Thursday, March 31, 2011

CHPP Daily Brief - March 31, 2011

In This Issue
• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• House Passes the SOAR Act
• House Considers Pro-Family Legislation
• IFA: MOBILIZING PRAYER
• Update: FACEBOOK v. Israel
• 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, March 31, 2011

"But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail." (Luke 16:17)

The Daily Brief

1. Fukushima 50: We Are Ready to Die - Fox News

The brave Japanese workers who sprung into action to stop a nuclear meltdown at earthquake-ravaged plant say they won't survive repeated exposure to dangerous radiation.

- We call upon Your mercy for these precious souls who have risked their lives to save a nation. We understand "inevitable." We also know the God of miracles. We pray Your mercy and personal touch for Mr. Sato and the other believers who willingly set foot in danger to make a difference; we ask for salvation for those who do not know You.

- "Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth." (Jeremiah 33:6)

2. Un-Conventional Warfare Hits GOP on 2012 Primaries - Fox News

South Carolina's Republican Party proposes slapping sanctions on Florida over early primary plan.

- Lord, as we enter the season of elections in 2012, we ask for sanity in the midst of chaos. We pray that free and fair elections will supersede underhanded manipulation of the voting in every state.

- "There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel-that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21)

3. Threats Claim Nuclear Bombs Hidden All Over U.S. - CBS News

The threats came in the mail and to date, there have been 25 letters that warn of nuclear bombs destroying America.

- Father, if any of this report is true, we ask for Your direct intervention against all plans of the enemy.

- "No weapon formed against you shall prosper." (Isaiah 54:17)

4. Washington in fierce debate on arming Libyan rebels - MSNBC

The Obama administration is engaged in a fierce debate over whether to supply weapons to the rebels in Libya, senior officials said on Tuesday, with some fearful that providing arms would deepen American involvement in a civil war and that some fighters may have links to Al Qaeda.

- Lord, since our government has no clue who the rebels really are, we ask that clarity and information that is truthful be widely known before any decision is made to arm Libyan rebels. Father, we seek democracy and freedom for the Libyan people, but we ask for protection for them and the world against incursion of jihadist influences.

- "Oh, do not remember former iniquities against us! Let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us, for we have been brought very low." (Psalm 79:8)

5. Republicans Pitch Unusual Backup Plan as Fragile Budget Talks Resume
- Fox News

In the latest gambit out of Washington's head-spinning budget debate, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor announced Wednesday that if the Senate fails to act by next week, Republicans will proffer a bill forcing an earlier House GOP plan that did not pass Congress to become the "law of the land."

- Father, we pray against gridlock, and ask for a free flow of wisdom over Congress as these budget proposals are brought forth. We ask that You intervene for the sake of Your people in America.

- "You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance." (Psalm 65:11)

6. Ancient Books Uncovered in Jordan May Date to Start of Christianity - Fox News

One of the largest and best-preserved collections of ancient sealed books has been discovered in a cave in Jordan and are believed to be some of the earliest Christian documents, according to the BBC.

The 70 tiny books could date back to the first century. Carbon dating tests found that a piece of leather found with the scrolls was over 2000 years old.

Experts say the books, made of lead and copper and bound by rings, may be more significant than the Dead Sea Scrolls, BBC reports.

- Praise You, Lord, for more archeological evidence that reveals Your Word in the Middle East. From the revelation of a buckle with Goliath's name on it to mosaics and names written in stone, to evidence of the ancient Jews under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, You are slowly and methodically bringing confirmation about Yourself to light.

- "but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith," (Romans 16:26)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name. Deliver us, and purge away our sins, for Your name's sake. Why should the gentiles say, "Where is their God?" (Psa.79:9-10a; cp.115:1-3)

1. Israel releases map of Hezbollah bunkers in Lebanon - Ynet News

An Israeli security official provided the Washington Post with a map detailing no less than 550 bunkers, 300 surveillance sites and 100 other facilities the Jewish state believes belong to Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon.

2. Barak inaugurates Iron Dome trial run in Beersheba - Jerusalem Post

Defense Minister Ehud Barak visited the Beersheba battery of the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system on Thursday, announcing that its trial deployment has begun.

3. Peres: End conflict in order to help Arab democratization - Ynet News

President Shimon Peres currently in London said Israel "must take advantage of this window of opportunity and end the conflict with Palestinians" so as to help the democratization wave sweeping the Arab countries in the Middle East.

4. UN chief: End occupation, divide Jerusalem - Ynet News

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon slammed Israel's policy and called for the division of Jerusalem on Tuesday. In a message delivered by his assistant at a UN regional meeting in Uruguay, Ban said: "The target date for completing the Palestinian Authority's two-year State-building program is fast-approaching."

The Daily Jot

The Threat and the Challenge

In reading some of the headlines today, I have to say that the entirety of what I have always held as the American moral ideal in dealing with foreign nations and American citizens is shattered. Its not a Republican thing or a Democratic thing, its just plain insanity. Many people who email me or talk to me about the world's current affairs are beside themselves regarding what is happening. We have to hand it to the current Administration. They ain't playin'. They just come out and say what they are going to do and then they do it, much to any man's chagrin that anyone could be so blatant. Much less, they get away with it. Nobody of any substance is standing up and saying, "Wait a minute, you are wrong."

The Republicans are huddled in their corner acting like they know more than the rest of us about how to handle these terrible, nation-threatening policies that have been adopted. They are making deals as if they have to. They are essentially quiet about the terrible decisions that are being made on behalf of the American people. The Democrats also seem to be in a stupor over the policies spewing forth from their own people. Just one small example, this Administration is helping al Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood take over Libya. It helped the Muslim Brotherhood take over Egypt. These are enemies of the United States and destabilizers of the Middle East. With impunity these things have been done.

Then there is the Church and those who say they are Christians. We are not without blame in this. We, too, have been so busy with our buying of church buildings, our self indulgent man-made doctrines, our self-righteous prayer circles, our self improvement conventions and retreats, that we have not been about our Father's business. Romans 12:21 says, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." By shrinking back and waiting for a rapture or trying to command God to do this or that, or by swallowing do-gooder doctrines, have we not become ineffectual? Where is the standard that our Lord and Savior set for us? Can we honestly look in the mirror and say, "I've done my part"?

Now I know that there will be some who will read this and become so indignant that they will press the unsubscribe button. And others will reply and say, "What else can I do?" The fact is we have evil staring us down every day, across the board in our lives from the media we watch and hear to the politics to the finances and other things in our lives. It has become a tipping point. Either we are going to succumb and watch as our freedom to worship and speak are swept away by the critical mass of current events, or we are going to stand in the gap with both prayer and action. The Lord knows your heart. 1 Samuel 15:22 says, "to obey is better than sacrifice." Let us not be perplexed or confused, but find what we can do to overcome this evil before us.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

House Passes the SOAR Act

The House voted 225 to 195 today to reauthorize the successful D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program.

The program, which passed Congress in 2004 with bipartisan support, allows low-income students to compete for private-school scholarships worth up to $8,000 for elementary school students and $12,000 for high school students.

Obama, whose administration began phasing out the scholarships when he took office, added insult to injury on Tuesday. He claimed the program is "not an effective way to improve student achievement" and "has not yielded improved student achievement by its scholarship recipients."
However, a federal evaluation of the program found that students who used the scholarships were nearly four months ahead in reading. A later study of the program found that students had graduation rates 21 points higher than their peers.

House Speaker John Boehner, who authored the legislation, said the program 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 when he introduced the bill. "If we're serious about bipartisan education reform, then this bipartisan education bill should be the starting point."

Sen. Joe Lieberman has introduced similar legislation in the Senate. (Citizen Link)

-- We repeat below the prayer we offered on Tuesday, asking for passage of this bill; and we thank all of you who prayed along with us to this end. Let's continue to lift up the SOAR Act, now that it will reach the Senate floor for debate and for passage; and for the president to sign the SOAR Act into law when it reaches his desk. Amen.

- Father, we know we are in a climate of cutting spending, and the irony of this case is that the annual cost per student in this program is less than in the public schools. For the students, their families, our budget, and even the public school system, we ask you for a resoundingly affirmative vote for this bill in the House this week.

- "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old , he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

House Considers Pro-Family Legislation

From a pro-family perspective, the U.S. House of Representatives is having a busy week.
Also this week, the House is negotiating yet another spending bill; the resolution that is currently funding the federal government expires April 8. Life advocates are encouraging House members to include several pro-life provisions in any spending measure.

The four key pro-life amendments would: defund Planned Parenthood; reinstate the Mexico City Policy, which prevents federal funds from going to international groups that promote or perform abortions; defund the U.N. Population Fund; and stop government-funded abortions in Washington, D.C

"Now is the time for those lawmakers who profess to be pro-life to step up and demand the defunding of Planned Parenthood," said Ashley Horne, federal policy analyst at CitizenLink. "There is no more time to wait."

On Thursday, the House Ways and Means Committee will consider legislation that would eliminate certain tax benefits relating to abortion. H.R. 1232 would amend the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R. 3), which would protect several pro-life budget provisions in federal law. (by Jennifer Mesko, managing editor; CitizenLink)

- Continue to offer prayer that these key, pro-life provisions be included in the final language of H.R. 1, and that Congress passes it, as is.

- "Therefore, choose life, that you and your seed may life." (Dt. 30:19)

IFA: MOBILIZING PRAYER


INTERCESSORS FOR AMERICA:

MOBILIZING PRAYER

Our friends at Intercessors for America have launched a campaign to stand in the GAP for America, called "Get America Praying."

By learning about this key strategy for targeted prayer for America, you can find others of like mind in your own area, and join in with them to form a GAP team!

When you sign up for the GAP program, you will also find supplies and resource tools to be able to intercede effectively and strategically for our nation in these perilous times.

CHPP encourages all of our Prayer Partners to learn more about this exciting program by visiting IFA's website at www.ifapray.org.

"Every joint supplies" as we stand in the GAP together for our nation! Amen and amen!!

Update: FACEBOOK v. Israel

Strategy to invade Israel posted on Facebook

Campaign states goal: 'May the state of the sons of Zion fall'

Social-networking sites, specifically Facebook, are being used to promote a campaign that appears to target the very existence of Israel, with hundreds of thousands worldwide seeking to join in a plan to "return" to and take over the original homes of their families in "Palestine" on May 15.

According to an in-depth report by L. Barkan, a research fellow at the Middle East Media Research Institute, which monitors and analyzes media reports throughout the Middle East, the idea being circulated is "for millions of Palestinian refugees to march en masse in return to the original homes of their families in Israel."

The movement's plans call for this to be much more than just a visit, however.

All the families of Jewish settlers in the Galilee area, including in the areas of Safed, Tiberias, and all the way down to Acre, must proceed to the port of Haifa and board ships back to their countries of origin in Europe," explained one posting that is part of the campaign.

It provided instructions for others to report to other ports - all by the middle of March, a deadline long past.

"The message also warned that anyone trying to take 'archeological artifacts [or anything belonging] to the Palestinian heritage, even a single ball of falafel, will be pursued and arrested by Interpol in his new place of residence,'" the report said.

One of the Facebook pages soliciting participants in what apparently would be an invasion and attempted overthrow of the region's existing government has been removed by the Facebook administration, but not before collecting some 350,000 endorsements from readers. Other pages remain.

. . . MEMRI documents that a page titled, "The Palestinian Refugees' Revolution (The Advance of the Millions)," warned, "We will reach out our hand and build a bridge that will bring us to our green land, to our territorial waters, to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, to our desert ... to the beautiful Galilee, to Jerusalem, our proud capital, to the neighborhoods of Nablus, Ramallah, and Jenin, to the hills of Lod and Ramla, and to all the [other] places ... We will return, and soon. Long live our cause. May the state of the sons of Zion fall."

Also, on the page called "The Third Palestinian Intifada" was the warning there could be violence.

"After the Tunisian, Egyptian, and Libyan intifadas, the time has come for the Palestinian intifada. The first Palestinian intifada was in 1987 and the second in 2000, but the third Palestinian intifada [will commence] on May 15, 2011," it said, according to MEMRI's documentation. . . .

"It should be noted that, while urging the public to join the mass demonstrations on May 15, the page administrators also hinted at a coming war on the Jews and called on the readers to prepare for martyrdom," Barkan's report confirmed.

"For example, they posted a well-known hadith, which states that the Day of Judgment will only come after the Muslims fight the Jews and vanquish them: 'The hour [of Judgment] will not come before the Muslims fight the Jews and kill them.'" (WorldNetDaily) Read more.

The Good News Corner

Opening Prayer in the House of Representatives

Offered by the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin
Chaplain, U.S. House of Representatives

Join us today as we are blessed by the words of the Chaplain of the House of Representatives, as he uttered this prayer on Tuesday morning, March 29, 2011.

Cherry blossoms draw thousands of visitors to the Capitol city, Lord. Their silent beauty causes busy residents to stop their frenzied motion and simply gaze for a moment. Reflected in pools or clustered together on lawns, wrinkled with age, their new life displays a unified motion of gentle friendship.

Today, in our prayer, Lord, we offer voice to their song of spring and praise You and bless You for this momentary revelation of Your unique mystery and the blessing upon this Nation. Lord, this powerful gift of the Japanese people invites us to pray for our friends in their hour of need and suffering. Spring's fragile beauty will not be manipulated or contained for very long. In and through this passing glimpse of glory, the truth of Your promise is revealed. So, we learn the importance of Your timing and the art of subtle cohesion in natural forces.

Lord, grant us patience that You will have Your way with us now and always.

Amen.

Worship with Us Today!

"Your Love" - Oslo Gospel Choir

Worship with this beautiful Gospel Choir as they put Psalm 139 into song!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

CHPP Daily Brief - March 30, 2011

In This Issue
• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• The Libya Speech That Wasn't
• Update: Budget Battle
• Update: ENDA
• Two Prayer Alerts on the Hill
• Important Pro-Life Hearing Tomorrow
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!

Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net

The Daily Brief - Wednesday, March 30, 2011

"But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail." (Luke 16:17)

The Daily Brief

1. Japan on 'Maximum Alert' Over Nuke Crisis - Fox News

Japan's prime minister insisted Tuesday that the country was on "maximum alert" to bring its nuclear crisis under control, but the spread of radiation raised concerns about the ability of experts to stabilize the crippled reactor complex.

- God, when men exhaust their human limitations then it is time for them to call out for God's help. Should they refuse to bow their knees to You, they are left in the lurch of their own schemes. Father, what will it take for men to turn to the God of the Universe, who has all power and all knowledge and has the answer for all situations? We pray the Japanese will humble themselves and in repentance turn their hearts toward the Lord for help. In Jesus' Name.

- "Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes unto God, but by Me." (John 14:6)

2. Gunmen Kill 21 After Storming Iraqi Government Headquarters - Fox News

An Iraqi government spokesman says the death toll in a hostage standoff at a local government building in the city of Tikrit has risen to 21.

- Father, we pray that the ravages of this incident that changed the destiny of many lives will cause the people to turn to God in heaven for help. Cleanse the wickedness in this country by the powerful blood of Jesus. Reveal yourself to these hardened hearts that they melt in the presence of the Lord. Save souls from an eternity in the fires of hell. Their answer is salvation by the revelation that Jesus is their Savior who died for their sins to be forgiven. Deal with them by the Holy Spirit and draw them unto God. In Jesus' Name.

- "And this is the will of God that sent Jesus, that everyone which sees the Son of God, and believes on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. No man can come to Jesus, except the Father which has sent me draw him." (John 6:40, 44)

3. Gadhafi Forces Push Rebels Back - Wall Street Journal

Rebels retreated Wednesday from the oil-refinery port of Ras Lanuf along Libya's coast, after they came under heavy shelling from ground forces loyal to leader Col. Moammar Gadhafi, the Associated Press reported.

- God, when anything begins to disintegrate on every hand, as is happening in Libya, our strong recourse is to turn to Almighty God to establish peace - a peace that goes beyond the natural and enters into the heavenly. We ask that angels come down with full manifestation of their presence and establish peace in Libya. Bind and break the forces of evil controlling Libya by the power of the blood of Jesus. Oh that men would fall on their faces before God and ask for forgiveness of sin and accept Jesus into their hearts as Savior of their souls. In Jesus' Name.

- "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes." (Romans 10:3-4)

4. Al Qaeda: Arab revolts herald "great leap forward" - NewsDaily

Al Qaeda's most influential English-language preacher said revolts sweeping the Arab world would help rather than harm its cause by giving Islamists freed from tyranny greater scope to speak out.

- God, we pray that You will stop the mouths of the adversary wherever they may be. Pull down the works of darkness and all strategy that would allow them to move forward. By the blood of Jesus they were defeated at the Cross of Christ, and we stand on that fact today. Nothing they can do will prosper - ever. In Jesus Name.

- "And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed." (Daniel 11:27)

5. Syria confirms Assad to address nation Wednesday - AFP

Syrian state media has confirmed that President Bashar al-Assad will deliver an important speech on Wednesday, in his first address since unprecedented dissent erupted two weeks ago.

- God, we ask that You close the mouth of anyone whose speech would eventually sow discord. Call forth warring angels to fight against the enemies of heaven and plant seeds of godliness in the hearts of the Syrian people. In Jesus' Name.

- "The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hastes greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly." (Zephaniah 1:14)

6. China economist blasts dollar dominance on eve of G20 - Reuters

Dollar dominance is sowing the seeds of financial turmoil, and the solution is to promote new reserve currencies, a Chinese government economist said in a paper published on the eve of a G20 meeting about how to reform the global monetary system.

- God, keep Your hand on the dominance of the U.S. dollar, and call a halt to reforms in the global monetary system. Cast out that which would cause world chaos. Break off the tentacles of evil that they cannot spread. Stabilize our economy. In Jesus' Name.

- "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows them that trust in Him. But with an overrunning flood He will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue His enemies." (Nahum 1:7-8)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name. Deliver us, and purge away our sins, for Your name's sake. Why should the gentiles say, "Where is their God?" (Psa.79:9-10a; cp.115:1-3)

1. UN chief: End occupation, divide Jerusalem - Ynet News

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon slammed Israel's policy and called for the division of Jerusalem on Tuesday. In a message delivered by his assistant at a UN regional meeting in Uruguay, Ban said: "The target date for completing the Palestinian Authority's two-year State-building program is fast-approaching."

2. Jerusalem lobbies against UN recognition of Palestinian state - Jerusalem Post

Israel's efforts to rally countries against Palestinian Authority plans to ask the United Nations to recognize a Palestinian state along the pre-1967 lines are hindered by the fact that Israel has not presented any plan of its own, diplomatic officials said Tuesday.

3. IAF kills Islamic Jihad militant, strikes tunnel - Jerusalem Post

IAF aircraft struck a terrorist cell in the southern Gaza Strip early on Wednesday. Palestinian sources reported one death in the attack.

4. Hating Israel on Facebook

The Background: A Facebook page called, "The Third Intifada" urged its readers to copy the link, place it in their personal profiles and publish it on all pictures, videos and pages - everywhere they can. An alert announces that a march to "Palestine" will begin from neighboring countries on May 15 and soon after, "Palestine will be liberated and we will be freed. Our goal now is to reach millions of subscribers on this page before May."

Update:Justice triumphs again! Due to the efforts of Aish.com and other concerned individuals and organizations, Facebook has now deleted the group "Third Intifada" from its website. Free speech has its limits, and Facebook cannot be used to launch a terror war against Israel. This shows that activism does make a difference.

But the fight is not over. Palestinian groups are simply playing cat-'n-mouse, posting the "Third Intifada" page elsewhere on Facebook on personal profile pages. Beyond this, Facebook still has dozens of groups calling for violence against Israel and the killing of Jews. (See video here.)
Please sign the petition NOW urging Facebook to remove dozens of pages promoting hatred of Israel and incitement to kill Jews. May we show our love and support for our brethren from the tribe of Judah!

The Daily Jot

The encouragement of these prophetic times

The headlines in the news these days can be very frightening. The Middle East is in an uproar and it appears that the United States has been complicit in bringing it about--paving the way for enemies of Americans and Israel to take power. Gasoline prices are moving higher every day. Food prices are inflating at record rates. The United States is running record deficits and record debt--even the new White House budget adds another $80,000 of debt to every American household, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The frivolous war in Libya already is costing taxpayers nearly a billion dollars. These are very prophetically significant events in that they demonstrate the calamities in the wake of wickedness.

Yet the preachers are preaching self improvement, prosperity, personal empowerment, self indulgence, and strange theologies. The politicians are bringing about wars and rumors of wars. There are earthquakes, famines and pestilences and persecutions. Jesus prophesied these things would come about. In Luke 21:8,9, Jesus said, "Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by."

In fact, as the days of the world grow worse and worse, and the persecutions increase as do the signs of the times, Jesus has these words of comfort in verses 18-19, "But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls." Jesus promises when he lays out the Great Commission in Matthew 28 that he will never leave you nor forsake you. He also says of your clothing, food and needs in Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." We are to be about our Father's business, seeking the kingdom of God, seizing opportunities for a testimony. We should see these times as a time of victory rather than through a lens of fear. Be encouraged!

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

The Libya Speech That Wasn't

After watching Obama's speech on Monday night defending his military intervention in Libya, I turned to my wife, Carol, and said, "That was not a Libya speech -- that was an Obama reelection speech." Talking to members of my staff this morning, I said the same thing -- that the address to the nation about Libya was a speech whose purpose was more about keeping Obama in power than about getting Qadhafi out of power.

We've seen this over and over again -- particularly since the Democrats' losses in last November's elections. The polls show the public is tired of big government, so with great fanfare he announces an initiative to repeal unnecessary regulations. Meanwhile, his bureaucrats are regulating more than ever. The public sees Obama as anti-business, so he brings business leaders to the White House and spends hours getting their advice. Meanwhile, he continues to wage war on entrepreneurs, small businesses and capitalism.

And now he's doing it on foreign policy. Recent polling shows that Obama is seen by U.S. voters as a tremendously weak commander-in-chief. Only 17% of Americans regard Obama as "decisive and strong" in that role. Last night's speech was intended to make Obama appear decisive and presidential. I am happy to say Rush Limbaugh agrees with me. Leading off his show today, Rush said that Obama's speech was all about 2012.

Obama is incredibly vulnerable on his mishandling of U.S. foreign policy. He has severely damaged relations with our strongest allies while kowtowing to our enemies. His Middle East policies in particular have been a failure.

He has repeatedly berated Israel, while begging Iran to negotiate with him. His insistence on Israeli concessions BEFORE negotiations with the Palestinians has given Palestinian leaders an excuse not to negotiate at all. He refuses to acknowledge the motivating force of radical Islam in the violence aimed at the U.S., Israel and the West in general. Unable to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power, Obama tries to make Qadhafi sound like the big threat, when he is a sideshow.
I safely make this prediction: If the thug Qadhafi is forced to step down in the days ahead, the liberal media will report it as if Obama were a modern day Eisenhower who just liberated Europe. That is the goal of this Libyan adventure. (Gary Bauer; excerpt)

Update: Budget Battle

More Daffy Deals in Bloom

With 11 days left on the latest temporary budget, you could cut the tension on Capitol Hill with a knife. And that may be all some Democrats are willing to cut as both sides dig in for a messy two weeks. After six continuing resolutions, the time for cosmetic fixes is over. Americans need some finality on the budget, and it will take painful decisions from both parties to achieve it. After weeks of dealing, leaders have a lot to lose in sewing up their plan for the next six months. On one hand, House freshman want to prove that they aren't drinking the Washington kool-aid and have the stomach to make the tough choices voters expect of them. On the other, their leadership is trying to balance that eagerness with the political reality that the House is just one-third of the decision-making process. Add that to a group of Senate Democrats, who seem more inclined to score political points than make tough decisions, and it all amounts to one big stalemate.

As recently as yesterday, liberals were trying to bait the GOP with a new offer: a loosely defined $20 billion in cuts (which, depending on whose math you use, may only amount to about $7 billion--less than what members cut in the last three CRs). If Republicans take the deal, they stand to lose more than $30 billion in cuts from H.R. 1--and, more importantly, the trust of the people who elected them. "For the sake of our economy, it's time for mainstream Republicans to stand up to the Tea Party," Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said, "and rejoin Democrats at the table to negotiate a responsible solution that cuts spending while protecting jobs."

The GOP has been responsible. Republicans don't need to stand up to the Tea Party; they need to stand up to irresponsible Democrats and strengthen their position before heading into an even tougher budget battle over 2012. The time to show resolve is now--not later, when Republicans will be bargaining from a weakened position. It' s the same principle as disciplining kids. It only takes one time to show you're serious before they start respecting your authority. But if you threaten to follow through and never do, the kids will run all over you. Besides, who are Republicans going to listen to? Sen. Harry Reid, whose party was pasted at the polls for doing exactly what he is advising the GOP? Or the people, who entrusted them with the House in the first place? Either way, it makes for a difficult two weeks. By the end of it, Americans will know what this Congress is made of.
For more on what's at stake over the next 260 hours, check out FRC Action's "28 Facts on Spending and Debt." (Family Research Council)

Update: ENDA

Freedom Gets the Short ENDA the Stick

If Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) is anything, he's persistent. In an interview with Metro Weekly, the openly homosexual Congressman confirmed that he's planning on introducing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) this week, even though it's a political long-shot. "[ENDA] is an organizing tool," Frank said. "Obviously, with the Republicans in power, you're not going to get the bill even considered."

What he didn't acknowledge is that the concept is so radical that it wasn't even pursued when Democrats had total control. Most leaders backed away from the bill when Frank insisted that it include special transgender protections. Once members realized that schools and other employers could be forced to hire cross-dressers, they pulled their support altogether. "The focal point," Frank explained, "should be to make sure that everyone who's supportive of ENDA supports the transgender inclusion"--a tall order in a House full of conservative freshman.

During the interview, Frank was blunt about where this agenda is headed. ENDA, he inferred, is the bridge to destroying marriage--a point that FRC has made for years. Asking businesses to give up their hiring rights and religious beliefs is the key to unlocking the entire homosexual wish list. "ENDA will pass before [the Defense of Marriage Act] will be repealed congressionally," Frank admitted.

Although ENDA may not be a threat in the House, it's a very real threat in this administration. Yesterday, Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) threw his support behind an executive order that would bypass Congress and impose ENDA on the government without a single debate. To see where this nightmar e could lead, click over to our website and witness what life without religious freedom would look like. (Family Research Council)

Two Prayer Alerts on the Hill

The following two prayer alerts are about pending activity on the Hill this week. Please pray in agreement with the prayer requests cited, according to Matthew 18:19. (Source: Mark Williamson; Federal Intercessors)

Prayer Alert: On Friday, April 1st, the House Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee will hold a hearing on the Defense Department's "Repeal Implementation Plan" to accommodate "LGBT" personnel in all branches and communities of the armed forces. Pray that the TRUTH - not the ill-conceived fraud and deception of political correctness - would be revealed and made manifest!

Prayer Alert: The Senate is to vote soon on measures to halt the EPA from implementing their own Greenhouse Gas regulations, according to liberal, man-made global warming standards of deception. Pray that this vote "turn" against the EPA, and that the Administration's attempts to "go-around" the legislative process (to implement "Cap and Trade" via "regulation in place of legislation") be stopped!

Important Pro-Life Hearing Tomorrow

House Ways and Means Committee to Review Language of H.R. 1232, "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to eliminate certain tax benefits relating to abortion"

This is a "Mark Up Hearing" to adjust the language in H.R. 1232, in preparation for the passage of H..R. 3, the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act."

Hearing to be held in Room 1100 Longworth House Office Building at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2011.

H.R. 1232 specifically makes the following pro-life changes to the tax code:

- Disallows premium tax credits - also known as "exchange subsidies" - created by the 2010 health care law for subsidizing the premiums of health insurance plans offered in the government-run exchanges that offer abortion coverage.

- Disallows small business tax credits, also created by the 2010 health care law, for a subset of small businesses purchasing, for employees, health insurance plans that offer abortion coverage.

- Ends the policy of providing tax-preferred status for abortion through Archer Medical Savings Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, and Health Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs).

- Disallows abortions to be included as an itemized deduction for medical expenses exceeding 7.5% (10% after 2012) of adjusted gross income.

For a list of the members who currently serve on the House Ways and Means Committee, go here.
TAKE ACTION!!

If your own member of Congress is serving on this committee, please call him or her and ask that they vote FOR the changes proposed in H.R. 1232. You can reach your member of Congress by calling the Capitol Switchboard at: 202- 224-3121.

The Good News Corner

Can Someone be Saved on an Atheist's Website?

This Man Was

"Science and philosophy do not have the answer to everything. If you are willing to listen with an open mind and an open heart and just say 'perhaps I do not possess all the truth,'that is an act of humility and I know that God never rejects or ignores acts of humility." -Richard Morgan

The Christian Post has published a detailed report of how former atheist Richard Morgan was saved after being part of a long-term, on-line religious debate on Richard Dawkins' website.
Morgan, who spoke recently at Apologetics315, explained how he, an avid Dawkins' supporter, was initially part of a group who ridiculed David Robertson, a Scottish pastor who had responded to Dawkins' atheist book "The God Delusion" with open letters he later published in a book called: "The Dawkins Letters."

Though most of Dawkins' on-line community made fun of Robertson as being the site's "resident fruitcake," Morgan was eventually drawn to Robertson's humility, patience, fortitude, and kindness in the face of vile criticism.

Says the report: Eventually "writing to Robertson about how he appreciated his responses and comments, Morgan shared how he couldn't believe in God. 'I'm not an atheist because I want to be an atheist. I'm not a happy atheist. I'm an atheist because I can't believe in God.'"

In response to Morgan's post, Robertson, reportedly asked him two questions which subsequently changed his life: 1) Why don't you believe in God? 2) What could make you believe in God?

Follow the link provided to read about Morgan's spiritual journey from that point and why "Morgan is still amazed and feels the love of God even more now every day, being plugged into a church, which Robertson referred him to." (The Christian Post)

[Reported by: Breaking Christian News]

Worship with Us Today!

"One Thing I Have Asked of the Lord" - Marty Goetz

"Oh keep the fire in this temple burning high, my Lord; burning higher, my Lord . . . all the days of my life."

Join us in worship now . . .

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

CHPP Daily Brief - March 29, 2011

In This Issue
• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• SOAR Act Vote Tomorrow
• Senate Hearing To Note
• Rep. Ros-Lehtinen Takes Action on UNHRC
• 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 - Tuesday, March 29, 2011

"But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail." (Luke 16:17)

The Daily Brief

1. Japanese Radiation Spreads Across U.S. - Fox News

Meanwhile, traces of radioactivity from Japan are detected in U.S., but experts say it's far below dangerous levels.

• Heavenly Father, you said that you would be our shelter, our fortress and a strong tower. We trust that this radioactivity from Japan will not be toxic to people or animals, either on the land or in the water. But let the angel of death pass over us.

For the Lord will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you. (Exodus 12:23)

2. Cost of Libya Intervention $600 Million for First Week, Pentagon Says - ABC

U.S. ships and submarines in the Mediterranean have unleashed at least 191 Tomahawk cruise missiles from their arsenals to the tune of $268.8 million, the Pentagon said. U.S. warplanes have dropped 455 precision guided bombs, costing tens of thousands of dollars each. A downed Air Force F-15E fighter jet will cost more than $60 million to replace. And operation of the war craft, guzzling ever-expensive fuel to maintain their positions off the Libyan coast and in the skies above, could reach millions of dollars a week, experts say.

• Lord, we pray you will give wisdom to our leaders as to our involvement in Libya. Our finances - and more importantly - our troops are stretched too thin. We need to have other nations do more to help the Libyan conflict. Bring peace to the unrest in the Middle East.

A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel . . . The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:5, 7)

3. Israel Threatens to Take Action if UN Recognizes Palestinian Statehood - Haaretz

Israel informed the 15 members of the United Nations Security Council last week, as well as several other prominent European Union countries, that if the Palestinian Authority persists in its efforts to gain recognition in September as a state within the 1967 borders, Israel would respond with a series of unilateral steps of its own. September is expected to be pivotal for several reasons. Last September, U.S. President Barack Obama told the General Assembly that he wished to see a Palestinian state become a member of the UN within a year. In addition, Israel and the Palestinians had agreed that the talks they undertook last September 2 in Washington would last for about a year. Thirdly, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's program of establishing institutions for a future Palestinian state is due to be wrapped up this coming September.

• Lord, we come against these plans to work against Israel. Let all of man's wicked plans fall to the ground and fail. Let the division of Israel never happen. Let America stand firmly with Israel and remove the enemies of Israel. We pray for continual protection for Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Bless them Lord!

The enemy shall not outwit him, nor the son of wickedness afflict him. I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague those who hate him. But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him, and in My name his horn shall be exalted. (Psalms 89:33,24)

4. Beck: U.S. Unwittingly Aiding Al Qaeda in Libya? - Fox News

We have this interesting tidbit now from Time Magazine. The Obama administration knows that Al Qaeda is active in Libya. Quote, "Obama and his aides know that they are taking a big risk. It's a huge gamble says the senior administration official" . . . Time mentioned that we may actually be helping the terrorists with this air campaign. After all, if Al Qaeda is there, wouldn't it be safe to assume that they are fighting against Qaddafi for power and control right now? The administration knows, for example, that Al Qaeda, which has active cells in Libya will try to exploit the power of vacuum that will come with a weak or ousted Qaddafi." Hmm. This is exactly what we said would happen.

• Lord, we pray against this atrocity to help the very same group of terrorists that has been killing our troops. Lord, if these rebels are part of Al Qaeda, then let us quit helping them in any way. Reveal their true nature and give us great courage and wisdom to do what is right.

Many times He delivered them; but they rebelled in their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, when He heard their cry . . .and relented according to the multitude of His mercies. (Psalm 6:43, 45)

5. April 5th Will Decide Who Governs Wisconsin: The Voters or 4 Judges - Breitbart

Governor Walker's bill hits at the very heart of this legalized graft and racketeering by stripping away the collective bargaining that burdens Wisconsin taxpayers with programs like WEA Trust - which is a cash cow for the public sector unions and therefore a cash cow for elected Democrats. The more money public unions receive, the more money they have to help elect Democrats. Wisconsin is a vital swing state for Obama. In 2008 he won the state by an impressive margin, but 2010 saw a sea change in the state's electorate that created a tidal wave in favor of Republicans, a tidal wave that could extend to 2012 and cost the president his re-election.

• Lord, we pray for the Favor of God to be upon the governors and all officials who are trying to cut costs in a wise way. Let all the people - especially the courts - be in agreement with them to stop the unions' great power over people. Let all states get their budgets under control without government interference including the Obama Administration.

And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:4, 6)

6. Health Care's Hidden Costs: $363 Billion - CNN

Consumers are paying an additional $1,355 a year on hidden out-of-pocket health care expenses. These include home health aides not covered by insurance, alternative medicines, ambulance services and nutritional products. These "hidden" costs of health care - like taking time off to care for elderly parents - add up to $363 billion, according to a report from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, a research group. That amounts to $1,355 per consumer, on top of the $8,000 the government says people spend on doctor fees and hospital care.

• Father God, we pray for these healthcare costs. Give people practical ways to cut down in expenses. Let the shift be toward healthy eating and lifestyles. Let natural products and supplements be found to be as good or better for ailments. Help us to prosper in our bodies.

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. (Psalms 91:3, 4)

7. Arriving as Pregnant Tourists, Leaving With American Babies - New York Times

For the last year, the debate over birthright citizenship has raged across the country, with some political leaders calling for an end to the 14th Amendment, which gives automatic citizenship to any baby born in the United States. Much of the debate has focused on immigrants entering illegally from poor countries in Latin America. But in this case the women were not only relatively wealthy, but also here legally on tourist visas. Most of them, officials say, have already returned to China with their American babies. The State Department, which grants tourist visas, is not permitted to deny visa applications simply because a woman is pregnant. Businesses in China, Mexico and South Korea advertise packages that arrange for doctors, insurance and postpartum care.

• Father, we pray that this 14th Amendment will be strictly interpreted so that not just anyone who has a child in America will take advantage in an unjust way. Let people recognize that just because we are in a foreign nation, does not mean we are automatic citizens of that nation. Let that law be corrected so we can close the loop which allows this injustice.

You shall have a perfect and just weight . . . that your days may be lengthened in the land which the Lord your God is giving you. For all who do such things, all who behave unrighteously, are an abomination to the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 25:15, 16)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name. Deliver us, and purge away our sins, for Your name's sake. Why should the gentiles say, "Where is their God?" (Psa.79:9-10a; cp.115:1-3)

1. Israel Warily Eyes Middle East Uprisings - Jerusalem Post

As anti-government unrest continues to ripple across the Middle East, many in Israel are worried that changes in the Arab world could lead to renewed hostilities against them.

2. Israel threatens unilateral steps if UN recognizes Palestinian state - Ha'aretz

Israel informed the 15 members of the United Nations Security Council last week, as well as several other prominent European Union countries, that if the Palestinian Authority persists in its efforts to gain recognition in September as a state within the 1967 borders, Israel would respond with a series of unilateral steps of its own.

3. Fatah, Hamas set to hold April unity talks in Cairo - Jerusalem Post

Hamas and Fatah have agreed to renew unity talks in Cairo next month to discuss ways of ending their conflict.

The Daily Jot

Obama Speech: Fighting al Qaeda by aiding al Qaeda

Against the backdrop of the Shiite leadership in Iran saying the coming of the Islamic Messiah and the end of the world is near, the US president addressed the American people in an effort to justify his war in Libya. The prophetic implications of his speech and the entire situation that has quickly evolved in the Middle East are phenomenal. Zechariah 12:3 says of Jerusalem that "all the people of the earth be gathered against it." Certainly, radical elements that are haters of Jews and Christians alike--Islamists, leftists, Arabs, socialists--are aligning against God's people--both Jews and those Gentiles who as Romans 11:17 says are, "grafted in among them and with them partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree."

Obama justified an attack on Libya by saying, "To brush aside America's responsibility as a leader and -- more profoundly -- our responsibilities to our fellow human beings under such circumstances would have been a betrayal of who we are. Some nations may be able to turn a blind eye to atrocities in other countries. The United States of America is different. And as Obama, I refused to wait for the images of slaughter and mass graves before taking action." He did not, however, address the very fact that Libyan rebels are comprised of al Qaeda and mercenaries that fought American soldiers in Iraq. Quite the opposite, he said, "That's why we're going after al Qaeda wherever they seek a foothold."

The Director of multilateral affairs at the National Security Council, Samantha Powers, told a crowd at Columbia University Monday that the president's two year campaign to promote human rights helped trigger the uprising in Libya. If so, his actions also could be credited with inspiring uprisings across the Middle East--all of which involve terrorist organizations, including al Qaeda, the Moslem Brotherhood and others. Powers was one of three women in the Administration that included Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and UN Ambassador Susan Rice to overrule Defense Secretary Robert Gates in the decision to go to war in Libya. Gates, even as late as Sunday, said that Libya is not a "vital interest for the US."

The common thread among the rebellions across the Middle East are terrorist and jihadist interests. But this Administration would have Americans believe that these uprisings were the result of people wanting democracy. While the common people may want democracy, terrorist-enabling organizations like the Moslem Brotherhood embrace democracy as a way to establish their power and institute Sharia law. Obama is going before his citizens and saying he is acting on behalf of humanitarian interests and those wanting democracy, when in actuality, he is advancing America's enemies. This is classic ideological subversion designed to confuse people. Americans should demand truth.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

SOAR Act Vote Tomorrow

SOAR Act Vote in the House Wednesday

Tomorrow the House intends to vote on H.R. 471, the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Act. This bill would restore funding to the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program that provides disadvantaged students living in the nation's capital tuition scholarships to attend private school. The Department of Education found a statistically significant positive effect of the program. Specifically, students who had been offered scholarships were performing at statistically higher levels in reading, approximately three months of additional learning. The Department also found that families who had been offered a scholarship were more satisfied with their children's school and safety. (CHPP; Heritage Foundation) Read more.

[Note: This is the only bill House Speaker John Boehner intends to introduce this Congress, which gives a good indication of his and its priority.]

- Father, we know we are in a climate of cutting spending, and the irony of this case is that the annual cost per student in this program is less than in the public schools. For the students, their families, our budget, and even the public school system, we ask you for a resoundingly affirmative vote for this bill in the House this week.

- "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old , he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

Senate Hearing To Note

Senate Committee Hearing on Pro-Abortion Goodwin Liu This Week

The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on pro-abortion federal appeals court nominee Goodwin Liu, whom Obama picked for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Liu, liberal a University of California law professor, is slated to come before the panel on Thursday, where he will face strong opposition again from Republicans.

Liu has said he believes in the pro-abortion notion of a changing Constitution that can, for example, allow for unlimited abortion rights.

"What we mean by fidelity is that the Constitution should be interpreted in ways that adapt its principles and its text to the challenges and conditions of our society in every succeeding generation," Liu has said.

Liu clerked for pro-abortion Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, worked in the Clinton administration, and spoke out against Supreme Court nominees John Roberts and Samuel Alito. (LifeNews) Read more.

- Ask our Lord to grant His wisdom to the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee as they weigh the qualifications of this candidate before Him. Do we really need a jurist on the court who believes in a "living Constitution" -- one that can be changed to suit the whims of the day? Pray!

- "I am the LORD your God . . . Who leads you by the way you should go. " (Isaiah 4812b)

Rep. Ros-Lehtinen Takes Action on UNHRC

US Withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council Proposed in Congress

Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), the Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced Monday she will introduce legislation that makes U.S. funding for the United Nations contingent on reform. It also calls for the U.S. to withdraw from the U.N.'s Human Rights Council. Describing the Obama administration's attempts to reform the HRC as a failure, Rep. Ros-Lehtinen declared that the U.S. should quit the HRC and "explore credible, alternative forums to advance human rights."

Human rights advocates maintain that the U.N. - especially including its Human Rights Council - is in actuality a hostile opponent of human rights, even allowing on the Human Rights Council at one point or another such brutal regimes as Russia, China, Libya, Iran, and Vietnam.

The watchdog group Human Rights Watch declared in its annual report that U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon had at times gone "out of his way to portray oppressive governments in a positive way." Moon was criticized for his lukewarm response to the awarding of the 2010 Nobel peace prize to imprisoned Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. His guarded comment about the award did not include a call for Liu to be released.

Despite the dominance of Islamist regimes on the council, which are generally hostile to the United States, the Obama administration believes that it is proper for the U.S. to maintain a presence on the committee, quixotically believing that one country (the U.S.) is capable of influencing and swaying the other members of the council.

Rep. Ros-Lehtinen's legislation to defund the Human Rights Council will no doubt easily pass in the House, but is expected to be rejected in the Democratic-controlled Senate. (The New American) Read more.

- Come against the last statement in this article, declaring its words to be null and void through the authority of the Blood of the Lamb. Christians around the world have suffered severe persecution, even unto death, at the hands of many of the members of this UN Council.

Ask our Lord to forgive those who have caused suffering to our brothers and sisters in Christ across the nations; they know not what they do. Pray that all funding for this UN Council would wither, dry up and "die," in Jesus' Name. Pray for protection for Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, who is known to be a strong anti-communist; and pray that her bill would be passed in both the House and the Senate and be signed into law by the President of the United States of America. Pray for a miracle. Pray!

- ". . . 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)

The Good News Corner

New U.N. Resolution on Religious Freedom Drops 'Defamation' Concept

SANTA ANA, Calif., March 29, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Last Thursday the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a new resolution on worldwide religious intolerance while taking a significant step away from the controversial, restrictive "Defamation of Religions" resolution.

The new resolution refers to the Charter of the United Nations, reiterating the right to freedom of religion or belief. The resolution also reaffirms the positive role that the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression has, while expressing concern about incidents of intolerance, discrimination and violence against persons based on their religion or belief in all regions of the world.

Additionally, the resolution strongly deplores all acts of violence against persons on the basis of their religion or belief, as well as any such acts directed against their homes, businesses, properties, schools, cultural centers or places of worship. It recognizes that open public debate of ideas can be the best protection against religious intolerance.

The defamation of religions resolutions, although not legally binding, provided international legitimacy for national laws that punish blasphemy or ban criticism of a religion. A prime example is the blasphemy law in Pakistan, which has resulted in the imprisonment of hundreds, including Christians such as Asia Noreen (Bibi) who has been condemned to death by hanging. The resolutions were introduced annually for 12 years by the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).
"I am pleased the Organization of Islamic Conference countries have finally decided to not re-introduce a defamation of religions resolution this year and instead has introduced a compromise text that was drafted with input from the United States government," said Open Doors Advocacy Director Lindsay Vessey. "This represents a huge victory for all those who worked to defeat the defamation resolutions. Open Doors would like to thank its supporters who spoke out against defamation resolutions. . .

Dr. Carl Moeller, president/CEO of Open Doors USA, added: "The most disturbing issues with the defamation resolutions at the U.N. have been addressed in this new resolution. Open Doors recognizes and appreciates the critical role that U.S. legislators, the U.S. State Department under both the previous and current administration and fellow religious freedom groups have played in campaigning and lobbying against the defamation of religions resolutions and producing a compromise text. I warmly welcome this effort of the Human Rights Council to address both freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief in a more balanced and constructive way." (Open Doors)

- While we rejoice with Open Doors at this good report, we continue to support Congresswoman Ros- Lehtinen's measure, cited above, in prayer. One positive resolution cannot rescue the whole Council, whose overall record on human rights has been dismal. Offer thanks to the Lord for this victory, but please continue to ask that all other actions taken by the UN Human Rights Council be held accountable.

- ". . . by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:37)

Worship with Us Today!

A song of prayer for Japan

"Mercy" by Hannah Ford

Our hearts are with you, Japan! I originally wrote this song when the tsunami disaster hit Indonesia in 2004. I later dedicated it also to the Hurricane Katrina and Haiti victims. Now I'm dedicating it to you, Japan. You have always had a special place in my heart and you surely have a special place in God's heart. May His strength, love, and compassion comfort you, rebuild and revive you. May you rest in His salvation. Love, Hannah

-- Pray for Japan as you listen to this beautiful song. Praise God . . .

[With thanks to our dear friends at AGLOW for sending this to us . . . to share wtih you . . . Amen.]

Monday, March 28, 2011

CHPP On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 12

In This Issue
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 12a
• More News From the Hill
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .


Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net



On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 12a
March 28 - April 1, 2011

DOMESTIC ISSUES

"But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail." (Luke 16:17)

DOMESTIC ISSUES
1. SENATOR DURBIN TO HOLD FIRST HEARING ON MUSLIM CIVIL RIGHTS
2. ON HOUSE FLOOR NEXT WEEK: ENERGY TAX PREVENTION ACT OF 2011
3. OBAMA BUDGET ADDS $80,000 PER HOUSEHOLD TO NATIONAL DEBT
4. OBAMA TRYING TO ELIMINATE CONSCIENCE PROTECTIONS ON ABORTION
5. HOUSE CONSIDERS BILL TO DEFUND U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
6. H.R. 861: TERMINATING HOUSING BAILOUT PROGRAMS
7. H.R. 1164: MAKING ENGLISH OUR OFFICIAL LANGUAGE



1. SENATOR DURBIN TO HOLD FIRST HEARING ON MOSLEM CIVIL RIGHTS

Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.) announced Tuesday that he will hold Congress' first-ever hearing on the civil rights of American Cult following Moslems next week. The hearing comes a little more than two weeks after a Republican in Congress made headlines by holding a controversial hearing on the radicalization of cultic Moslem Americans.

The release announcing the hearing said it is in response to the "spike in anti-Muslim bigotry in the last year including Quran burnings, restrictions on mosque construction, hate crimes, hate speech, and other forms of discrimination. Our Constitution protects the free exercise of religion for all Americans," Durbin said. "During the course of our history, many religions have faced intolerance. It is important for our generation to renew our founding charter's commitment to religious diversity and to protect the liberties guaranteed by our Bill of Rights."

The panel of witnesses scheduled to testify at the hearing include Moslem civil rights leader Farhana Khera; Catholic Cardinal Theodore McCarrick; Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez, the Obama Administration's top civil rights official; and former Assistant Attorney General Alex Acosta, the Bush Administration's top civil rights official.

Durbin will lead the hearing next Tuesday in the subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, which is part of the Senate Judiciary Committee. (CBS News) Read more.

- Father, the point of a hearing is to let the truth be heard. Well, let the truth be heard on Tuesday, even in what many may consider to be unexpected circumstances. We thank you for a Constitution that does afford religious freedom to all, and we ask that you would reveal true freedom in Jesus Christ to all Muslims in America!

- "If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36)

2. ON HOUSE FLOOR NEXT WEEK: ENERGY TAX PREVENTION ACT OF 2011

Speaker of the House John Boehner recently told reporters as he unveiled a campaign the Republicans are calling the "America Energy Initiative" to increase supplies and roll back regulations that: "As gas prices go up, so does the cost of everyday life. It costs more to drive to work, to buy groceries, or just to get the kids to school. And at a time when our economy already isn't creating enough jobs, rising gas prices hurt the very people we need to lead us out of our economic crisis: Small businesses."

Interestingly enough, gasoline prices have now doubled since January 20, 2009 at the beginning of a new administration when a gallon of gasoline stood at $1.83 per gallon.

Speaker Boehner said that Republicans would tackle the issue in "bite-sized chunks" rather than one gargantuan energy bill. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more

- Father, for as much as our energy markets are based on speculation, we ask you to give them something to speculate about--new sources of energy. We thank you for this vote coming up in the House. Breathe life into our competitive energy markets.

-"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)

3. OBAMA BUDGET ADDS $80,000 PER HOUSEHOLD TO NATIONAL DEBT

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has completed its initial review of Obama's budget request and found that the White House significantly understated the cost of and red ink in its budget.

While Obama claimed his budget would produce $7.2 trillion in deficits (a staggering figure) over the next decade, CBO calculated $9.5 trillion in deficits. That is more debt than the federal government accumulated from 1789-2010 combined. Overall, CBO estimates that the national debt held by the public-40 percent of GDP before the recession-would soar past 87 percent of GDP in a decade.

Obama harshly criticized his predecessor for overseeing $300 billion budget deficits even while financing a war. Yet Obama's budget would run annual deficits reaching $1.2 trillion by 2021- and that assumes peace and prosperity. Annual deficits would never fall below $748 billion. . .
Under Obama's budget proposal, taxpayers would see large tax increases, bigger government, and slower economic growth. The guy who declared that "I didn't come here to pass our problems on to the next President or the next generation-I'm here to solve them," would, over the next decade, drop an additional $80,000 per household in debt onto the laps of our children and grandchildren. This is an irresponsible budget proposal by any standard. (The Heritage Foundation) Read more

- Father, we know our problems will not be solved by good intentions. We know our problems will not be solved by good planning and discipline. We know our problems are bigger than any of us can imagine. We know our problems will ONLY be fixed when we trust in you as a people. Turn us, not just from our problem, but from what got us headed away from you in the first place. May this budget not go into effect. Please give us a budget that eliminates the per household national debt.

- "Hearken to the sound of the trumpet." (Jeremiah 6:17)

4. OBAMA TRYING TO ELIMINATE CONSCIENCE PROTECTIONS ON ABORTION

The more the bureaucracy moves to enact the Obama's notion of health care "reform", the worse it gets. In this case, it's their move to eliminate the conscience protection rights concerning abortion that were provided for by the Bush administration.

Those protections were put in place on behalf of those in the medical community who did not want to be forced to participate in performing abortions. The 2008 rule by the Bush administration was put in place to prohibit recipients of any federal funding from discriminating against those who had such moral objections.

Obama now wants to reverse that somewhat and force those medical personnel to distribute drugs which are intended to induce abortion. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more

- Father, we thank you that despite living in a nation with a seared conscience, we still have people of conscience in our medical fields who are willing to stand up for the sacred life you have created. We thank you that many are willing to give up their entire careers rather than sacrifice the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves. We ask that this would not be necessary, but that you would reinstate the conscience regulations that protect our health care professionals from sacrificing their careers to obey you.Italic
- "Let each be fully convinced in his own mind." (Romans 14:5)

5. HOUSE CONSIDERS BILL TO DEFUND U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who is the chair of the U.S House Foreign Affairs Committee, called this week for the U.S. to withdraw from the U.N. Human Rights Council. Under President George W. Bush the U.S. did not participate, but President Obama joined the HRC which is for the most part made up of the worst human rights offenders in the world such as Cuba, China, Saudi Arabia and yes, even Libya. Ros-Lehtinen said the U.S. should quit the HRC and "explore credible, alternative forums to advance human rights." For the most part the HRC passes resolutions condemning Israel for defending itself against terror and criticizing the the USA in one fashion or the other. (Religious Freedom Coalition)

- Father, we ask you to expose this charade for what it is, in our United States media. Inspire those who make charts and graphs, and make our participation in the UN Human Rights Council look absolutely ridiculous to every American. May you tear down strongholds at the United Nations.

- "The conspiracy of her prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured people; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst." (Ezekiel 22:25)

6. H.R. 861: TERMINATING HOUSING BAILOUT PROGRAMS

Congressman Forbes voted for H.R.861 terminating the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Recent reports from the Inspector General for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the General Accountability Office (GAO) have uncovered misused and inadequately tracked funds. The program was initially intended to provide funding for state and local governments to purchase, renovate, and resell abandoned and foreclosed properties. It received funding from various sources including $1.93 billion from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act ("Stimulus") and $1 billion from the Dodd, Frank Wall Street Reform Act.

This bill passed the House by a vote of 242 -182. (Office of Rep. Randy Forbes)

- Lord, we ask for forgiveness for those who have misused funds. We thank you for the GAO which can uncover these errors. We ask you to use abandoned and foreclosed properties for your glory, including in the business world. May we stabilize our own neighborhoods by getting to know our own neighbors and sharing Jesus Christ with them.

-"Love your neighbor as yourself." (Leviticus 19:18)

7. H.R. 1164: MAKING ENGLISH OUR OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Congressman Forbes cosponsored the National Language Act, H.R.1164, which is another step toward making English the official language of the United States. The bill states that all official business including publications, income tax forms, informational materials, and public ceremonies where an oath is administered, shall be conducted in English. Additionally, this legislation repeals bilingual voting requirements. (Office of Rep. Randy Forbes)

- If I move to France, I am expected to learn French. If I move to Germany, I am expected to learn German. This bill is not racist nor discriminatory; rather, this is a common sense bill that simply requires that all business done in our nation be done in English. Period. Pray for passage.

- "You will pray to Him, and He will answer you . . ." (Job 24:27)

More News From the Hill

For more detailed and current information on what Congress has done and is doing in the House and Senate, please visit Deeper Inside the Mountain.


On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 12b

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

1. MISSIONARY KILLED IN JERUSALEM BOMB BLAST
2. ISRAELI AND SAUDI LEADERS IN MOSCOW
3. ISRAELI PARLIAMENT (KNESSET) ADOPTS "NABKA" LAW
4. SYRIA'S ASSAD MUST CONTAIN SUNNI MAJORITY UNREST
5. FIRST TIME CHINESE MISSILE WARSHIP ENTERS THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
6. THE COURAGEOUS "FUKUSHIMA FIFTY"
7. A SPECIAL PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHER, MR. SATO
8. NUCLEAR WORKERS EXPOSED TO 10,000 TIMES MORE RADIATION THAN NORMAL
9. NEWS FROM CANADA
10. UNREPORTED SOROS EVENT AIMS TO REMAKE ENTIRE GLOBAL ECONOMY


1. MISSIONARY KILLED IN JERUSALEM BOMB BLAST

Mary Jean Gardner, 59, of the Orkney Islands, Scotland was killed by a Muslim bomb planted at a bus stop in Jerusalem this week. She was a member of Wycliffe Bible Translators and was studying Hebrew in Jerusalem and staying at the Home for Bible Translators. Previously she had served with a Wycliffe team in Togo, translating the New Testament into the Ife language. Miss Gardner was studying Hebrew in Jerusalem, hoping to return to Togo to translate the Old Testament. In addition to the murder of Jean Gardner, six Americans were among a total of fifty people wounded in the blast. Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, took credit for the blast as well as numerous rockets fired into Israel in the last week. (Religous Freedom Coalition)

- Join us in praying for Mary's family; and join us in praying for healing of the many other victims who were injured in this blast:

- Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you that Mary Gardner is now home with You in Heaven but we ask that You put Your loving arms around her family and friends. Send Your peace that passes all understanding to them and for all the students and others who have been injured. We ask that You lay healing hands upon them all and raise them back up to good health, according to 1 Pet. 2:24. Father, we ask that these senseless bombings cease and that they never ever come back. Father, may Your people be protected, and the Blood of Yeshua (Jesus) be over them, and angels surrounding them, and those who do these wicked things brought to repentance. We thank You and give You all the Praise and Glory. In Jesus Name. Amen.

- " . . . who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed." (I Peter 2:24)

2. ISRAELI AND SAUDI LEADERS IN MOSCOW AS PALESTINIANS RAMP UP MISSILE STRIKES

As Russian, Israeli and Saudi leaders discussed in Moscow the ramifications of the Arab uprising and US Defense Secretary Robert Gates talked in Tel Aviv with Israeli military chiefs, the Palestinian Hamas again ramped up its missile offensive on Israeli cities. Thursday, March 24, heavy Grad missiles hit Ashdod and Ofakim. In Moscow, debkafile reports exclusively that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was working to set up a discreet meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal.

In Moscow, debkafile's exclusive sources report that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was working to set up a discreet meeting between two visitors - Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, failing which he will try and bring the Saudi Intelligence chief Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, who arrived with the foreign minister, together with the Israeli leader. Muqrin has met Israeli leaders in secret before, including the former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. (DEBKAfile) Read more

- Please continue to pray that the Lord will put His wisdom into Netanyahu's mind as the Israeli Prime Minister meets with these various world leaders. Pray also for the talks with Robert Gates. While he represents the Obama administration, he is also a military general who understands the mechanics of battles, and he needs to say and do what he sees as necessary. Lift up to the Lord the peoples of the various countries now involved in the Middle East conflicts. Some truly want freedom, some are duped by jihadists and the Muslim Brotherhood, and some of the youth are fighting only for the thrill of it.

- "Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day." (Psalm 25:5)

3. ISRAELI PARLIAMENT (KNESSET) ADOPTS "NABKA" LAW

The Knesset, Israel's parliament, has passed a law that allows the state to deny funding to institutions that question the Jewish state's right to exist. The controversial law brought in by the Yisrael Beiteinu party was passed by a vote of 37 to 25. The new law has been nick-named "Nakba" law, the Arabic word for "catastrophe," a term which many Arabs still use for Israel's foundation in 1948.

Under the new law, groups involved in activities that "undermine the foundations of the state and contradict its values," including undermining the Jewish or democratic nature of Israel, can be excluded from receiving funding by public bodies. Those activities include marking Israel's Independence Day as a day of mourning.

Arab Knesset member Afu Aghbaria said the Arab population would persist in marking the Nakba without the use of government funds, adding: "We will continue activities marking Nakba Day with the aim of presenting the historical facts, which are not subject to interpretation when it comes to a people uprooted from its land, many of whose members were made refugees." (By World Jewish Congress, March 24, 2011)

- Praise God for the Knesset's decision. Pray that they will go a step further and remove members of the Knesset who want to rewrite Israel's history and do not support Israel's right to exist.

- "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge." (Proverbs 14:7)

4. SYRIA'S ASSAD MUST CONTAIN SUNNI MAJORITY UNREST BEFORE IT INFECTS ARMY

The protest against Bashar Assad's regime is swelling. From its first epicenter in the southern town of Deraa it spread Friday, March 25, to new cities, Homs, Aleppo, Latakia and parts of Damascus. It has quickly attained the scale unforeseen by the regime of Assad and is a popular uprising by the majority Sunni population (74 percent) against Allawite-dominated (15 percent) rule. Army troops gunned the protesters down in what witnesses described as a massacre of scores and hundreds injured, raising calls from the opposition for international intervention. The number of dead and injured cannot be reliably determined, but intelligence sources report that special Syrian security clean-up units removed the bodies as they fell. . .

Putting the fate of the Assad regime in the hands of radical Palestinian organizations would be . . . imprudent and, worse, a humiliation, giving Palestinians their second open door to an Arab uprising, the first of which gave Hamas undreamed of leverage in Egypt. Assad may even stage an attack on Israel as a desperate diversionary tactic from his troubles. (DEBKAfile) Read more

- This situation in Syria is far more serious than Americans have been led to believe. If Assad gets help from Iran, then Iran has a foothold right on the border with Israel at the Golan Heights. Pray that the Obama administration sees this Syrian situation for what it truly is. What really needs to happen is for Assad to step down, seek refuge in some other country, and let the Syrian people have their own land.

- Remember, too, that Syria has a long Christian history because the Apostle Paul received his teachings there from the Lord. The Lord stopped Paul; He can stop Assad from doing anything that will endanger Israel. God will have to intervene in this situation until He is ready to move against Syria. Remember Isaiah 17:1. Please pray for the protection of all believers now living in Syria. Pray!

- "Do not keep silent, O God; Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God!" (Psalm 83: 1)

5. FIRST TIME CHINESE MISSILE WARSHIP ENTERS THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

For the first time in history a Chinese warship has sailed into the Mediterranean Sea. The 'Xuzhou' a 4000 ton frigate fully armed with air defense missiles has located itself in the Mediterranean Sea along the coast of Libya. It is reported that the warship's mission is to assist in the evacuation effort of 36,000 Chinese who work in the current violently unstable country of Libya. This North African region has become a growing situation involving conflicts between rebel forces and Libyan military troops operating under the command of Moammar Gadhafi. The rebel forces are said to be attempting to topple four decades of the Libyan leader's rule. (News Report USA) Read more.

View CNN video here.

- How interesting is this news! To send a ship to evacuate Chinese citizens is one thing, but to send a fully armed warship seems like sending a missile to swat a fly! What message is China sending? Please pray for discernment about this happening. Keep praying that our media would report the real news accurately so that Americans can be prepared and Bible readers can see prophecy revealed every day before their eyes. Pray!

- "Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared." (Revelation 16: 12) [Some of the kings of the east could come on ships and certainly airplanes.]

6. THE COURAGEOUS "FUKUSHIMA FIFTY"

Engineers Who Have Been Risking Their Lives to Prevent Nuclear Meltdown

If you've not yet heard of the "Fukushima Fifty," they are a group of engineers and workers at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan that chose to stay and brave potentially lethal amounts of radiation at the earthquake and tsunami-damaged facility in order to try to restore the power to the crippled cooling system.

A report states that the power cable has been successfully laid, with internal cabling within the nuclear reactor structures to the water pumps still being worked on. Ralph Justiano (in Tokyo) put it this way: "I think it is interesting that our brother in Christ who oversaw the operation, Naoyoshi Sato, is not named in the article, but only described as 'exhausted engineers.' So many to whom we owe our extreme gratitude are in like manner, unnamed. Our extreme gratitude goes out to all those 'exhausted engineers' and all the other unnamed workers who risk their life and health for the sake of others. May the Lord bless them greatly."

As they risk their lives to stop a meltdown or further radiation leakage at the Fukushima Nuclear Plant, let's cover these brave men and women in prayer that-like Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego-they would return from the fiery furnace not even smelling of smoke. (Breaking Christian News) Read more

- " . . . and if they drink any deadly poison, it shall not hurt them." (Mark 16:18)

7. A SPECIAL PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHER, MR. SATO

PRAYER POINTS.

1. please pray for him for leadership to rebuild Tohoku area (east or some would say north of Japan)
2. pray for their lives on top of the responsibility of bringing solution to this crisis. He is responsible for rebuilding the infrastructures in the area in coming days. This is an event, which we never faced in the past and for anyone, it is an overwhelming burden. But we believe this is not coincident to have a Christian brother to take this place.
.3 .Mr. Sato NEEDS God's wisdom and strength to go forward.

IT IS WRITTEN: "Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord, hear my urgent cry. I will call to You whenever I am in trouble, and You will answer me. No pagan god is like You, O Lord. None can do what You do! All the Nations You made will come and bow before You, Lord, they will praise Your holy name. For You are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God." [Psalm 86:6-10]

8. JAPAN CRISIS: NUCLEAR WORKERS EXPOSED TO 10,000 TIMES MORE RADIATION THAN NORMAL

Concerns over the extent of radioactive contamination in Japan deepened after it emerged that three workers admitted to hospital this week were exposed to radiation levels 10,000 times higher than normal. (UK Telegraph)

- God, You are Father of all who rules the earth in righteousness, is calling for the people of Japan to turn their hearts toward God, repent of their sins, and embrace the message of salvation for their souls. Break the evil powers of darkness off Japan by the overcoming blood of Jesus Christ and bring in heartrending repentance from sin and they shall be saved. In Jesus Name.

- "The fear of man brings a snare: but whoso puts his trust in the Lord, shall be safe. Many seek the ruler's favor; but every man's judgment comes from the Lord." (Proverbs 29:25-26)

9. NEWS FROM CANADA

a) CANADIAN GOVERNMENT FALLS AFTER NO-CONFIDENCE VOTE

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government has fallen after a no-confidence vote passed in the country's parliament. The vote, engineered by the opposition Liberal Party and backed by two other opposition parties, triggers an election expected in early May. The move stemmed from a ruling on Monday that the minority government was in contempt of parliament. But the Conservatives are thought likely to keep power in a May election. The House of Commons adjourned on Friday after the no-confidence motion brought by Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff passed on a 156-145 vote. The vote came after a finding by a parliamentary committee led by the opposition parties that Mr Harper's government had acted in contempt by failing to disclose the full costs of spending on anti-crime programmes, corporate tax cuts and plans to purchase stealth fighter jets.

On Saturday, Mr Harper asked Governor General David Johnston to dissolve parliament, and following that, an election will be held after a minimum 36 days of campaigning. Canadian analysts expect it will be called for the first week in May. (BBC) Read more.

b) CANADA CALLS GAZA ROCKET STRIKES "CRIMINAL"

Canada 'vigorously condemns' Palestinian attacks, says Israel has right to defend itself

Strong support from North American ally: Canada "vigorously condemns" a spate of rocket fire by Gaza groups against Israel, Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said Friday.

"Canada vigorously condemns the rocket attacks on Israel launched from the Gaza Strip. These terrorist attacks, which indiscriminately target civilian areas, are abhorrent and criminal," he said in a statement. "Israel has a right to defend itself against such terrorist acts," the statement added. "Terrorism is never justified. We call on all parties in Gaza to cease these criminal attacks. Those responsible should be brought to justice." (AFP) Read more.

- In blessing Israel by condemning these attacks and by defending Israel's right to exist, Canada is due a blessing. Pray that the new government that will be voted in during May will continue to be a strong support for Israel and will bring blessings to the Canadian people.

- "Those who bless you I will bless." (Gen. 12:3)

10. UNREPORTED SOROS EVENT AIMS TO REMAKE ENTIRE GLOBAL ECONOMY

Left-wing billionaire's own experts dominate quiet push for 'a grand bargain that rearranges the entire financial order.' Two years ago, George Soros said he wanted to reorganize the entire global economic system. In two short weeks, he is going to start - and no one seems to have noticed.

On April 8, a group he's funded with $50 million is holding a major economic conference and Soros's goal for such an event is to "establish new international rules" and "reform the currency system." It's all according to a plan laid out in a Nov. 4, 2009, Soros op-ed calling for "a grand bargain that rearranges the entire financial order."

The event is bringing together "more than 200 academic, business and government policy thought leaders' to repeat the famed 1944 Bretton Woods gathering that helped create the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Soros wants a new 'multilateral system," or an economic system where America isn't so dominant. (Business and Media Institute) Read more.

- Father, as Gideon broke pitchers of water and scattered the armies of Midian, we pray that You will take faithful intercessor warriors and scatter these insidious enemies of America. We ask that You cut off all plans of the socialist one-world agenda, and protect us against any actions that are not being attempted according to Your timing of the end of days.

- "...but it shall not succeed or be to his advantage." (Daniel 11:17c Amplified)

Focus on Libya

1. OBAMA WANTED MORE MONEY FOR GADDAFI
2. HOUSE PANEL PLANS HEARING ON U.S. INTERVENTION IN LIBYA
3. U.N. INTERVENTION IN LIBYA AN OMINOUS PRECEDENT FOR ISRAEL
4. OBAMA DEFENDS ACTION IN LIBYA; SAYS U.S. PREVENTED A "MASSACRE"
5. CANADIAN GENERAL TO TAKE NATO COMMAND OF LIBYA
6. NATO STATES CONTINUE TO SQUABBLE ON LIBYA COMMAND


1. OBAMA WANTED MORE MONEY FOR GADDAFI

In the middle of the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisa, President Barack Obama requested that the Congress double the military aid the United States provided Muammar Gaddafi. In February of this year Obama requested an additional $1.7 million in funds for Gaddafi's military. Just a few weeks after he requested the funds to build up Libya's military, Obama is now spending hundreds of millions of dollars to destroy it. Meanwhile, President Obama can't figure out what the U.S. role in the war actually is. (Religious Freedom Coaltion)

- Pray much for the man in the Oval Office. Scripture declares that we are not to waiver between two opinions. Pray that Obama knows the best course of action for both Libya and America in this complex matter, and then sticks to it. Pray!

- "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)

2. HOUSE PANEL PLANS HEARING ON U.S. INTERVENTION IN LIBYA

The House Foreign Affairs Committee is planning a hearing next week on the U.S. intervention in Libya, the first formal congressional inquiry into the five-day-old military campaign.

A senior committee aide told The Hill on Wednesday that Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) was eyeing a hearing when Congress returns from recess. The hearing "is still in the planning stages," the aide said. Ros-Lehtinen has formally invited Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, or her top deputy as a designee, to testify before the committee next week and is waiting to hear back from the State Department, the aide said. An official announcement of the hearing is expected soon. (The Hill) Read more

- Father, we know this is the greatest foreign policy test of Obama to date. We ask you to guide Congress and the Administration in how it executes justice for the people of Libya. We know our European entanglements have deep roots and a long history. We ask you to uproot the hold decades of injustice have in that African country. Let your people breathe free.

"David inquired of the Lord." (2 Samuel 5:19)

3. U.N. INTERVENTION IN LIBYA AN OMINOUS PRECEDENT FOR ISRAEL

Analysis by Frank Gaffney Jr, Center for Security Policy

There are many reasons to be worried about the bridge-leap the Obama Administration has just undertaken in its war with Muammar Gaddafi. How it will all end is just one of them. Particularly concerning is the prospect that what we might call the Gaddafi Precedent will be used in the not-to-distant future to justify and threaten the use of U.S. military forces against an American ally: Israel.
Here's how such a seemingly impossible scenario might eventuate: It begins with the Palestinian Authority seeking a UN Security Council resolution that would recognize its unilateral declaration of statehood. Three top female officials in the Obama administration reprise roles they played in the Council's recent action on Libya: U.S. Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice, a vehement critic of Israel, urges that the United States support (or at least not veto) the Palestinians' gambit. She is supported by the senior director for multilateral affairs at the National Security Council, Samantha LinkPower, who in the past argued for landing a "mammoth force" of American troops to protect the Palestinians from Israel. Ditto Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whose unalloyed sympathy for the Palestinian cause dates back at least to her days as First Lady. Read more

- Obama has surrounded himself with Israel haters, a dangerous situation for America. Even Glenn Beck has clarified for his audience that Samantha Power is married to Cass Sunstein, one of Obama's czars. Ask the Lord to remove these three women [Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice and Susan Power of the National Security Council] from their positions of power in US policy and from any influence on Obama as long as he is president of our nation. Praise the Lord for Frank Gaffney's insights; keep your eyes on these three women and on the workings of the UN towards Israel.

- "A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; but the simple pass on and are punished." (Proverbs 22: 3)

4. OBAMA DEFENDS ACTION IN LIBYA; SAYS U.S. PREVENTED A "MASSACRE"

Obama says in a televised speech to the nation that U.S. had 'a responsibility to act' in Libya, and with rebels like the ones shown here gaining ground on Qaddafi's forces, NATO will assume full control of military effort on Wednesday. (AP)

- Watch for a full analysis and commentary on tonight's speech, to be released on our next Daily Brief. In the meantime, please continue to pray in the spirit over all matters related to Libya and the U.S. relation to that nation in crisis.

- " Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Romans 8:26)

5. CANADIAN GENERAL TO TAKE NATO COMMAND OF LIBYA

TORONTO - A Canadian general will take over command of the NATO mission in Libya. Canadian Defense Minister Peter MacKay said Friday that Lt. Gen. Charles Bouchard has been designated to lead the alliance's military campaign in Libya. Bouchard is stationed in Naples, Italy, at the Allied Joint Force Command. His recent job was deputy commander of NORAD, reporting to an American general. "He will be commander of the NATO operations, yet to be fully defined NATO operations," MacKay said.

The international coalition confronting Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has agreed to put NATO in charge of enforcing the no-fly zone. It was still trying to hammer out a deal to relieve U.S. forces of command of all military operations in the country. U.S. President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates have both said that American command of the operations would last only a few days. (Associated Press) Read more

- Father, we thank you for Charles Bouchard. We ask you to guide his leadership, and the formation of the operations he has been designated to lead. We ask for clarity of objectives, and a swift accomplishment of those objectives. Give our leaders a "much better understanding of the opposition."

- "He delights in mercy." (Micah 7:18)

6. NATO STATES CONTINUE TO SQUABBLE ON LIBYA COMMAND

New military coalition forming: NATO, African Union, and Arab League

France, which has taken the political lead on the anti-Gaddafi war effort up to now, wants the body to play a supporting role to a new "contact group" composed of ministers from countries involved in the military campaign and regional players. UK foreign minister William Hague is to host the first meeting of the group in London on 29 March to "take stock" of operations so far.

The participation of Arab League and African Union members in the club "clearly shows the political leadership of this operation is not in the hands of NATO, but of the contact group" French foreign minister Alain Juppe said.

The US is keen to hand over the hot potato of Operation Odyssey Dawn command to NATO as soon as possible. Italy has also urged NATO to take the lead.

Turkey, which is keen to maintain good relations with its Muslim neighbors as well as its EU and NATO allies, has said the transatlantic body should only take over if it imposes strict limits on the air strikes in the light of civilian casualties.

Germany, which has flip-flopped on its support for the coalition strikes, has meanwhile decided to boost troops and air surveillance missions in Afghanistan to help the alliance take on Gaddafi. "This will alleviate our allies in their Libyan mission," foreign minister Guido Westerwelle told parliament.

(2011 EUobserver.com; March 28, 2011). Read more

- Father, it's clear few want to lead this effort, and even fewer have a good idea as to what leadership in this situation should look like. We ask you to provide leadership for this campaign, and bring it to a swift conclusion with a full restoration of justice for the people of Libya.

We also watch and pray over this new military alliance that is now forming between NATO, the Arab League, and the members of the African Union. We wonder what will be the new title of this "contact group " and who will be their "One Voice " ? Time will tell; watch and pray.

- "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near." (Luke 21:20)

This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

ALMIGHTY (Sha-di)

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1)

How I praise You, God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth! There is peace in my soul when I come into Your secret place. There is no other place that I would rather be than under Your shadow. Thank You for Your ever- present protection over me. Amen.

(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)