In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Inside the Debt Deal
• More Prayers During Ramadan
• Senate Chaplain Black's Prayer
• NDP Supports Gov. Perry
• Just Show Up!!!
• 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, August 4, 2011
" . . . "Be still, and know that I am God . . ." (Psalm 46:10)
The Daily Brief
1. Nightmare on Wall Street: Dow Plunges 513 in Steepest Retreat Since '09 - Fox Business News
ension on Wall Street was extremely high on Thursday. Traders piled into Treasury bonds, seen as one of the safest non-cash assets during tumultuous times. Indeed, Treasury yields on 10-year Treasury securities dipped well below 2.5% -- the lowest since November.
"The mood is pervasively negative," said Peter Kenny, managing director at Knight Capital Group. "It would take quite the imagination to come up with a silver bullet" to re-instill confidence in the economy. Read more:
- At times like this, there is no silver bullet . . . there is only the Cross of Christ. In prayer, come against the spirits of fear and panic that swept Wall Street today, and declare His peace. Then lift up all who are suffering tonight, that they may be comforted. Continue to repent for the hard line we have taken against Israel, for we are now reaping the consequences. Pray.
- " . . . Be still, and know that I am God . . ." (Psalm 46:10)
2. China: Obama Has Failed To Defuse 'Debt Bomb' - Dawn.com
Chinese Govt Downgrades US Debt
China warned Wednesday that tortured efforts to raise the US debt ceiling had failed to defuse Washington's "debt bomb", and that it would further diversify its currency holdings away from the dollar. Read more.
- If our eyes are set upon the world system, this cannot be good news. But as believers, we fix our eyes upon Jesus -- the Author and the Finisher of our faith. Thank Him tonight that He WILL provide, if we but trust in Him [not China] to do so. Praise God!
- Please meditate upon Habakkuk 3:16-18.
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines . . . yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
3. Europe on Brink of 'Major Financial Collapse': Guggenheim CIO - CNBC
Europe is a "train wreck" and on the "brink of a major financial crisis," Scott Minerd, CIO of the fixed-income firm Guggenheim Partners, told CNBC Tuesday.
- Lord, as Europe struggles with economic woes, we pray for a move of Your Spirit over them. Only in You is true hope to be found, so we ask for a move of Your mercy and repentance across the globe.
- "And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21)
4. a) U.S. Debt Reaches 100% of GDP - Fox News
The U.S. debt surpassed 100 percent of gross domestic product after the government's debt ceiling was lifted, Treasury figures showed Wednesday, according to AFP.
The debt, which had been in somewhat of a holding pattern over the past several weeks, rose $238 billion after President Obama signed the debt-ceiling deal into law Tuesday to avoid the country's first-ever default.
b) Dow Dives on Economy Fears - CNN
U.S. stocks fell sharply today as investors worried about a global economic slowdown, CNN Money reports. The Dow has been down more than 290 points.
c) US Less Than 3 Years Away From Being Greece: Walker - CNBC
The US is only a few years away from reaching the same debt levels that pushed Greece to the brink of ruin, former comptroller general and head of the Comeback America Initiative David Walker said.
- Lord, we have seen foolish actions on the part of our government, and the list of sins across our nation overwhelms us. We who love You can only place our nation at Your feet, and plead for mercy.
- "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known My name." (Psalm 91:14)
5. 'Supercommittee' membership already a source of contention - The Hill
Congressional leaders have until Aug. 16 to name the 12 members of the newly created "supercommittee" to deal with reducing the deficit, but special interest groups are wasting no time in pushing their choices for the panel.
- Father we ask for wise and honest members for this committee.
- "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9)
6. Senate Panel Keeps 'Secret Patriot Act' Under Wraps - Wired News
The secret Patriot Act is staying secret. Two Senators have been warning for months that the government has a secret legal interpretation of the Patriot Act so broad that it amounts to an entirely different law -- one that gives the feds massive domestic surveillance powers, and keeps the rest of us in the dark about the snooping.
- Pray that God will reveal all hidden secrets, that no freedoms of law-abiding citizens be targeted by this act.
- "Cursed is the one who smites his neighbor secretly - cursed is he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person" (Deuteronomy 27:24,25)
7. US says online child pornography network dismantled - UK Telegraph
US authorities said on Wednesday they have dismantled an online bulletin board allegedly used by 600 people in the United States and abroad to trade graphic images and videos of child sex abuse.
- Father, we are thankful for removal of this pornography network, but we are aware that like weeds, there are thousands more to go. We ask that you destroy all of these networks, and person by person cleanse the hearts and minds of those who view them.
- "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." (Psalm 51:7)
8. a) Federal Court Rules Jesus Name Unconstitutional - New American
A federal appeals court has ruled against a county board in North Carolina over its tradition of opening meetings with mostly Christian prayers. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, ruled in favor of two residents of Forsyth County after the county's Board of Commissioners allowed an invocation at a December 17, 2007 meeting in which a local pastor "thanked God for allowing the birth of his son to forgive us for our sins and closed by making the prayer in the name of Jesus," reported the Associated Press.
b) Air Force Suspends Christian-Themed Ethics Training Program Over Bible Passages - Fox News
The Air Force has suspended a course that was taught by chaplains for more than 20 years because the material included Bible passages.
The course, called "Christian Just War Theory" was taught by chaplains at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., and used Scripture from both the Old and New Testaments to show missile launch officers that it can be moral to go to war.
But the watchdog group, Military Religious Freedom Foundation, said the course violated the constitutional separation of church and state and filed a complaint last Wednesday.
- Lord, we are grieved that our leadership seems bent upon removing You from every aspect of American life. In the natural they can try, but in reality they can do nothing, for You are the Living God. We ask for the spirit of repentance across our country, to remind all Americans that You are real!
- "He that sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision." (Psalm 2:4)
9. Heat Spell Extends Another Day in Southern U.S. - CNN
A spell of suffocating heat continued to grip much of the South Thursday, as records for the most consecutive days off 100-degree heat in parts of Texas appeared vulnerable.
In all, the National Weather Service issued heat advisories for parts of 15 states stretching from a sliver of Southern California to North Carolina.
- Lord, we ask for mercy for these regions. We pray for relief from the heat for those who are sick and dying. We stand in the gap for these areas and plead for Your help!
- "I have seen his ways and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and his mourners." (Isaiah 57:18)
10. Obama Celebrates 50th Birthday at White House Thursday - AP
Senior members of Obama's staff will toast the president in the Blue Room of the White House Thursday afternoon. At night, he'll celebrate with family and friends, including some coming in from his hometown of Chicago, then cap the festivities with a weekend trip to Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland. An administration official said the Obamas will pay for the president's birthday party at the White House.
- It is really, really, really, really hard to pray for your enemy, yet Scripture commands us to do so. As we stand in the gap and ask our Lord to forgive this president, for he knows not what he does, let's join our hearts and our hands tonight to wish Obama the best birthday gift ever -- the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ by means of a personal relationship with Him.
- "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Now Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." (Acts 4:29)
1. Arab League finalizing PA statehood application for UN - Jerusalem Post
Representatives of the Arab League were scheduled to meet in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday night to lay the final touches on the Palestinian Authority's application to the UN for recognition of a Palestinian state on the pre-1967 lines.
2. IDF strikes targets in Gaza in retaliation to rockets - Jerusalem Post
Grad rocket lands within Ashkelon city boundaries; police say road damaged; earlier rocket lands near Kiryat Gat; 5 hurt while running for shelter; attacks represent escalation in firing longer-range rockets.
3. Israelis respond to new housing law: Protests and more protests - Ha'aretz
Leaders of the housing protest movement that has been gaining momentum across Israel in recent weeks criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government on Wednesday following the passage of a controversial housing bill that will set up national committees to approve new housing projects.
4. Israeli government panel decides to keep God out of IDF memorial prayer - Ha'aretz
The prayer recited at the official state ceremony on Mount Herzl that marks the end of Memorial Day and the start of the Independence Day will begin "Yizkor Am Yisrael" ("May the people of Israel remember" ), not "Yizkor Elohim" ("May God remember" ), committee head MK Stas Misezhnikov (Yisrael Beiteinu ) said.
5. Reservist call-up orders ready for September - Jerusalem Post
The IDF has drawn up plans to issue emergency call-up orders to reservists who might be needed to beef-up security along Israel's borders following a Palestinian unilateral declaration of statehood at the United Nations in September.
The Daily Jot
Sola Scriptura and days of prayer
A lot has been written about Texas Governor Rick Perry's day of prayer scheduled for August 6. Its called "The Response" and it has been chiefly organized by a group of self-proclaimed apostles and prophets subscribing to a movement known as the New Apostolic Reformation. Many are also known by the moniker "Joel's Army." I'm told that American Family Association is funding the project to be held at Houston's Reliant Stadium, which seats over 60,000. The gathering appears to be ecumenical in the sense that those in attendance are united on political issues, but not necessarily theological issues. Those attending will be pro-life, pro-marriage, pro-religious freedom, and fiscal conservatives.
The controversy of the event is complex. Criticism predictably has been launched by liberals that the group is extreme because it stands against abortion, homosexuality, and has harshly criticized New Age religion--i.e., Oprah Winfrey. Conservatives aimed their criticism at the organizers because of their beliefs that they have exclusive revelation knowledge, must establish Christ's kingdom in all areas of society before He can return, do battle against spiritual principalities past and present, and make declarations and proclamations to divorce the nation from pagan Gods such as Baal. Many of these leaders claim to have experienced visitations from guiding angels and to have gotten high or drunk on the Holy Spirit.
Instead of becoming "The Response," the event is more like "The Question." One question is just how far does one agree with someone who, while their hearts are sold out to their interpretation of Jesus, are practicing religion in an extra-Biblical, perhaps heretical way? Another question is can Christians of all ilks of theology, even theological cults, work together on what they know are Biblically driven issues, but strongly disagree on their practice of religion? Yet another question is where does one draw the line on theological statements of faith, political stances on social issues, and the actual practice of that faith in relation to the stance on those issues? The Bible is clear.
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Romans 11:21 says, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." We should be able to work together overcoming evil with good. And we know what evil is according to the scriptures, especially in relationship to the issues of the day. We are repeatedly warned in the Bible, however, about spiritual adultery. In reality, Christians need to be united on the basic tenets of our faith. We must examine how we practice religion ensuring it lines up with scripture that we may be right before God. And we must not be too proud to accept the truth if we are wrong. Jesus said there would be false prophets and false Christs. He said, "Take heed that no man deceive you." The Bible is your only plumb line. Sola Scriptura.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
Inside the Debt Deal
We are learning more about how the debt limit deal got done. One thing is clear -- Obama leadership did not prevent a default. In fact, a report yesterday suggests that Obama's arrogance nearly caused one.
According to The Hill, Speaker John Boehner asked the networks to broadcast his response to Obama's address to the nation on July 25th. The request reportedly "infuriated the White House" -- translated -- it infuriated Obama :) . Apparently Obama thinks he should be allowed to go on national television and say whatever he wants and no one should be able to respond.
In retaliation, the White House instructed Nancy Pelosi not to participate in a scheduled conference call with Boehner and Senate leaders Reid and McConnell. Without Pelosi's participation, Reid backed out and the call was eventually canceled. Thus, at the same time Obama was demanding action, his petulance blew up the negotiations.
Congressional leaders evidently got tired of being played by the White House. Consider this excerpt: "Later that day, the four leaders met with Obama at the White House. At one point . . . the Democratic and Republican leaders asked Obama and his aides to leave the room to let them negotiate. A tentative deal was subsequently struck, but Obama privately threatened to veto it . . ." Incredible!
As I have previously noted, Obama seemingly wanted a default. He was negotiating without details, offering deals he could not deliver and moving the goal posts at every opportunity. Speaker Boehner twice walked out of the negotiations because he felt dealing with Obama was like trying to nail Jell-O to the wall.
For example, on the morning of Monday, July 25th, Obama endorsed a plan by Senate Democrat Leader Harry Reid that did not have any tax increases. But in his address to the nation later that night, Obama demanded that tax hikes be part of any deal. That led one liberal pundit at CNN to comment, "nobody today is talking about tax increases, except Obama."
America can't afford four more years of this kind of feckless and petty leadership in the White House. (Gary Bauer)
More Prayers During Ramadan
A Prayer Guide from A Former Palestinian Terrorist!!
This informative site is from our brother in Christ, Kamal Saleem, the founder of Koome Ministries. Kamal is from Beirut, Lebanon was trained in terrorism and followed that lifestyle until the Lord totally transformed his life!
The name for his ministry, Koome means Arise!, in Aramaic; the language that Jesus and his followers spoke.
Kamal asked me to forward you the Ramadan 2011 page that is attached to his Koome Ministries website for greater understanding of Ramadan this month, August 1 - 29. May God bless and save the sons and daughters of Ishmael and Isaac!
God Bless all of you and thank you for praying from Kamal and Koome Ministries!
Susan Turner
Colorado Springs, Colorado
P.S. His original message with the web link for us, follows. Kamal has asked us to please forward this information to those who would pray for those in the grasp of Islam throughout the world:
Hello Susan,
Please blast the Ramadan 2011 Call to Prayer to all Christian list. This will help them understand how to pray for the Muslims!
We pray and hope the best for you and yours, Kamal
To hear the testimony of Kamal Saleem, please visit the website of CBN by going here:
Senate Chaplain Black's Prayer
A REVERENT PLEA FOR A DEBT AGREEMENT
As the Senate has mired itself in bickering and deadlock this week, there has been at least one voice reflecting the panic rising in the country. It's been the deep, solemn intonations of the Senate's chaplain, Barry C. Black.
With the prospect of a government default just days away, congressional leaders struggled to work out a bipartisan debt deal. A longtime Navy chaplain and Seventh-Day Adventist minister, Barry Black opens U.S. Senate sessions with a brief prayer.
Over the past few days - as the country slid closer to a national default - those prayers seem to have revealed Chaplain Black as one of the most worried people in the chamber.
Back on July 20, Black was speaking only in hopeful generalities. In the prayer that began that session, he asked the Almighty to "give to our lawmakers the wisdom to know the role they should play, in keeping freedom's holy light bright."
But as the days passed by, it became apparent that the Senate was not showing any more wisdom than it had previously. By last Tuesday, Black's request indicated that his senators might need more divine help.
"Keep them," he prayed, "from the pit of disunity and discord. And empower them to build bridges of cooperation. Give them the courage and humility to do what is right, knowing that you are the only constituent they absolutely must please."
But lawmakers only descended further into that pit of disunity.
So Chaplain Black's prayers began to warn of the consequences if the Senate did not straighten up and act right.
"Lord," he prayed on Wednesday, "as our nation faces the potentially catastrophic, inspire our lawmakers to seek your counsel which will stand forever."
Still nothing.
The two sides remained far apart, and the "potentially catastrophic" crept closer.
On Friday, Black dialed it up another notch.
"Lord, help them to comprehend the global repercussions of some poor decisions, and the irreversibility of some tragic consequences," he prayed. "Quicken their ears to hear. Their eyes to see. Their hearts to believe and their wills to obey you. Before . . . " And here, Black slowed down his usual stately cadence even further, in case people weren't getting it. " . . . it is. too late."
Nothing.
On Saturday, Black seemed to be more specific with God: "We need you on Capitol Hill," he said.
And his warnings to the lawmakers became even more dire. He spoke of "when night comes" - a reference to a verse from the Bible's Book of John, where night is a metaphor for death.
"Deliver our lawmakers from the paralysis of analysis, when constructive and prompt action is desperately needed," he asked. "Faced with potentially disastrous consequences, give the members of this body the wisdom to work while it is day. For the night comes, when no one can work."
Finally, on Sunday morning, Black gave a prayer that might have fit for the crew of a sinking ship. "The waters are coming in upon us," Black said. "We are weary from the struggle, tempted to throw in the towel. But quitting isn't an option."
After he spoke, the Senate said the Pledge of Allegiance.
And then Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) got up to speak, hopefully, of the possibility of a deal to end the crisis. (The Washington Post)
- Offer thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father for the strong man of faith leading the way in the U.S. Senate with prayer. Ask that the Lord would give wisdom to the U.S. Senate members in making such monumental decisions regarding our national debt and balancing the budget.
- "Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged." (1 Chronicles 22:13) [Reported by: Intercessors for America]
NDP Supports Gov. Perry
A Special Call to Prayer for a Nation in Crisis . . .
Dear Friends,
Looking around at our world today, it is clear that we are living in critical times that will impact the direction of our country for generations to come. I believe it is crucial that we, as God's people, remain on our knees in prayer for our nation, our leaders, and our fellow citizens - not only on the National Day of Prayer, but throughout the year.
As you know, Texas Governor Rick Perry has initiated THE RESPONSE, a special call to prayer for a nation in crisis. Our very own Chairman, Shirley Dobson, is one of the Honorary Co-Chairs of this solemn assembly, which will take place this Saturday, August 6th, at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Right now, America is in crisis and it's easy to feel discouraged by the challenges facing our country, but Scripture teaches us that there is hope . . . in prayer!
What comfort and encouragement we can have in the assurance that our sovereign God is listening to our pleas, that He waits to intervene on our behalf, and that He is "mighty to save" (Zephaniah 3:17). With those truths in mind, I urge you to join me on August 6th and set aside time to unite with the tens of thousands of Americans that are gathering at THE RESPONSE, and pray for our beloved country. May we continue to seek the Lord's guidance and protection during the critical days that lie ahead.
May God bless you and may God bless America!
John Bornschein
Executive Director
National Day of Prayer Task Force
Just Show Up!!!
The Most Important Three Words for Gov. Rick Perry's Call to Prayer
A NOTE FROM ALICE PATTERSON: JUSTICE AT THE GATES
Just show up!
By showing up in Houston, you will be making a statement: I'm crossing denominational, racial and political lines to call upon God Almighty. My prayers may not be heard by the media or anyone else around me, but the Lord will hear. I'm turning my back on the controversy and accusations to turn my face to our Father, who is in heaven, to hallow His name and to ask the Lord to forgive us personally and corporately. May our demonstration of humility, worship and intercession bless the Lord and may He hear from heaven and forgive our sins
To read the full article, go here.
The Good News Corner
Tomb of St. Philip the Apostle Discovered By Teresa Neumann (August 4, 2011)
(Turkey)-The tomb of St. Philip the Apostle has been discovered in the south-western province of Denizli in Turkey.
Francesco D'Andria, the Italian head of the excavation team at the ancient city of Hierapolis in Denizli, was quoted as saying his team had been working for years to find the apostle's tomb and had finally found it while working on the ruins of a newly-unearthed church in the city.
According to a report in World Bulletin, the name Hierapolis means "sacred city" and is located next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pamukkale, famous for its hot springs and ancient white Travertine terraces.
The report noted that St. Philip-who preached in Greece, Syria and Phrygia-was believed to have been martyred around 80 A.D. in Hierapolis. After his death, an octagonal tomb named "The Martyrium" was built in the location he is believed to have been killed.
Source: Staff - World Bulletin (Reported by: Breaking Christian News)
-- Rejoice with us as more and more archeological excavations are uncovering scientific evidence that the Bible is true!
- "All Your words are true . . ." (Psalm 119:160)
Worship with Us Today!
I've Come Too Far To Look Back By Nancy Harmon at Jimmy Swaggart Ministries
This special service took place at "Easter Campmeeting" on the grounds of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. Nancy Harmon was a part of the service and sang her song, "I've Come To Far Too Look Back." It was a truly moving and powerful service. Worship with us as Nancy leads the Family Worship Center Resurrection choir, broadcast worldwide on the SonLife Broadcasting Network.
