In This IssueThe Daily Brief
The Middle East in Focus
The Daily Jot
Update: Rifqa Bary
Lou Engle: A Call to Fast and Pray
Remembering "The Least of These"
Let the People Vote Rally
The Good News Corner
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Tuesday, October 20, 2009
"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (2 Chronicles 20:12)
The Daily Brief
1. Poll: Obama Steady on Health Reform; 57 Percent Support Public Option - ABC News
Obama boosted by support for a personal mandate and a public option, aided by continued weakness in the GOP . . . But 57 percent support one of the plan's most contentious elements, a government-sponsored insurance option, and that soars to 76 percent if it's limited to those who can't get affordable private insurance.
· Heavenly Father, there is a variance in the reporting of the actual support for this healthcare plan of Obama and his administration. We pray the real truth be known. We pray that all deception will be revealed and stopped.
· For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:18)
2. Feds Won't Target Medical-pot Users - The Washington Times
New policy is for 13 states where it's legal. While the change runs counter to the George W. Bush administration policy of targeting medical-marijuana providers for federal prosecution, some medical-marijuana advocates had a tepid reaction to the new policy, which is not formalized in law.
· Father God, we pray wisdom for those in authority who make decisions about approved medical drugs.
· "Everything is permissible for me"- but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me"- but I will not be mastered by anything." (1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV)
3. Amid Troop Request, Obama Campaigns for Dems - Fox News
President is dashing into campaign mode again, devoting coveted time toward getting Democrats elected in November and generating cash for his party in 2010. Obama plans a final burst on behalf of candidates right before the Nov. 3 election.
· Lord, hundreds of troops are in jeopardy because of the insufficient support from this administration. We pray the president will come to realign his priorities. Let the people rise up against this inaction to protect our troops.
· The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor; let them be caught in the plots which they have devised. For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire; he blesses the greedy and renounces the Lord. (Psalms 10:2, 3)
4. White House Aide Says Barack Obama Team 'Controlled' the Media - London Telegraph
Karl Rove, former President George W. Bush's former chief political strategist compared Mr. Obama to President Richard Nixon, who famously kept an "enemies list" that included reporters. "This is a White House engaging in its own version of the media enemies list. And it's unhelpful for the country and undignified for the president of the United States to so do."
· Lord, we pray for the national media to have scruples, and for them to report the truth to the citizens and not to be swayed by this administration.
· The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: 'When one rules over men in righteousness, he rules in the fear of God (2 Samuel 23:3)
5. Space Scientist Is Held as Spy - Wall Street Journal
In exchange for thousands of dollars in cash and an Israeli passport, Stewart Nozette, 52 years old, of Chevy Chase, Md., a former government physicist who worked for agencies ranging from the Defense Department to the White House, allegedly attempted to pass on U.S. top-secret nuclear and space secrets to an FBI agent who was posing as an Israeli intelligence operative, according to an FBI affidavit filed with the criminal complaint in the case.
· Lord, we thank you that hidden things are being revealed. We pray that all plots to undermine our nation will be revealed and stopped immediately.
· Let destruction come upon him unexpectedly, and let his net that he has hidden catch himself; Into that very destruction let him fall. (Psalms 35:8)
6. U.S. Sponsors Plan to Restrict Free Speech - World Net Daily
Joins Egyptians in proposal to United Nations Human Rights Council. The resolution was submitted recently by the United States and Egypt. It was approved by the U.N. Human Rights Council as a first step in its process through the international organization.
Steven Groves of the Heritage Foundation told WND the issue is not about free speech at all but about installing international precedents to stifle any criticism of Islam.
· Father God, we pray that any attempts by this administration or government to restrict our free speech in any way or give up our sovereignty will not be accomplished. Block those who seek to do this.
· Let a cry be heard from their houses, when You bring a troop suddenly upon them; for they have dug a pit to take me, and hidden snares for my feet. (Jeremiah 18:22)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem." (Zech. 14:2a)
1. 'If Israel strikes Iran, U.S. will likely join' - Ha'aretz
The United States would find it difficult not to join an Israeli air strike in the event that Jerusalem decides to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, a former top-ranking U.S. Air Force officer told participants at a conference this weekend organized by a Washington think tank.
2. Diplomatic victory for Israel: IPU won't debate Gaza offensive - Ynet News
Israel managed to foil on Monday another Arab proposal to debate Operation Cast Lead at the Inter-Parliamentary Union conference in Geneva.
3. Officials: Water reserves could be depleted by next year - Jerusalem Post
If this winter is as lacking in rainfall as the last one, then by next summer Israel will have to take drastic steps such as importing water and setting up portable desalination plants, officials believe.
4. Report: Hezbollah plans attacks on Israeli targets in Turkey - Ynet News
Intelligence agencies warn against terror attacks planned by Hezbollah against Israeli and American targets in Turkey, according to a report published on the Turkish news website "Haberturk".
The Daily Jot
There Will Be Nothing Left:
The Connection Between Hezekiah and The Man Who Occupies The Oval Office
Russia plays a key role in the end times and is moving into its predestination at a rapid pace. The nation is standing strong with Iran in protecting it from any type of sanctions or military activity against Iran's nuclear weapons program. Russia is also providing military technology and weapons to known exporters and curators of worldwide terrorism such as Iran and Syria. Russia has moved to establish a base of influence in the Western Hemisphere by propping up the government of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, and of course Cuba and Nicaragua. Russia has nearly regained its pre-Soviet influence in the Middle East through shrewd political and economic maneuvers.
It is prophesied in Ezekiel 38 and 39 that Magog, which is identified as modern day Russia, will lead all of Northern Africa and Iran (Persia) against Israel in a colossal battle, in which God will destroy Russia and its allies. Russia, despite being allied with America in World War II, has been a traditional enemy of the US. Russia as a political body is the antithesis of American values and freedom. It is reported that in 1962, Russia's Nikita Khrushchev said that communism would take over America without firing a shot. Many have wondered why America is not directly mentioned in the Bible, or what of its Biblical fate. Some have tried to cobble together verses about eagles and connect them to America.
The fate of America lies in the hands of its people and the leaders they elect. The fate of America lies in whether its people repent and turn back to the one true God, or whether its people allow immoral and anti- Christ leaders to bring the country to a godless and judgmental conclusion. This nation may be one action, one agreement, one unrepentant person away from the last drop of godlessness that will overflow the bowl of judgment. And that last action could have been put in motion by the White House with Russia on October 13. The White House has agreed to allow the Russians to visit nuclear weapons sites in America and count the actual numbers of missiles and warheads.
Fox News says that this agreement "constitutes the most intrusive weapons inspection program the US has ever accepted." Secretary of State Hillary Clinton characterized the US-Russian inspections agreement by saying, "We want to ensure that every question that the Russian military or Russian government asks is answered." The Babylonian envoys visited King Hezekiah and he showed them his entire kingdom. The prophet Isaiah asked in 2 Kings 20:15 what the king showed them. He replied, "All the things that are in mine house have they seen." Isaiah answered Hezekiah by saying all things in the kingdom "shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord." These are perilous times indeed.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Update: Rifqa Bary
American Refugee
The eyes of the international Church have been focused on Rifqa Bary since July, when the brave 17-year-old fled her Columbus, Ohio home after converting from Islam to Christianity. This week, after an emotional trial, a Florida judge ruled that Bary must return home despite the threats made on her life by radical Muslim groups. John Stemberger, who many of you may know from his work with the Florida Family Policy Council, is serving as Rifqa's attorney. According to John, the concern is not so much that her family will harm her, but that the local mosque will. In her affidavit, Rifqa says the Noor Islamic Cultural Center, where the family is active, ordered her parents to "deal with the situation." (The same document describes her father's rage at Rifqa's conversion: "I will kill you!" he yells.)
In a memo to the Court, John describes the frightening link between the Center and Islamic extremists, terrorist leaders, the Muslim Brotherhood, and even an FBI terror investigation. "If I had stayed in Ohio," Rifqa said in an emotional interview, "I wouldn't be alive. In 150 generations in the family, no one has known Jesus. I am the first--imagine the honor in killing me."
Right now, there is little we can do but pray--and ask others to pray with us. If you can, circulate the story to your family, friends, and church. Ask God to surround Rifqa with ministers of comfort, peace, and protection. "I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust.' . . . He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge . . ." (Psalm 91:2 and 4) (Family Research Council)
- Please do continue in prayer over this critical case. Perhaps an appeal to a Higher Court (in heaven) or another higher court (on earth) may now be in order.
- "O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (2 Chronicles 20:12)
Lou Engle: A Call to Fast and Pray
Maine's Call to Pray & Fast for Marriage
21 Day Fast: October 14th through November 4th, 2009
[Editor's note: It's not too late to join Lou in this very special call to prayer and fasting, on behalf of the voters in the State of Maine. Amen.]
Upholding through Divine Assistance
In 2007, in California, thousands of believers fasted for a 40-day period and prayed that God would restrain the spiritual powers that are behind the homosexual agenda and the drive to redefine marriage. Three days before the vote on Proposition 8, 30,000 people gathered together in solemn assembly to invoke heaven's assistance in the great heavenly battle as well as to pray for God's power to be released for the freedom and healing of thousands struggling with same-sex attraction who yearn to be transformed by Christ. Proposition 8 was upheld through the incredible mobilization of the state and we believe through divine assistance as well.
Partnering with Heaven
Recently again, I have been challenged by the Lord in a profound way to raise up a wall of intercession to hold back the encroaching ideology. Ez. 22:30 says "I looked for a man who would build up a wall, and stand in the gap before me". I have started to pray out of this scripture that God would begin to raise up a stonewall of intercession. 40 years after the stonewall riots, that many point to as the beginning of the homosexual revolution in America, we are calling for a spiritual stonewall to be raised up all across the nation. I've been asking God "How do we build this stonewall?" Recently, I was asked by national Christian leaders and pro-family leaders in Maine to call the whole state of Maine and all of New England to fast and pray for 21 days starting tomorrow October 14 through November 4th, election day. Maine will be voting on whether or not to legalize same-sex marriage. No state has of yet voted for same- sex marriage when the people themselves have gone to the polls. States that have legalized it have done it through the tyranny of courts and lobbyist pressured legislatures. Maine is the next battlefield. Like California, there is a great mobilization effort on both sides. Prayer could be the winning blow. Daniel fasted 21-days and shifted the influence over the very kings of Persia partnering with the angelic realm (Daniel 10:12- 14).
Build a Stonewall
Therefore, we are calling for prayer and fasting across the nation for 21 days in another flashpoint stand of spiritual resistance. On October 14th (Daniel 10:12-14), let the Churches of America turn from their own personal compromise with sin and from an apathetic silence. Let us cry out to God for the state of Maine and lift the victory of the cross over every false ideology. Then, let us cry out to God for a great awakening in Maine, New England and the Nation without which I see no hope for America. There are no more tomorrows. For such a time as this we are to build a stonewall and stand in the gap.
Consumed by the call,
Lou Engle
President, The Call, Inc.
response@thecall.com
Remembering "The Least of These"
PRAY FOR THE ZULU PEOPLES OF SOUTH AFRICA
Desperation . . . a word that many of us feel we may know from experience, but do we really? In a remote part of the village of Sweetwaters, South Africa, the people are literally digging up the water pipes, breaking them into pieces, and selling them as scrap to get money for food and necessities. They do this at the expense of their no longer having water available. In the city, they are removing manhole covers and selling them as scrap metal for cash as well. We cannot imagine having to do such things, but there comes the word "desperation!" Please pray that God will provide for these poor and afflicted. Pray that they will not have to resort to such drastic measures to provide for themselves and their families. Pray that they will depend on the God of heaven and earth to provide for their needs.
Source: IMB CompassionNet Prayer Newsletter
- "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' "(Matthew 25:40)
Let the People Vote Rally
Join Family Research Council for the 'Let the People Vote' Rally for Marriage
on Sunday, October 25
Marriage is at great risk in our nation's capital! A strong majority (10 of 13) of the members of the D.C. Council have introduced a bill to legalize same- sex "marriage" in Washington, D.C.
The people of the District of Columbia are demanding their civil right, which is to be allowed to vote on this all- important issue of marriage. To date the citizens have been denied that right. Yet in all 30 states where the people have had the opportunity to vote, traditional marriage has been upheld. Wherever same-sex marriage has been legalized by courts or elected officials, the people, in one way or another, have been denied the opportunity to vote.
The Stand4Marriage D.C. team (www.Stand 4MarriageDC.com) led by Bishop Harry Jackson and others has filed for an initiative which defines legal marriage as only between one man and one woman. However the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics (appointed by the D.C. Council) is expected to rule out any such initiative as being in violation of the 1977 D.C. Human Rights Act, and thus ineligible for being placed on the ballot for a vote. The only hope for preventing our nation's capital from becoming another victim of the same-sex "marriage" movement is a successful initiative which allows the people to vote.
We are asking pastors, churches and concerned individuals to join with fellow citizens in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, October 25th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Freedom Plaza located at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. (two blocks east of the White House) directly across from the Wilson building, where the City Council meets.
Should 13 city council members decide the fate of marriage in our nation's capital? The citizens deserve to vote on this issue! Please show up and be counted on Sunday, October 25th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Freedom Plaza. For more information, log onto www.thepeople srally.com or call 240-845-0388. Here are three things you can do to help:
1. Forward this message to pastors and friends and invite them to come. Make every effort to bring other pastors and church people with you to the Rally. In addition to helping us make a powerful statement to our D.C. government, your participation will assist us in providing the much needed support to go to Congress, show the concern of the people, and request intervention.
2. Announce the Rally to your church family and urge them to come. Forward this email to everyone in your congregation, make an announcement in your Sunday Service, and urge the families in your sphere of influence to join you in D.C. (perhaps your church can help with transportation via church buses, vans, car pools, etc.).
3. Please RSVP to Marcus Harris or Dee Powell (call 240-845-0388 or email stand4marriagedc@gmail.com) with an estimated number of people you hope to bring with you. Whether many or few, your presence and stand will be greatly appreciated!
In this challenging hour, those who understand that the family is fundamental to civilization, and that marriage between a man and a woman is the cornerstone of the family must do what they can to preserve this God-given institution, the institution Scripture teaches is a picture of the relationship between Christ and His Church (Eph. 5:22-33).
So please join us on Sunday, October 25th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Freedom Plaza just steps from the Federal Center Metro Station.
Sincerely,
Tony Perkins, President
Family Research Council
The Good News Corner
"Soon and Very Soon" -- Again!
We just can't stop praising Him!
To hear this rendition, go here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQSejO536X4
