In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Prayer in America's History
• Christian July 4th Declaration
• Honoring the Blood of the Martyr
• The Good News Corner
• Sing with Us Today!
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Friday, July 2, 2010
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
The Daily Brief
1. a.Weak economic data suggest recovery is fizzling - AP
Fears that the economic recovery is fizzling grew Thursday after the government and private sector issued weak reports on a number of fronts.
b.1.3 Million Unemployed Won't Get Benefits Restored - Fox News
The House voted 270-153 Thursday to extend jobless benefits for people who have been laid off for long stretches, but the gesture was made futile by the Senate's inability to pass the bill.
c. House Democrats pass 'budget enforcement resolution' by 215-210 - The Hill
House Democrats passed a budget document Thursday that sets discretionary spending at levels below those proposed by Obama but doesn't address how Congress should cut deficits.
- As the nation's economy continues to become more fragile over time, pray that the needs of our people would yet be met by the Hand of our God. Pray, too, that those in authority, who hold the purse strings for others, would be granted "wisdom from above," and would have the heart to obey divine counsel. Pray!
- (For leaders): The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. (Proverbs 21:1)
- (For American workers): So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. (Neh 4:6)
2. House Approves Afghanistan War Bill Loaded With Extras - Fox News
The House of Representatives OK'd a $60B bill Thursday to pay for wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and fund a variety of other programs like education, Pell Grants, natural disaster relief and relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti. Many Democrats opposed the bill, concerned about the length of the conflict in Afghanistan. And President Obama even threatened to veto the package if House liberals tried to tie his hands with an amendment to withdraw troops from Afghanistan.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Congress needed to pass the bill by July 4. But the entire package isn't complete. The Senate approved its version of the bill in May. And the House legislation is different. That means the issue must return to the Senate. And the Senate isn't going to take up the bill any time soon.
- The Lord seems to have already slowed down progress on the passage of this bill, which was originally to have taken place this weekend. Offer praise that many are now looking carefully into the details of this omnibus legislation. Pray that any language in this bill that is not in the plan or will of God for our country, be stripped from the text before it goes to the White House for signature.
- For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing Whether good or evil. (Eccl. 12:14)
3. Nuke the Oil Spill? Could it Work? - CBN News
The BP oil spill plaguing the Gulf Coast has hit the 140 million gallon mark -- surpassing the record spill in 1979 by a Mexican company. Now, some experts are suggesting using explosives or nuclear weapons to stop the spewing oil. Former President Bill Clinton hinted that may become the only option.
"Unless we send the Navy down deep to blow up the well and cover the leak with piles and piles and piles of rock and debris, which may become necessary -- you don't have to use a nuclear weapon by the way, I've seen all that stuff, just blow it up -- unless we're going to do that, we are dependent on the technical expertise of these people from BP," he said.
- Lord we pray for Your Hand for wisdom to come upon those who are considering how to contain the spill. The impact of this decision could change the earth's foundation permanently; even impacting other fault lines in our land. Only acts of true repentance can bring the mercy needed to resolve this crisis. Pray . . Repent . . . Cry out. . . . And join in the Call2 Fall this Sunday. (www.call2fall.org)
- Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. (Matthew 18:19)
4. Venezuela govt to nationalize 11 US-owned oil rigs - AFP
Venezuela's legislature has voted to nationalize 11 oil rigs owned by the US firm Helmerich & Payne.
- Pray that all hidden things in this arrangement be revealed, and that anything detrimental to America's well being would collapse.
- Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. (Isaiah 8:10)
5. UN Report:: Scrap dollar as sole reserve currency - Reuters
A new United Nations report released on Tuesday calls for abandoning the U.S. dollar as the main global reserve currency, saying it has been unable to safeguard value.
- This report is another sigh that America is now under judgment. Once again, let us turn from our wicked ways of sloth, greed and selfishness and turn to the Lord, obeying Him instead. As the church goes, so goes the nation. (2 Chron.7:14)
- Because you say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing - and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. (Rev. 3:17)
6. Dubai: Iran smuggles nuclear equipment via UAE ports - Ynet News
United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency Hamad al-Kaabi has confirmed reports that Iran is using Dubai ports to smuggle equipment needed for its nuclear program, but noted the steps his country had taken to clamp down on blacklisted companies.
- Offer praise for this report, for it shows that other nations in the Middle East are also dealing with the crisis in Iran. Ask that the hands of those who are confronting Ahmadinejad be strengthened for this task.
- (For Ahmadinejad) Perversity is in his heart, He devises evil continually, He sows discord. (Prov. 6:14)
7. Obama to embrace Netanyahu but press for renewed building freeze - ICEJ News
Israeli PM must please close US ally without risking coalition
Several reports late this week indicate that Obama will extend a warm public welcome to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his visit to Washington next week, but will privately press Netanyahu to extend the ten-month building moratorium in the West Bank in exchange for the Palestinian Authority agreeing to enter direct talks with Israel.
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
Why should the nations say, "Where is now their God?" But our God is in the heavens - He has done whatsoever He has pleased. (Psalm 115:2,3)
1. Official: PM-Obama talks to determine region's future - Ynet News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's senior advisor's, Yitzhak Molcho and Uzi Arad, are expected to leave for Cairo on Sunday for meetings with senior Egyptian officials ahead of Netanyahu's meeting with US President Barack Obama in Washington next week.
2. Report: Obama pressured Israel and Turkey to hold secret talks - Ha'aretz
A senior Israeli official's secret meeting with the Turkish foreign minister in Switzerland was apparently held due to pressure from the Obama administration, sources in Jerusalem said Thursday.
3. Netanyahu: Face to face with Abbas - Jerusalem Post
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to meet him for direct, face-to-face peace talks during a speech Thursday at the American embassy.
4. Gov't: PA may control Gaza crossings - Jerusalem Post
The Defense Ministry has begun preparing for the possible transfer to the PA of responsibility for the crossings into the Gaza Strip, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
5. IDF probe into Gaza flotilla likely to be more critical than expected - Ha'aretz
The internal military probe into the Israel Defense Forces raid on the Turkish aid flotilla to Gaza headed by Gen. (res. ) Giora Eiland is expected to request more time than it was originally allotted to reach its conclusions.
6. Schalit 'Freedom March' to Jerusalem swells to 20,000 - ICEJ News
Now half-way through its 11-day trek to Jerusalem, the "Freedom March" for the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Schalit drew nearly 20,000 supporters on Friday as it nears Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vacation home in Caesarea.
7. ALERT!! Obama signs tough new Iran sanctions bill - ICEJ News
After initially opposing some of its tougher provisions, Obama signed into law on Thursday a new set of sanctions against Iran recently passed by Congress which place tighter restrictions on trade with Iran's energy, financial, insurance and shipping sectors. The legislation also seeks to discourage international companies from doing any business with Iran that might assist its development of a nuclear weapons program.
"With these sanctions, along with others, we are striking at the heart of the Iranian government's ability to fund and develop its nuclear program," Obama said. "We're showing the Iranian government that its actions have consequences And if it persists, the pressure will continue to mount, and its isolation will continue to deepen."
In a related development, a group of Israeli businessmen has started a letter writing campaign to major companies recently denounced by Iran as "Zionist" or "Jewish-owned," urging them to pull out of Iran completely. Some of the companies include giants like Coca-Cola, IBM, Intel and Nestle. "Ahmadinejad is the Hitler of the 21st century and is the first dictator of the century to adopt such blatantly anti-Semitic policies," said Shai Baaton, an Israeli financial advisor who initiated the campaign.
The Daily Jot
A perfect storm brewing over our nation's independence
There could very well be a perfect storm brewing for the United States. There are three components to the storm: 1) the Middle East situation with Israel, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq; 2) the Gulf oil spill, which some believe could be more disastrous than the flood of Noah's time, and 3) the worsening economic climate that could be exacerbated by the fall out from the oil spill. I am not bringing these things to your attention to instill fear--no, far from it. These are times when we need to press in to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in prayer and supplication. We are a nation that appears to be under judgment for the wickedness that we have tolerated, and it is time to be true citizens and do something about it.
Consider that DEBKAfile is reporting that the United States has brought a third carrier into the Persian Gulf and the US now has some 10,000 combat personnel. The war in Afghanistan has seen increasing casualties during June. According to former National Security Council Middle East Affairs Senior Director Flynt Leverett, the Administration's policies there are setting the stage for a full scale civil war, which favors al Qaeda. Turkey, according to DEBKAfile, is moving toward establishing a new Middle East bloc by joining forces in the region that are dedicated to Israel's destruction. This may well complete the complement of nations in the Ezekiel 38 prophecy.
Market Oracle's Joshua Burnett believes the Gulf oil spill could be the worst disaster since the flood of Noah's time. He has written that hurricanes in the Gulf could pick up oil and deposit it 300 miles inland from the coast. This could poison the vegetation and freshwater sources, resulting in large scale evacuations and massive refugee needs. He says this is the best case scenario. Worse case, Burnett reports, is the methane bubble that caused the oil well to blow, could explode causing a tsunami that would wipe out 80% of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The UK Telegraph reports that Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke may print money to stop the deflationary trend of America's continued recession.
Economic, natural disaster, war time and man-made disasters are tenuously on the American horizon. Some of it is coming in the wake of pressure on Israel to give up its covenant land to terrorists. Some of it is the result of Americans relinquishing their duties of good citizenship by electing evil people. And some of it is due to the failure of technology and bureaucracy. We need a 2 Chronicles 7:14 edict to all in our nation: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall 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." Let us this weekend of our Independence celebration, stand in the gap in this way for our nation.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Prayer in America's History
Conceived, Birthed, Sustained by Prayer
The Second Continental Congress called for a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer throughout the Colonies on Thursday, July 20, 1775. From the time of the Pilgrims, colonial governors and legislatures issued hundreds of proclamations, calling upon Americans to repent, fast and pray. Now, the Colonies were at war. Fellow-Patriot James Warren wrote Samuel Adams:
Three millions of people on their knees at once, supplicating the aid of Heaven, is a striking circumstance, and a very singular one in America. May the blessings of Heaven follow in answer to our prayers.
Their prayers were heard. When the Declaration of Independence was signed in July, 1776, Samuel Adams exclaimed: "We have this day restored the Sovereign to Whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come."
Ours was not a "revolution" like others. The Founders were motivated by faith and righteous principle. Our Republic, where God is acknowledged as the Supreme Author of our "unalienable rights," was not just the fruit of brilliant statesmanship or even the shed blood of patriots, but the grace of God. Our Forefathers were led by Providence. America was birthed by the agonizing prayers of men and women who longed for a land where a God-fearing people could enjoy freedom in their homes, churches, businesses, schools, and private and public associations, where private property and religious liberty would be protected by just laws, where political liberty would allow faith to flourish.
Today, all is in jeopardy. We must pray as never before. Please join us in Call2Falll this Sunday, Independence Day and may God hear our prayers. As you pray and as you celebrate the 4th of July I would encourage you to take just a few minutes as you gather with family and friends and read the Declaration of Independence and rediscover the ideals that make our nation so exceptional. (Family Research Council)
Christian July 4th Declaration
July 4th Declaration of God-Dependence
In these uncertain times, it would be good for believers to publically commit to the Source of their real freedom, their real life and real happiness: faith in God through Jesus Christ!
This statement is modeled on our nation's Declaration of Independence.
We hold these truths to be evident in the Bible, that God has chosen us to be His children before He made the world; that we are children of God through our whole-hearted faith in Jesus Christ His Son, our faith itself a gift from God, and that as His children, God has given us certain unalienable rights, that among these are eternal life, liberty from guilt, shame, fear, rejection, abandonment, powerlessness, hopelessness and the pursuit of a godly, fruitful Christian life building the Kingdom throughout the world.
That to secure these rights, the Father sacrificed His Son on our behalf to pay a debt we could not pay even when we were enemies of God through our sins. That whenever any form of government, commerce, culture or public opinion becomes destructive to these God-given rights, it is our duty to throw off such beliefs and to trust in the Lord with all our hearts for our future security, believing that it is the right of all believers to cast their cares and needs upon the unbreakable promises of God Who cannot lie.
We, therefore, the congregation assembled here this Lord's Day, July 4, 2010, do solemnly publish and declare, that we are, and of right ought to be, spiritually free and God-dependent people. We chose to give up our rights to live in our own strength and chose, instead, to live by His strength and promises. We believe that he is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot earn.
And for the support of this declaration and with a firm reliance on the protection of God Our Father, Jesus our Lord and God's Holy Spirit, we pledge to depend on God and on each other for the rest of our days on earth.
(We suggest that people be given the opportunity to sign and hang signed letter in church)
Bob Fox
Partners Online
Honoring the Blood of the Martyr
Jun. 30 - The Fate of the First European Settlement in North America
Fort Caroline, Florida
"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." (Revelation 12:11)
[A note from CHPP: Almost one-half century before the English established their colony at Jamestown, another band of brave immigrants -- this time from France -- made the same attempt: this time on a spot in northeastern Florida.
Today, the American people are largely unaware of their gift to our nation . . . the gift of the Blood of the Martyr. But because our soil has been stained with that Blood, no power of hell can ever overcome us.]
American Minute with Bill Federer
June 30
The first settlement in North America was Fort Caroline at St. John's River in Florida, founded by French Christians known as Huguenots.
On JUNE 30, 1564, they set a day of Thanksgiving and offered the first Protestant prayer in North America:
"We sang a psalm of Thanksgiving unto God, beseeching Him that it would please Him to continue His accustomed goodness towards us."
Rep. Charles E. Bennett sponsored a bill, September 21, 1950, establishing the Fort Caroline National Memorial. In 1989, Rep. Bennett recited the history:
"The 425th anniversary of the beginning settlements by Europeans . . . renamed from Fort Caroline to San Mateo, to San Nicolas, to Cowford and finally to Jacksonville in 1822. . .
Three small ships carrying 300 Frenchmen led by Rene de Laudonniere anchored in the river known today as the St. Johns."
Charles Bennett continued:
"On June 30, 1564, construction of a triangular-shaped fort...was begun with the help of a local tribe of Timucuan Indians...Home for this hardy group of Huguenots...their strong religious . . ..motivations inspired them."
Rep. Bennett related the colony's end:
"Fort Caroline existed but for a short time . . . Spain . . . captured . . . the fort and . . . slaughtered most of its inhabitants in September of 1565."
The Good News Corner
"SON OF HAMAS" WINS COURT CASE
Calls to thank Christians who have been praying for him.
(Lancaster, PA, July 1, 2010) -- By God's grace and the prayers of evangelical Christians around the U.S. and around the world, Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of one of the founders of Hamas, won his court case Wednesday after the U.S. government relented and decided to grant him political asylum.
Mosab called me yesterday to tell me the good news. He asked me to pass on his heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been praying faithfully for him, including those who participated in the 2010 Epicenter Conference over the weekend. At the conference, we showed an exclusive interview with Mosab on how he moved from jihad to Jesus. Tens of thousands of Christians prayed for the Lord to protect him, grant him favor with the U.S. authorities, and give him courage and boldness to continue being a witness for how the Lord Jesus Christ has completely changed his heart and given him a deep love for the U.S., Israel, as well as his fellow Palestinians.
Thanks again to everyone who has been faithfully praying for Mosab. Please continue to pray for his safety, his spiritual growth, and for the Lord to give him wisdom where to live now, and how to invest his time for God's kingdom. (By Joel C. Rosenberg)
[For more details on this story, please go to Joel's weblog.]
Sing with Us Today!
Carrie Underwood: NFL National Anthem
The Lord has given us this great land; may we always treasure what it is to be an American citizen, and may we never forget our heritage. Amen.
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