In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• PM Netanyahu Held Secret Talks in Russia
• Update: 10 Minutes to Pray for America
• 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World
• The Good News Corner
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Wednesday, September 16, 2009
"What the wicked fears will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted." (Proverbs 10:24)
The Daily Brief
1. HOUSE MEMBERS ISSUED NEW RULES FOR CHAMBER BEHAVIOR - The Daily Jot
Democratic Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, also the Chair of the House Committee on Rules, has issued a memorandum entitled "Decorum in the House and in Committees." Slaughter writes, "The difference is one between political criticism and personally offensive criticism. For example, a Member may assert in debate that an incumbent President is not worthy of re-election, but in doing so should not allude to personal misconduct." (To read more on this topic, please see The Daily Jot, noted elsewhere on this Brief)
- Almost daily, we are witnessing our freedoms disappearing in front of us. Please see the commentary in today's Daily Jot for our thoughts on this matter. To lose our ability to question leadership is to come under dictatorship. Pray!
- "O Lord, our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone do we honor." (Isaiah 26:13)
2. Smith wants FBI investigation into ACORN - The Hill
Sen. Richard Shelby calls for 'immediate' investigation of ACORN - Christian Science Monitor
Republicans are putting the full court press on ACORN. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex.), the ranking Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, is calling for the FBI and Department of Justice to investigate ACORN's alleged misconduct.
The request comes the same day that Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) requested both a Senate investigation and an inquiry by the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs. Shelby is pushing for a fuller investigation of the group. "While [the Senate] vote is important, it is limited in scope and we must know more," Shelby said.
- Pray that the requests of both members be honored.
- "For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer." (I Peter 3:12)
3. 'Pimp' Video Scandal Pushes ACORN to Launch 'Review' - Fox News
URGENT: ACORN to conduct 'independent review' after hidden-camera videos expose its workers advising fake pimp and prostitute to lie to get loans for a brothel.
- Nothing like the fox guarding the henhouse to establish a solid oversight policy. Pray this one down.
- "Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us." (Isaiah 8:10)
4. ACORN Story Grows But Mainstream Media Refuse to Cover It - Fox News
This story has everything you could ever want - corruption, sleazy actions at tax-funded organizations, firings, government ties, sex, hookers. It is a network news director's dream. Imagine the ratings. But almost no one is covering it. This is the news media in the era of Van Jones and President Obama. The major outlets cover what they want and create the themes they want. When they find something inconvenient, they let it pass. They didn't like the Van Jones story, so they ignored it. (Read more.)
- Funny . . . The MSM (mainstream media) also managed to miss 1.7 million people on the mall on Saturday, protesting the socialist policies of this administration. Funny . . . Ask God to forgive the moguls of the MSM, for they know not what they do. As the leaders of the Fourth Estate, they are ultimately accountable to Him for their actions.
Ask the Lord, too, to post His huge, warring angels as "gatekeepers" over the other news outlets that ARE giving American citizens the facts we need to know, in order to fulfill our obligations to our nation: both in voting and in prayer. Finally, if there be any who are being intimidated by heavy-handed, coercive tactics from other, hidden ones, pray they find the courage to report the truth, nevertheless; and pray for their safety and that of their families.
- "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7)
5. Senate Finance Committee's Health Fix Would Cost $856 Billion Over 10 Years - CNSNews
The Senate Finance Committee rolled out its proposal for healthcare reform Wednesday, offering a plan that it says would cost $856 billion over 10 years.It would not raise the deficit, crafters contend, and it does not contain a public health insurance option. Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) had taken the slow route in crafting the proposal, hoping to win the backing of at least a couple Republicans, but so far none have signed on.
- Obviously, in the case of this mammoth health care bill, "praying without ceasing" is in Order; but also "praying in the Spirit" is in order, too. Only our omniscient God can possibly track all of the myriad details in this behemoth plan -- details that continue to shift and to change day by day. Praise God -- He IS able; and we CAN pray!
- "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)
6. White House Seeks Renewal of Surveillance Laws - Washington Post
The Obama administration has for the first time set out its views on the controversial USA Patriot Act, telling lawmakers this week that legal approval of government surveillance methods scheduled to expire in December should be renewed, but leaving room to tweak the law to protect Americans' privacy.
- Pray that any new enforcement procedures would be used for the good of our citizens, and not for any other agenda.
- (Pray for those in authority) (I Timothy 2:1-2)
7. Russian President hints at U-turn over Iran sanctions - London Times
President Medvedev gave the first hint yesterday that Russia was prepared to perform a significant policy U- turn and support US moves for sanctions against Iran.
- Offer praise for news of this shift out of Moscow. May only good come from the alignment of our two nations as, together, we seek to "rein in" a regime that is dangerous to Israel, Europe and America.
- "How can two walk together, unless they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3)
8. IMF Issues Guidelines for Ending Bank Relief - Wall Street Journal
The International Monetary Fund, reinforcing its role in remaking the global economy, laid out detailed principles for scaling back government support of the financial industry over coming years.
- Like the health care plan, the global economic crisis is not going to disappear soon and will require our constant vigilance in prayer. As world leaders meet to streamline systems in the global economy, offer praise to the Lord that He is in control, and that His kingdom is coming.
- "Pray without ceasing . . ." (I Thess. 5:17)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Thus says LORD, in an acceptable time have I heard You, and in a day of salvation have I helped You: I will preserve You, and give You for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;" (Isaiah 49:8)
1. IDF chief: We'll be ready for any turmoil on Lebanon border - Ha'aretz
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi said during a tour of northern Israel on Tuesday that the military would be ready in the event that war breaks out along the Lebanese border.
2. Israel slams, PA praises UN report - Jerusalem Post
Israeli officials from across the political spectrum on Tuesday slammed the report of the UN Goldstone Commission alleging that Israel committed war crimes in Operation Cast Lead, while the Palestinian Authority praised the findings.
3. Mitchell, Netanyahu meet in Jerusalem - Jerusalem Post
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met with US special envoy George in Jerusalem on Wednesday morning, for the second time in two days, in a last-minute effort to reach an agreement over the settlements issue.
4. 'UN report accusing Israel of war crimes is prize for terror' - Ha'aretz
The findings of a United Nations report which accuses Israel of committing war crimes during its offensive in the Gaza Strip earlier this year constitute "a prize for terrorism," aides to Defense Minister Ehud Barak told Israel Radio on Wednesday.
The Daily Jot
Of Lies, Truth, Jesus and the House
Democratic Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, also the Chair of the House Committee on Rules, has issued a memorandum entitled "Decorum in the House and in Committees." The reminder to all Congressmen comes in the wake of Republican Congressman Joe Wilson shouting "You Lie" to the man who occupies the Oval Office during his recent address to a joint session of Congress on socialized healthcare. Slaughter writes, "The difference is one between political criticism and personally offensive criticism. For example, a Member may assert in debate that an incumbent President is not worthy of re-election, but in doing so should not allude to personal misconduct."
Then she lists the "cans" and "can't's" according to the House Rules and Manual. For example, Congressmen can refer to the government in general as "something hated, something oppressive"; the President as "using legislative or judicial pork"; to a Presidential message as a "disgrace to the country"; and to unnamed officials as "our half-baked nitwits handling foreign affairs." But Congressmen cannot refer to the President as a "liar", a "hypocrite", "cowardly", "intellectually dishonest", as "giving aid and comfort to the enemy", or allege "sexual misconduct on the President's part." Slaughter said the House rules are based on "Jefferson's Manual."
"Jefferson's Manual" was written in 1812 by Thomas Jefferson "as composed of the precepts of the Constitution." He placed in italic rules that were developed by the US Senate and in Roman typeface those that had been developed by Parliament. Jefferson said the rules would serve as a guide to set standards of operation and debate. Slaughter reminded her colleagues of Section 370, which states "the rule in Parliament prohibiting Members from "speak{ing} irreverently or seditiously against the King" has been interpreted to prohibit personal references against the President." So, at least to Slaughter, the current president is like a king.
Therefore, according to the Democrats in charge, if a president is lying, you cannot call him a liar; if he has been caught having an affair, you cannot say he was involved in sexual misconduct; if he is committing treason, you cannot call him on it. What would Jesus do? In Matthew 23:33, Jesus said to the Pharisees, which were the political and religious leaders of the Jews, "You serpents, you generation of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell?" He called them vipers many times. Jesus wasn't influenced by men's rules limiting free speech. He told the truth. The problem is that elected officials are so far from truth, that their rules even prevent them from speaking it.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
PM Netanyahu Held Secret Talks in Russia
Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper on September 9 alleged that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Moscow earlier this week, where he is believed to have discussed new weapons deals between Russia and Iran. The Prime Minister's Office said on September 9 that Netanyahu has not left Israel's borders.
On the morning of September 7, Netanyahu left his office without reporting where he was headed, his schedule was mysteriously cleared, and his whereabouts were unknown for several hours. The prime minister's military secretary later reported Netanyahu had visited a security facility in Israel.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told Israeli President Shimon Peres during his last visit to Russia that he had ordered a review of all weapons deals with Syria and Iran, this after Peres presented him with information showing that weapons sold to these countries had been obtained by Hizbullah and Hamas.
"Russia objects to Iran holding nuclear weapons," Medvedev stressed to Peres. "This situation is disturbing to all of us, and we have no doubt that if Iran achieves nuclear weapons, this will lead to a nuclear race in the Middle East, which is the worst possible scenario." Medvedev also promised to do everything possible to ensure Russian weapons sold to Syria do not reach Hizbullah. (Excerpts of an article by Ynetnews.com, September 9, 2009).
Prayer Focus:
Pray that Russia will deal honestly and fairly with Israel, sincerely working to improve the situation in the Middle East rather than deceitfully promoting conflict and not peace.
Scripture
"For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall my covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD, who has mercy on you." (Isaiah 54:10)
Update: 10 Minutes to Pray for America
Part One: Pray for America
We have been tremendously encouraged by the awesome responses we have received since posting this unique call to prayer on Monday evening. Praise the Lord -- so many of you are printing out these prayer points and giving them out to your friends!! THANK YOU!!
Also, please find below the links for three of our founding documents. As you visit these sites, you will find the entire text for each one -- also for your use in prayer.
Part Two: PRAY FOR THE CHURCH
IMPORTANT NOTE: This section is not meant to "interfere" with your 10 minutes to pray every day for America; but simply to amplify and to bring a greater measure of prayers of repentance in this hour. We commend this section to you now, then, as an additional resource for your time of intercession . . . perhaps in your own closet of prayer. Amen.
We ALWAYS begin with repentance for "sin in the church, " because it is written,
"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?" (I Peter 4:17)
According to the Word of God, "first things first" is to look to be sure that our own house is in order . . . and then to look outward.
To help you "look inward", Capitol Hill Prayer Partners has posted A CALL TO REPENTANCE, providing 40 weeks of prayer points to address issues of sin in the church, sin in the nation, and the blessing of Israel.
These 40 weeks were posted throughout 2008, coincidentally leading up to the election on November 4, and our prayer points are still posted on our blog.
Since the election, BECAUSE OUR READERSHIP HAS ALMOST DOUBLED, we sense that many of you have yet to discover this prayer resource.
And so, today, may we invite all of our new readers to explore our CHPP blog , and the Call to Repentance?
" . . . if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World
Covering RAMADAN in prayer - August 22 - September 20
During these 30 days when the people of Islam observe Ramadan, we encourage you to visit this site in order to view daily prayers. May we raise up the people of the Muslim world in prayer that they will come to salvation in Christ Jesus.
Prayer For Wednesday, 16 September, Ramadan 2009
"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"
URGENT! "THE NIGHT OF POWER" BEGINS TONIGHT!
Depending on their location on the earth, some Muslims will spend much of tonight or tomorrow night in prayer. This event commemorates Mohammed's first revelation of the Qur'an in a cave near Mecca in 610 AD. Muslims call it the Night of Power. Many Muslims are more open to supernatural events at this moment during Ramadan. Many Muslims believe that many of their prayer requests are granted at this time. Some believe in angelic activity, others in miracles and visions. Knowing this, it is a good moment for Christians to pray believing that God will act in the lives of seeking Muslims. Only God knows how important this could be for the salvation of many.
Prayer Starters:
- Lord, may Your compassion flow in our hearts for Muslims during this night. Lord, You are a father to the fatherless. You are near to those who are lowly and contrite in heart (Isaiah 51:17, 57:17 and 66:2).
- Lord, may You break down all thoughts of self-righteousness through religious activity among Muslims who participate in the Night of Power. May You move them toward true humility before You (Daniel 4:37).
- May all glory be Yours because of Your loving character and for all You have done. Lord, may You be acting during the Night of Power so that people may have a revelation of Jesus, the Messiah.
- Lord, remember those who are genuinely seeking Your help this night. May You give them the help they need in such a way that they will understand that it comes to them through the Messiah, Jesus (Psalm 34:18, Zechariah 9:9).
To read the complete article, go here.
http://www.30-days.net/islam/basics/night-of-power/
The Good News Corner
PRAY, MEN, PRAY!!
Rick Lindsay, the founder of Encourage Men To Pray Ministries, is stewarding a call for the men across America to come together in one accord on October 30, 2009 @ 7:00 PM until 7:00 AM October 31 for an all night prayer meeting in their various places of worship, to pray for our nation, our pastors, families and those that are hurting.
They seek the intervention of Almighty God in drawing this country back to is founding roots and for guidance out of these difficult circumstances.
A brochure is available for distribution at their website. It gives you a good overview of this call. (Go here)
http://www.encouragementopray.org/
