In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• GOP House Moves Forward
• Social Security Scare Tactics
• Israel: Threat of War
• 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, July 20, 2011
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)
The Daily Brief
1. House Approves 'Cut, Cap and Balance' Plan - Fox News
The House of Representatives has approved the GOP's 'Cut, Cap and Balance' plan with a vote of 234 to 190. The bill imposes caps on federal spending as a percentage of GDP. It also allows for an increase in the debt ceiling by $2.4 trillion in exchange for both the Senate and House approving a balanced budget amendment.
Read more.
- Father, we praise Your Name this plan passed in the House, and pray this plan will be approved in the Senate. We ask that You prevail over this issue and bring financial stability by blocking any vote that would sink this nation deeper into debt. In Jesus Name.
- "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto His Name, O Most High: For You, Lord, have made us glad through Your work: we will triumph in the works of Your hands".(Psalm 92:1,6)
2. In the Senate: Support Growing for Bipartisan Gang Plan - Fox News
With support growing for a $3.7 trillion bipartisan Senate "Gang of Six" deficit reduction plan, the original group met all together, by themselves, for the first time in months Tuesday afternoon to plot their next move given their new found possibilities, including significant presidential praise.
Emerging from a one-hour meeting behind closed doors in Gang member Saxby Chambliss' office looking a bit stunned by their surprising success, Sen. Kent Conrad, D-ND, said of the next step, "Colleagues are going to be asked to sign a letter of support" to Senate leadership, this to determine concrete support for their proposal.
Read more:
- God, in your great wisdom and understanding of all circumstances, we pray You encourage our leaders to hear the voice of the Lord, for it is our omniscient God who has a plan and purpose that You will bring forth in Your will. May this committee refrain from rushing a plan into existence without examining all angles. In Jesus' Name.
- Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14)
3. White House: Obama Supports Bill to Repeal Federal Homo/Gay Marriage Ban - Fox News
As a leading Senate Democrat prepares for hearings this week on repealing the federal law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman, the White House on Tuesday threw its support to overturning the Defense of Marriage Act. The Obama administration has already said it won't defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court because it concludes it's unconstitutional. But Press Secretary Jay Carney on Tuesday went further, saying Obama is "proud to support" the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., to overturn the 15-year-old law.
Read more:
- God, we pray the president and all those who have a vote on this issue will hear from heaven and understand what the will of God is; so that it will go well with the nation and the people. May the laws of God prevail. In Jesus' Name.
- "There is a way which seems right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death".(Proverbs 14:12)
4. King to Convene Third Set of "Muslim Radicalization" Hearings - Fox News
The Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee will hold another hearing on Moslem radicalization. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., plans the third in a series of controversial hearings for July 27. It will focus on the Somalia-based al-Shabaab terrorist organization and its recruiting tactics in the U.S. King has been widely criticized by Moslem groups and some Democratic members of the Homeland Security Committee for holding hearings that focus strictly on Moslem radicalization rather than all types of radicalization.
Read more:
- God, pull down by the power of the blood of Jesus the al-Shabaab terrorist organization and its recruiting tactics in the United States. We ask that You empower King with the Spirit of the Lord to stand strong against this terrorist organization. We ask for a victorious ruling in the court on July 27th. May God prevail as the angels of heaven encircle that courtroom and shatter the plans of the enemy by pulverizing the forces of darkness. In Jesus' Name.
- "The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish does not so. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is His delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but He loves him that follows after righteousness. (Proverbs 15:7-9)
5. Pakistan Spy Agency Infiltrating D.C.? - Fox News
FBI investigation shows a Pakistani spy agency, ISI, funneled millions through a Washington nonprofit to lobby Congress, which could further complicate Pakistan's already strained relationship with the U.S. For years, the Pakistani spy agency funneled millions of dollars to a Washington nonprofit group in a secret effort to influence Congress and the White House, the Justice Department said Tuesday in court documents that are certain to complicate already strained relations between the U.S. and Pakistan.
Read more:
- God, we thank You for the FBI investigation that uncovered this Pakistani spy agency. We ask that all ties between the United States and Pakistan be severed by cutting off the source that has allowed dirty money to be used to sway the stability and honesty of Congress, the White House, and the Justice Department. Forgive us for the sins of our country, cleanse us for yielding to this evil temptation and bring repentance to our nation. In Jesus' Name.
- "Wisdom rests in the heart of him that has understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. The King's favor is toward a wise servant: but His wrath is against him that causes shame."(Proverbs 14:33-35)
6. East Coast Braces for Heat Wave Blanketing Midwest - AP
From Texas to the Dakotas, and east to Illinois and Indiana, temperatures and humidity levels soared on Monday and were expected to remain high through at least the end of the week, by which time forecasters say the East Coast will get to share the misery. Seventeen states issued heat watches, warnings or advisories on Monday, when the heat index easily surpassed 100 degrees in many places, including 126 in Newton, Iowa, and 119 in Madison, Minn.
Read More:
- God, it is written that in the last days perilous times shall come upon the earth - and this having been noted, we pray that the hearts of man will be touched by God and repentance shall follow so that many souls will be saved by the blood of Jesus and there be a turning away from evil to serve the living God of heaven. We ask for mercy; and pray safety on everyone under this heat dome. In Jesus' Name.
- "That if you shall confess with your mouths the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 1:9-10)
7. Space Shuttle Atlantis Leaves Space Station - AP
A space shuttle left the International Space Station for the very last time Tuesday, heading home to end the 30-year run of a vessel that kept U.S. astronauts flying to and from orbit longer than any other rocket ship. All that remains of NASA's final shuttle voyage is the touchdown, targeted for the predawn hours of Thursday back home in Florida.
Get her home safely and enjoy the last couple days in space shuttle Atlantis," Mission Control told commander Christopher Ferguson and his crew.
Replied Ferguson: "It's been an incredible ride." The voice emanating from the shuttle Mission Control Center cracked with emotion, as the lead team of controllers signed off for the very last time.
Read more:
- God, what a touching occurrence. We thank our God for the tremendous history and capabilities of Space Shuttle Atlantis. Your hand has been upon every flight with incredible success that will ring around the world as totally "over the top." The intelligence that you have gifted our astronauts with is outstanding and second to none. We praise our God for this unbeatable greatness. In Jesus' Name.
- "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:3-4)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Call upon Me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." (Psalm 50:15)
1. EU: New settlement building units are obstacle to peace - Jerusalem Post
The European Union on Tuesday criticized an Israeli plan to build over 300 new housing units in two West Bank settlements, AFP reported quoting an EU spokeswoman.
2. Beck moving J'lem rally over fears of 40,000 Muslims - Jerusalem Post
Conservative radio host and former Fox News commentator Glenn Beck announced that he is moving a mass rally planned for August from the Southern Wall of Jerusalem's Old City.
3. Israel intercepts sole remnant of flotilla heading for Gaza - Ha'aretz
The Israel Navy on Tuesday intercepted the last remaining member of a flotilla of boats which had intended to reach the Gaza Strip, after it refused to obey an Israeli demand to change course as it sailed for a Gaza port.
GOP House Moves Forward
Speaker John Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor had an "unscheduled" meeting with President Obama on Sunday. According to a Boehner spokesman, "[T]here is nothing to report in terms of an agreement or progress. We believe cut, cap and balance represents the best path forward."
As we reported Friday, House Republicans have scheduled a vote on their "Cap, Cut and Balance" plan. That vote will take place tomorrow. The plan is described by Politico as "remarkable for its total absence of compromise at this late date and represents a real shift to the right."
The plan would cut $111 billion out of the current year's fiscal budget. It would impose annual caps on federal spending over the next decade, ultimately limiting federal spending to 20% of GDP. It also requires congressional approval of a balanced budget amendment before the debt limit can be increased.
This afternoon, President Obama threatened to veto the House's "Cut, Cap and Balance" plan should it pass the Senate. Let's be clear about that: Obama is so committed to higher taxes and big government spending that he is prepared to risk an economic catastrophe if Congress passes a plan that cuts spending, caps spending and approves a balanced budget amendment. (Gary Bauer)
Social Security Scare Tactics
In February, Obama's budget director, Jack Lew, wrote this in USA Today:
"Social Security benefits are entirely self-financing. They are paid for with payroll taxes collected from workers and their employers . . . These taxes are placed in a trust fund dedicated to paying benefits owed to current and future beneficiaries."
So on what basis did Hussein Obama tell CBS's Scott Pelley last week that "there may simply not be enough money in the coffers" to guarantee that seniors would get their Social Security checks if we didn't raise the debt ceiling? His own budget director says the program is "self-financing." Even if Congress does not raise the debt limit by August 2nd, Americans will still be working and still paying into that "self-financing" trust fund.
The Weekly Standard's Jeffrey Anderson runs through the government's monthly tax revenues and expenditures and takes issue with Obama's assertion. Here's an excerpt:
"The federal government takes in roughly $180 billion every month. (It also borrows $135 billion a month.) Social Security payments are about $60 billion a month, payments to all military personnel (veterans and otherwise) are about $12 billion, and payments to disabled veterans are about $6 billion. That totals about $78 billion. To say that 'there may simply not be the money in the coffers' to pay for these items is plainly false." (Gary Bauer)
Israel: Threat of War
Threat of war from the North is increasing!
Hizbullah and the Lebanese government have given Israel a promise and a threat; stating that they will defend their nation's maritime border against Israel's theft of the petroleum resources that Israel is claiming. WAR HAS BEEN PROMISED if Israel proceeds to drill and claim what according to international law is hers. You may remember that a vast natural gas field was discovered off the Haifa coast in Israeli waters. An adjoining oil field was also discovered. Truly this is God's provision for Israel.
We need to remember that, because Lebanon refused to recognize the Jewish State (and thereby was unwilling to work out border issues through diplomacy), Israel had to rely upon the international formula for establishing maritime borders. Now Lebanon is crying foul . . . because her leaders were not part of establishing/negotiating those distinctions. Lebanon has just now submitted maps and maritime border charts of her own design to the UN; cutting Israel out of the gas and oil fields; ignoring/countering the accepted border construction established through international law. They will use this self-constructed design to validate their claim and their right to make war against Israel.
This is so wrong, but the anti-Israel UN will likely declare its agreement with the Lebanese claim. Recently, Israel mutually established her maritime borders with Cyprus; which helped Cyprus establish that nation's border regarding Lebanon. Hizbullah has categorically rejected any borders that Lebanon has not established for and by herself. This is a real hot button item. An Israeli war with Hizbullah/Lebanon could be soon be a reality, as Israel is moving forward in drilling plans. War with Lebanon will bring surely bring in Syria, Iran, Hamas, Turkey, and likely Russia. The Gog Magog war of Ezekiel 38-39 is on the near horizon. Scripture tells us that the nations to the north will come down to make war with Israel, "to take the spoil". This precious petroleum resource is likely that spoil which these nations will jealously covet, and come to steal. (Kathleen Mitchell)
PRAYER POINTS:
--Pray that Israel will hold her ground against this threat.
--Pray that the gifts of God intended for the people of God will come to their hand in a way that brings great honor and glory to Him, and great revelation to His people . . . and to all those who oppose Him.
--Pray that God in His mercy would judge the UN and all the nations and organizations, which He has hooked in the jaws, as a result of their plans to rob and to destroy Israel. Pray that they will KNOW WHO they are offending and robbing when that judgment falls (so that repentance might follow quickly)
--Pray that the God of Israel, YHVH, will arise and defend HIS POSSESSION.
--Pray that Israel will be fully prepared for the coming war, and that only the Lord will call it into being.
--Pray for the number of born-again believers to radically increase worldwide. Pray that they would become vocal regarding the truth about Israel, and about the truth of the consequences that will come for offenses being committed by the nations plotting against Israel.
--Pray for revival in Israel, particularly among the youth, among the soldiers, and among the religious and governmental leaders. SAVE YOUR PEOPLE, THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL, LORD!
The Good News Corner:
Court Grants Government's Request, Keeps DADT -- For Now
Summary: There's a new twist to the vexing volley of the "on again," off again" ban on openly gay service members.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted the U.S. Department of Justice's request on Friday to reinstate the 1993 "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy -- with a caveat and a reprimand.
The court had been asked to reconsider its July 6 order, which ended DADT. Ironically, the three-judge panel cited the DOJ's July 1 brief in a different case -- that called for the express ending of the Defense of Marriage Act -- as one of the primary reasons for lifting the stay.
The DOJ feared the court order would interfere with the "orderly (repeal) process." The appeals court gave the DOJ until today to explain why more information had not been provided about that process.
At the moment, DADT lacks the "teeth" of enforcement, as the military is prevented from investigating, penalizing or discharging active duty service members pursuant. (CitizenLink)
Worship with Us Today!
Talmidim (The Servants)
We will fearlessly move out to heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons and carry the Gospel to our world! Go here!
