In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• The Daily Jot - Part Two
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Friday, June 3, 2011
"Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker." (2 Samuel 3:1)
The Daily Brief
1. Unemployment Rate Up, Job Creation Down - (AP)
Employers hired only 54,000 new workers in May, the fewest in eight months, and the unemployment rate rose to 9.1 percent.
More people entered the work force in May. But most of the new entrants couldn't find work. That pushed the unemployment rate up from 9.0 percent in April. The number of unemployed rose to 13.9 million.
- These figures are not just numbers on pieces of paper. These figures tell us that there are now 13.9 MILLION citizens in our nation who are out of work tonight, and whose families are suffering with them. Offer intense prayer for a) the unemployed -- that they find work; b) the unemployed -- that their needs for food, housing, medicine and clothing will be met in the private sector, and particularly by the churches who are now reaching out a helping hand to rescue them; and c) for leaders in government and industry, that they seek the LORD for creative ways to create new jobs and help these folks get off the street and back to work. Pray!
- "Call upon Me and I will show you great and mighty things that You know not." (Jer. 33:3)
2. Obama solicitor general: If you don't like mandate, earn less money - Washington Examiner
Obama's solicitor general, defending the national health care law on Wednesday, told a federal appeals court that Americans who didn't like the individual mandate could always avoid it by choosing to earn less money. . . Sutton interjected, "That wasn't in a single speech given in Congress about this...the idea that the solution if you don't like it is make a little less money."
Neal Kumar Katyal, the acting solicitor general, made the argument under questioning before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati, which was considering an appeal by the Thomas More Law Center..) The three-judge panel, which was comprised of two Republican-appointed judges and a Democratic-appointed judge, expressed more skepticism about the government's defense of the health care law than the Fourth Circuit panel that heard the Virginia-based Obamacare challenge last month in Richmond. The Fourth Circuit panel was made up entirely of Democrats, and two of the judges were appointed by Obama himself. Read more.
- Father, we first ask your forgiveness as your body, for allowing the country to be led away from your precepts. We will take our place in prayer and action to ensure your ways rule in our nation. Father, we ask that every secret plan and plot in the health care law to create dependence on the government would be exposed and made known to the public during these hearings. We ask for a return to true free enterprise and trust in You. Lord, let the conscience of the judges hearing these cases be pierced, so that they will pass rulings in favor of the Constitution rather than rulings based on bias or favoritism.
- . . . and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, And reprove with equity for the meek of the earth; . . . (Isa. 11: 3,4)
3. Moody's Warns of Rising Risk on US Credit Rating - CNBC
Moody's Investors Service said Thursday there is a very small but rising risk of a short-lived default by the United States if there is no increase in the statutory debt limit in coming weeks.
- Father, we ask for wisdom directly from your throne to deal with this issue of runaway spending. Father, we ask that you would "gut" what needs to be gutted from our system, to turn our nation into a vessel that would bring forth a sweet fragrance to Your nostrils; please place in the hearts of the people the need to make the changes necessary, even difficult ones.
- Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. (Pr. 24:14)
4. More Than 150 Economists Back Republicans in Debt Fight - NewsMax
More than 150 economists back U.S. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner's call to match any increase in the debt limit with spending cuts of equal size, according to a letter released by the Republican leader's office Wednesday.
- Father, if this is wisdom from Your throne, we ask that it would be implemented. Father, we ask for agreement between the parties as to where the cuts need to be made. We come against party politics in this matter, and declare as the people of the living God, that only what is good for the nation will prevail in these debates.
- "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." (Pr. 14:34).
5. Court Lifts Ban on Prayer At Texas Graduation - AP
A federal appeals court has lifted a ban that outlawed public prayer at a Texas high school graduation.
- Offer a chorus of praise at this turn of events. Praise God!
- "I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city." Zion shall be redeemed with justice, And her penitents with righteousness." (Isaiah 1:25,26)
6. "Positive" Signs" or State of "War"? - Fox News
Defense Secretary Gates, at summit in Asia, says U.S.-China military ties are 'on a more positive trajectory' - while Chinese military, trying to deflect spotlight off Gmail hack attack, accuses U.S. of waging 'Internet war.'
- Pray for great wisdom for Defense Secretary Robert Gates as he continues these talks in mainland China. Ask the LORD to ease the tension between our two nations, and to reveal the truth about the "internet war" that erupted this week. Pray!
- "Again I say to you that 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 Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"My heart rejoices in the LORD, my horn is exalted in the LORD, my mouth is enlarged over my enemies; because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside You: neither is there any rock like our God." (1 Samuel 2:1-2)
1. France presents plan to relaunch Israeli-Palestinian peace talks - Ha'aretz
During Ramallah visit, France FM says plan largely based on Barack Obama's speech last month calling for 1967 borders with agreed land swaps; Juppe proposes world peace conference in France in July.
2. PM ahead of 'Naksa Day': We won't allow border breaches - Jerusalem Post
Netanyahu tells international hi-tech conference that Israel has the right, duty to defend its borders, will act with restraint and determination; blames Iran, Hezbollah for Nakba Day border breaches.
- Father, we ask you to send your angelic host to guard all borders around Israel at all times, especially during this upcoming planned time of Nakba Day. Father, we thank you for Mr. Netanyahu's firmness regarding this matter. We pray that there would be no deaths, and that those trying to cross the borders would be wounded in their legs, as is the plan. We also ask LORD, that the more and more people across the world would be made aware of the truth of who the aggressors truly are in this war with Israel.
- "So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known." (Matt. 10:26)
3. Naksa Day Protests - Background - Embassy of Israel; Washington, D.C.
Given the orchestrated and concerted effort to lead masses of people into protests against Israel this weekend, we felt it important to provide background materials (attached) on these events exclusively for your information and not for distribution.
We are also taking into account the Palestinian effort to seek unilateral recognition by the UN, while increasing tensions on the ground. These coordinated protests may appear spontaneous in order to be likened to the Arab Spring.
The newly created "Naksa Day" protests aim to commemorate the Arab defeat in the 1967 war. These protests are an attempt to repeat and escalate the events of May 15, and the motivation is the denial of Israel's right to exist.
We hope that these attempts will not lead to violence.
Here is the text of the Prime Minister's comments to the people of Israel:
"Two and-a-half weeks ago, on May 15, we marked the day of the establishment of the State of Israel. We witnessed attempts by our enemies to undermine our sovereignty and breach the borders of Israel. Iran, Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas were all partners to these provocations. Those same factors are expected in the next few days, once again, to challenge Israel's sovereignty and undermine the borders of the country. Like every country in the world, Israel has the right and the duty to guard its borders and protect them. That is why my instructions are clear: to respond with restraint, yet with the necessary resolve to protect our borders, our communities and our citizens." Read more.
4. Israel's largest underground water source discovered near Jerusalem convention center - Haaretz
A cave discovered during excavation work by Israel Railways in Jerusalem contains the largest and most impressive underground water sources ever discovered in Israel, scholars say. The cave was discovered near the International Convention Center in the capital during construction work on a station for the future high speed Jerusalem-Tel Aviv train line. Builders came across it while digging a service shaft at a depth of 75 meters - five meters from the planned bottom of the shaft. Read more.
See also: "united Jerusalem 'blossoms" - Jerusalem Post. Read more.
- It is significant that this amazing news was made public on Wednesday, June 1 -- Jerusalem Day. Note the verses below that point toward this wonderful development for the nation of Israel:
1) "And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be." (Zech.14:8)
2) "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim." (Joel 3:18)
3) "Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar." (Ezekiel 47:1) (See also verses 2-12)
5. Settlers: We'll remember PM's readiness to cede W. Bank - Jerusalem Post
The thunderous applause Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu received in Washington did not drown out what settlers consider to be one of the most dangerous lines in his speech: his clear willingness to cede some West Bank settlements.
- Father, in the perilous times for Israel, we are asking for the wisdom that You gave to Solomon to be given to Mr. Netanyahu. We ask that Your way would be made clear to him and that he would trust in Your wisdom, and not the wisdom of man. Please remove from him any fear of man.
- God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.
(1 Ki. 4: 29, 30).
The Daily Jot
The unlawful awful rule of lawlessness
Most every year at this time some humanist judge misinterprets the law and rules that there can be no prayer or benediction at a graduation ceremony. This year, it was US District Judge Fred Biery in Texas who ruled that the Medina Valley School District cannot offer a prayer at its graduation otherwise the school is "sponsoring a religion." Valedictorian Angela Hildenbrand is standing up to Judge Biery. She says that her "liberties are being infringed upon by this court's ruling to censor" her speech. And the Liberty Institute has filed suit on behalf of Hildenbrand to challenge the decision. Even the Texas Attorney General is up in arms, saying its part of an ongoing attempt to purge God from the public setting.
Judge Biery should be removed from the bench, disbarred and dethroned. The First Amendment is written in plain English and the Constitution is the Supreme Law of the country. It is based on the Supreme Law of the universe--God's law. It is the social contract with the American people. It says plainly, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." That means hands off, no matter where or in what circumstance religion is exercised. Judge Biery obviously does not know the meaning of plain words or he has another agenda, which in prosecuting his duties as an unbiased source of the law, he is in violation of his oath of office.
An unjust law is no law at all. The definition of unjust is derived from the laws of God as presented in the Holy Bible. The foundation of all law in civil societies is from God's law. This is a historic fact that is traceable to the very beginnings of law in the time of Moses, through the generations into Roman and Greek societies, through the Magna Charter, English Common Law and the US Constitution. It is Biblical and Scriptural to stand against unjust laws and unjust enforcement of laws. When Peter was brought before the authorities for preaching Jesus, Acts 5:29 says, "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
Even in Acts 4:18-21, Peter and John had this exchange with the Sadducees: "And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." And by law, you and I and every child are allowed to exercise our right to religion in any setting we wish. Its sad that lawsuits have to be filed against Judges like Biery. In reality, all of Texas should come to the graduation and pray, then run Biery out of the state for the disgraceful and unlawful way he rules.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
The Daily Jot - Part Two
Please Pray for us in Texas
As you know, US District Judge Fred Biery in Texas ruled that the Medina Valley School District cannot offer a prayer at its graduation otherwise the school is "sponsoring a religion."
I had written in this morning's Jot that all of Texas should come to the graduation and pray, then run Biery out of the state for the disgraceful and unlawful way he rules.
In fact, not long after the Jot went out this morning, I was invited to Texas by Randy Funston, a Wichita Falls businessman who is head of AGAPE Movement. AGAPE is a Christian-based organization that stands for the return of fiscal responsibility and moral values to our nation's government. Randy is organizing a "One Nation Under God" prayer rally next to the school to pray for the students who are graduating.
He asked me to join him and others as the key note speaker. We also intend to peacefully, yet poignantly protest and challenge Judge Biery's immoral and unlawful ruling. Biery says that anyone offering prayer of any time will be sent to jail.
Judge Biery has no standing as the Constitution's First Amendment is clear on this issue. He should stand down, and we as Americans need to make it clear that this violation of our rights as endowed by God will no longer be tolerated.
If you are near San Antonio and wish to join us, please do so around 7:00 pm at Medina Valley High School near the stadium. If you cannot join us, please stand with us in prayer from that time till 9:00 or so. Thank you for standing with us in person or in spirit!
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
Update from CHPP:
We now praise God that this ruling against prayer at the graduation ceremony at Medina Valley High School has been overturned by a higher court. Thank you for your prayers over this vital issue all this week. Our God has heard, and He has answered. Praise God.
The Good News Corner
North Dakota to Vote on Religious Liberties Amendment
Summary: "The people have a chance to vote for our First Amendment."
In June 2012, voters in North Dakota will get to vote on the Religious Liberty Restoration Amendment, which would provide the best guarantee of lasting protection for citizens' religious liberties. It is intended to restore religious protections eroded in recent years by decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court.
The North Dakota Family Alliance turned in more than 30,000 petition signatures in April; 26,904 valid signatures were required to qualify the measure for the ballot.
"We know that on a daily basis, throughout the country, individuals are being either persecuted or discriminated against because of their religious beliefs," said Tom Freier, the executive director of the North Dakota Family Alliance.
"(Now), the people have a chance to vote for our First Amendment -- freedom of religion and the expression thereof."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit the North Dakota Family Alliance website.
[Reported by: CitizenLink]
Worship with Us Today!
You're Awesome, God
Words cannot express Your greatness, melody can't perform Your glory, pictures cannot express Your beauty. You're awesome, God!
(PS. Some of the video footage is from Japan. The rest from California and Oregon.)
