CHPP Daily Brief - September 24, 2009

In This Issue
The Daily Brief
The Middle East in Focus
Schools Wrestle with Pledge Policy
A "National Awakening"
The Daily Jot
Netanyahu at his Best
The Good News Corner
Thoughts On Prayer

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

The Daily Brief - Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009

"And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." (Revelation 14: 15)

ATTENTION TO OUR READERS:

We are asking all of you to join us, beginning today, entering into a three-day period of prayer and fasting for the release of the captives of Islam.

It is anticipated that as many as 50,000 Moslems will join forces tomorrow on Capitol Hill, with the slogan, "It's Our Time."

We agree!! It IS "their time" to come to the saving knowledge of our Lord, and to enter into His harvest field.

Our time of fasting will take place one day before this event, during the day of the event, and one day after: Thursday, Friday and Saturday: September 24,25,26. Thank you.

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


The Daily Brief

1. Democrats Push Obamacare Through Senate as GOP Protests Threats to Medicare - Newsmax

Sweeping healthcare legislation cleared its first hurdles in the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday as Democrats turned back protests of Republicans who objected to a "slashing" of Medicare by $500 billion.

b) Democrats Deny GOP Bid to Put Health Bill Online -- Newsmax

Senate Finance Committee Democrats have rejected a GOP amendment that would have required a health overhaul bill to be available online for 72 hours before the committee votes.

Republicans argued that transparency is an Obama administration goal. They also noted that their constituents are demanding that they read bills before voting.

Democrats said it was a delay tactic that could have postponed a vote for weeks.

- Lord, let there be an absolute end to this steamroller approach to legislation! From preventing the full reading of bills to literally ramming things through Congress, these practices are an affront to all that America stands for. We ask for Your mercy, Lord, and the removal of those who have personal power and control over the American people as their goal.

- "All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits." (Proverbs 16:2)

2. Mass. Governor Set to Name Kennedy Successor - Fox News

A day after Massachusetts lawmakers granted one of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's final wishes by changing the state's succession law, an interim replacement for the late senator's crucial U.S. Senate seat is expected to be named Thursday.

Gov. Deval Patrick is to announce the appointment of Kennedy's successor at a news conference at the Statehouse, and former aide and longtime Kennedy friend Paul G. Kirk Jr. has the backing of the late senator's sons.

- Lord, we are saddened that the Mass. Legislature changed their law to accommodate the wishes of one family and one political party. We ask that You will touch Mr. Kirk's heart and reveal truth to him as he takes this seat for a short period of time. Lord, we ask that You will turn this situation to the good of the state of Mass. as well as the Congress.

- "but the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you." (Deut 23: 5)

3. Colorado Airport Driver Indicted on Terrorism Charges in Suspected U.S. Bomb Plot - Fox News

A Colorado airport shuttle driver was indicted Thursday on federal charges of conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction in a possible Al Qaeda-linked bomb plot in the United States.

- Thank you, Lord, for yet another terrorist plot foiled. We praise You for this arrest and ask that You continue to lead our security forces to all terror cells and individuals who mean us harm. We also praise You for the watchmen who pray according to Your will over America!

- "I stand continually on the watchtower in the daytime; I have sat at my post every night." (Isaiah 21:8b)

4. Obama: U.S. Does Not Recognize 'Legitimacy of Continued Israeli Settlements' - Fox News

In declaring that it is time for Middle East peace "without preconditions," President Obama used his speech to the U.N. General Assembly Wednesday to fire a warning at Israel that "America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements."

Obama's stark declaration, which drew applause, was coupled with a call for Palestinians to end their "incitement of Israel."

But it was the use of the U.N. forum to carry the settlement message to Israel that drew the most enthusiastic response on the floor -- and incredulous reaction outside its walls.

- Father, we do not understand how any U.S. President can so devalue Israel's right to exist, or be so unafraid of You, the Living God. We pray that the fear of God will come upon Mr. Obama. We remind You of Your Word, Lord, the Word that promises protection over the nation of Israel.

- "I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them, says the Lord your God." (Amos 9:15)

5. U.N. Security Council Approves Resolution to Rid World of Nuclear Weapons - Fox News

Moving toward President Obama's goal for a nuclear weapon-free world, the U.N. Security Council on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution aimed at ridding the world of nuclear weapons.

The resolution calls for stepped up efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote disarmament and "reduce the risk of nuclear terrorism."

- Father, while all of us are in favor of non-nuclear proliferation, we pray that the truth of this "unified front" would be revealed to all Americans. Let no hidden contracts or covenants detrimental to the US be given power within the resolution.

- "Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You;" (Psalm 139:12a)

6. Ahmadinejad Criticism of U.S., Israel Prompts Walkout - Bloomberg

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad criticized the U.S. and Israel in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly late today, prompting a walkout of American diplomats.

- Lord, we thank you for the walkouts of American diplomats, as well as the boycott of these speeches by Canada. Lord, we ask that You continue to make known the fruits of despots like Ahmadinejad and Qaddafi, until they are removed from all power.

- "For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more." (Psalm 37:10)

The Middle East in Focus

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

"You shall arise and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favor her, yes, the set time has come." (Psalm 102:13)

1. Netanyahu: Non-recognition of Israel obstacle to peace - Ynet News

The Palestinians' refusal to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state remains the biggest obstacle to peace, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on the heels of Tuesday's meeting in New York with US President Barack Obama and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

2. Obama: Progress in Israel-PA talks - Jerusalem Post

Despite criticism over the previous day's apparently stale tripartite meeting he held with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, US President Barack Obama remained defiant in his pursuit of Middle East peace on Wednesday and maintained that progress was made in Tuesday's talks.

3. Netanyahu: Israel won't agree to 1967 borders - Ha'aretz

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Haaretz on Wednesday that he would not agree to the Palestinian demand to accept the 1967 borders as a condition for renewing peace negotiations.

4. US papers call 3-way summit a failure - Ynet News

The three-way summit between US President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been perceived as an embarrassing event, not just in Israeli eyes. On the day after the meeting, media outlets in the United States are criticizing what is being referred to as "a little more than a photo opportunity."

5. At UN, Gadhafi offers solution to Mideast conflict - 'Isratine' - Ha'aretz

In a rambling speech before the United Nations General Assembly, Libyan ruler Muammar Gadhafi encouraged Israelis to continue settling the West Bank but to prepare for eventually becoming citizens of "Isratine," a combination of Israel and Palestine.

Schools Wrestle with Pledge Policy

In this new school year, teachers and administrators around the country are dealing once again with controversy surrounding the Pledge of Allegiance. The courts have consistently ruled that students have the right not to recite the pledge in public schools. But now some First Amendment advocates are taking it one step further, arguing that the law compels educators to inform kids at the beginning of school that the decision is entirely up to them. They're advocating a "Miranda warning" for the Pledge -- an administrative notice to students that they have the right to remain silent.

Despite its popularity, the ACLU and other critics of the Pledge are arguing that students, whether they do or don't support the oath, should be told up front that they are not required to recite the words. Perennial critic, Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans for Separation of Church and State, said: "The Pledge doesn't even state the truth. We are not one nation under God, "I don't think we should lie to students, and there's no way we can require them to say it." (Fox News)

- Dear Father. We ask You to steer this unending debate, and not back out of the Pledge of Allegiance discussion which revolves around the words that honor You: "One Nation Under God." We have been told that since You are a gentleman, You have been ignored in America and have left her to her own devices. We pray that You will once again indwell this nation with Your presence and restore her to a nation that honors You and defends Your chosen nation, Israel. Please forgive us of this injustice to You and heal our land. In Jesus' Name we pray for this to happen. Amen.

- "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they have done abominable works. There is none who does good." (Psalm 14:1 NKJV)

A "National Awakening"

We Are Witnessing a National Awakening!

By Gary Bergel, Intercessors for America

The September 12th T.E.A. Rally in Washington, DC was an incredible experience. When you live in Metro DC and participate in the many gatherings and rallies, it becomes standard practice to "discern" the flavor, atmosphere and character of the event. This convocation was different.

There was a clear distinction to the September 12 gathering of Americans who rallied, and then moved about in various throngs throughout the day. There was even something unique about how families and groups crossed the streets - these were not just your average Americans coming to their nation's capital. These were American patriots who reeked of Constitutional concerns. Their burden was not light. Some were righteously indignant. And some were angry in a carnal sense. But all who came were marked with a genuine and passionate concern about the loss of liberty and federal responsibility in the America they love.

This unique cross-section of citizens had not gathered here before. The growing T.E.A. (Taxed Enough Already) movement was sparked on December 16, 2007 when Libertarian presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul (TX) had events across the country which commemorated the Boston Tea Party. T.E.A. Parties have continued and this move continues to grow and grow, as evidenced in the outpouring for Town Hall meetings this summer across the USA.

I believe we are witnessing a genuine "National Awakening." It would not be correct to call this a "spiritual awakening," and it does not carry the content or earmarks of a religious revival. I believe we are seeing an authentic national awakening to Constitutional and foundational political principles.

Let us give thanks, and let's pray into this marvelous moment. It is surely an answer to prayer!

- Offer thanksgiving for the historic September 12 T.E.A. Rally in Washington. Pray that the Lord continue to stir the hearts of U.S. Citizens to pray, and to read, study and apply the Constitution and our founding principles.

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

The Daily Jot

White House Characterizes Debate Over Socialism
As Longstanding American History

The man who occupies the Oval Office disputed leftist claims that opposition to his programs and policies are race motivated. He said that instead they are part of a historical debate over the proper role of government. He told reporters at CNN, "There's been a long-standing debate in this country that is usually that much more fierce during times of transition, or when presidents are trying to bring about big changes." Speaking to reporters at NBC News, he said, "It's an argument that's gone on for the history of this republic, and that is, What's the right role of government? How do we balance freedom with our need to look out for one another?"

He went on to tell reporters that people are passionate about whether the government can do anything right and that is where he believes the bulk of the vitriol originates. This is just another example of how he and his administration twist both history and intent of people to make it sound as if everything is reasonable and expected. It is not. First, he defuses the charges of race by going against what his most liberal supporters have been trying to tag the opposition with--the race card. Then he tries to say that there is a longstanding and historic debate in this country over the role of the government. That debate was settled in 1788 with the ratification of the US Constitution.

It is only those who are trying to overthrow the form of government in the United States who have made any debate whatsoever regarding the role of government. It is radical, unreasonable and an out and out lie to characterize the current passions against establishing socialism in this nation as a historic debate. The only historic debate regarding this type of insurrection against the Constitution are or were those chronicled as taking place in the clandestine meetings of communists and socialists and the back room strategy sessions of certain trade unions that were or are fronts for communism. The Founding Fathers were adamantly opposed to government intrusion into business and private lives.

The Constitution is very specific. The 10th Amendment also limits government in stating "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people." There is no debate. The Founding Fathers often confirmed Thomas Paine's quote, "That government is best which governs least." And Jesus said in Matthew 24:4, "Take heed that no man deceive you." The words of deception abound in this Federal government because the usurpers--those who convinced the American people in order to get their votes that they were reasonable patriots--are using deception to overthrow the government and to annul the Constitution.

Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

Netanyahu at his Best

Even those who aren't particularly sympathetic to Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, could get a good measure of satisfaction from this interview with British Television during the retaliation against Hamas' shelling of Israel.

The interviewer asked him: "How come so many more Palestinians have been killed in this conflict than Israelis?" (A nasty question if there ever was one!)

Netanyahu: "Are you sure that you want to start asking in that direction?"

Interviewer: (Falling into the trap) Why not?

Netanyahu: "Because in World War II more Germans were killed than British and Americans combined, but there is no doubt in anyone's mind that the war was caused by Germany's aggression. And in response to the German blitz on London, the British wiped out the entire city of Dresden, burning to death more German civilians than the number of people killed in Hiroshima. Moreover, I could remind you that in 1944, when the R.A.F. tried to bomb the Gestapo Headquarters in Copenhagen, some of the bombs missed their target and fell on a Danish children's hospital, killing 83 little children. Perhaps you have another question?"

Apparently, Benjamin Netanyahu gave another interview and was asked about Israel's occupation of Arab lands. His response was, "It's our land". The reporter (CNN or the like) was stunned - read below "It's our land..." It's important information since we don't get fair and accurate reporting from the media and facts tend to get lost in the jumble of daily events. (The Golden Report)

The Good News Corner

TRUE PRAYER

By Rev. R. J. Rushdoony

The trouble with most prayer is that the person praying is not really talking with God but carrying on a recitation into the air. True prayer involves communion and conversation, and it is a continuous thing. We do not limit our conversation with our husband or wife to a set time, at meals or before going to sleep, and then keep silent all the rest of the day. We talk when we have something to say. The same is true with God. If we limit our prayers to set, formal times, we soon have little to say then.

Then how do we pray? Dozens of times in a day, we talk with God, usually only a sentence or two. Do we have a difficult and trying person to meet or deal with? Then we pray simply, "Lord give me patience and wisdom to meet this person in Thy Spirit and grace."

Is our task one we dislike? Then we ask, "Lord, I hate this job, but I must do it. Give me grace to do this thing in the right way and in a better frame of mind."

If we make a blunder, we say, "Lord I was pretty stupid that time. Help me grow up in my handling such problems." We share with Him, in a sentence or two, a hundred times in a day sometimes, our problems, our delights with things, our fears, our hopes, our everything.

And we must not forget gratitude. "Thanks for helping me through that one, Lord." Or we say, "There must be something for me to learn here, Lord, that I don't even know about, so please, Lord, teach me, so that I do better next time."

If God is real to us, He is "a very present help in trouble" and in time of need (Ps. 46:1). We therefore call upon Him continuously, to share with Him our needs, hopes, joys, griefs, and gratitudes. This is what St. Paul means when he writes, "Be careful (or anxious) for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6-7)

There is no better way to live.

Thoughts On Prayer

"Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, prayer is the greater work."

- Oswald Chambers