In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Deficit Commission Recommends Deep Cuts
• Obama's "Commitment" To Jobs
• IPT Terror Alert #1
• IPT Terror Alert #2
• TAKE ACTION ON H.RES.1731
• The Good News Corner
• A Special Chanukah Tribute
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Monday, December 6, 2010
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8)
The Daily Brief
1. BULLETIN!! Firefighters gain control of all blazes in Carmel area! - AP
After 77 hours, authorities announce that all major blazes have been contained, will be put out before nightfall; police count 20 arson attempts elsewhere in North. "Our news for this evening is control," fire official Boaz Rakia told reporters at nightfall Sunday. "The fire department has declared that the fire is under control." He added that the small fires are still burning in some places.
He said that most of the thousands of Israelis evacuated from their homes would be allowed to return. "From our point of view, the danger has passed for all the places that were evacuated," Rakia said. The sole exception, he said, was Kibbutz Beit Oren, located in the heart of the fire zone, where extensive fire damage would prevent residents from immediately returning.
In a statement on Sunday morning, Firefighters Spokesperson Boaz Rakia, said that although there was a hope that the fires would be under control by Sunday night, it would still be a number of days before all the fires were put out. The Carmel blaze has scorched over 12,000 acres (50,000 dunams), killed 41 people and injured scores.
More than thirty fire-fighting aircraft resumed operations early on Sunday morning, and prepared to drop fire-fighting materials and water on the four remaining areas of fire in Israel's North.
- CAN YOU ALL SAY "PRAISE THE LORD?" We believe we have now seen an overnight MIRACLE as thousands of you out there JOINED FORCES to DECREE that this fire would be extinguished. And it is! Offer praise to the LORD for his mercies over Israel . . . once agian.
- "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Prasie ye the LORD." (Psalm 150:6)
MORE GOOD NEWS: FOX NEWS IS REPORTING TODAY THAT THERE IS RAIN FALLING IN ISRAEL! Praise the LORD for His mercies to all of us!
2. House Passes Middle-Class Tax Cut as Dems, GOP Try to Reach Compromise - Fox News
House Democrats on Thursday passed a bill making middle-class tax cuts permanent as Republicans accused them of playing political games at a sensitive time. The bill passed 234-188 but stands no chance in the Senate. But House Democrats, who want to let the cuts expire for the wealthy, wanted to publicly stake out their position before compromising on extending the tax cuts for everyone. Republicans immediately cast the vote as a tax hike on small businesses and families earning over $250,000.
• And late last Friday, the bill did not pass the Senate. The matter of the Bush tax cuts still remains. Apparently, Republicans believe that the tax cuts should be effective for all people, including millionaires and small businesses. Pray that the Lord bring order to our economy and that His wisdom prevails on the tax cuts. Pray also for those unemployed who need the work that small businesses offer. The Lord is not interested in the distribution of wealth, an ideology of our present administration. The Lord wants everyone to have the work He has destined, so that His people give to His kingdom.
• "And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of your times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is His treasure." (Isaiah 33: 6)
3. Speaker-elect Boehner and Senate Republican Leader McConnell warn Obama - Christian Coalition of America
The two leaders of the Republicans in the United States Congress together wrote a column entitled "Where we and Democrats can work together" in Tuesday's "The Washington Post." Speaker of the House-elect John Boehner and the Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell urged Obama to listen to what the American people had to say in the resounding defeat for Obama's party earlier this month.
Here is a key quote in their column today: "Despite what some Democrats in Congress have suggested, voters did not signal they wanted more cooperation on the Democrats' big-government policies that most Americans oppose. "On the contrary, they want both parties to work together on policies that will help create the conditions for private-sector job growth. They want us to stop the spending binge, cut the deficit and send a clear message on taxes and regulations so small businesses can start hiring again."
• While the two Republican leaders to be - do not possess all knowledge and wisdom- their speaking to the president and publishing their thoughts in the newspaper does reflect the basic will of the American people. Please pray that Obama listens and learns. The president has had his mind so fixed on his agenda that that he has been deaf to the voice of America. Pray for him to have "ears to hear."
• "that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10)
4. McCain faults military "gays" study, wants ban kept - AP
Senate Republicans led by a doubting John McCain dug in their heels Thursday against allowing gays to serve openly in the military, clashing with the Pentagon's top leaders and dimming Democrats' hopes to repeal "don't ask, don't tell" this year. In tense exchanges with Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, McCain and other Republicans dismissed a Pentagon study on gays as biased and said objections by combat troops were being ignored.
• Praise the Lord for Senator McCain and other Senate Republicans for taking a firm stance against the homosexual agenda pressing more and more into our society. Please pray that all will continue their uncompromising stance and will not yield to any political pressure. Senator McCain and the others must be thanked for his support of our American troops.
• "For, You, Lord, will bless the righteous:with favor You will compass him as with a shield." (Psalm 2:12)
5. Reid pushes bill to allow for online gambling - AP
[Self serving] Harry Reid is pushing behind the scenes for lame-duck legislation that would allow poker games over the Internet, but restrict initial licenses to casinos and racetrack operators that have been in business at least five years. Some of the biggest casino operators in Reid's home state of Nevada are eager to get a piece of the online gambling industry, which generates an estimated $5 billion a year for offshore operators.
• Are we surprised by this new move by Reid? Some group got him re-elected, when, in fact, much of Nevada was disgusted by his corrupt leadership in the Senate. Pray that the bill never makes it to the floor of the Senate for a vote, that it is aborted and dies . Ask the Lord Jesus Himself to make Himself known to Senator Reid so that he can repent for all the unrighteous bills he has led to a vote in the Senate - the votes he pressured to passage. Make sure that you spread the news about this bill to your church and Christian acquaintances.
• "What I[Jesus] tell you in darkness, that shall you speak in light: and what you hear in the ear, preach that from the housetops." (Matthew 10:27)
6. 57% of Americans support the repeal of ObamaCare - Christian Coalition of America
Over eight months after the passage of ObamaCare by a super-slim majority, party line vote, 57% of Americans still favor the outright repeal of the law, according to the latest survey from Rasmussen. Further, about half of the public believes that the law will eventually force them to change their own insurance plan or cause them to lose it, which is, of course, what Obama (repeatedly) promised everyone would not be the case.
• The whole ObamaCare seems to be a Trojan horse in the American mind. There will probably be a battle with the White House over any repeal. Please pray that the Lord will go ahead of this battle and smooth out the rough places. Also, we need to pray that the Lord will lead Obama to change his mind about clinging to his health care, and be willing to make changes in the bill that will benefit Americans without increasing the debt.
• "But He answered and said "Every plant, which My heavenly Father has not planted, shall be rooted up." (Matthew 15: 13)
7. Will 9th Circuit rule to protect marriage? - Alliance Defense Fund
Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund who are part of the ProtectMarriage.com legal defense team will present oral arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in Perry v. Schwarzenegger. The case is on appeal after a federal judge in San Francisco ruled California's marriage amendment unconstitutional on Aug. 4.
"What's at stake in this case is bigger than California and bigger even than marriage," said ADF Senior Counsel Brian Raum. "Americans are concerned about how marriage, voter rights, religious liberty, and other issues will be affected nationwide if this lawsuit is allowed to prevail. As was recently demonstrated on Election Day in Iowa, and previously in 31 other states, Americans are tired of activists unhappy with the democratic process who therefore demand the courts conduct a hostile takeover of marriage for them. Americans understand that this lawsuit seeks to impose--through a San Francisco court--an agenda that that country has repeatedly rejected."
• Pour out your prayers on behalf of the Alliance Defense Fund - that the judge hearing the argument will favor the ADF's case. The 9th Circuit Court has been known to make outrageous decisions; therefore, we must pray fervently for God's mercy to protect marriage between one man and one woman in California. Pray also that the Lord will choose the best judge to hear the case, one who understands the role of the judiciary according to the Constitution.
• "Counsel is Mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength." (Proverbs 8: 14)
8. The Secular State's Homeschooling Crackdown - Culture Watch
Secular leftist states know that if they can get access to children from early on, and for many years, they can easily instill their agenda, their values, and their worldview into the children. And as the state's ideology and worldview becomes increasingly hostile to that of the Judeo-Christian worldview, then you can expect states to definitely frown upon homeschooling. Take a look at Sweden, home of Ikea and Volvos. A couple months ago in June, attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund and the Home School Legal Defense Association filed Johansson v. Sweden with the European Court of Human Rights so that that the Swedish government will return a seven-year-old homeschooled boy to his parents. Dominic Johansson was forcibly seized by Swedish authorities from his parents in June 2009 after they had boarded a plane in their move to India. The reason? He was homeschooled.
• While the issue of homeschooling was settled in 1994 by a bill passed by Congress, we should take warning from what has happened in Sweden. Don't be surprised if the left tries to repeal the 1994 bill or talk about homeschooling begins to appear in the media. Lift up Sweden in prayer (there are some on-fire churches in the country but not enough). Pray for the Johansson family to be re-united. Ask the Lord to keep homeschooling viable in the USA and to silence any critics.
• "O God, You have taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Your wondrous works," (Psalm 71:17)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray toward this place and give praise to your name and turn from their sin because you have afflicted them, 36 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance." (I Kings 8:35,36))
1. Firefighters gain control of all blazes in Carmel area - Jerusalem Post
The Carmel fires have finally been contained, firefighting authorities announced Sunday evening.
2. Abbas: As a last resort, I'd ask Israel to take over - Jerusalem Post
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has warned he may dissolve his self-rule government and ask Israel to resume full control of the West Bank if troubled peace talks fail.
3. Netanyahu thanks foreign leaders for help in Carmel blaze - Jerusalem Post
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu stopped foreign fire-fighting planes from arriving in Israel Sunday afternoon, as the forces already in the air brought the Carmel blaze under control.
4. Abbas Threatens to Dissolve Palestinian Authority - VOA News
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has raised the possibility of dissolving the Palestinian Authority if a peace deal cannot be reached with Israel.
The Daily Jot
A real world event worth noting
When the news world is wrapped around the Wikileaks axel and world events are at the forefront of our minds in our busy day to day schedules, I want to share with you a very sobering, yet heart-warming time I had this past week in Nicaragua. Our small church does a lot of mission work. One of the places where we do it is Nicaragua. We sponsor a Bible curriculum to teach, equip and send out pastors to start churches there. And we also support feeding programs, places of refuge for children, and schools. A little bit of money there goes a long way. Indeed, the government is, as I am often reminded, a democracy. But socialists are in charge of it. Fortunately, they encourage ministry, but sometimes they meddle in it.
Throughout the country there are billboards with the picture of "President" Daniel Ortega saying "Christiano, Socialista, Solidario." Ortega, who wants to be president for life, is very big on tying socialism with Christianity to get the predominantly Catholic population, even the protestant population, to vote for him. It is an attractive slogan for a campaign, but in reality socialism and Christianity are not a good mix. The real rubber meets the road when you have examples of ministry work that are hindered by the socialist government--especially when it involves the defenseless. For example, one such ministry started a few years ago in a small hut that was purchased with the help of our church.
This ministry serves throw away children. Throw away children are those who are in a household that does not want them for various reasons--they are another mouth to feed, a kid to clothe, a burden on the family. They are often abused in many ways. They are quite often kicked out of their homes and forced into the streets. A couple of them that I am aware of would sleep in trees at night. This particular ministry took them in. But enter the government, which said that the kids were not allowed to stay overnight in the loving hands of the ministry. They had to be sent home to their personal hell by the end of each day or the ministry would be shut down. The family doing the ministry had to comply.
Now the kids are there at the ministry all day--sometimes up to 75 of them. They get fed, clothed, loved and cared for, and then they are sent away and have to fend for themselves until the next day--government ordered. Nobody really knows why. But the local Nicaraguan family ministering to the kids is undeterred. They cheerfully do the best they can. James 1:27 says, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." You can see the truth in this in the smiles of these kids when they receive hand me down clothes from America, or a small bowl of rice and chicken soup. This is a world event to them.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Deficit Commission Recommends Deep Cuts
So far nine of the 18 members of Obama's deficit reduction commission have endorsed the sweeping plan to cut spending and reform the tax code. But a super-majority of 14 members must endorse the plan in order to guarantee a vote in Congress. The commission will vote tomorrow, and it's not at all clear that this plan can muster that level of support. Some of the more controversial elements of the plan are:
• Raising the retirement age to 68 by 2050 and 69 by 2075;
• Moderating the cost of living formula for future Social Security recipients so that future benefits would not be as high as current projections;
• Severely limiting and even eliminating many popular tax deductions, such as the home mortgage interest deduction and charitable contribution deduction;
• A 15 cents per gallon increase in the gas tax;
• Elimination of farm subsidies; and
• Significant cuts in Medicare and Defense spending.
It should be reiterated that any changes to Social Security would not impact current recipients. The plan also has some positive ideas, including hard caps on federal spending, eliminating the Alternative Minimum tax and reforming the tax code to just three tax brackets of 12%, 22% and 28%. (Gary Bauer)
Obama's "Commitment" To Jobs
With the real unemployment rate near 15% and gas prices on the rise, one thing Obama could do to spur job creation would be to support the expansion of domestic energy exploration. Yesterday, the administration did the exact opposite -- announcing that it would expand a ban on oil and natural gas exploration in the Gulf of Mexico and along the East Coast of the United States.
This decision will cost jobs and make America more dependent on foreign sources of oil. It is inexplicable given the state of the economy and in the face of rising gas prices. The only possible explanation is that the administration's left-wing ideology once again overrode common sense.
Our economy cannot grow and thrive without reliable sources of energy. And whether Obama likes it or not, ours is a carbon-based economy. Obama's dreams about "green jobs" and a "green economy" are just that -- dreams -- as this Washington Post article makes clear.
The green jobs aren't there. Even supporters admit that those jobs will never materialize without "government mandates dictating" our energy usage. (And government mandates always mean higher costs.) Believe it or not, Al Gore now admits that his support for some "alternative fuels" was a mistake.
But Obama is firmly committed to the green ideology, which is about much more than clean air and pristine beaches. The radical environmental movement has been overrun by socialists, and it is all about the redistribution of wealth.
Ironically, these so-called "progressives" would like to turn back time and "de-develop" the United States, shutting down our economy and leaving little wealth to redistribute. Rationing and scarcity wouldn't be the unintended consequences of bad policy, but rather desired outcomes.
If jobs and the economy were the dominant issues of the last election, then the next Congress is obligated to fight this suicidal strangulation of our energy supply. Conservative members of Congress, especially in the House, should hold hearings -- every day if necessary -- forcing top administration officials to justify their actions. I don't think it would take very long for the American public to see who is really serious about creating jobs and getting our economy growing again. (Gary Bauer)
IPT Terror Alert #1
US Ambassador Visits UK Mosque With Radical Ties
The U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom visited and praised a well-known extremist mosque in London Monday, and invited its youth to participate in an embassy-funded initiative to travel to the United States. The East London Mosque(ELM) hosted recent speeches by al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula leader and now Specially Designated Global Terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki, a prominent leader of extremist group Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, and a wide variety of other radical leaders. That's beside hate and terrorism promoted by the mosque's leaders and the Islamic Forum for Europe (IFE), a group headquartered in the mosque complex. U.S. ambassador Louis B. Susman went to ELM, which, in combination with the adjoined London Muslim Centre, holds more than 5,000 worshippers. During his visit, Susman said he had "great admiration" for the mosque and was "looking forward" to a dialogue with community members. He also invited young people from the community to enroll in the U.S. embassy's cultural and interfaith program, which coordinates trips for young leaders to the United States. (IPT News)
IPT Terror Alert #2
Homegrown terror: A threat from within
Terrorism experts worry that Mohamed Osman Mohamud is the most recent example of a disturbing trend - educated young Muslims who suddenly turn militant and target fellow citizens. These potential terrorists are not being recruited or trained in far-off lands, but rather are citizens who enjoy the fruits of western civilization and then become radicalized - posing a lethal threat from within. "It is a worldwide phenomenon. It's happening in every western country," said Gary Perlstein a retired Portland State University criminal justice professor who has written several books on terrorism. Among other things, Perlstein notes that countries such as Britain, Germany and Spain have investigated terrorist plots by young Muslims in their countries in recent years. (Beaverton Valley Times)
TAKE ACTION ON H.RES.1731
Reaffirming Congressional opposition to the declaration of a Palestinian state
Reported by: Unity Coalition for Israel
On November 10, the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) introduced a resolution "reject[ing] entirely the threats of some Palestinian leaders to declare unilateral Palestinian statehood . . . [They affirmed] that all points of dispute must be debated only within the framework of direct negotiations - [and called] on the Palestinian leadership to return to the negotiating table."
One week later, on November 18, Members of the US House of Representatives introduced H. RES. 1731, in strong support of Israel and the above mentioned Knesset resolution. This Action Alert supports the new House Resolution by asking all congressmen for their co-sponsorship.
We need to support this House Resolution.
Please contact your Congressman. Read the main points of the Resolution below and make one phone call using the following directions:
Call the Capitol Hill Switchboard: 202-224-3121
1 - Ask for the Washington Office of your Representative - Give them your zip code and they will connect you.
2 - After being forwarded to the Representative's office, ask to speak to the aide who handles co-sponsorship of House resolutions on foreign policy.
3 - After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message:
"Please tell Representative (Name) that I request that he (she) co-sponsor H. R. 1731 opposing unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state. The Resolution is dated November 18, 2010. "I request to be notified if he (she) is willing to co-sponsor this resolution." [Source: Unity Coalition for Israel]
The Good News Corner
Watch the WORLD Come to the LORD!
In this season when our hearts are turned to that little Baby, born in a manger over 2,000 years ago, let us rejoice in the Gift that keeps on giving . . .
For the second time this year, we refer you to the Great Commission Map, produced by Global Media Outreach.
Rejoice with us in real-time as you behold thousands who are seeking to know the Lord in online chat rooms with GMO's trained counselors, and thousands more who, even today, will make a decision for Christ.
This is certainly our GOOD NEWS report for today!!
A Special Chanukah Tribute
Chanukah in the White House with the Pearl Family
In Memorum: Daniel Pearl
Daniel Pearl's parents light the family's Chanukkah menorah after opening remarks by The Honorable President Bush. The Chaunkkah menorah belonged to Daniel's great grandfather, Chaim Pearl.
