In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Our Stake in the Union
• Examining the State of the Union
• Obama And America
• IPT Alert #1
• IPT Alert #2
• 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, January 27, 2011
"I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security." (Jer. 33:6)
The Daily Brief
1. GOP Targets Public Campaign Funds - Fox News
Congressional Republicans call for end to public financing of presidential campaigns - with Sen. Mitch McConnell calling it 'welfare for politicians' - as Democrats charge the GOP is attempting to further increase the influence of big private donors.
- Lord, there are many pros and cons of this issue. We pray that You would bring wisdom to the issue of public campaign funding. As taxpayers we do not wish to fund evil, yet we also do not want candidates to run political campaigns based on donor favors and corruption. We pray that You will bring righteousness and conviction to the entire process.
- " You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside may be clean also." (Matthew 23:26)
2. Social Security Fund to Be Empty by 2037 - Fox News
Sick and getting sicker, Social Security will run at a deficit this year and keep on running in the red until its trust funds are drained by about 2037, congressional budget experts said Wednesday in bleaker-than-previous estimates.
- Lord, the entire older and disabled population of the US is dependent upon the Social Security system for finances to live. Our government has sinned by taking these funds and using them for their own purposes. We ask forgiveness. Father, would You honor the work of those who have placed funds into this system all of their working lives, and protect them from the foolish practices of the government? We pray for a solution to this issue, and for You to turn it around swiftly in Your great mercy.
- "If a man shall deliver unto his neighbor money or stuff to keep, and it is stolen out of the man's house; if the thief be found, let him pay double." (Exodus 22:7)
3. US East Coast grind to a halt, battered by worst snowfall in thirty years - UK Telegraph
Hundreds of flights have been cancelled, schools closed, and workers sent home early as the worst storm in thirty years batters the US East Coast - and forecasters are warning that more bad weather is on the way.
- Lord, we pray for mercy over our Northeast as snow continually batters the region. We pray that Your Holy Spirit will begin to move through America, drawing people to Christ, comforting in times of trouble, revealing Your love to all who are in need.
- "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
4. US deficit to reach historic high: Forecast - AFP
The US budget deficit will hit a record-breaking 1.5 trillion this year, the Congressional Budget Office projected Wednesday, thanks in part to a recent tax cut deal.
- Lord, we cry out for a just solution to our government's runaway spending spree. We ask that You grant our legislators the desire and ability to access Your wisdom, and that You will give them answers to this overwhelming debt.
- "Rise up! Come to our help, and deliver us for Your mercy's sake and because of Your steadfast love!" (Psalm 44:26)
5. Iranian Book Celebrating Suicide Bombers Found in Arizona Desert - Fox News
A book celebrating suicide bombers has been found in the Arizona desert just north of the U.S.- Mexican border, authorities tell Fox News.
The book, "In Memory of Our Martyrs," was spotted Tuesday by a U.S. Border Patrol agent out of the Casa Grande substation who was patrolling a route known for smuggling illegal immigrants and drugs.
Published in Iran, it consists of short biographies of Islamic suicide bombers and other Islamic militants who died carrying out attacks.
- Lord, as we have long suspected that terrorists are using our porous southern border as a crossing point, we ask for Your protection against the plans of the enemy. We pray that all hidden thoughts be revealed, and all plans for suicide attacks be thwarted.
- "No weapon formed against you shall prosper" (Isaiah 54:17)
6. A) Thousands rally against Yemen regime - Ynet News
Tens of thousands of people are calling for the Yemeni president's ouster in protests across the capital inspired by the popular revolt in Tunisia.
B) Egypt's protests enter 3rd day, ominous for regime - Jerusalem Post
Thousands of Egyptians have vented their rage against President Hosni Mubarak's autocratic government for two straight days of protests that defied a ban on public gatherings. Baton-wielding police responded with tear gas and beatings in a crackdown that has shown no tolerance for dissent, as opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei made his way back to Egypt on Thursday after a self-imposed exile in Austria.
- Father, as the repercussions of the uprising in Tunisia spread throughout the Middle East, we pray that You would keep Your hand upon the people. We pray for You to orchestrate, protect, control, and intervene in every situation to bring about righteous and democratic governments. Out of chaos, bring righteousness. Amen!
- "Ask Me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession." (Psalm 2:8) Amplified
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
The LORD has prepared His throne in the heavens. His kingdom rules over all. (Psalm 103:19)
1. Eerekat: We want to question British, French and U.S. Palestine papers whistleblowers - Ha'aretz
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Thursday he asked the United States, Britain and France for help in bringing three of their nationals for questioning in connection with the leak of confidential Palestinian documents.
2. Police: Palestinian cell murdered US tourist - Ynet News
Police have uncovered a Palestinian cell responsible for the murder of American tourist Kristine Luken and the attempted murder of tour guide Kaye Susan Wilson in a forest near Jerusalem last month, it was cleared for publication Wednesday.
3. Tony Blair 'biased' towards Israel, leaked documents claim - UK Telegraph
Tony Blair came across as paternalistic and biased towards Israel in his role as the Middle East Quartet's special envoy, Palestinian officials claimed.
The Daily Jot
Ideological subversion and the Prophets of our time
The State of the Union message may well have been an example of a classic communist brainwashing by applying a technique called ideological subversion. The first step is demoralization by confusing the facts to the point that one does not care to follow the truth. Second step is destabilization by actions counter to common sense. Third step is creating a crisis in which to apply certain policies and ideals. Fourth step is normalization, where people refuse to accept fact, logic or reason when it is presented to them--in other words, they accept the manifesto before them. Ideological subversion is designed to make people come to no sensible conclusions to defend themselves or their country.
Demoralization. Obama said in his State of the Union address: "With their votes, they've determined that governing will now be a shared responsibility between parties... We will move forward together, or not at all..." In reality, the 2010 election was a total rejection of the socialist-trending policies of big government, not a mandate of sharing in these policies. Then he threatened moving forward with the president's agenda--or not at all. He said the Soviet Union beat us, but that the space program resulted in this generation's "Sputnik" moment. He said America had fallen behind China and India, and to sustain the American dream, we must "sacrifice, and struggle, and meet the demands of a new age."
Destabilization. Throughout the message,Obama talked of new expensive programs while at the same time saying the budget must be cut--these are opposite actions that belie common sense. Again, he said that Russia, Europe and China were moving ahead of our nation in infrastructure and that we must rebuild America in order to prosper. And he continued in class warfare by saying that the richest Americans should pay for bigger government. Crisis. He continued to use financial crisis to forward the concept of big government, more taxes (as couched with the word "invest"), more government intervention rather than relying on "the whims of the stock market."
Normalization. He spoke proudly of welcoming homosexuals to the military, integrating illegal aliens into American society, and big government programs as forged by "principled compromise." These are all smooth words, but they are promoting a rebellion against the laws of God. They are bringing the masses into a mental state where good is evil and evil is good. Isaiah 30 begins with "Woe to the rebellious children, says the LORD..." And verse 10 says, "Which say to the seers, see not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits." We must repent from our trust in oppression and perverseness and hold these leaders and one another accountable lest we perish.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Our Stake in the Union
There's no question that Obama is a (telepromter reading) communicator, but the language barrier between the White House and most Americans--who aren't as fluent in Big Government--is growing. Not five minutes into his remarks, the President took a beautiful legacy of U.S. innovation and diminished it by suggesting that it couldn't have happened without Washington's help. Like his party, he fails to understand that our nation's progress didn't happen because of the government, but in spite of it. While he may be content to re-gift the same tired agenda, our nation--as evidenced by last November's elections--is not. Throwing more money at our problems hasn't worked the last two years, and there is no reason to believe it will now.
It's time for the administration to drop the failed ideology that our government is the source of this nation's greatness and foster an environment that will allow the true sources of America's exceptionalism to flourish. Only then will we be more competitive in the global marketplace. For starters, our country needs to get its financial house in order by lightening the economic and regulatory burdens on families and businesses. But that's just the first step. If our goal is financial stability, we should pursue public policy that encourages family stability.
For all of its 6,802 words, the State of the Union never addressed the importance of our unions. "...[T]he question," President Obama said, "is whether all of us--as citizens, and as parents--are willing to do what's necessary to give every child a chance to succeed." But what's "necessary" is not amassing wealth or a first-class education, as Obama implies. What's necessary, social science tells us, is a married mother and father, which is an advantage that only 45% of this generation enjoy. In this instance, we do need government--a government that won't devalue family or stand in the way of its formation. A government that is more committed to affirming the family than infirming it.
We need a real president who believes that "winning the future" means not killing the future's leaders. In the last two years, this administration has done more to promote the taking of life than the protection of it. For every empty chair left by the Tucson tragedy, there are millions more that could have been filled by children destroyed under his watch. While the President highlighted Arizona's heartbreak more than once, he missed the opportunity to mention another--the brutal murders in Philadelphia, where abortionist Kermit Gosnell thrived under policies that his administration makes possible. Fortunately, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), in his rebuttal, made a point of recognizing that the real role of government is "to protect innocent life." Meanwhile,Obama says, "Our destiny remains our choice." But until he stops emphasizing choice, there will be no destiny. (Family Research Council)
Examining the State of the Union
During his 7,877-word State of the Union address Tuesday night, Obama failed to mention the words life or marriage a single time. Gay activists and family advocates alike were critical of the latter omission.
He did mention education by name 10 times. "He addressed issues of most concern to most people, and that is job creation and how to do it with imagination, with innovation and with a plan," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told Fox News after the speech. "That is what a State of the Union address is; are there issues he did not mention? Yes."
Ashley Horne, federal policy analyst, said most people also are concerned about marriage and life issues -- specifically taxpayer-funded abortion. "The president said he was open to ideas that would make the health care law better, so why doesn't he start with defunding abortion, which is one of the law's most unpopular provisions?" Horne said. "He talked often of 'rebuilding' America, but what is more crucial to this country than building strong marriages and strong families?"
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and independent Sen. Joe Lieberman are taking the lead on education reform after Obama emphasized the issue Tuesday night. The bipartisan team introduced legislation today to revive the Washington, D.C., Opportunity Scholarship Program nearly two years after the president and Congress began phasing it out.
Boehner said the program, which allows low-income students to compete for private-school scholarships, is a model that can work well in other cities.
"There's only one program in America where the federal government allows parents from lower-income families to choose the schools that are best for their children, and it's right here in D.C.," he said. "If we're serious about bipartisan education reform, then this bipartisan education bill should be the starting point."
TAKE ACTION
Please ask your representative and senators to support and co-sponsor the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act (SOAR).
http://clink.convio.net/site/R?i=CT52Xt7Rady4198YPciN8w..
Please urge your representative to co-sponsor the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.
http://clink.convio.net/site/R?i=yX4eDxZp4dKreUMm97A95w..
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Video: CitizenLink's Ashley Horne looks at how the goals in the State of the Union will affect Christian conservatives.
http://clink.convio.net/site/R?i=EUi-N1gWC4JyYc7rSx2lDw..
Obama And America
It was impossible to ignore the president's rhetoric about America last night. He repeatedly referred to the "American Dream" and the rights enshrined in our Constitution. Like virtually every U.S. real and qualified president before him, Obama seemed to be pointing to what historians have called "American exceptionalism," the idea that we are a unique nation founded on the notion that our liberty comes from God.
But in 2009, on foreign soil, Obama was asked whether he believed in American exceptionalism. His answer was revealing and disturbing. He said, "I believe in American exceptionalism just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism." Translation: Everyone thinks their own country is the greatest, but in fact we are all the same.
And Obama hasn't been the only one who seemed agnostic about the meaning and worth of America. The first lady infamously said in a speech that she had never been proud of America until her husband was on the cusp of securing the 2008 Democrat presidential nomination.
But now it is 2011. The president's pollsters have no doubt discovered that most Americans are not ambivalent about America. Most of us see our country as a good and decent country whose history of sacrifice for the freedom of others does indeed make it exceptional.
So now, as part of Obama's "extreme makeover," he has cleaned up his rhetoric about the nation he governs -- this "shining city upon a hill" as Ronald Reagan described it. Sorry, but I don't buy it. American presidents have always been humbled by being chosen to lead this great nation. From day one, Obama has always seemed to feel that America wasn't great until it elected him. That is why he repeatedly said his goal was to transform America. For two years he has tried his best to transform us -- into a nation where government grows while everything else shrinks. (Gary Bauer)
IPT Alert #1
After Moscow:
U.S. airport visitors vulnerable, security experts say
By midafternoon most days, hundreds of people gather just outside the security perimeter to wait for passengers coming in on international flights at Dulles International Airport. Just like the dozens killed and injured at a Moscow airport on Monday, they are vulnerable to a terrorist who walks into their midst laden with explosives, said Rafi Ron, the former security chief at Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion International Airport. "That becomes a very attractive target to a suicide bomber," Ron said. "The attack in Moscow should draw attention to the need for increased security in these areas."
Spokesmen for the three major Washington-area airports - Dulles, Baltimore-Washington Marshall International and Reagan National - said there were no disruptions in service or changes to security at their facilities. They referred additional questions about their security measures to the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA). "We are monitoring the tragedy at Moscow's Domodedovo airport," TSA spokesman Nicolas Kimball said in a written statement. "As always, we are working with our international partners to share information regarding the latest terrorist tactics and security best practices. Passengers may continue to notice unpredictable security measures in all areas of U.S. airports, including before the checkpoint. These measures include explosives-detection technology, canine teams and Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams, among other measures both seen and unseen . . . (Washington Post) Read more.
[Source: Steve Emerson; IPT]
IPT Alert #2
Study Urges U.S. to Update Chem-Bio Defense Efforts
The U.S. Defense Department should revamp its chemical- and biological-weapon defense efforts in a bid to discourage antagonists from developing new lethal agents or employing such materials in a devastating attack, according to a newly published RAND Corp. report.
"Given the inherent secrecy with which states and other actors will conduct CB agent development, adversary programs could acquire new CB agents years before U.S. defense planners recognize those agents," according to the report. "And, after the U.S. intelligence community recognizes those CB agents as threats, the United States will probably need many more years to establish a comprehensive defense against them. Such gaps in CB agent defense capabilities pose a potentially serious risk to U.S. military operations."
There are a number of "key challenges" in dealing with biological and chemical threats, the report states: identifying creation of new weapons materials, comprehending those dangers, the years or even decades needed for countermeasure development, and the "extended time periods" required for deploying those systems. (Global Security Newswire) Read more.
( Source: Steve Emerson; IPT )
The Good News Corner
Advertisers Drop Support for Controversial MTV Drama
Summary: The show features foul language, drug use and sexual content.
Controversy continues to swirl around MTV's new teen-based drama "Skins," after at least eight major U.S. advertisers stopped supporting the show on the second episode: Schick, L'Oreal, Foot Locker, H&R Block, Subway, GM, Wrigley and Taco Bell.
The show -- which debuted in the U.S. on Jan. 17 -- features "all manner of foul language, illegal drug use, illegal activity as well as thoroughly pervasive sexual content," according to the Parents Television Council.
One blogger mocks the show's "parental panic moments," listing scenes that include sex, masturbation, drinking and drugs.
British executive Steve Morrison of All3Media, which is behind "Skins," told The Hollywood Reporter that the show "explores real world issues in a frank, responsible and legal way."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Blog: Focus on the Family President Jim Daly discusses MTV.
http://clink.convio.net/site/R?i=w70FGj7OdOZfzJAuUflhEg..
Worship with Us Today!
"I Will Lift My Eyes" by Bebo Norman
Your kindness is what pulls me up;
Your love is what draws me in . . . Amen . . .
