• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• States to Sue Federal Government over Mandate
• Summary: House Hearing on Religious Freedom
• NYC Churches Get Reprieve
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Please note: On Monday, we will not publish "On Capitol Hill This Week," as Congress will be out of session in observance of President's Day. We will instead publish a special edition of The Daily Brief that day.
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
• States to Sue Federal Government over Mandate
• Summary: House Hearing on Religious Freedom
• NYC Churches Get Reprieve
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Please note: On Monday, we will not publish "On Capitol Hill This Week," as Congress will be out of session in observance of President's Day. We will instead publish a special edition of The Daily Brief that day.
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Friday, February 17, 2012
"Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding." (Job 28:28)
The Daily Brief
1. Contraception ruling: Democrats accuse clergy of complicity with GOP at hearing - Fox News
Democratic lawmakers exchanged testy words with their Republican counterparts at a House hearing Thursday that intensified the debate over President Obama's recent mandate on contraception. One Democrat even called into question the good faith of the broad array of clergymen who served on the witness panel.
- Abba, how sad it is that this issue of personal belief should be made into something political! It seems emotions are running "high" on both sides of this issue. This really is an issue between individuals and their God, not even a particular Church or denomination. We must all choose to obey God, or man. How can man presume to dictate that we should turn our backs on what we believe is right and proper before God, to appease people who have no right to invade our private choices in this matter? Father, we ask for righteousness to prevail, and for the government to back away from these intrusions into our lives! We ask it in Yeshua's precious name, Amen.
- "The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." [I Timothy 1:5] (More details are reported on this hearing, below.)
2. House Republicans push off transportation, Keystone bill amid bipartisan grumbling - Fox News
House Republicans plan to punt until late February a controversial transportation bill that includes a provision to fast-track the Keystone XL pipeline, as rank-and-file Republicans raise concerns and the White House issues a veto threat.
~Father, we ask again for wisdom for our Congressmen and women, as they consider these issues of transportation, and also the Keystone XL pipeline. We pray that these issues will be brought to the attention of the electorate nationwide, and that our input would also be taken into consideration as they deliberate. We ask that accurate information come forth on both sides of these issues, so we can know what is really being considered and respond appropriately. Thank You.
- "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." [James 3:16,17]
3. More US government websites hacked by Anonymous - Yahoo News
The hacking group known as "Anonymous" has claimed a new series of hacks against the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and consumer rights websites. The loosely organized collection of cyber rebels said it attacked the FTC's consumer protection business center and the National Consumer Protection Week websites. Both sites were replaced with a violent German-language video satirizing the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, or ACTA.
- Lord, we know the "secret things" belong to You, and that You know the deeds done in the cover of darkness. Darkness is as light to Your eyes. You see all our works, whether good or evil; and You know the thoughts and intents of our hearts. So, Father, we ask You to expose the works of darkness that are endeavoring to harm our government and our people. Lord, we ask You to grant our people working on this issue, wisdom from on-high in regards to blocking these evil incursions into our governmental websites. We also ask that You expose these groups and individuals' identities, for they are known to You, and we pray that they will no longer be "anonymous"! Amen!
"Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You." Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret." [Psalm 139:12; Ephesians 5:11,12]
4. FBI seeks developers for app to track suspicious social media posts, sparking privacy concerns - Fox News
The FBI is getting in on the law enforcement app game on the heels of a controversial data mining project by the Homeland Security Department. The program must have the ability "to rapidly assemble critical open source information and intelligence ... to quickly vet, identify, and geo-locate breaking events, incidents and emerging threats." Ciluffo, who was also a former adviser in the George W. Bush White House, said tracking social media is the tip of the spear for national security investigations and it raises privacy questions, over whether law enforcement officers are allowed to monitor public social media posts.
- Father, we live in turbulent times, where crime runs rampant, and all sorts of evil seems to be increasing and going "high-tech". We pray for wisdom for our Homeland Security department, as they seek to walk this "tight-rope" between individuals' personal freedom, and the government's "right to know" of any subversive plans by those who would seek to harm us, or our government.
As they seek developers who can work on an app to deal with this threat, we ask that You will lead them to the right individuals, who are both skilled in this area, and also people of integrity. It would certainly seem appropriate to monitor public social media posts, because they are public. But, Lord, we also ask that the "secret things be revealed" regarding criminal plans and behavior, putting our people in harm's way. Amen.
"He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding! He reveals the deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him!" [Daniel 2:21,22]
5. CBO: Longest Period of High Unemployment Since Great Depression - US News & World Report
After three years with unemployment topping 8 percent, the U.S. has seen the longest period of high unemployment since the Great Depression, the Congressional Budget Office noted in a report issued today.
* Unemployment claims drop to 348K last week - Fox News
The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell to the lowest point in almost four years last week, the latest signal that the job market is steadily improving.
- Lord, we thank You that the unemployment claims have dropped last week. We do ask, Lord, that the figures will not be "doctored" to make any candidate for president to look better than the others. We bind up deception, and ask that the truth be revealed and acted upon. We know that part of the reason for the drop is the fact that some unemployed people have grown weary of the job-search, and have just quit looking. We pray You will encourage them to "press through" and find the employment they need. Thank You, Amen.
- "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." [Jeremiah 29:11]
6. Parents won't quit fight over CAIR indoctrination - WND
Parents in a Florida school district say their fight is not ending over district officials' decision to openly promote a representative from the local Council on American-Islamic Relations group, whose national organization has ties to terrorism, to speak to their students and then refuse to listen to parental concerns.
- O God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we thank You that these parents are not willing to allow their children to be indoctrinated by another religion and god. Obviously, the intentions of these people are not for an honest dialogue, or they would not refuse to listen and respond to parental concerns. It is truly sad, Lord, that You have been banned from our public schools, but all these other "gods" are being welcomed, in the guise of "diversity and education". We pray that You will also reveal to these parents the other options available to educate their children, and provide the resources for them to do so, if that is Your instruction to them. We also pray that You would reveal the "secret agenda" of CAIR and other subversive groups infiltrating our schools. Amen!
" People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." [Mark 10:14-16]
7. BREAKING NEWS: CAPITOL HILL PLOT FOILED! - Gary Bauer; Fox News
Feds Foil Suicide Plot on US Capitol
Fox News reports that the FBI has arrested a man "in his 30s and of Moroccan descent" who attempted to carry out a suicide bombing on Capitol Hill. Thankfully, the FBI had been monitoring his activities for some time. But whether it is a lone jihadist plotting to commit suicide bombings or the mullahs in Tehran plotting a second Holocaust, there are plenty of reminders of the reality of radical Islam.
Federal agents arrest a Moroccan citizen living in the U.S. for over a dozen years who allegedly was heading to U.S. Capitol with a vest he thought was packed with explosives for a would-be suicide attack.
For more information, go to this article on Fox News.
- Father God, we thank You that You have spared our Capitol Building, and all those who work within, this disaster. Help us to remain in a place of repentance, with our faces and our hearts yet set before You, that we might continue to receive Your mercy and Your grace upon our nation. Praise God.
- " . . . no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD." (Isaiah 54:17)
8. Maryland House of Delegates Passes Gay Marriage Bill; Senate Next - Fox News
- Pray that this wicked bill does NOT pass the Senate in the State of Maryland. Ask for a miracle! Pray! Read more
- "The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with." (James 5:16, the Message)
9. Lawmaker's resolution condemns Iran for Christian pastor's death sentence - Fox News
Lawmakers in Congress have joined the fight to save an Iranian Christian pastor who has been sentenced to death for refusing to renounce his faith. A resolution sponsored by Rep. Joseph Pitts (R-PA) denounces Iran for its leaders' ruling of apostasy against Youcef Nadarkhani and calls for his immediate release.
"Iran has become more isolated because of their drive for nuclear weapons, and the fundamentalist government has stepped up persecution of religious minorities to deflect criticism," Pitts told FoxNews.com. "The persecuted are their own citizens whose only crime is practicing their faith."
Pitts introduced the measure on Friday and so far has the support of seven other members. Nearly 90 members of Congress previously signed a letter supporting Nadarkhani.
The execution has been delayed amid international pressure on the Iranian regime. At one point Tehran claimed Nadarkhani's real crime was being a threat to national security. Read more.
- Please intercede over this resolution, that a groundswell of support will arise from both sides of the House on behalf of this pastor in Iran. Call our own member of Congress and encourage him or her to vote FOR the "Pitts Resolution." Thank you!
- ". . . the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." (Daniel 11:32b)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." (Rev. 22:13)
1. Iran, Hezbollah trying to attack Israelis, Jews abroad - Jerusalem Post
It appears as though Iran and Hezbollah are currently trying to carry out attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets abroad, Israel's Counter-terrorism Bureau warned Friday.
2. Netanyahu: Iran sanctions not working - Ynet News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias signed a search and rescue agreement on Thursday.
3. Iran: Our satellite photographed Israel's Dimona reactor, IDF bases - Ha'aretz
Iran and the West are now competing over who is getting more stressed: Europe that feared on Wednesday that Iran was about to cut the oil line, or Iran, which has been consistently busy uncovering new technologies.
The Daily Jot
Egypt is perfect example of malevolent White House strategy
White House foreign policy to elevate the Muslim Brotherhood as the uniter of Islam is proving to be this century's biggest international disaster that will cost many lives, derail economies, undermine human rights, and perhaps even usher in an Islamic Caliphate hostile to every nation on earth, especially to Israel and the United States. It was America, under the direct orders of the man who occupies the Oval Office, that empowered the world's foremost terrorist umbrella organization to destabilize the Middle East and overthrow governments. Now, one of the most notable infants birthed by this reckless policy has grown into a mighty example of Islamic dominionism and its malevolent impact on the world.
The so-called Egyptian government is holding hostage and trying some 16 Americans associated with non-government organizations for using foreign funds to incite protests. Additionally, the assets of these NGOs have been seized, among them US government funded organizations ostensibly promoting democracy in Egypt. The White House's new foreign policy partner, the Muslim Brotherhood, is leading the charge. In response, US Congressmen are calling for some $1.3 billion in foreign and military aid be withheld until Egypt comes to its senses. The Jerusalem Post reports the Muslim Brotherhood says that if the US withholds its funding, it would consider changing the terms of the 1979 Peace Treaty with Israel.
Mideast expert Barry Rubin, director of the Global Research in International Affairs Center in Israel, wrote on his organization's website, "This is only the beginning of the anti-American populism/nationalism/Islamism we are going to be seeing in Egypt from now on. What's amazing is that nobody is pointing out that if an Egyptian government is willing to risk US aid and have a confrontation on this small issue, what are they going to do regarding big issues? What happens when the Egyptian government moves toward Islamism or helps Hamas fight Israel on some level? We have been told that fear of losing US aid will constrain Egypt. But we are now seeing that this simply isn't true."
Islam intends to bring the world into submission to its false god allah. The new Egypt is the example of how Islam will advance. If many can see the flaws of this senseless White House policy, why can't the White House see it, and further, why doesn't Congress move to protect America from this lunacy? Perhaps it is less of a blunder and more of a strategy. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:13, "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." He also wrote in 2 Thessalonians 2:11, "And for this cause Yah (God) shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie." American's need to wake up and become active citizens in stopping these evil men and seducers.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
States Plan Lawsuit Over Contraceptive/Abortion Mandate
If the Obama administration does not rescind a rule forcing faith-based groups to buy health insurance for employees that covers sterilization, contraception and possible abortion-causing drugs, it could soon find itself the target of a lawsuit from at least 12 states.
That's how many signed a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently saying they will "vigorously oppose it in court."
"We are deeply troubled by the unprecedented coercion of organizations and individuals to act contrary to their religious beliefs," stated the letter, which was signed by the attorneys general of Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Maine, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota and Texas.
Meanwhile, state legislators in Arizona passed a bill through a House committee, 6-3, Thursday to amend an existing state law. Arizona is one of 28 states with laws that, like the Obama administration policy, fail to completely protect religious freedom in employer-provided health insurance.
"This amendment fixes that problem and protects the right of conscience for all Arizonans, just as the state constitution intended," said Alliance Defense Fund Chief Solicitor Gary McCaleb. (CitizenLink) Read more.
- Pray that these lawsuits will find favor with our Judge in Heaven and in His Courts, and the courts on earth. Jesus Christ is the Judge over all judges; the Lawgiver over all lawgivers, and the King of all kings! Amen!
- "For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us." (Isaiah 33:22)
Summary: House Hearing on Religious Freedom
Panelists Say Government is Forcing Churches to Change Doctrine
The U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and Government Reform (OGR) committee held a hearing Thursday to determine whether the Obama administration is trampling on religious freedom in its zeal to offer all women free contraceptives.
At the hearing, chaired by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., 11 panelists from diverse faith backgrounds - including one agnostic - said the answer to that question is unequivocally yes.
"Specifically, we object to the use of drugs and procedures used to take the lives of unborn children. We oppose this mandate since it requires religious organizations to pay for and otherwise facilitate the use of such drugs by their employees - a requirement that violates our stand on the biblical teaching of the sanctity of life, which is a matter of faith and conscience," said The Reverend Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod. "Furthermore, we believe and teach that freedom of religion extends beyond mere houses of worship. We must be able to exercise our faith in the public square and, in response to Christ's call, demonstrate His mercy through our love and compassion for all people according to the clear teachings of Holy Scripture. We deem this recent government mandate as an infringement upon the beliefs and practices of various religious communities."
The Democrats on the committee, however, tried to make the hearing about something else entirely - health care. They berated both the panelists and Issa, saying he barred witnesses from the hearing who would support the Obama administration's mandate. At a press conference afterward, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi made a statement which was quickly circulated by the liberal media, asking "where are the women?" on the panel and suggesting she might be forced to "explain biology to my colleagues."
In fact, the panel included two women; Issa said he rejected one of the Democrats' suggested witnesses because her credentials as a third-year law student weren't strong enough; her testimony is included as a video on the OGR Web site.
The contentiousness of the hearing prompted Rep. James Lankford, R-Okla., to address it directly.
"I've heard this hearing is about trying to prevent women from getting contraceptives and women's health. That's a twisting off, to try to say this is about some barbaric group trying to limit women's access to health," he said. "I've had the implication this hearing is about the fact that government is more compassionate than the church, that they care more about people than the church does, that there are obvious needs here and the church is so out of step with culture that they don't know the issues of medication," he said.
"But today, this hearing is about can this administration, or any administration, say, 'I know your doctrine, but I have a different doctrine, and you will change your doctrine to my doctrine, or I will fine you.' That's what today is about. Can any administration step into a church and say that?" (CitizenLink) Read more.
Representative Doug Lamborn Opened Discussion on the Federal Mandate in the House Chamber Thursday Night
Colorado Rep. Doug Lamborn hosted a special discussion of the issue on the House floor Thursday night. Watch videos of all the testimonies from all the federal legislators who participated. To see his speech, and others, go here.
Faith Leaders Circulate Petition Opposing Contraception/Abortion Mandate
Since the Obama administration announced in January that religious organizations would not be exempt from buying insurance that covers contraceptives, potential abortion-inducing drugs and sterilizations for employees, the Catholic Church has been protesting loudly.
Now, evangelical leaders are increasing their opposition to it as well, saying an assault on religious liberty affects people from all faiths and denominations.
On Tuesday, Prison Fellowship Founder Chuck Colson, Princeton University Prof. Robert George, and Beeson Divinity School Dean Timothy George started a petition drive to force the Obama administration to reverse the policy.
"There is, for all intents and purposes, no recognition of the rights of conscience for those Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, or other faith-based employers to be free of this imposition," they wrote in an open letter on Tuesday. Read more.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sign the petition asking the Obama administration to eliminate the contraception mandate.
- Lord God, help us to draw a line in the sand and to be fully effective in bringing our case before the White House and before the Supreme Court. It is time to draw a line in the sand against the continued encroachment of civil government against our Kingdom, God-given rights. Let the fight begin here, and let it begin now. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens . . . a time to be silent and a time to speak . . ." (Eccl. 3:1,7)
NOTE: WATCH FOR MORE NEWS ON THIS TOPIC FROM THE CONGRESSIONAL PRAYER CAUCUS, IN MONDAY'S EDITION OF THE DAILY BRIEF.
NYC Churches Get Reprieve
New York City Churches Get 10-Day Reprieve
Churches in New York City that are looking for new places to hold worship services got a temporary reprieve today when a federal judge put a city policy on hold for 10 days while she considers the case.
Though some 60 churches throughout the city were evicted on Sunday from the public schools in which they had been meeting on weekends, they now have at least until Feb. 26 to find new facilities to rent - and perhaps longer, depending on how Chief District Judge Loretta Preska ultimately decides. (Source: CitizenLink)
- We thank You, Lord, for this "space of grace" for the churches in New York City, and we ask that that grace be extended until this situation is fully resolved.
- "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7)
The Good News Corner:
Three More Prayer Caucuses Have Launched!
Dear Sara,
We returned from Oklahoma earlier this week and are excited to report that Kentucky, Maine, and Oklahoma all launched successfully; and with tremendous legislator and citizen support! Over 50% of the legislature were represented in two states, all signing the Call to Prayer Proclamation. Hundreds of citizens joined with their elected leaders by signing the same document; also committing to pray for the nation. This is just the beginning!
Oklahoma was the 8th state to join the America Prayer Caucus Network, a nationwide network of like-minded legislators, with several more in process. They had over 94 legislators join the Prayer Caucus and sign the Call to Prayer Proclamation! This news clip from the Oklahoma Call to Prayer Day shows the level of commitment these legislators are making to protecting our right to pray. They believe this is a key time to invoke prayer in our nation and are willing to lead the way.
We are so grateful for every person that has helped make these launches happen; and for those that will keep the momentum going in their state. It's going to take us working together to sustain this Movement.
Please pray for your national, state, and local leaders! Also, take the time to let them know that you appreciate their efforts to protect your religious liberty.
Blessings,
Summer Ingram
Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation
Worship with Us Today!
The Messiah in Hebrew
- Hallelujah Chorus
Shabbat Shalom!!!!!!!!!!!
