In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• The President's Speech
• Congressional Update
• Get Ready . . .
• IPT Alert #1
• IPT Alert #2
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Thursday, January 13, 2011
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10)
The Daily Brief
1. PRAYING FOR CONGRESSWOMAN GABRIELLE GIFFORDS' HEALING - CHPP
Thank you for joining us tonight in praising God for the miraculous healing of Rep. Giffords, and in giving our Jehovah GOD all the praise, all the honor, and all the glory for this miracle. Amen.
- "She will not die, but live and declare the works of the LORD." (Psalm 118:17)
2. Obama Urges a National Dialogue of Healing at Arizona Memorial Service - Fox News
Saying he wants to live up to the dreams of a 9-year-old girl who perished in a Tucson parking lot last weekend, President Obama on Wednesday urged Americans to temper the political discourse now polarizing the public square.
- Lord, we praise You for Mr. Obama's request that we stop allowing the tragedy to turn us against one another. But, as with all political speeches, we pray that You will keep Americans from buying into any tactics that would over-react to the shooting and destroy freedom.
- "Rescue me and deliver me from great waters - whose mouth speaks vain words and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood." (Psalm 144:7,8)
3. Poll: 71% of Americans Oppose Increasing Debt Ceiling - The Hill
Debate rages about whether Congress should approve an increase in the federal government's $14.1 trillion debt ceiling this spring, as the Obama administration favors. It looks like a huge majority of citizens opposes an increase. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that 71 percent of Americans oppose lifting the debt limit, while only 18 percent support it, The Hill reports.
- Lord, we pray that Congress will heed the voice of Americans and vote according to Your wisdom and truth! We bind the deception and power lust on Capitol Hill and loose Your Spirit across all party lines.
- "If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)
4. Death Threats Against Sarah Palin at 'Unprecedented Level,' Aides Say - ABC News
An aide close to Sarah Palin says death threats and security threats have increased to an unprecedented level since the shooting in Arizona, and the former Alaska governor's team has been talking to security professionals.
- Lord, we take authority over the spirit of murder and lies. We apply the cross of Christ to Sarah and her family, and build a hedge of the Blood of Jesus around them. We pray for Your mighty protection and safety, for all who are targets of hatred.
- "whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 18:18)
5. Illinois Lawmakers Approve 66% Tax Hike - CBS Local Chicago
By a single vote, Illinois lawmakers approved a 66 percent increase to the personal income tax overnight, and soon, your paycheck will be shrinking.
- Lord, we pray against this foolish move by Illinois lawmakers. They do not seem to realize that people and businesses will simply move away from their state, leaving them in worse shape than before. We pray for wisdom and truth to help them see what they have done to the constituents of their state, so that it will be reversed.
- "For You have broken the yoke of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor" (Isaiah 9:4a)
6. Fed survey: US economy ends 2010 on strong note - Fox News
The U.S. economy ended last year on an encouraging note, with all parts of the country showing improvements. Factories produced more, shoppers spent more and companies hired more -- pointing to a stronger economy in 2011.
- Thank You, Lord for this bit of good news. We pray that stabilization and wisdom will occur and that our lawmakers will stop runaway spending and poor fiscal decisions.
- "Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom." (Psalm 51:6)
7. a) Arab League: Lebanon at risk of civil war - Ynet News
Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa called on Lebanon's political leaders Wednesday to "act calmly and wisely" in the wake of the local government's collapse, warning that the country faces the risk of civil war.
b) Iran's Role in Collapse of Lebanese Government May Serve as Warning for Iraqis - Fox News
Even as observers blame Iranian influence for the collapse of Lebanon's coalition government Wednesday, the mullahs in Tehran seem to be extending their reach into the fledgling government in Iraq.
- Father, we ask for Your Holy Spirit to invade Lebanon at this time. We ask for Your power and heart-changing love to cover that nation and bring life. We pray that You would preserve the people of Lebanon from destruction, and bring about the reforms necessary for a democratic, stable nation. We bind the power of false gods and murder over the region and ask for intervention by You, our Mighty God!
- "Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man; seek out his wickedness until You find none." (Psalm 10:15)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Comfort, O comfort My people," says your God. "Speak kindly to Jerusalem; and call out to her.. (Isaiah 40:1-2a)
1. Poll: Jerusalem Arabs prefer Israel - Ynet News
The future of Jerusalem is considered one of the core issues in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and one of the most significant obstacles to a permanent agreement between the two sides. However, it appears that on the Palestinian side, those who live in Jerusalem have already made their decision on the matter -- and the Palestinian Authority leadership in Ramallah may not like it.
2. Secret Ross visit paved way for renewed US-Israel talks - Jerusalem Post
Top White House aide Dennis Ross visited Israel secretly at the end of last week, paving the way for meetings administration officials are scheduled to have this week in Washington with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's envoy Yitzhak Molcho.
3. Egypt to Hamas: Stop Gaza rockets or face new Israel war - Ha'aretz
Egypt has told Hamas that Israel might launch a Gaza war to curb rocket attacks, a warning that led the group to urge other militant factions to cease fire, sources familiar with Egypt-Hamas contacts said on Wednesday.
The Daily Jot
Greatest speech of his presidency; but what of its intent?
By and far it was the best speech of his presidency and arguably of his political career. The president called for the nation to unify and to "pause for a moment and make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds." There were somber moments describing the lives of those who were killed by the Tucson gunman, and the heroic effort of those who lived to save lives or to be saved. He spoke of those who were killed or wounded as if they were life-long friends and he took the time to introduce them to the rest of the nation. He encouraged all Americans to live up to the child-like expectations of nine year old Christina Taylor Green for our nation. But something was amiss.
The president's plea to Americans was civility. And this is indeed what we as Americans have lost one for another. There are so many things that have divided us as a people. While evil is at the root of this division, political parties have provided a spirit of derision for both reason and justness, even the truth of the Word of God. George Washington warned against the spirit of party in his Farewell Address, saying, "You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heartburnings which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend to render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection." Certainly, as Americans we should be bound by fraternal affection.
The man at the White House seized the opportunity of tragedy to address the nation. His remarks were reminiscent of the campaign trail in 2008 when he pledged to bring unity and hope. And the atmosphere at the University of Arizona was more like a campaign rally than a memorial service--kind of over the top. Even Associated Press in its report wrote that the speech, "by turns somber and hopeful, at times took on the tone of an exuberant pep rally as he heralded the men who wrestled the gunman to the ground, the woman who grabbed the shooter's ammunition, the doctors and nurses who treated the injured...the crowd erupted in multiple standing ovations as each was singled out for praise."
If not for the appearance of a campaign rally at a memorial service; If not for his own political party and his own past words contributing to this great divide; If not for a week's worth of words like "civility" meaning "do not criticize politicians";--his words may bring hope and healing. The question before us is was this tragedy used for self promotion or was honor and memorial properly served? The answer may be found in those "Together we Thrive" campaign T-shirts draped on the back of all the chairs at the beginning of this "memorial service." Notwithstanding, we as fellow Americans truly should abide in the words of Jesus in John 13:34, "That ye love one another: as I have loved you."
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
The President's Speech
Addressing the nation after a tragedy is one of the most challenging tasks of a president. It requires tremendous discipline and composure to strike the right balance, to set aside the burning issues of the day and to rise above partisanship to unite the nation. This morning, President Obama is earning high praise from across the political spectrum for having done just that.
Rich Lowry, editor of National Review, wrote "President Obama turned in a magnificent performance." New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said this morning, "I thought it was excellent. I thought he did exactly what a leader should do at a moment like this." Columnist Charles Krauthammer praised Obama's speech as a "remarkable display of oratory and of oratorical skill, both in terms of the tone and the content." And Marc Thiessen, a speechwriter for George W. Bush and top aide to the late Senator Jesse Helms, called Obama's remarks "brilliant and courageous."
While Obama won praise for his speech, many were put off by the atmosphere at the University of Arizona's McKale Center. When the president took the podium, he was welcomed by the audience with raucous applause. CNN political analyst David Gergen, not exactly a conservative firebrand, said, "Many of us in the TV audience tuned in to Tucson expecting a solemn service memorializing the dead and wounded. So it was jarring at first to find an atmosphere more like a pep rally, even a campaign rally."
Obama's speech was interrupted by applause more than 40 times, as if his remarks were stump speech applause lines. And there were even free T-shirts for attendees. I have to think that the White House is not happy with the organizers of this memorial service.
The speech was long. Even Democrat strategist Paul Begala noted, "It seemed to me at over 30 minutes, it was an extraordinarily long speech for these sorts of situations. Ronald Reagan's Challenger speech was four and a half minutes. Bill Clinton's speech in Oklahoma was nine minutes. This was over 30."
Here are a few lines from Obama's speech that grabbed my attention:
"But what we cannot do is use this tragedy as one more occasion to turn on each other. And if, as has been discussed in recent days, their death helps usher in more civility in our public discourse, let us remember it is not because a simple lack of civility caused this tragedy -- it did not -- but rather because only a more civil and honest public discourse can help us face up to the challenges of our nation in a way that would make them proud."
When I heard those words, I wondered if I was the only one who thought that Obama had just repudiated his left-wing base. I wish the president had spoken out more forcefully on this matter, but last night Obama told Paul Krugman and Keith Olbermann that they were wrong -- a lack of civility did not cause this tragedy. Unfortunately, as you will read in the next item, there is little evidence that his media and political allies are ready to heed his call for a more "civil and honest public discourse."
I also hope that the president will take his own advice. Last night he said, "at a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who happen to think differently than we do, it's important for us to . . . make sure that we're talking with each other in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds."
That's good advice. And I hope the candidate who once urged his supporters to argue with neighbors and to "get in their face," who accused some Americans of being "bitter and clinging to their guns and religion" and who said that liberal voters should "punish our enemies" will follow it in the days ahead. Given that Obama remains committed to an agenda of bigger government, higher taxes, abortion-on-demand, the redefinition of marriage and appeasing the Muslim world, I'm not optimistic. (Gary Bauer)
Congressional Update
THREE BILLS TO WATCH IN NEW CONGRESS
Congress remains out of session this week, but when they return, there will be much activity for all of us to watch, and to pray over . . .
House Republicans are wasting no time in pushing back against Obama's socialism. Next week, they will hold a vote on repealing ObamaCare. In addition, legislation has been introduced to rollback other major Obama initiatives. For example:
-- Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) has introduced a bill to delay the EPA's carbon regulations for two years. The purpose of this delay is to allow additional time for lawsuits challenging the EPA to work their way through the court system.
-- Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) has filed a bill that would cut off funding for enforcement of the EPA's carbon regulation scheme.
-- Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TX) has proposed legislation amending the Clean Air Act to strip the EPA of its authority to regulate so-called "greenhouse gases." Her bill has already attracted 46 co-sponsors.
Combined, these three measures represent a broad offensive covering every major avenue to rein in the "Employment Prevention Agency" and prevent Obama from imposing by regulatory fiat a cap and trade scheme that the previous Democrat-dominated Congress would not even pass.
I believe this is a fight we can win. It is being led in the Senate by Democrat Jay Rockefeller, the senior senator from West Virginia. That state's junior senator, Joe Manchin, won last year thanks in part to a provocative television commercial in which he literally shot Obama's cap and trade bill with a rifle.
But there is more good news from the House GOP: Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), along with 28 GOP co-sponsors, has introduced legislation to eliminate Obama's 39 presidential czars. And House Judiciary Chairman Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) wasted no time in going after the Obama Justice Department for dismissing the case against the New Black Panther Party. The Washington Post reports that Chairman Smith issued a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder demanding documents and answers by January 21st. (Gary Bauer)
- Praise the Lord for these bills that will prevent the president and his colleagues' imposition on the American people! Congress heard the cry of Americans loud and clear. Pray now that these new bills will pass both houses of Congress without rancor or partisanship. Email your senators and representatives to tell them that you approve of these new bills. Ask the Holy Spirit to move on more Democrats to support the bills.
- "Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings, and all who are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." (1 Timothy 2:1 -2)
Get Ready . . .
COURT RULING OPENS DOOR FOR MORE NUDITY ON NETWORK TV
The US Second Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated the $1.21 million worth of fines that the FCC levied against ABC after alleging that the network violated broadcast indecency standards for daring to show actress Charlotte Ross' naked behind during a 2003 episode of "NYPD Blue." When overthrowing the fine, the court cited the FCC's own declaration that "nudity itself is not per se indecent." It also reiterated that the FCC's context-based indecency test is "unconstitutionally vague," as previously determined by the court when the FCC demanded fines from Fox when profanities were aired during the 2006 Billboard Music Awards.
The result of the latest ruling is that "because networks know that they won't be fined for [showing bare buns on screen], they know that it is another tool in the arsenal to engage viewers," says Lawrence Meyers, editor of "Inside the TV Writer's Room" and "Picket Fences" story editor. In essence, the ruling "gives television producers and networks more freedom to do it if they wish," he says, noting that "because network ratings are in severe decline and have been for a number of years, they may try to pull out all the stops and say, 'Let's throw in as much nudity and swear words as we can out there,' instead of focusing on playing great content, which they have not been doing." (New York Post)
- Sex sells, or so think advertisers. Pray for Americans to rise up and condemn this ruling, for children and unstable adults already have more than enough exposure to the indecent through the internet. American Movie Guide has already proven beyond doubt that movies with decent stories and inspirational content draw more audiences than any other. Pray that the Holy Spirit moves on the judges of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals for them to rescind their ruling and promote godliness.
- Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report. If there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8)
IPT Alert #1
US Aid to Israel Not Worth the 'Real Cost,' Researcher Says
Israel is paying through the nose for US aid and would better off without it, says a researcher for the Jerusalem Institute for Market Studies (JIMS). American aid to Israel to the tune of $3 billion a year has been maligned by many U.S. conservatives and by the Arab world, but Israel actually loses more than it receives, according to JIMS analyst Yarden Gazit. "U.S. aid is a net loss for Israel and Israel would be better off without it," he concluded in his report, released on Wednesday. Gazit explained that the conditions for the military assistance are designed to help the American military-industrial complex at the expense of the Israeli defense industry. (Israel National News) Read more.
IPT Alert #2
Hizbullah topples the Lebanese gov't ahead of UN report
Lebanon's year-old unity government collapsed Wednesday after Hizbullah ministers and their allies resigned over tensions stemming from a UN-backed tribunal investigating the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri. The walkout ushers in the country's worst political crisis since 2008 in one of the most volatile corners of the Middle East. The tribunal was widely expected to name members of Hizbullah in upcoming indictments, which many fear could re-ignite sectarian tensions that have plagued the tiny country for decades. "This cabinet has become a burden on the Lebanese, unable to do its work," Energy Minister Jibran Bassil said at a news conference announcing the resignations, flanked by the other ministers who are stepping down. "We are giving a chance for another government to take over." (Jerusalem Post) Read more.
- Father, we ask for Your Holy Spirit to invade Lebanon at this time. We ask for Your power and heart-changing love to cover that nation and bring life. We pray that You would preserve the people of Lebanon from destruction, and bring about the reforms necessary for a democratic, stable nation. We bind the power of false gods and murder over the region and ask for intervention by You, our Mighty God!
- "Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man; seek out his wickedness until You find none." (Psalm 10:15)
The Good News Corner
College Agrees to Respect Students' Free Speech Rights
Summary: Alliance Defense Fund lawsuit will move forward.
Palm Beach (Fla.) State College has agreed to allow members of Young Americans for Freedom to hand out leaflets on campus after the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) sued over the college's free speech policy. The ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida allows the students to distribute fliers as the lawsuit moves forward.
The college also will revise its policies, which required individuals to obtain permission to hand out materials 24 hours in advance.
"Public colleges and universities should serve as our nation's marketplaces of ideas, not as prisons of censorship," said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Casey Mattox. "Palm Beach State did the right thing in agreeing to suspend this outright ban on free speech while it is being challenged in court.
"This is the first step toward permanently removing these burdensome restrictions on First Amendment-protected liberties." (CitizenLink)
Worship with Us Today!
I AM THE GOD THAT HEALETH THEE
by Don Moen
In praise and thankfulness for Rep. Gifford's healing progress . . . and if Rep. Gifford does not know Yeshua personally as her Messiah, our earnest prayer is that He will reveal Himself to her during this time.
Join us in worship here.
