In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• America Needs God
• Safeway Statement Regarding Tucson Shooting
• Boehner Praises Budget Cuts
• Down with the Czars!
• ISRAEL: Rocket Attacks Continue
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
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chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Tuesday, January 11, 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. Friends, Critics Dispute Arizona Sheriff's Remarks on 'Political Rhetoric' in Wake of Rampage - Fox News
Just hours after Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, an Arizona Democrat, was shot in the head by a crazed gunman, Pima County Sheriff Clarence W. Dupnik -- addressing the media for the first time -- made headlines for saying that "vitriolic political rhetoric" heard on the radio and TV caused Jared Loughman to go on a bloody killing spree that left six dead and 14 wounded. Critics say the sheriff needs to be the protector of the people, not a source of instigation and divisiveness. But this isn't the first time Dupnik has offered his brazen opinion on controversial topics, such as Arizona's controversial immigration law, the Tea Party and campaign finance.
Sheriff Paul Babeu of Pinal County, Ariz., told Fox News that Dupnik's comments only helped to fuel unsubstantiated rumors that were rampant in the hours after the shooting, including that the shooting suspect had served in Afghanistan and was a member of the Tea Party.
• Lord, we pray that the politicization of this tragedy will stop immediately. Let leaders call for an end to inflammatory language. We need to work together during this time of tragedy.
• Judge not, that you be not judged. (Matthew 7:1) For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, "Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done."Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. (Nehemiah 6:8,9)
2. Could Tighter Gun Laws Have Saved Lives in Tucson? - Yahoo News
The federal assault-weapons ban, which passed in 1994 and expired in 2004, prohibited magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. Gun-control advocates say that had such clips still been outlawed, and therefore far harder to acquire, Saturday's shooting spree would likely have caused far less damage. The shooter would have had to stop to reload, allowing others to subdue him -- the very scenario that occurred after he spent his first magazine.
But Charles Heller of the Arizona Citizens Defense League, a gun-rights group, thinks tougher restrictions wouldn't help. "More laws equal more restrictions on people's ability to defend themselves," Heller told the L.A. Times. "What happened at the Safeway plaza shows why it's so important for people to be armed," he said, "because evil is out there." Support for gun control has waned in recent years. A Gallup poll from October 2010 found that just 44 percent of Americans favored stricter gun laws -- down from 78 percent in 1990.
• Lord, we pray that our officials will have your wisdom and discernment concerning this matter. We pray that the right of individuals to own a gun will not be circumvented. We pray the government will streamline the rules on gun control, so we are not in bondage.
• But the Egyptians mistreated us, afflicted us, and laid hard bondage on us. Then we cried out to the Lord God of our fathers, and the Lord heard our voice and looked on our affliction and our labor and our oppression. (Deuteronomy 26:6, 7)
3. Judge Killed in Arizona Had Received Death Threats in '09 - USA Today
The killing of U.S. District Judge John Roll comes two years after he received death threats while he presided over a $32 million civil rights lawsuit filed by illegal immigrants against an Arizona rancher. In one afternoon, Roll logged more than 200 phone calls. Callers threatened the judge and his family. They posted personal information about Roll online. "They said, 'We should kill him. He should be dead,'" Gonzales said.
At the end of the month, Roll said four key men had been identified as threat makers. The Marshals Service left to him the decision to press charges but recommended against it. Roll said he had no qualms about following their advice. In an interview with The Arizona Republic in mid-2009, Roll, who was the chief federal judge in Arizona, said both he and his wife were given a protection detail for about a month.
• Lord we pray for this nation to be united again. Let Americans be united in caring for one another, and divisions be healed and forgotten. We pray for these tragedies to stop, so that people will not be afraid to run for office. And we pray for the slander of innocent people to stop immediately.
• Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul . . . Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. (1 Samuel 18:1, 3)
4. Abortion Lobby Pillories Conservatives for Shooting of Pro-abort U.S. Rep Giffords - Lifesite News
U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, a fiscally conservative Democrat with a strong pro-abortion record, has been critically injured in a shooting that took the lives of at least six individuals during a political appearance in Tuscon Saturday morning. While the National Organization for Women (NOW), one of the country's leading pro-abortion groups, and other liberal commentators quickly blamed the conservative tea party movement, evidence available on the Internet is initially painting a portrait of the alleged gunman as an enigmatic, anti-religion figure described as decidedly "left-wing" and a "quite liberal" drug abuser.
Giffords, a three-term congresswoman with a 100% pro-choice NARAL record, barely defeated her tea party-backed opponent and Marine veteran Jesse Kelly in November. However, she sides with conservative voices on some issues: Giffords is a proponent of tougher immigration control and, as an opponent of out-of-control government spending, joined a Republican-led reading of the Constitution on the House floor two days ago.
• Lord, we pray you would prompt Representative Giffords to re-evaluate her stance on abortion. All life is precious, and we pray that our nation will lead all nations in respecting and valuing life - especially the unborn. Heal Representative Giffords quickly.
• Have mercy on me, O Lord! Consider my trouble from those who hate me, You who lift me up from the gates of death, That I may tell of all Your praise In the gates of the daughter of Zion. I will rejoice in Your salvation (Psalms 9:13, 14).
5. WikiLeaks Ex-spokesman Penning Tell-all - CNN
A man who played an instrumental role in the WikiLeaks website is penning a memoir that will hit stores February 15. No, it's not Julian Assange. We're talking about Daniel Domscheit-Berg, who abruptly quit WikiLeaks as its spokesman in September. "Inside WikiLeaks: My Time with Julian Assange at the World's Most Dangerous Website" will "reveal the evolution, finances, and inner tensions" of WikiLeaks, according to Crown Publishing. Domscheit-Berg will also explain why he left WikiLeaks and his "disenchantment with the organization's lack of transparency, its abandonment of political neutrality, and the increasing concentration of power by Assange," according to a David Drake, the senior executive vice president of publicity at Crown.
Since leaving WikiLeaks, Domscheit-Berg has said he plans to launch OpenLeaks.org, a site that will share information - obtained from anonymous sources - with outlets such as news media and nonprofit rights groups that are best able to report it. It was reported in December that Assange had signed book deals worth more than $1 million.
• Lord, we pray that just as you had someone send a virus to Iran to stop it's nuclear ambitions, we pray for a similar attack upon these websites that could potentially cause harm to our nation as well as our allies. We bind all the support that these types of organizations receive, so they cannot open more sites like this.
• Behold, a whirlwind of the Lord has gone forth in fury - A violent whirlwind! It will fall violently on the head of the wicked. (Jeremiah 23:19)
6. South Paralyzed By Rare Winter Weather - CBN
Sleet, ice and as much as nine inches of snow is expected to blanket the South, from Louisiana to the Carolinas. In Atlanta, Ga., home to the busiest airport in the world, airlines reduced their flights by 60 percent. More than 2,000 flights were cancelled across the southeast, and travel on many of the region's highways has been just as challenging. The governors of Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee have declared emergencies.
The winter storm is expected to move north over the next two days, causing even more travel disruptions. Philadelphia could see as many as eight inches, and up to a foot of snow could fall in Boston.
• Lord, we pray for those most affected by these bad storms. We pray for the elderly, the sick, the handicapped, the homeless, and now the ones affected by the recent rains and tornadoes. We pray you will lessen and shorten the time of the extreme weather and give the supernatural and natural assistance from others to all who need it.
• Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me for my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by. I will cry out to God Most High, to God who performs all things for me. (Psalms 57:1,2)
7. Chinese Stealth Fighter Makes First Test Flight - AP
China's radar-eluding stealth fighter made its first-known test flight Tuesday, marking dramatic progress in the country's efforts to develop cutting-edge military technologies. Although likely many years from entering China's inventory, the J-20 is a potential rival to the U.S. F-22 Raptor, the only stealth fighter currently in service. A Chinese stealth fighter would "seriously undermine the Taiwan air force's advantages," said Alexander Huang of Taipei's Tamkang University.
Despite the challenges, the J-20's entry into the test flight stage seems to indicate China is progressing faster than expected with the new technology, even while the plane's true capabilities aren't known. Along with the J-20, China's military is developing sophisticated new warships, submarines, missiles and possibly one or more aircraft carriers. Chinese progress also potentially calls into question Gates' decision to cap production of the F-22 at 187 planes, partly because of claims that China would not have a fifth-generation fighter for years to come.
• Lord, we pray for leaders who are wise and vigilant in keeping our defenses up and not taking them down. We pray you will remove those who compromise our defenses to our detriment and give us a hedge of protection to keep us from harm.
• When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation. As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy man to those who send him. (Proverbs 10:25, 26)
8. Congress to Hold Bipartisan Prayer Service for Victims of Tucson Shootings Tomorrow - CHPP
The office of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor has announced a Bipartisan Prayer Service to take place tomorrow in the House chamber, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
No other legislative business is pending.
- Offer a word of praise that this Congress is choosing to suspend its normal business in honor of the tragedy in Tucson, and to seek the Lord for comfort in this hour. May hearts be made tender, and may MANY turn to Him for comfort now, in time of need.
May all of America also follow their lead, and may may many gather for a time of prayer and reflection, as they are doing. Praise God for His shielding over us all.
- "My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:2)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Comfort, yes, comfort My people!" says your God. "Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her.. (Isaiah 40:1-2a)
1. Iran claims to have captured Israeli "network of spies" - ICEJ News
Reuters reported on Monday that Iranian police have arrested a "network of spies" they claim are working with the Israeli Mossad intelligence service to assassinate Iranian nuclear scientist in 2010. "The network of spies and terrorists linked to...Mossad was destroyed," Iranian state television reported, citing an announcement by the intelligence ministry.
2. Bill to deport "enemy agents" nears ratification - ICEJ News
A new bill, introduced by MK Yariv Levin together with attorney Hila Cohen of the Legal Forum for the Land of Israel, proposes that the Interior Ministry should have the right to deport or prevent the entry of foreign activists who harm Israel's security or image. The bill details specific types of activities defined as harming Israel's security, including denying the existence of the Holocaust, boycotting Israel or Israeli products, and working to hold international court proceedings against Israeli citizens because of activities carried out while serving in Israel's security organizations.
3. One Israeli soldier killed and others wounded in violence on Gaza Border - ICEJ News
20-year-old Sgt. Nadav Rotenberg from Ramot Hashavim (central Israel) was killed on Saturday during a clash near Kibbutz Nirim on the border between Israel and the Hamas ruled Gaza Strip. Four of his comrades were also hit, although none seriously.
4. Israel revises estimate of Iran's renegade nuclear program - ICEJ News
Israeli intelligence estimates of when Iran will be able to deploy a nuclear weapons have been revised in light of new developments which are expected to cause serious delays in the Islamic Republic's renegade nuclear program. The new estimates see Iran being able to deploy Atomic weapons sometime in 2015 or possibly even later.
The Daily Jot
Calls to outlaw criticism of officeholders in wake of Tucson
The small mindedness of some people is beyond pale. There are liberal politicians out there in the wake of the Tucson shootings trying to ban any kind of rhetoric that may "incite"--someone to violence against a Congressman, Senator or federal Judge. Pennsylvania Democratic Congressman Robert Brady seems to believe that the political debate over socialized health care and the subsequent rhetoric during the previous campaign season is inciting violence. Brady says he is going to introduce legislation that would make it a federal crime to use language or symbols that could be "perceived" as threatening or inciting violence against a member of Congress or a judge.
Hillary Clinton and Al Gore have been quoted in the past as saying that "no good crisis" should be wasted. Brady's promotion of censorship against anyone who speaks in opposition to a politician is no exception. Graphics, media, words, and demonstrations have been used since before our nation was founded to protest the deeds and positions of politicians. Its called free speech and it is protected by the US Constitution--another document that liberals say is racist, unable to be understood, and out of date. Liberals, socialists, communists all want to limit any kind of opposition to their utopian ideas. Brady, by the way, is a member of the Socialist Party USA and the House Progressive Caucus.
Many liberal outlets have pointed a finger at Sarah Palin for publishing a "target map" on her website using images of gun sights to identify the districts of 20 House Democrats up for election in last year's mid-terms, including Gabrielle Giffords, the Congresswoman who was critically wounded in the Tucson shootings. Leftist Daily Kos founder Markos Moulitsas tweeted on Saturday, "Mission accomplished Sarah Palin." But Moulitsas has previously posted on June 25, 2008 a "target list" with Giffords listed as one of many Democrats who should be targeted with primary opponents. One of the Kos bloggers said that Giffords was "dead to me" for voting against Nancy Pelosi for Democratic Leader. That blog since has been removed.
Evil doesn't need politicians to advance, but perhaps many politicians need evil to advance their dark agendas. Jesus said in Matthew 15:19, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." And he told us in Matthew 12:34, "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." The days in which we live are dark. We have often elected leaders whose standards for morals and ethics are manifestos of men rather than the firm foundation of the word of God. This is the true threat that these evildoers know will remove them from power--if the people wake up and open their eyes and see and hear by the word of God rather than by the doctrines of men.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
America Needs God
For those legitimately looking for an explanation of what "inspired" Jared Loughner, instead of seeking to score cheap political points, here are some ideas that you are unlikely to hear our secular elitists talking about.
We live in a culture that is increasingly hostile to God. We teach our children that their very existence is a cosmic accident that crawled out of primal sludge and "evolved." We once taught them that they were made in the image of our Creator and that each life had dignity and worth based on that fact. Friends say Loughner did not have much use for God or religion. There appears to be an occult shrine in his back yard. Had anyone ever shared with him the words of God, who said, "I set before you life and death, blessings and curses, therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live."
Did any school that Loughner attended even teach him that America was built on the idea that liberty comes from God or that only a virtuous people could remain free? Did he know that he would stand before that God someday and be judged? Did any classroom he was in have a copy of the Ten Commandments?
Did the popular culture and its creed -- "if it feels good do it" -- lead him into his apparent heavy drug use? Can we raise generation after generation of young Americans and teach them that little, innocent unborn babies can be destroyed at a whim and not expect some of those youth to conclude that life is cheap and disposable?
For at least 30 years, Americans who have raised these questions have been attacked relentlessly by the secular left. They have been called intolerant bigots, religious extremists, racists and worse. But now, as our media elites talk about civility and stopping the hate, wouldn't it be a good idea to invite God back into our public life, our families, our institutions and our discourse? Can America survive if we fail to do so? (Gary Bauer)
Safeway Statement Regarding Tucson Shooting
We share the grief and shock that everyone in Tucson and the nation are feeling following this tragic act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords and with each of the victims and their families. Like everyone else, we are struggling to understand this tragedy and are giving all assistance we can to the law enforcement agencies that are investigating.
Of course, our Tucson store is closed and will remain closed while we see to the needs of our customers, our employees, law enforcement and the community of Tucson. We have sent grief counselors to the Tucson store to provide emotional support to those affected by this tragedy, and we will continue to look for ways to be of comfort to the many employees, customers and others who are devastated by what has happened.
Prayer Request from CHPP:
This Safeway store in a way is another "victim" of this shooting, as it suffers loss of revenue in the wake of the killings. Offer praise for the good heart that is demonstrated by this message from headquarters, and ask our Lord to abundantly bless the management and the employees of Safeway stores across the nation as a result. Pray fo the many good citizens of Tucson who, on Saturday morning, just happened to have been "in the wrong place at the wrong time" to witness this tragedy.
Scripture:
"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God." (Isaiah 40:1)
A Condolence Book for the Victims of the Tucson Shooting is found here.
Boehner Praises Budget Cuts
BOEHNER PRAISES HOUSE PASSAGE OF CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET CUTS
Last Friday, Congressman John Boehner (R-Ohio) praised House passage of a resolution to cut congressional budgets, a move that will immediately save taxpayers $35 million and serve as the first installment of reductions to the cost of Congress:
"By cutting its own budget, the House has sent a strong signal of its commitment to making the tough choices necessary to end Washington's job-killing spending binge. Today, we are both leading by example and following the lead of the American people, who have had to do more with less, who have had to do more with less and expect their government to do the same. These cuts, the reforms the House approved yesterday, and the additional operational savings forthcoming, will help us meet our goal of cutting government spending back to pre-'stimulus,' pre-bailout levels. I am confident that all lawmakers and officers of the House will continue to look for ways to save taxpayer dollars, and hope that other federal agencies will join us in this effort." (Office of the Speaker)
- Pray that the new Speaker of the House will be able to fulfill his promise to reduce spending without engaging in acrimony and the battle lines of partisanship. Ask the Lord to prevent former Speaker Pelosi from mustering her power to block efforts to cut back on waste. Ask the Lord to bring forth unity and cooperation within the House, which is the chamber which generates all bills dealing with money and taxes.. Pray for wisdom and discernment for Speaker Boehner.
- "O, the depth of the riches both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" (Romans 11: 33)
Down with the Czars!
DOWN WITH CZARS: GOP TARGETS OBAMA'S ADVISERS
House Republicans have Obama's "czars" in their crosshairs once again, introducing a bill last week that would effectively shut down their offices.
The bill, authored by Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., is a revamped version of a proposal that went nowhere in the last Congress. But with Republicans in charge of the House this year and a particularly combative Republican in charge of the committee that will be considering the measure, the proposal might have a fighting chance this time around. "We're hopeful for this one," Scalise spokesman Stephen Bell told FoxNews.com.
Though the definition of a "czar" is muddy at best, it generally refers to top-level administration officials who don't have to go through the Senate confirmation process. The Scalise bill aims to be a bit more specific than that, defining a "czar" as the "head of any task force, council, policy office within the Executive Office of the President" or similar office, appointed "without the advice and consent of the Senate." (Fox News)
To see a list of Obama's czars, go here:
- Again, praise the Lord for the watchful eye of Rep. Scalise and his concern about the president's czars, especially because of the number of them and the fact that many do not hold American views on policy. Even "shutting down their offices" does not prevent them from slipping in the side doors to advise the president or even his talking with them on the telephone. Let us shut down these czars with prayer!
- "Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Your Name; The righteous shall surround me, for You shall deal bountifully with me." ( Psalm 142: 7)
ISRAEL: Rocket Attacks Continue
Gaza Rockets, Mortar Attacks Continue in 2011
Violence involving the Gaza Strip has continued - and at a disturbing pace - in the new year, with more than 10 projectiles being fired at Israel in the first week of 2011, according to a news report on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Web site.
The peak in attacks came on Wednesday [January 5], when seven mortar shells were launched into the Eshkol Regional Council. According to the IDF Twitter page, on Tuesday, the day before the mortar barrage, one Kassam rocket hit and damaged a greenhouse in Israel. The Israel Air Force (IAF) has also responded to the attacks by targeting terror-related sites.
Following the Wednesday barrage and another rocket attack on Thursday, the IAF hit a Gaza terror activity center and a Hamas tunnel intended for infiltrating Israel. Earlier in the month, Israel registered direct hits on a Hamas terror activity center and a weapons manufacturing facility following the attack on January 1, and targeted a Hamas terror activity center and a smuggling tunnel on Tuesday.
While 2011 has just started, the pace of Gaza attacks against Israel - at least 11 the first week - is well ahead of last year's per week average. The IDF said that in 2010, more than 235 Grad missiles, Kassam rockets, and mortar shells were fired from Gaza into Israel, for an average of around five per week. Said the IDF, "The IDF holds the Hamas terrorist organization solely responsible for maintaining the calm in the Gaza Strip and for any terrorist activity emanating from it." (By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, January 6, 2011)
[Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will intervene and bring an end to these appalling, on-going attacks on the nation of Israel. Pray that any rockets fired will do no damage whatsoever, including emotional damage to the people of the region.
Scripture
"'No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me.' says the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17)
The Good News Corner
Christianity taking over planet?
Following Current Statistics, Author Believes Entire World Will be Christian by 2032
The book Megashift, by author Jim Rutz, makes the case that Christianity is the fastest growing faith on the planet, contrary to reports otherwise.
As noted in a World Net Daily report, Rutz contends that "Biblically inspired evangelical Christianity is sweeping through places like China, Africa, India and Southeast Asia." He calls the people comprising this phenomenon "core apostolics"-or "the new saints who are at the heart of the mushrooming Kingdom of God."
Rutz is quoted as saying there are 707 million "switched-on disciples" who fit into this new category and that this "Church" is exploding in growth.
"The growing core of Christianity crosses theological lines and includes 707 million born-again people who are increasing by 8 percent a year," he says.
According to the report, so fast is this group growing that, under current trends, according to Rutz, the entire world will be composed of such Believers by the year 2032.
Click on the link provided to read about Rutz's belief that miracles are driving the movement.
(Source: Staff - World Net Daily)
Reported by: Breaking Christian News
Worship with Us Today!
"One Pair Of Hands" Written by ELVIS PRESLEY . . . Sung by Carroll Roberson
What God did with . . . One Pair of Hands . . .
