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)
