In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Senate Panel Advisory
• Prayer Alert: The "Disclose" Act
• Victory on the Home Front
• Obama and the Declaration of Independence
• New England Solemn Assembly
• 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 - Wednesday, September 22, 2010
" . . . he that shall endure unto the end, he shall be saved." (Mark 13:13)
"America's First Martyrs," by Sara Ballenger.
This book tells the moving story of the martyrdom of over 350 French Huguenots who sailed to our land in 1564, seeking religious freedom. After an initially successful attempt at colonization in northeastern Florida, almost all died for their faith when a Spanish fleet of conquistadors put them to the sword.
"America's First Martyrs" is being released in remembrance of their sacrifice,
445 years ago this week (September 20, 1565).
To learn more about the content of this book, go here. To purchase a copy of "America's First Martyrs," go here.
"And they overcame them through the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death." (Rev. 12:11)
The Daily Brief
1. Senate blocks bill to lift military gay ban - Washington Times
Democrats' last-ditch pre-election effort to pass gay-rights and immigration legislation fell short Tuesday after the Senate blocked the defense policy bill and as Republicans questioned Democrats' motives, arguing that now isn't the time for those politically charged debates.
• The Lord is so merciful to respond to our prayers and to protect our nation. Praise His Name! However, Sen. Reid may still make another run at this issue during the lame duck session that will occur after the election in November. Maintain your vigilance and keep your prayers rising to heaven. Continually be watchmen on the wall! Thank the Lord for the wisdom of those senators who blocked these two issues!
• "Blessed are the undefiled in the way; who walk in the law of the Lord." (Psalm 119:1)
2. Rahm Emanuel Could Leave White House as Soon as October - Fox News
According to a senior White House official, Rahm Emanuel has yet to make his decision about leaving the White House to run for mayor in Chicago, and that decision is not expected imminently. Since the Chief of Staff job is so huge, the administration does not have plans in place if there were to be opening. Read more.
- As Rahm Emanuel prepares to leave this key position at the White House, pray that a man or woman who follows and obeys the Word of God would fill that position next. Pray for a miracle . . . PRAY!
- "I said to the boastful, 'Do not deal boastfully,' and to the wicked, 'Do not lift up the horn. Do not lift up your horn on high; do not speak with a stiff neck.'" For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.Do not lift up your horn on high; Do not speak with a stiff neck.'" (Psalm 75:4-7)
3. Americans want deficit cut even in tough economy - Reuters
A majority of Americans prefer cutting the deficit to increasing government spending as a way to improve the tough economy and believe a more balanced budget would help create jobs, a Reuters poll showed on Tuesday.
• When people have lost much of their pensions, have no money to sustain their families, and businesses cannot expand, the picture is clear. Photo-ops for the president do nothing to ease people's ills. However, perhaps the Lord is using this slow economy to bring people back to reliance on Him, but He wants to bless His people. Pray that the Lord will restore to leadership in our nation those who love and fear Him, know His Word and follow It.
• "Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteousness; spoil not his resting place." (Proverbs 24:15)
4. US Debates Terrorism Trials Nine Years After Attacks on New York and Washington - VOA News
On September 27 a court in New York City is scheduled to open the first civilian trial of a terrorism suspect from the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba detention center. The trial of Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani is being hailed by civil rights lawyers who argue that terrorism suspects should have the same legal rights as U.S. citizens. But the debate over how to bring terrorists to justice is still not resolved.
• This debate should have been concluded years ago. Those who are not citizens of the USA and are, in fact, seeking to destroy our nation are certainly not entitled to the rights of USA citizenship! Can we even understand those lawyers who defend terrorists? Pray that honesty will prevail in this trial and that US citizens will be crying out to the Lord for wisdom and mercy. Pray that a civil rights trial will not add more burden on our weak economy.
• "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." (Ephesians 4:29)
5. France raises terror security, new threat reported - AP
PARIS - France is on alert for possible terrorism after intelligence suggested that attackers might target a public gathering place, with one lead pointing to a female suicide bomber, a counterterrorism official said Monday. The official told The Associated Press that authorities had been bracing for a possible attack last Thursday. Nothing unusual happened that day in France, but authorities are not letting their guard down, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of office policy.
- The French Parliament has just voted to ban the use of burqas in public -- the Moslem tradition of having a woman's face covered. Stand against all retaliation being designed as a result of this bold move, and offer praise for the clarity of thinking of France's leaders. Pray!
- "No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper." (Isaiah 54:17)
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." (Zechariah 14:16)
1. Quartet to call on Israel to extend settlement freeze - Jerusalem Post
The Quartet of Middle East peace mediators is set to request on Tuesday that Israel extend the settlement moratorium currently in place in the West Bank, explaining that the freeze has had a positive impact on peace talks, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
2. Iron Dome defense system could be deployed first in North, IDF chief hints - Ha'aretz
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi hinted Tuesday that the army might choose to deploy its first batch of Iron Dome defense systems along the northern border when they become operational this coming November.
3. Israel rejects offer to join UN atomic agency - Ynet News
It is against Israel's interests to join a global anti-nuclear arms treaty and the UN atomic watchdog is overstepping its mandate in demanding it to do so, the Jewish state's nuclear chief said on Tuesday.
4. Palestinian report: PA, Israel officials hold unannounced West Bank meeting - Ha'aretz
Officials from the Palestinian Authority, Israel as well as U.S. representatives held an unannounced meeting in the West Bank, the Palestinian Ma'an news agency reported on Tuesday, as the upcoming expiration of a moratorium on settlement building was expected to disrupt the recently relaunched peace talks.
The Daily Jot
Reflections of Leaders:
Of false religions and tyrants
Iran's so-called "president" Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addressed the assembly of the United Nations calling for a new global governance. Ahmadinejad's new world order would reject capitalism and consist of "an encompassing and, of course, just and humane order in the light of which the rights of all are preserved and peace and security are safeguarded." Giving an example of justice and humanity, Ahmadinejad suggested a double standard because the media reacted with outrage over the stoning to death of a woman in Iran convicted of adultery while no outrage was directed at the execution by injection of a Virginia woman convicted of murder.
Ahmadinejad also told reporters that if Iran's nuclear plant was attacked that the United States would face a war with "no limits." And he continued to deny that the Holocaust occurred. It is, quite frankly, an embarrassment to the Persian people to have a lunatic like Ahmadinejad representing them before the world. But the truth of the matter is that we all are subject to our leaders, like it or not. And our leaders reflect who we are as a people. Ahmadinejad is not a leader who acts justly or preserves the rights of peace and security for all. And the laws of his nation, derived from Sharia law, are unjust and inhumane.
I am reminded of a video that has been circulating the Internet. I have not been able to verify where it took place, on what date, or if it is true. The only thing I can say is that it was recorded apparently on a cell phone, as it can be seen in the video others recording the event on their cell phones. It is reportedly a video of the stoning of a teen aged Muslim girl for the crime of refusing to marry an older man. It is brutal. It was a most indignant and disrespectful way to die. And the men who were stoning her were barbarians, seemingly enjoying the power they had in performing their civic duty. This is the type of justice under Islam. Islam is also known for its slavery, human trafficking of children and women, and drug trade.
Ahmadinejad gives the world true insight into Islam, its leadership, and its laws. No true religion would in this day and age do the things these people do, say the things these people say, or behave the way these people behave. Their is no following of what Jesus Christ said in Matthew 7:12, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." This is the golden rule. It is the test of any religion. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Ahmadinejad is the reflection of an entire political system masquerading as a religion. Take heed that you are not deceived by talk of peace and love when there is neither peace nor love.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Senate Panel Advisory
Senate Panel to Reconsider Obama's Pro-Abortion Judicial Picks
The Senate Judiciary Committee will consider sixteen of Obama's judicial nominees during a hearing Thursday, including several who have been panned for advocating abortion. Some of the more controversial nominees include Goodwin Liu, Edward Chen and Louis Butler, nominated to appeals court and district court positions.
The nominees made it past the committee before but, since they never received Senate votes and time ran out on their nominations, Obama nominated them again.
Liu, nominated to become to a United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, is most infamous for his beliefs that the Constitution evolves per the view of judges.
Chen, nominated to a district court judgeship in California, and Butler nominated to become a distract court judge in Wisconsin, are also pro-abortion.
Goodwin Liu is a professor at the liberal University of California, Berkeley . . . (By Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com)
Prayer Alert: The "Disclose" Act
Senator Reid May Bring Vote to Floor on Thursday
Dear Federal Intercessors,
There is late breaking word that Harry Reid is likely to bring the "Disclose" Act to the Senate floor as early as tomorrow (Thursday). Despite its name, this is very deceptive legislation aimed at shutting down free speech, not "disclosing" truth. It is especially aimed at speech critical of the government, which is hardly "disclosure."
This is another assault on our Constitutional freedoms, our rights that come from God, and which have blessed America for over 200 years. Unfortunately, we have people in our government who do not like America as founded over 200 years ago. Pray in unity that God would again intervene, and put a stop to this fraudulent and deceptive legislation!
Many Thanks and Blessings,
Mark Williamson, President
Federal intercessors
www.federalintercessors.net
• Lord, we pray against all the efforts of the liberals to pass bills without the consent of the people. We pray that s strong protest will arise and that they will no longer be able to do things in secret or against the people's wishes.
• You shall seek them and not find them - Those who contended with you. Those who war against you Shall be as nothing, As a nonexistent thing. For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.' (Isaiah 41:12, 13)
Victory on the Home Front
While the U.S. military is legendary for winning wars, today a bipartisan mix of 43 senators stood up for the men and women who serve our nation in uniform. By a vote of 56-43 (four short of the 60 votes required) the Defense Authorization bill, loaded with radical favors to homosexual and abortion special interest groups, failed. While this is not the end of the bill (it will return after the election) this is a major victory for the men and women who sacrificially serve our nation in uniform and their families. Earlier this year in his State of the Union Address, Obama made overturning the ban on open homosexuality in the military one of his top legislative priorities. As was stated repeatedly today, the nation's top military leaders--Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations; Gen. George Casey, Army Chief of Staff ; Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff; and Gen. James Conway, Marine Commandant were all on the record opposing the policy change.
Today is a victory--not only our military--but also for the thousands of unborn children whose lives were saved by blocking the amendment that sought to turn our military hospitals into abortion facilities. We all owe a great debt of thanks to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), and Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.). Senator McCain was a consistent and very vocal defender of our troops in this fight, as was Senator Inhofe, who joined us to talk about the issue on our nationwide webcast in July and at last week's Values Voters Summit. I also want to thank Senators Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, the two Democratic senators who voted against moving the bill forward. Lastly, I want to thank all of you who, according to the Wall Street Journal, helped us "[lead] the opposition to repealing the ban." We appreciate all who called, wrote, donated, and signed our petition--without you, and without God's favor, today's victory would not have happened. (Tony Perkins, Family Research Council)
Obama and the Declaration of Independence
Obama Changes Declaration of Independence to Omit "Creator"
On September 17, Obama spoke to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute 33rd Annual Award Gala. During his speech - reading from a teleprompter - he quoted from the Declaration of Independence. Here is what he said: "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, endowed with certain unalienable rights, life and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Obama omitted the words "by their Creator" from his speech. Why? Given the fact that he was using a teleprompter, I can only conclude that this was intentional. Either he, or his speechwriter, did not want to give credit to Almighty God. This kind of action would be in step with modern secular liberalism which is hostile to the Christian faith and hates the historical fact that America's founders revered and acknowledged God in so many ways that are indisputable, such as these words in the Declaration of Independence: "endowed by their Creator."
The best action Christians can take in response to this is to both work and pray for changes in Washington, D.C. You can start by getting everyone you know who is eligible to vote to register and vote November 2. We need more men and women who, like our founders, understand that our rights are from God and not from man. (American Family Association)
Watch the video here.
SECOND COMMENTARY:
"UNALIENABLE OR INALIENABLE?"
Obama also used the term "inalienable" which is quite different from "unalienable." The first means that they cannot be alienated from; the second means they cannot be converted into privileges and then licensed back to the one who has them. "un a LIEN able" - which is exactly what the federal corporation does. Our God-given right to travel is converted into a privilege and then licensed back to us. Our God-given right to work is converted into a privilege and then the fruits are subject to an excise (that is, privilege) tax. We can "own" a home but can only rent the land on which it rests. And if we want to make changes, we need a license for that, too.
He is okay with inalienable rights - we "enjoy" those rights in an academic sense, but when we choose to exercise them, then the actual activity associated with exercise of rights becomes exercise of government-granted privilege, and thence subject to regulation and privilege taxes.
Obama, the "Constitutional scholar" certainly knows this stuff, and probably knows it better than we do.
Steve Coerper
Raleigh, North-Carolina
Anakypto Forum on BlogTalkRadio
New England Solemn Assembly
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Over 60 leaders from around New England invite you to a day of fasting and prayer on behalf of our region and America.
Return, Rediscover, and Reclaim God's Purposes for America
Historic Tour: 9:30-11:00am
Solemn Assembly: Noon-4pm at Memorial Hall in Plymouth, MA
September 25, 2010
View Video Invitation
Dear New England Believer (and friends across the nation),
For years our hearts have been stirred by the stories of New England Awakenings that have influenced the nations of the earth. Our imaginations have been captured by the legacy of awakeners, theologians, missionaries, and evangelists that called New England home.
In recent years, God has spoken to many of us and confirmed His word that He is planning to pour out His Spirit on our land yet again. Like Simeon, whose eyes grew dim watching and praying for the promised Messiah, there are those standing among us who God has told, "Your eyes will see what I have promised you." At the same time, young ones moving in the Spirit of John the Baptist are rising up beside them, sounding the trumpet and calling the Church into the fulfillment of God's promises and our legacy.
As Proverbs says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." At times, we have hoped falsely in quick fixes or man-made solutions, only to see the promised outpouring pass us by. It is easy to become cynical, when year after year we have heard of, "revival, awakening, outpouring . . ." yet we have not seen the fulfillment. Callousness threatens to deaden our hopes. Yet, the promise from God remains, and God cannot lie. (Read more)
PURPOSE OF THE NEW ENGLAND SOLEMN ASSEMBLY
- Respond to the urgency of the Holy Spirit to bring people back to covenant as key to revival
- Return to the birthplace of the country and re-establish the covenant with God that the Pilgrims first formed
- Reclaim the Christ-centered heritage of America
- Unite all six states for a New England to return to the one, true holy God to a place of honor in our lives
The Good News Corner
Scientists Admit Parting of the Red Sea Was Possible
"People have always been fascinated by this Exodus story, wondering if it comes from historical facts. What this study shows is that the description of the waters parting indeed has a basis in physical laws."
For years, atheists have dismissed Biblical miracles as myths or outright fabrications. Although Christians and Jews believe these miracles-such as the parting of the Red Sea-truly happened and were orchestrated by God Almighty Himself, it is only recently that researchers have come to admit that, at least scientifically, the Red Sea really could have parted for the fleeing Children of Israel.
A report in The Daily Mail details how U.S. scientists studied ancient maps of the Nile Delta region, pinpointed where the crossing may have occurred, and then studied computer modeling which suggested a powerful wind "could have divided the waters just as depicted in the Biblical story."
According to the report: "Analysis of archaeological records, satellite measurements and maps allowed the researchers to estimate the water flow and depth at the site 3,000 years ago. An ocean computer model was then used to simulate the impact of a strong overnight wind on the six-foot-deep waters. The scientists found that an east wind of 63 mph blowing for 12 hours would have driven the shallow waters back, both into the lake and the river channel. For a period of four hours, this would have created a land bridge about two miles long and three miles wide. The waters really would have been parted, with barriers of water raised on both sides of the newly exposed mud flats. As soon as the winds dropped, the waters would have rushed back, much like a tidal bore. Anyone stranded on the mud flats would have been at risk of drowning."
Lead researcher Carl Drews, from the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, said: "The simulations match fairly closely with the account in Exodus. The parting of the waters can be understood through fluid dynamics. The wind moves the water in a way that's in accordance with physical laws, creating a safe passage with water on two sides and then abruptly allowing the water to rush back in. People have always been fascinated by this Exodus story, wondering if it comes from historical facts. What this study shows is that the description of the waters parting indeed has a basis in physical laws."
What the researchers' conclusions fail to account for, in relation to the Biblical story, is how everything conspired to happen at exactly the right moments to allow the Israelites to cross over, and then immediately turned again to drown the pursuing Egyptians. Nor can it explain how thousands of fleeing refugees could cross over mud. The land had to be dry for that to occur.
Still, such an admission coming from the scientific community is just that: an admission that the event was possible. If nothing else, it is a step away from complete denial. (Daily Mail; Breaking Christian News) Read more
Worship with Us Today!
"He Shall Reign Over All the Earth" - Paul Wilbur
YES, LORD, You reign!
