In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• On Capitol Hill - Part One
• On Capitol Hill - Part Two
• Afghanistan Elections on Saturday
• U.S. Supports Israel at IAEA
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010
"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." (I Corinthians 16:13,14)
The Daily Brief
1. BREAKING NEWS: Gunman Dead After Shooting at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore - Fox News
Baltimore police say the gunman who shot a doctor at Johns Hopkins Hospital before barricading himself in a room has shot and killed himself and a relative who was with him.
- Lord, we ask You to comfort those who mourn, and we pray healing for the doctor who was shot, and comfort for his family. We ask protection from the Ever increasing incidents of "random acts of violence" in these perilous times. May we be quick to counter evil, with good, by Your grace alone. In Your Name, amen.
- "Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men." (Psalm 26:10)
2. Senate Panel Appears Ready to Approve Nukes Treaty - AP
A Senate panel appears likely to recommend that the full Senate ratify a U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control treaty.
Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the treaty in April. It would shrink the limit on strategic warheads to 1,550 for each country, down from the current ceiling of 2,200. It also would implement changes in current procedures that allow both countries to inspect each other's arsenals and verify compliance.
The treaty has faced Republican opposition, but it got a boost from a member of the committee, Tennessee Republican Sen. Bob Corker, when he endorsed an amendment offered by the committee's ranking Republican, Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, that was aimed at building Republican support for the treaty.
- Lord let all hidden agendas and clauses of this treaty be revealed. Father protect us from the plans of men, and guard us from any unwise decisions by our leaders.
- "He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence." (Psalm 72:14a)
3. Obama goes on incredible $192 million splurge-fest - WND
House Republicans are collecting photos from citizens showing how the Obama administration is using nearly $200 million in taxpayer money to plaster every possible highway with signs touting how stimulus cash is "Putting America to Work" with infrastructure projects.
- Lord, Obama's personality cult is a huge drain on taxpayer money with signs that are propaganda rather than useful information. We ask that You cause Americans to rise up and stop this "crack in the dike."
- "The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth; he hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth no man." (Isaiah 33:8)
4. Poverty Rate Highest Since '94; Foreclosures Up 25 Percent - Fox News
Numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau paint a bleak picture of the struggling economy as poverty rate spikes to a 15-year high and home foreclosures jump to highest rate since mortgage crisis began.
- Father as the truth of the economy's fragile status is revealed, we ask that You have mercy upon Your people caught in the midst of this difficult time. You are Jehovah Jireh, the God Who provides, so we lay our people before You and ask for Your help.
- "He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses." (Proverbs 28:27)
5. Senate OKs small biz jobs bill - CNNMoney.com
After months of debate and significant pressure from the White House, the Senate on Thursday passed a $42 billion bill aimed at helping small businesses.
- Lord, You alone know whether this bill will help small businesses or be yet another way of creating dependence upon the government. We ask Your intervention, and before this bill reaches the Obama's desk may You change, revamp, and dissolve any portions which will not specifically assist small businesses in become fully capable of creating jobs.
- "Wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it." (Eccl 7:12)
6. U.S. commandos quietly train Yemeni military - Washington Times
Seldom visible in the Yemeni mountains, the elite U.S. commandos training the Yemen's military represent the Obama administration's quest to fight terrorism without inflaming anti-American sentiment.
Aid proposal to counter Al-Qaida in Yemen divides officials - NY Times
Senior State Department and U.S. military officials are deeply divided over the pace and scale of military aid to Yemen, which is emerging as a crucial testing ground for the Obama administration's approach to countering the threat from al-Qaida.
- Father, we ask that You mitigate the plans of our leadership to move into Your will, and protect America and Israel against threats from dangers within the Middle East. Sugar and warmth added to yeast causes it to multiply, so Lord we pray that none of the actions of our government would lead to the spread of terrorism.
- "When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Prov. 16:7)
7. Triple Storm Threat in Atlantic, Gulf - Fox News
As hurricanes Julie and Igor roar through the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Karl is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by the weekend.
- Lord we thank you that thus far these storms appear to be headed away from any maximum damage or loss of life. We pray that they will continue to weaken and move away from populated areas.
- "Return, O Lord, deliver me! O save me for Your mercies' sake!" (Psalm 6:4)
8. Church claims evangelizing students punished for 'kindness' - USA Today
About 200 members of a Roswell church are protesting discipline against students who tried to leave doughnuts with religious messages for their teachers.
- Lord it's a sad day when leaving small gifts in the Name of the Lord causes punishment. We ask forgiveness for these officials, and pray for their souls. We also pray that You will strengthen the faith of the students involved.
- "But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given you in that hour what you should speak;" (Matthew 10:19)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
""the nations . . . shall come up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles . . . " (Zech. 14:16)
1. U.S. envoy: Israel-Palestinian talks moving faster than expected - Ha'aretz
U.S. special envoy George Mitchell said Wednesday that the peace talks between the Israeli and Palestinian leaders were being conducted more seriously and faster than the ones he brokered in Northern Ireland in the 1990s.
2. Report: U.S. suggests 3-month extension to settlement freeze - Ha'aretz
The administration of Obama has suggested that Israel extend the current moratorium on construction in West Bank settlements by an additional three months, in order resolve the disagreement surrounding the issue in recently relaunched direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, the London-based Arabic language newspaper Asharq Al Awsat reported on Thursday.
3. 100,000 children attend radical Hamas summer camps - Jerusalem Post
Hamas continued to gain strength this past summer as about 100,000 youngsters underwent radical anti-Israel indoctrination at dozens of summer camps run by the terrorist group -- which also attacked United Nations camps, its main competition -- according to a report released on Tuesday by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center According to the report, more than 100,000 children and teenagers participated in the Hamas camps, which included paramilitary training and military parades. The Islamic Jihad terrorist organization also opened 51 different summer camps for over 10,000 children.
4. IDF chief: Next wars will not be easier - Ynet News
Ashkenazi tells military academy cadets delegitimization of Israel around the world unjustified because 'our army, more than any other, protects civilians not involved in fighting'.
5. Hamas presents: 'Liberation of Tel Aviv'' - Ynet News
A new Hamas video clip has the Arab internet all a frenzy: It depicts the "battle to free Palestine" and includes fire on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and changes to Israel's Channel 2's news anchors.
6. South under attack; IDF strikes Gaza - Ynet News
Southern Israel communities have been under fire since Wednesday morning, as Gaza terrorists have stepped up their rocket and mortar attacks at Negev residents.
7. Israel considers prisoner release, ceding territories to PA - Ynet News
Israel and the Palestinians have yet to reach a compromise on settlement construction, but Jerusalem is nonetheless considering a number of gestures, including releasing prisoners and transferring areas in the West Bank to Palestinian control, western officials familiar with peace talks told Ynet Tuesday night.
The Daily Jot
Nationwide Government spy network on Christians, conservatives revealed in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Democratic Governor Ed Rendell says he is "deeply embarrassed" by the public disclosure that Homeland Security put information about anti-gay and tax protesters on a list of possible terrorist threats. No matter how he is trying to spin it, Rendell's administration had hired an outside firm to track the public and lawful protests of those who disagreed with the governor's positions and policies. Then the information was sent to law enforcement officials and eventually the information made its way to the state's Homeland Security department. Those who protested higher taxes, for example, were reported as possible terrorist threats and were put on the list. Now the governor is embarrassed.
The governor and his staff are scurrying around like rats in a bright light trying to get their stories straight on whether some of the information could have been "questionable." The private group the governor used to gather this information is the Institute of Terrorism Research and Response. It gives its mission on its website: "Our US-based experts specialize in facing and overcoming domestic forms of terrorism like environmental, ecological, anti-abortion, anti-government, and "home-grown" religious extremism." If you support limited government, oppose high taxes, are a pro-life Christian, and are against homosexuality, this group has been spying on you as a possible terrorist threat for the Pennsylvania government.
This brings to mind when the man who occupies the Oval Office released a Homeland Security report in 2009 just ahead of April 15 Taxed Enough Already (TEA) parties that were planned across the nation. Tens of thousands of TEA party attendees were warned on April 14 by this release that Homeland Security considered those who favored border control, the preservation of life and individual liberties as "racist radicals" and "right wing extremists". The report also held that some Christians were considered terrorists. This is a radical pattern. It begs the question as to how many other state's are doing the same thing, and what is the federal government's involvement? What private firms are spying on us?
Jesus said in John 15:20, "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." If you keep the word of God in your life, you are now on this nation's watch list. From what you post on Facebook to your license plate in a church parking lot, this government, state and federal, considers you a terrorist threat. The very people who founded this nation would be considered terrorists by this government. Where does that put you and me?
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
On Capitol Hill - Part One
SENATE VOTE IMMINENT ON THE DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT (S. 1390)
Passage would reverse "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy on Homosexuals in the Military
Provides federal taxpayer funding of abortions in military hospitals
Following Obama's lead, Congress is in the process of passing legislation that could dramatically and negatively impact our Armed Forces by allowing open homosexual (and bisexual) behavior. Action in the Senate on the Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 2647/S. 1390) that contains the "Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010" is slated to begin next week. We need your help to get the word out and ask your members to contact their Senators ASAP.
Deceptively titled as the "Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010" (S. 3065, H.R. 1283), it is now an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 2647/S. 1390). It will not only repeal the current practice of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," but also the current law that forbids homosexual conduct and replace it with "a policy of nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation" so that men and women may openly engage in homosexual (and bisexual) behavior in the Armed Forces.
To add further moral insult, this Defense Authorization Act currently includes a provision for funding abortions in military clinics at bases and installations all around the world.
Again, the House has already voted to pass this dangerous legislation. Next is a vote in the full Senate. If the church does not rise up and contact their Senators, it will surely pass and Obama will sign it as law. The moral and practical consequences will be intolerable.
Contact your Senators and urge them to vote AGAINST any motion to proceed with the Defense Authorization Act (S. 1390). A vote to oppose this legislation is a vote to uphold the current law restricting homosexual behavior and the policy of prohibiting taxpayer funded abortions in military clinics. Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Senators. Or visit www.FRC.org and click on Contact Officials.
PLEASE NOTE: To assist you in communicating this urgent need for immediate action, we are offering Bulletin Insert to distribute this Sunday. Click here to download a half-page Bulletin Insert, print it out, copy it double-sided, cut down the middle, then distribute the half-sheet copies in your Worship Folder or at high traffic areas. The backside of the Bulletin Insert provides three simple action steps for your church members.
Standing for Faith, Family and Freedom,
Dr. Kenyn M. Cureton
Vice President for Church Ministries
Family Research Council
www.frc.org
On Capitol Hill - Part Two
Embryonic Stem Cell Funding Battle Continues
The National Institutes of Health last week resumed funding for embryonic stem cell research amid an ongoing court battle over the legality of the funding. Opponents argue that Obama's executive order allowing the funding violates a 1996 law prohibiting federal funding for the destruction of human embryos.
Meanwhile, members of Congress are pushing a bill to legalize the funding regardless of the outcome of the court battle. Sen. Arlen Specter spoke on the Senate floor Monday in favor of the Stem Cell Research Advancement Act. The bill passed Congress twice, but was vetoed both times by the Honorable President George W. Bush.
PRAYER FOCUS:
Pray that taxpayer money would not be used to destroy human lives in order to help some others. Pray for continued success in research using adult stem cells to treat and cure disease.
SCRIPTURE TO DECREE:
"He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight." (Psalm 72:13-14)
(Intercessors for America)
Afghanistan Elections on Saturday
Emergency Prayer Alert - AFGHANISTAN
PRAY for Afghanistan Elections on 18 September
WIN PRAYER ALERT
The citizens of Afghanistan will go to the polls on September 18 to select members of the Wolesi Jirga (House of the People), the lower house of the Afghan national assembly.
With controversy lingering from the presidential election of 2009, the people of the war-weary nation of Afghanistan are preparing to return to the polls. On September 18, they will be voting to select members of the Wolesi Jirga - the House of the People. This is the lower part of the Afghan national assembly.
The election, originally scheduled for January 24, 2010, was postponed because of controversy surrounding the presidential election held in December 2009.
Nearly 2,500 candidates (including 400 women) are competing for the 249 seats in the lower house of the Afghan parliament. Observers say this is an opportunity for the troubled nation to begin the process of rebuilding and moving forward.
"Unfortunately," one source notes, "the odds of success may not be much better than they were last year, when a presidential election, marred by violence and widespread fraud, left Afghans and the international community questioning the legitimacy of Hamid Karzai's victory."
Security during and after the voting is a major concern. Keeping the election free from rigging and corruption is another.
When Afghans go to the polls on September 18, they will have the opportunity to help their nation begin the long journey back from war, internal conflict, corruption, and Taliban terrorism.
Afghanistan is ranked number 6 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2010 for worst persecutors of Christians. WIN partners pray for Afghanistan on Day 2 of the Window International Network Praying Through The Window 9: Global Terrorism and World Religions prayer calendar.
PRAY FOR:
• fair elections, free of rigging, corruption, or manipulation. (The Bible, Psalm 64:1-7)
• peace in the days leading up to the elections. Pray for the people to accept the results of the voting without violence. (The Bible, Psalm 34:14)
• the Taliban to be bound and kept from wreaking havoc or creating an atmosphere of fear. Pray for the Spirit of God to be released upon this nation, bringing desperately needed healing. (The Bible, Psalm 37:7)
• President Karzai to work to ensure justice and fairness. Pray for evil men to be rooted out of the government. (The Bible, Deuteronomy 16:19)
• the Lord to raise up righteous men and women to positions of leadership. Pray for this election to truly be a turning point for Afghanistan, serving to bring about the Lord's plans and purposes for this land. (The Bible, Daniel 2:21)
• multitudes of Afghans to hear and respond to the Gospel, surrendering their lives to the sovereignty of the Lord Jesus Christ. (The Bible, I Timothy 2:4)
• God's Kingdom to come in great and mighty power to Afghanistan. (The Bible, I Corinthians 4:20)
[Sources: New York Times, Open Doors and WIN Prayer Network]
ABOUT THE WIN PRAYER NETWORK:
Window International Network (WIN) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999 to continue the international outreach segment of the Christian Information Network.
Our vision is to see sustained, strategic, and informed prayer transforming unreached people for Christ in the 10/40 Window.
Our mission is to inform, equip, and mobilize Networks of Prayer around the globe to empower effective evangelism, church growth, and discipleship in the 10/40 Window.
U.S. Supports Israel at IAEA
The U.S. representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency on Monday urged Arab nations not to single out Israel, saying it could jeopardize the upcoming 2012 conference on a nuclear-free Middle East. The U.S. announced its support in May for the Egyptian-sponsored conference, to Israel's chagrin, but the Obama administration has promised to keep Israel from being singled out.
Arab nations, backed by Iran, want to pass a resolution at this year's IAEA conference calling on Israel to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The nations won narrow support for a similar resolution at last year's conference.
PRAYER FOCUS:
Pray that the Lord would hold back those who wish to isolate Israel and strip it of its defenses.
SCRIPTURE TO DECREE:
"May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame. May they be like grass on the roof, which withers before it can grow; with it the reaper cannot fill his hands, nor the one who gathers fill his arms." (Psalm 129:5-7) [Intercessors for America]
The Good News Corner
GOOD NEWS FROM ISRAEL
Three good reports from the land of Jacob . . .
1. COMBAT UNIT RECRUITMENT HIGH
A recent report by the IDF shows that although many young Israelis are tired of the never ending conflict between their country and its neighbors, motivation to enlist in the IDF and serve in combat units remains high. According to their pre-enlistment interviews, 73.2% of draftees hope to join combat units. This is the highest number of new recruits that have signed up for combat units since 2006.
2. UNEMPLOYMENT IS DROPPING
Israeli Industry is rebounding from the global economic crisis and the labour market is recovering. Israeli industrial production grew by 14% mainly from exports in hi-tech. The unemployment has fallen to the lowest level since 2008 to 6.2%
3. GAS RESERVES COULD YEILD OIL
Since the discovery of huge gas reserves off the coast of Haifa and with the growing need to make Israel's energy needs independent, plans are underway to begin drilling for oil beneath the lower layers of the gas reserves. Current estimates from geological data give a 17% chance of discovering oil reserves which would be equal to 3 billion barrels of oil. [Source: Israel Praise report: Christine Sakakibara - August/September 2010]
Worship with Us Today!
" He is my Defense" by Marty Goetz
Yes, Lord, You are our defense!
