News for Prayer!• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• DOD Tries to Hide Hill Testimony
• Salvador Dallies in Gay Rights
• Egypt Sinking
• U.S., Israel Strategic Talks
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• DOD Tries to Hide Hill Testimony
• Salvador Dallies in Gay Rights
• Egypt Sinking
• U.S., Israel Strategic Talks
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Thursday, December 1, 2011
"I will be their God, and they will be My people." (Ezekiel 37:27)
The Daily Brief
1. Islamists seen winners in Egyptian Election - Newsmax
Initial results of Egypt's first free election in six decades will emerge on Thursday, with Islamist parties expecting to command a majority in parliament, hard on the heels of victories by their counterparts in Tunisia and Morocco.
- Father, we ask that You show the violent men their end, and redeem them from the evil that has ensnared them. We pray for the Egyptian people, especially the church, that You would protect each one from the plans of the enemy.
- "His trouble shall return on his own head, and his violence falls on his own crown." (Psalm 7:16)
2. Syria 'Civil War' Toll Exceeds 4,000 - Fox News
The U.N.'s top rights official says that her office estimates the death toll in Syria's nine-month uprising is now "much more" than 4,000 and that the increasing number of army defectors taking up arms against the regime has pushed the country over the edge and into a civil war.
- Lord, we are deeply grieved at the death toll from the Syrian conflict. We ask for Your mercy, that You would rid them of the dictator that has willfully stolen the freedoms of the Syrian people.
- "Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap." (Isaiah 17:1b)
3. GOP Crafts Tax Plan - Will Dems Bite? - Fox News
As lawmakers work toward compromise on key elements of Obama's jobs bill, Speaker Boehner and House Republicans draft legislation to extend unemployment benefits, as well as a payroll tax holiday.
- Father, we have to ask, why do we limp along with extensions on payroll taxes when we could have permanent tax cuts? Why do we continually have to extend unemployment benefits when we could have real jobs? Lord, we pray that You will extend wisdom to our leaders in Congress, so that these band-aid methods will not be needed.
- "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser." (Proverbs 9:9a)
4. Flag Pledge at UCONN Games Starts Debate - Newsmax
University of Connecticut basketball games now begin with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance - and not everyone is thrilled about it.
Interim athletic director Paul Pendergast thought it would be a nice idea to include the pledge before singing the national anthem.
"To lead into the national anthem with the Pledge of Allegiance gives the fans a little extra insight into what the anthem is all about," Pendergast told the Hartford Courant. "I think as a prelude to the anthem, the pledge has put people into a different frame of mind so that the anthem is not rote, as it sometimes seems to be. I think the two work very well together."
- Lord, may every "politically correct" nonsense be deleted from our national thought process. May we be blessed to be citizens of America, and happy to recite the pledge of allegiance. We ask that You protect Mr. Pendergast in his plan to have fans recite the pledge.
- "Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set." (Proverbs 22:28)
5. A) Iranian Protesters Storm British Diplomatic Compounds in Tehran - VOA News
Iranian protesters stormed the British embassy in Tehran Tuesday following new British economic sanctions against Iran over its alleged nuclear weapons program.
B) U.K.: Iran faces 'serious consequences' over embassy attacks - Ha'aretz
British Prime Minister David Cameron on Tuesday labeled an attack by Iranian protesters on the British embassy in Tehran "outrageous and indefensible" and called on the Islamic republic to prosecute those responsible.
- Lord, we have allowed the evil regime of Iran to do anything they want, including attack Western Embassies. We pray that the day of reckoning will come quickly for them. We also pray for Your mercy over the church in Iran.
- "In wrath remember mercy." (Habbakuk 3:2d)
6. A.) Eurozone Exits 'May Spark Global Depression' - Sky News
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has warned that an exit out of the eurozone by some countries could cause "wealth destruction" and a global "deep depression".
B.) Businesses plan for possible end of euro - Financial Times
International companies are preparing contingency plans for a possible break-up of the eurozone, according to interviews with dozens of multinational executives.
- Lord, as the global economy continues a downward spiral, we pray for wisdom on the part of the nations who make up its core. We also pray that You would help Your people in the midst of these difficult times.
- "I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her poor with bread." (Psalm 132:15)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
""But now many nations are gathered against you. They say, "Let her be defiled, let our eyes gloat over Zion!" But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they do not understand his plan, that he has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor." (Micah 4:11,12)
1. Netanyahu to Livni: Only Israel's elected government can negotiate with Palestinians - Haaretz
The only Israeli body fit to negotiate with the Palestinian Authority is the elected government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Opposition Leader Tzipi Livni on Thursday, a day after the Kadima chairman met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
2. Are the West and Iran Headed for War? - Israel National News
Italy has joined a growing number of EU countries who are censuring Iran after England's embassy was sacked - just how high are the stakes?
3. Arab League Adds Travel Ban, Tightens Sanctions on Syria - Israel National News
The Cairo-based Arab League has tightened its sanctions on Syria, listing 17 high-ranking officials on a travel ban to other Arab nations.
4. Iran Frees Embassy 'Protesters' As EU Considers More Sanctions - Israel National News
Iran on Thursday released 11 students who trashed the British Embassy Tuesday, as the EU was meeting to discuss more sanctions on Iran.
Iran on Thursday released 11 students arrested Tuesday, after they led the charge of hundreds of Iranians who broke into and sacked the British Embassy in Tehran. News of the release came as EU leaders were meeting to decide on further sanctions against Iran - including an unprecedented ban on the import of Iranian oil.
The Daily Jot
Government sanctioned lawlessness and the Defense Authorization Act
Wednesday's Daily Jot about the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 has fanned the embers burning in the hearts of many Americans. A lot of Americans just do not trust the Federal Government. So no matter what the language in the bill says, many Americans believe that the US government will be able to detain indefinitely US citizens if they are suspected of acting against the government. That may well be the case, but it would not be legal. There are countless examples where this particular government is breaking the law and nothing is being done about it--from not enforcing the Defense of Marriage Act to not allowing offshore drilling to selling guns to Mexican drug cartels.
With regard to detaining US Citizens, Go to Thomas Legislative (http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php) and type in National Defense Authorization Act 2012 then click on Subtitle D-Detainee Matters and read sections 1031 and 1032. As I read this, 1032 Section (b) is referring to 1031 paragraph (1) where it says that "the Armed Forces of the United States shall hold a person described in paragraph (2) ...in military custody pending disposition under the law of war." To my reading the key word here is "shall" which is a requirement under paragraph (1). This requirement defines the type of person that "shall" be held, essentially terrorists--al Qaeda and those working with them against the United States.
The clause exempting US citizens from detention under this law refers to the "requirement" that the Armed Forces SHALL hold a person. The exemption states: "The requirement to detain a person in military custody under this section does not extend to citizens of the United States." Notwithstanding, if this legislation intended to indefinitely detain US citizens, it would be in direct violation of Article 1 Section 9 of the US Constitution: "The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it." In 1866, the Supreme Court ruled that suspending habeas corpus was legal, but that military tribunals did not apply to citizens in states that had upheld Constitutional authority and where civilian courts were in operation.
Additionally, the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial. Legally, this Defense bill cannot end run the Constitution. The government, however, can do whatever it wants until someone stops it as exemplified by the White House sealing court records of a US border patrol agent's murder with weapons sold to Mexican drug dealers through a government program. Ephesians 6:13 says, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." We can complain and get all worked up about the possibilities, but standing is the only action that will make a difference. Until we figure out how to do that, lawlessness will abound.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
Hearing Impaired: DOD Tries to Hide Hill Testimony
It's no secret that the Obama administration wants to torpedo marriage. Or is it? Yesterday, before a key hearing on same-sex "weddings" in the military, the President's Defense counsel, Jeh Johnson, threatened to pull out of the briefing if it was made public. He would only testify, members say, on the condition that his remarks were off the record. As anyone on the Hill will tell you, this was a highly unusual request--particularly since the subject wasn't of a classified nature. But if there's one thing we know about "the most honest and open administration in history," it's that this White House has their own definition of transparency. Fortunately for voters, the House Armed Services Committee doesn't share it. Sources inside the meeting were more than willing to report on what transpired between members and the President's DOD attorney.
The point of the hearing . . . was to get to the bottom of the Defense Department's open defiance of federal marriage law. In particular, conservatives wanted to know why the Pentagon was trying to water down the meaning of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) with orders for same-sex "weddings" on bases. In the Navy and other branches, there was widespread confusion over what role--if any--chaplains would play in these ceremonies. According to unofficial reports in the meeting, Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) asked Johnson how the Department could justify the "weddings" when DOMA so clearly outlaws them. Essentially, Jeh replied that if a chaplain wants to officiate a religious ceremony that doesn't conflict with state law, then the DOD doesn't have the "legal authority" to deny him. But DOMA, argued Rep. Akin, defines what marriage is. "You are ignoring that to let a state law supersede," he replied. Johnson shrugged that off by claiming DOMA doesn't regulate individual conduct. It doesn't ban gay "marriage," he insisted. It only affects how the government treats "marriage" and "spouses." Obviously, that's a misrepresentation of the statute. But Johnson said his job is to defend the law's words--not its intent. (Unfortunately for America , the President won't defend either!)
On a positive note, Jeh did agree that chaplains have the right to preach their beliefs--even if those beliefs are incompatible with homosexuality. (Rep. Akin asked for that statement in writing). Johnson also reviewed the language of Rep. Akin's and Rep. Vicky Hartzler's amendments that outlaw same-sex "weddings" on military bases and reaffirm DOMA as the military's guiding law on marriage. Jeh said both provisions would be sufficient to guard against future attacks on DOMA. Unfortunately, the Senate chose not to include the marriage protective language in their version of the Defense Authorization bill. (Maybe they were too busy overturning the bans on sodomy and bestiality). The only resolution is for the House to demand the protections in conference. Contact your representatives today and ask them to support the Akin/Hartzler provisions to the Defense bill. (Family Research Council)
Salvador Dallies in Gay Rights
The Obama State Department has an interesting interpretation of "diplomacy." From Kenya to El Salvador, ambassadors are tasked--not with advancing America's interests--but the interests of Obama's radical social agenda. In most cases, this aggressive strategy has made more enemies of nations than friends.
Mari Carmen Aponte is Exhibit A. As the U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador, Aponte has taken it upon herself to school an overwhelmingly Christian nation about the "virtues" of homosexuality. In a controversial op-ed, she lectured the Salvadorians about the need to embrace homosexuality. She also implied that the country's disapproval of the aberrant behavior was somehow rooted in ignorance. The column sparked such outrage that leaders of the country have called for her removal "as soon as possible so that El Salvador may enjoy the benefits of having a better person as a government representative." "Ms. Aponte," they write, "in clear violation of the rules of diplomacy and international law . . . intend[s] to impose on Salvadorians . . . a new vision of foreign and bizarre values, completely alien to our moral fiber, intending to disguise this as 'human rights.'"
Whether Mari keeps her post will be up to the U.S. Senate. Because her nomination was so controversial (see Sen. Jim DeMint's column on her ties to Cuban spies), the President hired her by recess appointment. At the end of the year, Senators will decide if she's fit to continue serving a nation whose values she so openly scorns. Unfortunately, the State Department may be heightening tensions in more countries than one. According to reports, Aponte was just following orders. Back in June, Secretary Hillary Clinton ordered all embassies "to publish op-eds in support of LGBT awareness month." (Family Research Council)
Egypt Sinking
Last year the world media aimed their collective cameras at one square in Cairo where hundreds of thousands of Egyptians were demanding freedom. Big media commentators assured us that it was a new day in the Middle East. I remember the interviews with little Egyptian girls flashing the "V" sign for victory and telling viewers that with Mubarak gone Egyptian children like them would be able to grow up to be doctors, scientists or even movie stars! Those of us who suggested that crowds in one public square in Cairo do not necessarily represent the heartland of Egypt were brushed aside.
Now Egypt is voting, and early results suggest that in the newly "liberated" nation radical Islam will call the shots. The future for religious minorities, as well as little Egyptian girls, is likely to be bleak. Preliminary results from the first round of voting shows, not unexpectedly, a strong finish by the Muslim Brotherhood with perhaps as much as 40% of the vote. But the Brotherhood looks progressive when compared to the Salafists who are doing surprisingly well too. The Salafists have been implicated in violent attacks on the Christian minority in Egypt. (Perhaps it is time for another exodus!)
The Salafists follow the Saudi brand of Islam and believe women should not participate in voting or public life. According to some reports, they received as much as 25% of the vote.
Elections will continue for several months, but it appears that the Brotherhood and the Salafists likely have a solid majority and could run the Egyptian Parliament. If so, you will see a less free Egypt that is more hostile to the U.S. and Israel.
Democracy takes more than elections. Most of all it requires an electorate that believes in pluralism, freedom of religion and the dignity and value of all citizens, including women. As of now it appears that electorate does not exist in Egypt. (Gary Bauer)
U.S., Israel Strategic Dialogue Talks:
'Iran is the greatest challenge in the Middle East'
The following statement is issued by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William J. Burns and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon.
U.S. and Israeli delegations, headed by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William J. Burns and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon, met today in Washington to continue the semi-annual U.S.-Israel Strategic Dialogue. The Strategic Dialogue is an opportunity for the United States and Israel to discuss at a senior level the issues that affect our mutual security and partnership.
While today's Strategic Dialogue covered many subjects, it is clear that Iran is the greatest challenge we face today in the Middle East. Iran's continued noncompliance with its international obligations related to its nuclear program, as well as its continued support for terrorist organizations, are of grave concern to our two countries and the entire international community. Continued efforts by the international community are critical to bringing about change in Iranian behavior and preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapons capability.
(Source: Embassy of Israel) Read more.
The Good News Corner:
Official session of the Knesset honours Christian supporters of Israel
European Coalition for Israel officially recognized for its advocacy for the Jewish state
Jerusalem 22 November, 2011- Leading members of the Israeli Knesset, among them the speaker of the Knesset Reuven Rivlin, honoured on Tuesday the worldwide Christian community for its support for Holocaust survivors and for the modern state of Israel. The statements of recognition and appreciation came in an official session of the Knesset where Christian leaders from some 30 nations were present.
Earlier in the day government representatives and members of the Knesset took part in an official ceremony in the Israeli parliament where both sides, the Israeli government and the Christian supporters, committed to working together to support Holocaust survivors and combat anti-Semitism. European Coalition for Israel was one of the organizations which was awarded with an official certificate of honour for its advocacy for the Jewish state. The certificates were presented by MK Lea Shemtov who is actively building bridges between Christians and the Israeli Knesset.
ECI chairman Harald Eckert was one of the keynote speakers at the event. In his speech he reminded the audience that January 20, 2012 will mark the 70th anniversary of the Wannsee conference outside of Berlin where Adolf Hitler and other Nazi leaders decided on the so called final solution to exterminate all Jews.
- Still today there are both those who deny the historical facts of the Holocaust and those who want to finish what Hitler started, he said.
- Let us make use of these three years from the 70th anniversary of the Wannsee conference to the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz to remind the nations of the world about their solemn pledges to the Jewish people to never again let them down when facing an existential threat, he concluded.
The proposed global campaign will commence with a special conference in Berlin on the 20th of January. The event will be part of ECI:s Learn from History campaign which for the last five years has called upon Christian communities to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust on the Sunday nearest to the official Holocaust Remembrance day on 27th of January. This year the Holocaust Sunday will be commemorated on 29th January. Apart from the official event in Berlin ECI will also co-host the annual Holocaust memorial service in the European Parliament in Brussels.
The ceremony in the Knesset was hosted by MK Lea Shemtov and co-organized by the Helping Hand Coalition, a humanitarian relief organisation which seeks to support Holocaust survivors living in Israel.
Worship with Us Today!
"I Surrender All"
We are sharing this video with you in honor of Billy Graham, who tonight is in a hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, recovering from a bout of pneumonia.
"I Surrender All" has been the theme song of every crusade Billy has preached over the decades, as tens of thousands walked up those aisles to give their lives to Christ. Praise God.
[To learn more about Rev. Graham's condition, go here.]
