News for Prayer!• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Please Take Action --
• Can Prayer Save America?
• Another New Year's Blessing
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
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
• Please Take Action --
• Can Prayer Save America?
• Another New Year's Blessing
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Wednesday, January 4, 2012
"And of the increase of His government and peace, there shall be no end." (Isaiah 9:7)
The Daily Brief
1. a) Mitt Romney wins Iowa caucus by 8 votes - Des Moines Register
Rivals Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum waged a down-to-the-wire battle for the Iowa Republican caucuses Tuesday, but shortly after 1:30 a.m. today, Romney was declared the victor by eight votes.
b) Gingrich still alive after Iowa, plotting revenge - Reuters
Bruised, battered and defiant, Newt Gingrich limped out of Iowa after a fourth-place finish in the state's Republican presidential contest on Tuesday. But he is still alive.
c) Bachmann to Suspend Presidential Campaign - Fox News
Michele Bachmann will suspend her 2012 presidential campaign, Fox News confirmed Wednesday after the Minnesota congresswoman fared at the bottom of competitors in the Republican caucuses in Iowa. A staffer said Bachmann will officially "suspend" her campaign, which effectively means it will come to an end.
- Lord, as this race begins to shake out candidates, we continually pray that Your choice for President will emerge. Let the race not go to only the wealthy, or only the popular, but to the candidate that will best lead our nation.
- "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)
2. Obama to Appoint Consumer Watchdog While Congress is Out of Town - Fox News
Obama will appoint Richard Cordray to be head of a controversial consumer consumer financial protection agency despite the fact that Congress is not officially in recess.
White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer tweeted the widely expected announcement on Wednesday before the president headed out on a campaign-style event to Ohio. Read more.
- Father, another "czar" appointed by subterfuge and under the radar of Congress? We ask that a legal challenge be brought immediately against this appointment.
- "For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful matters against those who are quiet in the land." [Psalm 35:20]
3. a) Hormuz Oil Spike Could Spark Global Recession - UK Telegraph
Iran's own oil supply is only part of the problem - the real threat is that disruption would halt the passage of oil from other Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia - the world's largest oil producer - and Kuwait. Qatar's liquified natural gas supplies would also be affected.
Roy Jordan, of FACTS Global Energy, said: "If supply through the Strait of Hormuz is cut off, just about everybody in the East and West would be in trouble. It would disrupt major proportion of the world's oil and gas at a time when many of the world's economies are very fragile and would not be able to sustain a serious oil spike."
b) Iran Warns U.S. Aircraft Carrier Not to Return to Gulf - Reuters
Iran will take action if a U.S. aircraft carrier which left the area because of Iranian naval exercises returns to the Gulf, the state news agency quoted army chief Ataollah Salehi as saying on Tuesday.
- Father, as the US dismisses the Iranian warning, we pray that You will protect the Strait against the plans of our enemies. We ask for wisdom on the part of our leaders, and power from Your Holy Spirit to prevent an all out oil disaster in world economies.
- "My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war." [Psalm 120:6-7]
4. World's Biggest Economies Face $7.6T Debt - Bloomberg
Governments of the world's leading economies have more than $7.6 trillion of debt maturing this year, with most facing a rise in borrowing costs.
- Lord a house of cards cannot stand, and disaster looms ahead of the world's economies. We pray for Your mercy and wisdom for solutions.
- "Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble; incline Your ear to me; in the day that I call, answer me speedily." [Psalm 102:2]
5. Russia's Putin dreams of sweeping Eurasian Union - AP
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has a vision for a Soviet Union-lite he hopes will become a new Moscow-led global powerhouse. But, his planned Eurasian Union won't be grounded in ideology: This time it's about trade.
- Lord, we ask that Your protection be granted to the nations that Mr. Putin plans to invite to this "trade union." We ask that any and all hidden agendas and attempts to grab power be revealed.
- "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." [Proverbs 16:9]
6. Japan Reportedly Building Vigilante Virus Assassin Squad - Fox News
Japan reportedly has paid Fujitsu $2.3 million to build a self-replicating assassin squad -- a computer virus it can set loose in the network to track down and eliminate other viruses.
- Father, while a "good virus" to sniff out bad ones could be useful, it could also trigger an international cyber war that could quickly get out of hand. We ask that You guard this new technology to keep it from the hands of evil men.
- "Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man; seek out his wickedness until You find none." [Psalm 10:15]
7. US Sanctions on Iran's Central Bank. Tehran Calls "Act of War" - DebkaFile
On the last day of 2011, Obama Saturday signed into law measures penalizing foreign financial institutions doing business with Iran's central bank, Bank Markazi - the toughest sanctions yet for Iran's program for developing a nuclear weapon. In recent weeks, Tehran has repeatedly warned that the signing of this measure would be deemed an act of war and elicit drastic steps including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. debkafile: Tehran appears to be heading for a showdown. Read more.
- Even as most of us understandably now have our attention riveted upon our national election this year, let's not forget the foreign front. This news out of Iran is alarming and should be taken seriously. Pray in the spirit over all news coming out of Iran and its Strait of Hormuz in this hour. May God somehow yet bring peace to the nations, with a non-nuclear Iran in its future. Pray for a miracle . . . pray!
- "Pray without ceasing . . " (I Thessalonians 5:17)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
" For I am the LORD, I do not change . . ." (Malachi 3:6a)
1. Ahmadinejad: Israel's attempts to 'Judaize' Jerusalem will bring about its end - Haaretz
Israeli attempts to "Judaize" Jerusalem will bring about its end, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday, saying Israel's occupation of Palestinian land was the most important topic in the world. . . . "Zionists, who have no faith in religion or even God, now claim piety and intend to take away the Islamic identity of the Holy Quds." "This ridiculous move is in fact the continuation of the colonialist polices of oppressors, which will not save the Zionist regime, but also take the regime closer to the endpoint of its existence," the Iranian president added.
2. Police Foil Two Terrorist Attacks in Be'er Sheva - Israel National News
Police arrested two terrorists at different locations Wednesday morning and prevented intended attacks on Be'er Sheva residents.
3. Report: US Pushing Israel to Free Barghouti - Israel International News
The Hussein Obama administration is trying to convince Israel to release arch-terrorist and mass-murderer Marwan Barghouti. According to the Hamas-aligned Al Quds daily, Washington views Barghouti as its preferred candidate for Fatah to field against Hamas in Palestinian Authority (PA) elections in May 2012.
"A high-profile US delegation has regularly discussed with officials in Tel Aviv the option to free Al Barghouti to lead Fatah against Hamas in the next elections," said sources that the Al Quds daily did not identify.
4. Israel and PA officials agree to continue Amman parley - ICEJ News
Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh told reporters on Tuesday that the talks he had hosted in Amman between representatives from the Palestinian Authority and Israel were held in a "positive atmosphere and reflected the seriousness of both sides to reach substantive results" adding that the two sides had agreed to continue the talks and that the two sides showed commitment to adhering to the timeline proposed by the Quartet, which has set 2012 as a deadline for resolutions to all the final status issues.
Chief negotiator Saeb Erekat represented the PA, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's personal envoy, Yitzhak Molcho. The developments were praised by US and EU officials, while a Hamas spokesman condemned the talks as "selling illusions to the Palestinian people."
5. Pentagon rejects Iranian threat against Gulf presence - ICEJ News
The US swiftly responded to an Iranian threat Tuesday to attack US Navy forces if they ventured back into the Persian Gulf, with Pentagon spokesman George Little echoed comments made by senior US officials by telling reporters that "the deployment of U.S. military assets in the Persian Gulf region will continue as it has for decades. No one in this government seeks confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz. It's important to lower the temperature."
At the State Department, spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters "frankly, we see these threats from Tehran as just increasing evidence that the international pressure is beginning to bite there and that they are feeling increasingly isolated and they are trying to divert the attention of their own public from the difficulties inside Iran." The verbal exchange sent oil prices soaring more than $3 per barrel, to $102.39 a barrel for West Texas Intermediate crude and $111.02 for Brent North Sea crude, leading many governments to urge a cooling of tensions, including Iran's ally China.
Elsewhere, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe told a Paris news channel on Tuesday that "Iran is pursuing the development of nuclear arms, I don't think there is any doubt about that. The latest report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was quite clear on this point. This is why France, without closing the path of negotiation and dialogue with Iran, wants tougher sanctions."
6. Brotherhood dominates final round of elections in Egypt - ICEJ News
As polls opened on the second day of Egypt's third and final round of parliamentary elections on Wednesday, the Moslem Brotherhood appeared to be continuing its dominance of earlier rounds, but insisted it would not seek to impose its will during the drafting of a new constitution and would work together with all groups in the country moving forward.
The Daily Jot
2012: Of judgment, consequences and repentance Part 2
In my days as a political consultant in the 1980s-90s, I often worked campaigns that were in deep trouble. I was good at solving problems and turning them around quickly. The most oft suggested route by a candidate in these campaigns was to stretch the truth about accomplishments to get people to vote for them. I always believed that was wrong. The best way for a candidate to have a chance is honesty--just tell the people what is on your heart about representing them. Tell the truth because that gives them the best information on whether you have earned their vote. If you are truthful, you don't need gimmicks. Same goes for the church--truth should trump gimmicks. The word of God needs no gimmickry.
The use of religion, however, to control people is about as old as the church. Doctrines of men are extra-biblical, self aggrandizing, eisegesis interpretations of the scriptures to support certain positions. The "church" is full of them. The Apostle Paul warned of these things in Ephesians 4:14, "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." None of us want to think our pastors would partake in this, but many have been taught by bad teachers. These doctrines then get passed on as fact and because a pastor teaches them, people don't question them.
Exercising the word of God--practicing it in every challenge, every instance--brings the power of God to bear in any situation. Using the word of God out of context, however, to justify a personal position is how bad doctrines get started and how men become deceived. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." But if the word of God is not taught, and doctrines are developed out of context, then the people do not know--that is, unless they themselves are reading the word and spending time with the Lord--creating that personal relationship through prayer and knowledge of the word.
The requirements to enter the kingdom of God are accepting Christ, being born again. The word, however, goes deeper. One example is Ephesians 5:5: "For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." Jesus said that many will come to him saying they have prophesied, cast out devils, and did great works in his name. His response: "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (Matthew 7:23)." I would rather work out my salvation with fear and trembling than to depend on what some person prophesied over me or by doing something somebody told me to do. You and I will stand before the Lord in eternity on our own merits, not on somebody else's. We have responsibility as citizens of God's kingdom.
Bill Wilson
Publisher
The Daily Jot
Please Take Action --
Urge Fox to fire Alan Colmes for despicable comments about Santorum infant
Fox News radio host and political commentator Alan Colmes went so far beyond the line of decency yesterday (Monday) that he should immediately be terminated by Fox.
Rick Santorum's wife gave birth to a boy who died just two hours after his premature birth. The Santorums brought the body of the infant home so that their other children could see him, hold him and recognize the precious worth of every life
Here is a transcript (for video, click here) of Colmes' inhumane comments, on Fox News Happening Now program yesterday (emphasis ours): "Once they (the voting public) get a load of the crazy things he's said and done, liking taking his two-hour old baby who died right after childbirth home and played with it for a couple of hours so his other children would know that the child was real."
When Rich Lowry confronted him on air, Colmes arrogantly leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed and a smug look on his face.
Colmes has since apologized in private to the Santorums for his "hurtful comment." But his comment goes way beyond hurtful. It is uncaring, callous, deeply offensive and beneath contempt. He owes the entire viewing audience of Fox News an on-air apology followed immediately by his resignation, whether forced or voluntary.
He may have made things right with the Santorums, but he has not made things right with America. He is unfit to serve any longer on Fox.
TAKE ACTION
Email Fox News today and urge them to fire Alan Colmes from his radio program and that Fox immediately cease to use him as a political analyst on its cable news programs. (Source: American Family Association)
A Commentary from one of our own editors:
"What the heck was Alan Colmes thinking in his insensitive comments about Rick Santorum? Where is his head? Does he even realize that many hospitals now place still birth babies in the arms of their mothers, even allow photos to be taken, so that the mothers can properly grieve their loss? Grief covers families who have lost a child. I know. My mother lost 8 full term babies before I was born. It severely affected my parents.
Alan needs to be removed from your lineup. I understand that he apologized privately, but that doesn't cut it. He should go on air and . . . apologize. . . "
Faye Higbee; Post Falls, Idaho
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
Can Prayer Save America?
ONE CRY Conferences Planned Across the Nation
Clearly our nation is in trouble. . . America is desperately in need of a spiritual renewal!
History teaches that while there have been sweeping revivals without great speakers or leaders, there has never been a revival without earnest prayer.
We believe that God is the Reviver, and only His mighty hand can reach into our families, churches, and nations to bring renewal. Prayer needs to be the foundation and we challenge you to become one of the building blocks.
This conference will encourage, equip, and challenge you to pray more effectively. . . for yourself, your church, and our nation. Learn how you can join an army of like-minded believers who are lifting up one cry for revival and spiritual awakening.
Join speakers from the National Day of Prayer Task Force including Board Chairman, Dave Butts, Vice Chairman, John Bornschein and Director of Prayer Mobilization, Lisa Crump for this timely and powerful conference. Events are taking place throughout the year from coast to coast starting in Deltona, FL, January 27-28.
Click here to find a One Cry Conference location near you and register. Space is limited so don't delay.
Another New Year's Blessing
Happy New Year - Auld Lang Syne by Sissel . . .
Including a New Year's Prayer . . .
I wish you Health
So you may enjoy each day in comfort
I wish you the Love of friends and family
And Peace within your heart . . .
ENJOY!
The Good News Corner:
Victory for California Church School in Upholding Employee Moral Expectations
"Because the church is not considered an employer for purposes of the FEHA, it is not subject to the FEHA's prohibitions." -Fourth District Court of Appeals
(Santa Ana, CA)-The Fourth District Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of Red Hill Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tustin for dismissing Sara Henry from her duties as preschool director of the church's school.
According to a report in The Christian Post, Henry-who was fired because it was discovered she was living with a boyfriend she had no intention of marrying-filed a lawsuit against the church in 2010.
Noted the report, Henry "lost the case as Orange County Superior Court Judge Derek W. Hunt ruled that as a religious organization, Red Hill Lutheran had the right to terminate her employment due to behavior outside of her employment."
It was a decision reaffirmed by the Fourth Distric Court.
"Henry knew she was to serve as a Christian role model to the students and their parents, both in and out of school," wrote the court. "Henry's employment was terminated for religious reasons for which the church and school are exempt under title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act."
Source: Michael Gryboski - The Christian Post
(Reported by: Breaking Christian News)
Worship with Us Today!
"It Is Well With My Soul"
By Wintley Phipps
"God told me to share this with you. It is in the quiet crucible of your personal private sufferings that your noblest dreams are born and God's greatest gifts are given in compensation for what you've been through." Wintley Phipps
To listen to this rendition, go here.
