In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Obama's Plan
• KEY VOTE ON THURSDAY IN THE HOUSE
• Victory for the National Day of Prayer!
• Cinco de Mayo Initiative
• Worship with Us Today!
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Thursday, April 14, 2011
"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11
The Daily Brief
1. Ahead of Key Vote, Estimate Shows Budget Bill Saves Less Than Advertised - Fox News
The $38 billion in budget cuts touted by Republicans over the weekend might end up being less. A lot less.
According to a Congressional Budget Office estimate, the hard-fought budget deal funding the government for the rest of the year saves only $352 million from non-war accounts this year.
- Father, we are officially furious that we have been deceived. We pray for a righteous answer to this continual spree of spending, and the lies that have entrapped America.
- "But cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock a male, and makes a vow, but sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished." (Malachi 1:14a)
2. US: Iran Secretly Helping Crackdown in Syria - The Wall Street Journal
Iran is secretly helping Syrian President Bashar al-Assad put down pro-democracy demonstrations, according to U.S. officials, who say Tehran is providing gear to suppress crowds and assistance blocking and monitoring protesters' use of the Internet, cellphones and text-messaging.
- Lord, we bind this covenant between the enemies of the West and apply the cross of Christ against it so that Your plan and purposes will be fulfilled.
- "In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the Lord shall bless, saying, 'Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance." (Isaiah 19:24-25)
3. Bank of America: Oil Could Hit $160 by Year-End - NewsMax
Oil prices have jumped to 2 ½-year highs this week, and the party may just be getting started. Bank of America Merrill Lynch says Brent crude could hit $160 a barrel this year, as global demand expands and Libyan oil remains offline, CNBC reports.
- Lord, we plead for Your mercy over the oil situation and ask that You will move on behalf of Your people. We ask for mercy also over the economy as emergency services, trucking, airlines, and other important industries suffer under the weight of high gas prices.
- "God be merciful to us and bless us" (Psalm 67:1a)
4. Banks Face $3.6 Trillion 'Wall' of Debt: IMF - CNBC
The world's banks face a $3.6 trillion "wall of maturing debt" in the next two years and must compete with debt-laden governments to secure financing, the IMF warned on Wednesday.
- Lord, we know that the only way a house of cards can go is down. We pray for Your touch upon the economies of the world, and Your provision and help for Your people across the globe. We pray that all of Your people will work together to help one another in these difficult times.
-"Behold God is my helper; the Lord is with those who uphold my life." (Psalm 54:4)
5. World Sea Attacks Surge With More Violent Pirates - AP
Sea piracy worldwide hit a record high of 142 attacks in the first quarter this year as Somali pirates become more violent and aggressive, a global maritime watchdog said Thursday.
- Lord, we ask for a move of Your Spirit to reveal, cast out, and destroy the violent men who engage in piracy. Too many have died at their h
and, too much fear has been created by their acts.- "Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him." (Psalm 140:11b)
6. FBI to Use High-Tech Photo Equipment in Search for More Bodies on Long Island - Fox News
The FBI is deploying high-tech aerial photography in the hunt for more bodies dumped by the killer or killers who have buried at least 10 victims along miles of Long Island beach.
- Father, we pray that you will reveal and catch the perpetrator(s) of these heinous crimes on Long Island. You know exactly the monster that is killing these women and striking fear in the hearts of the residents, so we pray that You move to stop this string of murders.
- "He will redeem their live from oppression and violence" (Psalm 72:14a)
7. Weekly Unemployment Rate Shoots Up - Fox News
An unexpected jolt in people applying for unemployment benefits last week raised the number of applications to a seasonally adjusted 412,000.
It was the first increase in three weeks, and could be a sign that people who stopped looking for work are coming back, but the 27,000 additional requests for assistance for the week ending April 9 put the jobless aid figure at its highest point since mid-February.
- Lord, we pray for the creation of good jobs for Americans. We ask for strategies, mercy, wisdom for our leaders and the businesses of the nation. So many people in despair Lord, so many lives torn apart by the loss of jobs and hope, we ask for Your intervention.
- "Do not forget the life of Your poor forever. " (Psalms 74:19b)
8. BREAKING! House Passes Bill to Keep Lights On - Fox News
After weeks of intense deliberations, the House passes budget bill to fund the federal government for the rest of the year as the bill now goes to the Senate for final passage.
- Offer praise for this victory today, and continue to "press in" as this bill now goes to the Senate for a vote -- and for passage. Let God be praised!
- " . . . he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:6)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Your name give glory, for Your mercy, and for Your truth's sake. Why should the nations say, Where is their God? But our God is in the heavens. He has done whatever He has pleased." (Psalm 115:1-3)
1. The new Christian settlers - Ynet News
Will US Christians settle in Samaria? About 1,000 Americans have signed a document requesting to convert to Judaism, move to Israel, and settle in Samaria.
2. WikiLeaks: Syria aimed chemical weapons at Israel - Ynet News
Syria placed long-range missiles equipped with chemical warheads on high alert after an attack on a Syrian nuclear plant in 2007, WikiLeaks documents obtained by Yedioth Ahronoth indicate.
3. Palestinian PM: Brussels meeting is 'birth certificate' for statehood - EU Observer
The Palestinian Authority has welcomed endorsement of a UN report on institution building as a "birth certificate" for statehood amid Israeli concern over a potential unilateral declaration of independence.
The Daily Jot
Sad day: When fiscal responsibility means changing the social compact with America
The Wall Street Journal characterized the Obama's speech on the budget by writing, "The speech he chose to deliver was dishonest even by modern political standards." WSJ points out the president used "blistering partisanship and multiple distortions" to "inoculate the White House from criticism that it is not serious about the fiscal crisis." The article points out that the president blamed the record budget deficits and national debt on others rather than taking responsibility for his own part, which was greater than any of the legitimate previous presidents. WSJ said that the president characterized opposing plans as un-American because Republicans are about "changing the basic social compact in America."
He never directly called for a tax increase, but reframed it in code. Now tax increases are called "spending reductions in the tax code." He said his plan "calls for tax reform to cut about $1 trillion in tax expenditures -- spending in the tax code." This means that he expects to increase taxes by a trillion dollars. He continued his class warfare theme. He said that he wants to eliminate tax deductions for the wealthiest two percent of Americans. Trouble is, he also wants to eliminate the home mortgage tax deduction, which impacts every home owner, smashing the American dream of property ownership. The centerpiece of the Communist Manifesto is for government to abolish property ownership.
He used the same worn out mantra of the Democratic playbook--terrorize the seniors by saying the big bad Republicans are going to cut your medicare and social security. But at the same time, he said "if we don't make any changes at all, we won't be able to keep our commitment to a retiring generation...." He mentioned that Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill "came together to save Social Security for future generations." I remember that. I was working then on Capitol Hill. There was an agreement that neither party would criticize the other in the announcement of their bipartisan decision. The first thing the Democrats did was say that Republicans wanted further cuts in social security.
Obama's speech was tantamount to someone who was robbing your house. You caught him in the act and held him until the police came. He then sued you for physical and mental damages. This government is robbing you of your freedom to pursue happiness, even to own a home. Many will say that it is God's judgement on us for becoming such a sinful society. And that by encouraging others to take action against this socialist Leviathan is getting in the way of God's plan. Who am I that I can undermine the plan of the Almighty? Psalm 107:1,2 says the Lord's "mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy." Let us repent, arise, and respond.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Obama's Plan: Gut Defense & Raise Taxes
Today Obama outlined his plan for tackling the nation's fiscal crisis. It is difficult to take him seriously. On his watch, annual deficits have tripled. His most recent budget proposal included no spending cuts and, according to the Congressional Budget Office, would add nearly $10 trillion to the national debt over the next ten years. But today "Mr. Stimulus" did his best to convince us he was serious about reducing spending.
As expected, today's speech was short on specifics, and it was largely more of the same from Obama. Whenever the president is in trouble with the voters, he rushes out to deliver a few well-scripted lines that have been thoroughly focus group tested for maximum effect. Once again, he tried to position himself as the responsible adult in the room, seeking a "balanced approach" -- as opposed to the "extremism" offered by congressional Republicans.
While today's speech lacked substance on spending cuts, there were two unmistakable promises: higher taxes and gutting the defense budget. We've been down this road before, and it doesn't end well. . .
Obama's call for higher taxes was preemptively rejected by GOP leaders before today's speech. As word spread yesterday that the president would repeat his call for higher taxes, Speaker Boehner responded, saying, "We don't have deficits because Americans are taxed too little. We have deficits because Washington spends too much." Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said, "There's no way to tax our way out of this problem. From my point of view, taxes are not on the table because we don't have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem."
Again, the battle lines are clearly drawn for the 2012 campaign. One party is defending big government and is determined to take more of your money to "spread the wealth around." The other party wants to shrink government and lower taxes so that businesses and families can thrive. America is at a tipping point. We are rapidly running out of time to address these issues. The next election could permanently decide which vision prevails. (Gary Bauer)
KEY VOTE ON THURSDAY IN THE HOUSE
Congress to Square Off Over Planned Parenthood Funding
By Friday night, most of the 535 members of Congress are likely to be on record on whether taxpayers should be subsidizing Planned Parenthood. As part of the recent budget compromise, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid agreed to let the Senate vote on legislation that would defund the nation's largest abortion business. That vote is likely to come late Thursday or Friday, after the House votes on the measure Thursday. The votes are separate from those on the spending bill that would fund the government through September.
"We already know (the Planned Parenthood) vote will fail, since 41 Democrats signed a letter . . . saying they'd oppose such a measure," writes pro-life blogger and speaker Jill Stanek. "But House Majority Leader John Boehner's strategy is to force so-called Democrat moderates to go on the record, potentially getting ammo for the 2012 elections."
Jordan Sekulow, director of policy and international operations for the American Center for Law and Justice, said the vote is a step in the right direction.
"Although this continues to be an uphill battle, an unsuccessful vote that puts senators on the record helps get us closer to a Congress that has the political will to defund Planned Parenthood once and for all," he writes. "Until then, our government will continue to fund one of the DNC's (Democratic National Committee's) best grassroots outfits."
In fiscal year 2008-09, almost one-third of Planned Parenthood's budget -- $363 million -- came from government grants and contracts. (CitizenLink)
Victory for the National Day of Prayer!
Good News Corner: Part One
Below please find a message from Dave Butts, Chairman of the National Prayer Committee.
Please join me in praising God! The 3 member court that was hearing the case against the National Day of Prayer has ruled 3-0 on our behalf. The previous ruling by a single judge declaring the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional has been decisively struck down.
Though future appeals are likely, this victory will stand. We give thanks to God for His mercies. This certainly gives us a great opportunity to praise and thank God together on May 5th wherever we are gathering to pray. Thank you all for praying for this.
Blessings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners joins the National Prayer Committee in rejoicing at this GOOD NEWS. And we thank all of our prayer partners, too, for the many months of intercession that have been offered over tihs vital court case.
To God be the Glory! Great things He hath done!
In His Grace,
Sara Ballenger, Founder and President
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
- "May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples with equity
and guide the nations of the earth." (Psalm 67:3,4)
The Good News Corner:
Cinco de Mayo Initiative
21 Days of Prayer and Fasting: Begins TOMORROW!
21 Days of Prayer & Fasting
April 15th - May 5th
The Mission of the Cinco de Mayo Initiative:
This Initiative is to raise up prayer, intercession and fasting for the southern border and all the issues surrounding it. To bring awareness of the issues associated with the border from the violence, trafficking, smuggling, kidnapping, drug cartels all the while realizing the responsibility we have before God and man, spiritual and natural, to take our place of authority to bring about change and transformation through prayer & fasting.
Why Cinco de Mayo?
The 5th of May is often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, but it actually commemorates the day in 1862 in Puebla, Mexico, when 4,000 Mexican soldiers defeated the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000, which kept Napoleon III from supplying the confederate rebels for another year, helping Union forces secure victory over the Confederates at Gettysburg 14 months after the Battle of Puebla, essentially ending the Civil War. We felt it extremely significant to call the nation to prayer for the injustices taking place on the U.S.-Mexico border on Cinco de Mayo--the day that, our two nations became entwined in each other's victories, and a great friendship was forged.
This year, Cinco de Mayo also coincides with the annual National Day of Prayer.
Cinco de Mayo Prayer Gathering
On May 5, 2011, thousands will gather in Dallas, TX to throw the last arrow into the ground and press through in prayer for breakthrough at our nation's southwest border. Fathers of the prayer movements will be joining us that night as well as national and state prayer leaders from across America, even Mexico. This prayer gathering will be done simultaneously with other National Day of Prayer Gatherings in cities throughout the nation.
We are believing that on this night, God will throw fire on our sacrifice and in the coming days, week, and months, we will see drug trafficking operations exposed and dissolved, prisoners of the drug war will be set free and the incidents of violence, kidnapping and extortion will dramatically decrease! READ MORE.
History belongs to the intercessor
Mark Gonzales, Founder,
United States Hispanic Prayer Network,
The Mission of the United States Hispanic Prayer Network (HPN)
Our mission is to raise up a unified grassroots movement of prayer and civic action among the Hispanic-American church that turns our nation back to righteousness and Biblical principles and brings revival to America once again.
Worship with Us Today!
These Things Are True Of You
Unshakable, immovable, faithful and true
Full of wisdom, strength and beauty
These things are true of You
Fearless, courageous, righteousness shines through in all You do
Yet You're so humble You laid down Your life
These things are true of You
And as I turn my face to You
Oh Lord, I ask and pray
By the power of Your love and grace
Make these things true of me, too
Make these things true of me, too
Patient, compassionate Love flows through You
You never give up on the hopeless ones
These things are true of You
Holy and blameless You stand up for justice and truth
Yet You love mercy and forgiveness
These things are true of You
