a penetrating report on the power of faith in the field of medicine. A top University of Miami psychology professor and researcher, Michael E. McCullough, has been studying the relationship between faith and health-mostly with Christians-for over a decade and believes faith has a huge impact on personal well-being. The caveat? You must be sincere in your faith. Superficiality has no benefits.
''It's kind of hard to find a downside to religion,'' he said, adding that prayer, in particular, is powerful as scientists have found that "images of the brain in prayer resemble that of a person interacting with somebody they love.''
The key, says McCullough, as to how faith actually impacts physical health, is self-control. ''Religious people tend to have good self-control,'' he said, noting that it is that belief in a power higher than one's self that motivates and equips.
Not surprisingly, other attributes of faith that promote health are the ability to forgive and give thanks, even in dire circumstances. According to the report, the regular practice of gratitude-even something as simple as making a list of a few things to be thankful for-can increase happiness more than 25 percent.
For those who might accuse McCullough of being biased (making the assumption that he is a Christian), he is quoted as saying that although he was raised in a ''loving Baptist church," he and his wife are not raising their children in any particular faith. Source: Jaweed Kaleem - The Miami Herald
(Reported by: Breaking Christian News, April 16, 2009)
