• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot!
• Crucial Supreme Court vote today
• Barack's Bad Week
• The Madison Report
• Are We Still One Nation Under God?
• An American Minute: Lincoln Calls the Nation to Repentance
• 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 - Friday, March 30, 2012
". . . The court was seated, and the books were opened." (Daniel 7:10c)
The Daily Brief
1a. Bolton accuses administration of leaking story on Israeli planning along Iran border - Fox News
Former U.S. diplomat John Bolton alleged Thursday that the Obama administration leaked a story about covert Israeli activity in order to foil potential plans by the country to attack Iran's nuclear program. The Foreign Policy article did not specify whether any of the information came from the White House and there is no direct evidence that this was a coordinated leak."Clearly, this is an administration-orchestrated leak," Bolton told FoxNews.com. "This is not a rogue CIA guy saying I think I'll leak this out." "It's just unprecedented to reveal this kind of information about one of your own allies," Bolton said. Read more.
1b. Analysis: US thwarting Israeli strike on Iran - Ynet News
The United States is leaking information to the media in order to avert an Israeli strike in Iran: The US Administration recently shifted into high gear in its efforts to avert an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities by the end of the year. The flood of reports in the American media in recent weeks attests not only to the genuine US fear that Israel intends to realize its threats; moreover, it indicates that the Obama Administration has decided to take its gloves off.
- O God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and our God, we thank You for bringing this work of darkness out into the Light. Father, we ask, that according to Your Word, You would bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel. Betraying the trust of an ally, who is in mortal danger, certainly seems to qualify as a curse. We thank You that You are the God of Israel, and You watch over Your Word to perform it! It goes forth out of Your mouth, and it does not return to You void, but accomplishes the thing it was sent out to do. We ask, Lord, that the curse would return upon the person or persons who did this; and not our entire nation. You know that the majority of Americans are kindly inclined toward Israel, and we ask that Your judgment would come only upon those responsible for this betrayal. Bless and protect Israel, we pray, and give them Your strategies and favor! In Yeshua's precious Name, Amen!
- "And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves]." (Genesis 12:3 AMP)
2. 69% of Israelis Support US-Israeli Attack on Iran - Arutz News
Sixty-nine percent of Israelis support a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear installations, according to a poll conducted for the Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace and the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. Forty-two percent of Israelis support a strike if Israel has to act alone. The poll found that 73% of Israelis and 85% of Palestinian Authority Arabs believe that a regional war will break out if Israel attacks Iran.
- Father, we ask that You will give Your wisdom, insight, and understanding to Prime Minister Netanyahu, and his cabinet, as they consider their options regarding the threats of their sworn enemies. We ask that You would make clear to them what You would have them do, whether it be war or not. And, if any action is taken, exactly when, and how it should be done, we pray. Amen!
- " In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. If anyone does attack you, it will not be My doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you. 'See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; 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)
3a.On health-care hearing's last day, Supreme Court weighs Medicaid expansion - Washington Post
The Supreme Court closed an extraordinary three-day review of Hussein Obama's health-care law Wednesday, with its conservative majority signaling that it may be on the brink of a redefinition of the federal government's power.
3b. Justices meet Friday to vote on health care case - MyWay News
While the rest of us have to wait until June, the justices of the Supreme Court will know the likely outcome of the historic health care case by the time they go home this weekend. After months of anticipation, thousands of pages of briefs and more than six hours of arguments, the justices will vote on the fate of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul in under an hour Friday morning.
- Abba, we praise You that the Supreme Court has agreed to review this "healthcare package", and we ask for a consensus of opinion to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America regarding it. Our founding fathers set up the Supreme Court as a check on the Executive and Legislative branches, to keep a balance and protect our rights under our Constitution. We pray that You will give them Your mind and understanding, and that they would rule in righteousness and integrity, without any "politics" being involved. May they fulfill their oaths of office, we pray, and protect the people from those who wish to take our freedoms away. We thank You, Abba!
- "Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously." (John 7:24)
4. Read the FBI Memo: Agents Can 'Suspend the Law' - Wired News
The FBI once taught its agents that they can "bend or suspend the law" as they wiretap suspects. But the bureau says it didn't really mean it, and has now removed the document from its counter terrorism training curriculum, calling it an "imprecise" instruction. Which is a good thing, national security attorneys say, because the FBI's contention that it can twist the law in pursuit of suspected terrorists is just wrong.
- Lord, we thank You for the change in wording, and, hopefully in policy, concerning agents "suspending" the law. We ask for protection, Father, from those who would wish us harm, even from within our own nation. Defend us, O Lord!
- "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]." (Psalm 91:14)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore." (Psalm 121:7,8)
1. Israel's plan to attack Iran put on hold until next year at the earliest - Ha'aretz
Damning U.S. war simulation forces Ehud Barak to reconsider attack plans; Americans pledge more money for Iron Dome antimissile system.
2. Analysis: US thwarting Israeli strike on Iran - Ynet News
The US Administration recently shifted into high gear in its efforts to avert an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities by the end of the year. The flood of reports in the American media in recent weeks attests not only to the genuine US fear that Israel intends to realize its threats; moreover, it indicates that the Obama Administration has decided to take its gloves off.
3. Israel's Secret Staging Ground - Foreign Policy
In 2009, the deputy chief of mission of the U.S. embassy in Baku, Donald Lu, sent a cable to the State Department's headquarters in Foggy Bottom titled "Azerbaijan's discreet symbiosis with Israel." The memo, later released by WikiLeaks, quotes Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev as describing his country's relationship with the Jewish state as an iceberg: "nine-tenths of it is below the surface."
4. Bolton accuses Hussein Obama of leaking story on Israeli planning along Iran border - Fox News
Israel on Thursday stepped up preparations a day before a series of planned Arab protests, deploying thousands of troops and police across the country and along its borders in anticipation of possible violence.
5. Abbas drops threat to dismantle PA over stalled Israel talks, foreign diplomats say - Ha'aretz
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has dropped a planned threat to dismantle the Palestinian Authority in protest of the deadlock in peace efforts with Israel, foreign diplomats said on Thursday.
6. Israel Defense Ministry plan earmarks 10 percent of West Bank for settlement expansion - Ha'aretz
For years Israel's Civil Administration has been covertly locating and mapping available land in the West Bank and naming the parcels after existing Jewish settlements, presumably with an eye toward expanding these communities.
7. Report: Israel has access to Azeri airbases - Ynet News
Top American officials believe that Israel has secured access to airbases in Azerbaijan, possibly as part of its preparation for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, Foreign Policy Magazine reported Thursday.
8. Land Day protests in West Bank, Gaza Strip die down - Jerusalem Post
One Palestinian was killed and dozens of pro-Palestinian activists were injured when protests marking Land Day turned violent in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Friday.
Despite the widespread clashes between Israeli security personnel and pro-Palestinian protesters in the West Bank and Gaza, the IDF expressed satisfaction with the day's occurrences overall and indicated that none of the incidents were out of the ordinary.
The Daily Jot!
Prophetic end times shadow over global march on Jerusalem
The ancient prophet Zechariah wrote a prophecy from the Lord: "I will make Jerusalem a cup that will stagger the surrounding peoples...When that day comes, I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who try to lift it will hurt themselves, and all the earth's nations will be massed against her." This prophecy taken directly from the Hebrew translation speaks of the Day of the Lord, but a type and shadow of this prophecy is playing out before our very eyes in Jerusalem as Islamic forces from the Arab world amass today on Israel's borders in conjunction with "Land Day." Facebook pages of the Global March to Jerusalem are showing minute to minute updates of thousands gathering on Israel's borders.
The organizers of the Global March on Jerusalem said it would be peaceful. They knew full well, however, that Israel would not let them cross the borders. It is reported that tens of thousands of Islamists were flown in from Iran and Indonesia and were trained by Hezbollah and other terrorist groups for this "peaceful" March. Already, the Facebook page for the march shows images of anti-Israel and anti-American protesters throwing and burning things to protest what Islam believes is an occupation of Arab land. One photo caption on Facebook reads "Within the events of the World March towards Jerusalem. Thousands of Indians participated in the walk and burn the Zionist flag."
Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, India, Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, and more are participating in the event that coincides with the annual protest of what the terrorists believe to be Israeli "occupation." Debkafile reports that "special flights carrying thousands of pro-Palestinian activists from Tehran touched down in Damascus Tuesday, March 27 for the international Global March to Jerusalem Friday, March 30. Before taking off, they were split into small groups and tutored by Iranian Al Qods Brigades officers in tactics for breaching Israeli border barriers, bursting through and challenging the Israeli military forces defending the border." Debkafile said that upon arrival Hezbollah officers stood by to lead them to villages close to Israel's border.
At the time of this post, Debkafile is reporting Israel forces opened fire to halt Palestinian demonstrators marching on the Gaza-Israeli border and crossings...There were also violent clashes between Jerusalem security forces and disorderly Palestinian demonstrators in North Jerusalem, after riots were thwarted on the Temple Mount and Damascus Gate. Troops are on orders to block West Bank demonstrators from storming into Israel. Around 20,000 Palestinians are reported marching in Jordan toward the Israel border. In Lebanon, demonstrators clashed with army units." While this is not the fulfillment of the Zechariah prophecy, it is a very real demonstration of how it can quickly play out.
Have A Blessed And Powerful Day,
Bill Wilson
Update for our readers:
Tonight the Jerusalem Post is reporting the following news on the Land Day riots:
One Palestinian was killed and dozens of pro-Palestinian activists were injured when protests marking Land Day turned violent in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Friday.
Despite the widespread clashes between Israeli security personnel and pro-Palestinian protesters in the West Bank and Gaza, the IDF expressed satisfaction with the day's occurrences overall and indicated that none of the incidents were out of the ordinary.
With an eye to the future, IDF Spokesperson Brig.- Gen. Yoav Mordechai said that "the real test will come during the Nakba- and Naksa- Day protests as well as Prisoners' Day, which will be very tense. Read more.
CHPP will publish an alert from Intercessors for Israel on Monday, April 2, providing specific prayer points for all demonstrations that are expected in Jerusalem. In the meantime, we thank you for praying for the safety of the people of Israel at this time.
Crucial Supreme Court vote today
Urgent: Take a moment to pray for the Supreme Court Justices as they meet behind closed doors today to vote on the health insurance mandate case that was heard this week. This is one of the most consequential cases in American history. It will have a huge bearing on every American's freedom of conscience and religious liberty. Should the Court uphold the mandate, religious groups will face a painful decision of complying with or resisting government intrusion on their rights to believe and practice their faith.
We won't know the outcome of this vote for weeks or months. (Today is a confidential conference when only the Justices are present-without staff-and the result is kept completely secret until opinions are announced.) The Court will not announce in advance that it has arrived at a majority opinion, so it will be more or less a surprise when it is released to the public. It will likely be some time in June-and more likely late June, just before the Court recesses for its summer break. If the Justices didn't like how the case was argued, though, they could hold it over as long they like and even order that the lawyers return to the Court at a future date to argue it again, but that is highly unlikely.
Thank you for joining us in prayer today and throughout the period the Justices take to write their opinions.
Your prayerful missionary to the Supreme Court, Congress, and the White House,
Rev. Rob Schenck
Faith and Action
Update:
By now, this vote has come and gone, but the need for continued, intensive prayer covering over the nine justices of the Supreme Court remains. For more information on how the process of "internal voting" and the writing of opinions works, please go here.
Hussein's Bad Week
Yesterday I received a message from a supporter who said she found reading this daily report depressing and discouraging. I understand her frustration. The past three years have been a nightmare for everyone who cherishes faith, family and freedom -- and I'm here in the belly of the beast!
So I want to offer a bit of encouragement to our supporters by pointing out that, by any reasonable standard, Barack Obama had a pretty bad week. For example:
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot!
• Crucial Supreme Court vote today
• Barack's Bad Week
• The Madison Report
• Are We Still One Nation Under God?
• An American Minute: Lincoln Calls the Nation to Repentance
• 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 - Friday, March 30, 2012
". . . The court was seated, and the books were opened." (Daniel 7:10c)
The Daily Brief
1a. Bolton accuses administration of leaking story on Israeli planning along Iran border - Fox News
Former U.S. diplomat John Bolton alleged Thursday that the Obama administration leaked a story about covert Israeli activity in order to foil potential plans by the country to attack Iran's nuclear program. The Foreign Policy article did not specify whether any of the information came from the White House and there is no direct evidence that this was a coordinated leak."Clearly, this is an administration-orchestrated leak," Bolton told FoxNews.com. "This is not a rogue CIA guy saying I think I'll leak this out." "It's just unprecedented to reveal this kind of information about one of your own allies," Bolton said. Read more.
1b. Analysis: US thwarting Israeli strike on Iran - Ynet News
The United States is leaking information to the media in order to avert an Israeli strike in Iran: The US Administration recently shifted into high gear in its efforts to avert an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities by the end of the year. The flood of reports in the American media in recent weeks attests not only to the genuine US fear that Israel intends to realize its threats; moreover, it indicates that the Obama Administration has decided to take its gloves off.
- O God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and our God, we thank You for bringing this work of darkness out into the Light. Father, we ask, that according to Your Word, You would bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel. Betraying the trust of an ally, who is in mortal danger, certainly seems to qualify as a curse. We thank You that You are the God of Israel, and You watch over Your Word to perform it! It goes forth out of Your mouth, and it does not return to You void, but accomplishes the thing it was sent out to do. We ask, Lord, that the curse would return upon the person or persons who did this; and not our entire nation. You know that the majority of Americans are kindly inclined toward Israel, and we ask that Your judgment would come only upon those responsible for this betrayal. Bless and protect Israel, we pray, and give them Your strategies and favor! In Yeshua's precious Name, Amen!
- "And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves]." (Genesis 12:3 AMP)
2. 69% of Israelis Support US-Israeli Attack on Iran - Arutz News
Sixty-nine percent of Israelis support a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear installations, according to a poll conducted for the Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace and the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. Forty-two percent of Israelis support a strike if Israel has to act alone. The poll found that 73% of Israelis and 85% of Palestinian Authority Arabs believe that a regional war will break out if Israel attacks Iran.
- Father, we ask that You will give Your wisdom, insight, and understanding to Prime Minister Netanyahu, and his cabinet, as they consider their options regarding the threats of their sworn enemies. We ask that You would make clear to them what You would have them do, whether it be war or not. And, if any action is taken, exactly when, and how it should be done, we pray. Amen!
- " In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. If anyone does attack you, it will not be My doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you. 'See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; 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)
3a.On health-care hearing's last day, Supreme Court weighs Medicaid expansion - Washington Post
The Supreme Court closed an extraordinary three-day review of Hussein Obama's health-care law Wednesday, with its conservative majority signaling that it may be on the brink of a redefinition of the federal government's power.
3b. Justices meet Friday to vote on health care case - MyWay News
While the rest of us have to wait until June, the justices of the Supreme Court will know the likely outcome of the historic health care case by the time they go home this weekend. After months of anticipation, thousands of pages of briefs and more than six hours of arguments, the justices will vote on the fate of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul in under an hour Friday morning.
- Abba, we praise You that the Supreme Court has agreed to review this "healthcare package", and we ask for a consensus of opinion to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America regarding it. Our founding fathers set up the Supreme Court as a check on the Executive and Legislative branches, to keep a balance and protect our rights under our Constitution. We pray that You will give them Your mind and understanding, and that they would rule in righteousness and integrity, without any "politics" being involved. May they fulfill their oaths of office, we pray, and protect the people from those who wish to take our freedoms away. We thank You, Abba!
- "Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously." (John 7:24)
4. Read the FBI Memo: Agents Can 'Suspend the Law' - Wired News
The FBI once taught its agents that they can "bend or suspend the law" as they wiretap suspects. But the bureau says it didn't really mean it, and has now removed the document from its counter terrorism training curriculum, calling it an "imprecise" instruction. Which is a good thing, national security attorneys say, because the FBI's contention that it can twist the law in pursuit of suspected terrorists is just wrong.
- Lord, we thank You for the change in wording, and, hopefully in policy, concerning agents "suspending" the law. We ask for protection, Father, from those who would wish us harm, even from within our own nation. Defend us, O Lord!
- "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]." (Psalm 91:14)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore." (Psalm 121:7,8)
1. Israel's plan to attack Iran put on hold until next year at the earliest - Ha'aretz
Damning U.S. war simulation forces Ehud Barak to reconsider attack plans; Americans pledge more money for Iron Dome antimissile system.
2. Analysis: US thwarting Israeli strike on Iran - Ynet News
The US Administration recently shifted into high gear in its efforts to avert an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities by the end of the year. The flood of reports in the American media in recent weeks attests not only to the genuine US fear that Israel intends to realize its threats; moreover, it indicates that the Obama Administration has decided to take its gloves off.
3. Israel's Secret Staging Ground - Foreign Policy
In 2009, the deputy chief of mission of the U.S. embassy in Baku, Donald Lu, sent a cable to the State Department's headquarters in Foggy Bottom titled "Azerbaijan's discreet symbiosis with Israel." The memo, later released by WikiLeaks, quotes Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev as describing his country's relationship with the Jewish state as an iceberg: "nine-tenths of it is below the surface."
4. Bolton accuses Hussein Obama of leaking story on Israeli planning along Iran border - Fox News
Israel on Thursday stepped up preparations a day before a series of planned Arab protests, deploying thousands of troops and police across the country and along its borders in anticipation of possible violence.
5. Abbas drops threat to dismantle PA over stalled Israel talks, foreign diplomats say - Ha'aretz
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has dropped a planned threat to dismantle the Palestinian Authority in protest of the deadlock in peace efforts with Israel, foreign diplomats said on Thursday.
6. Israel Defense Ministry plan earmarks 10 percent of West Bank for settlement expansion - Ha'aretz
For years Israel's Civil Administration has been covertly locating and mapping available land in the West Bank and naming the parcels after existing Jewish settlements, presumably with an eye toward expanding these communities.
7. Report: Israel has access to Azeri airbases - Ynet News
Top American officials believe that Israel has secured access to airbases in Azerbaijan, possibly as part of its preparation for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, Foreign Policy Magazine reported Thursday.
8. Land Day protests in West Bank, Gaza Strip die down - Jerusalem Post
One Palestinian was killed and dozens of pro-Palestinian activists were injured when protests marking Land Day turned violent in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Friday.
Despite the widespread clashes between Israeli security personnel and pro-Palestinian protesters in the West Bank and Gaza, the IDF expressed satisfaction with the day's occurrences overall and indicated that none of the incidents were out of the ordinary.
The Daily Jot!
Prophetic end times shadow over global march on Jerusalem
The ancient prophet Zechariah wrote a prophecy from the Lord: "I will make Jerusalem a cup that will stagger the surrounding peoples...When that day comes, I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who try to lift it will hurt themselves, and all the earth's nations will be massed against her." This prophecy taken directly from the Hebrew translation speaks of the Day of the Lord, but a type and shadow of this prophecy is playing out before our very eyes in Jerusalem as Islamic forces from the Arab world amass today on Israel's borders in conjunction with "Land Day." Facebook pages of the Global March to Jerusalem are showing minute to minute updates of thousands gathering on Israel's borders.
The organizers of the Global March on Jerusalem said it would be peaceful. They knew full well, however, that Israel would not let them cross the borders. It is reported that tens of thousands of Islamists were flown in from Iran and Indonesia and were trained by Hezbollah and other terrorist groups for this "peaceful" March. Already, the Facebook page for the march shows images of anti-Israel and anti-American protesters throwing and burning things to protest what Islam believes is an occupation of Arab land. One photo caption on Facebook reads "Within the events of the World March towards Jerusalem. Thousands of Indians participated in the walk and burn the Zionist flag."
Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, India, Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, and more are participating in the event that coincides with the annual protest of what the terrorists believe to be Israeli "occupation." Debkafile reports that "special flights carrying thousands of pro-Palestinian activists from Tehran touched down in Damascus Tuesday, March 27 for the international Global March to Jerusalem Friday, March 30. Before taking off, they were split into small groups and tutored by Iranian Al Qods Brigades officers in tactics for breaching Israeli border barriers, bursting through and challenging the Israeli military forces defending the border." Debkafile said that upon arrival Hezbollah officers stood by to lead them to villages close to Israel's border.
At the time of this post, Debkafile is reporting Israel forces opened fire to halt Palestinian demonstrators marching on the Gaza-Israeli border and crossings...There were also violent clashes between Jerusalem security forces and disorderly Palestinian demonstrators in North Jerusalem, after riots were thwarted on the Temple Mount and Damascus Gate. Troops are on orders to block West Bank demonstrators from storming into Israel. Around 20,000 Palestinians are reported marching in Jordan toward the Israel border. In Lebanon, demonstrators clashed with army units." While this is not the fulfillment of the Zechariah prophecy, it is a very real demonstration of how it can quickly play out.
Have A Blessed And Powerful Day,
Bill Wilson
Update for our readers:
Tonight the Jerusalem Post is reporting the following news on the Land Day riots:
One Palestinian was killed and dozens of pro-Palestinian activists were injured when protests marking Land Day turned violent in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Friday.
Despite the widespread clashes between Israeli security personnel and pro-Palestinian protesters in the West Bank and Gaza, the IDF expressed satisfaction with the day's occurrences overall and indicated that none of the incidents were out of the ordinary.
With an eye to the future, IDF Spokesperson Brig.- Gen. Yoav Mordechai said that "the real test will come during the Nakba- and Naksa- Day protests as well as Prisoners' Day, which will be very tense. Read more.
CHPP will publish an alert from Intercessors for Israel on Monday, April 2, providing specific prayer points for all demonstrations that are expected in Jerusalem. In the meantime, we thank you for praying for the safety of the people of Israel at this time.
Crucial Supreme Court vote today
Urgent: Take a moment to pray for the Supreme Court Justices as they meet behind closed doors today to vote on the health insurance mandate case that was heard this week. This is one of the most consequential cases in American history. It will have a huge bearing on every American's freedom of conscience and religious liberty. Should the Court uphold the mandate, religious groups will face a painful decision of complying with or resisting government intrusion on their rights to believe and practice their faith.
We won't know the outcome of this vote for weeks or months. (Today is a confidential conference when only the Justices are present-without staff-and the result is kept completely secret until opinions are announced.) The Court will not announce in advance that it has arrived at a majority opinion, so it will be more or less a surprise when it is released to the public. It will likely be some time in June-and more likely late June, just before the Court recesses for its summer break. If the Justices didn't like how the case was argued, though, they could hold it over as long they like and even order that the lawyers return to the Court at a future date to argue it again, but that is highly unlikely.
Thank you for joining us in prayer today and throughout the period the Justices take to write their opinions.
Your prayerful missionary to the Supreme Court, Congress, and the White House,
Rev. Rob Schenck
Faith and Action
Update:
By now, this vote has come and gone, but the need for continued, intensive prayer covering over the nine justices of the Supreme Court remains. For more information on how the process of "internal voting" and the writing of opinions works, please go here.
Hussein's Bad Week
Yesterday I received a message from a supporter who said she found reading this daily report depressing and discouraging. I understand her frustration. The past three years have been a nightmare for everyone who cherishes faith, family and freedom -- and I'm here in the belly of the beast!
So I want to offer a bit of encouragement to our supporters by pointing out that, by any reasonable standard, Barack Obama had a pretty bad week. For example:
* The United States Supreme Court took up his signature initiative -- ObamaCare. And from the oral arguments it seems likely that four, if not a majority, of the justices are inclined to strike down ObamaCare as unconstitutional.
* Obama was caught on an open mic appearing to tell one of America's adversaries: We can do a deal next year after my election. I remember when Ronald Reagan was caught on an open microphone joking about bombing the Soviet Union. Here Obama got caught perhaps offering to compromise our security. Check out this ad. While it is somewhat humorous, America's national security is no laughing matter. * Obama's budget was humiliated in the House of Representatives on a 0-to-414 vote. Not one Democrat was willing to support his call for higher taxes and more spending. The same thing happened last year in the Senate, where Obama's budget went down 0-to-97.
If we had an unbiased, objective media, more Americans would be aware of these facts and would likely be questioning whether he deserves a second term. But rather than getting frustrated and discouraged, fight back! (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; March 30, 2012; excerpt)
The Madison Report
Today's Legislative Focus
From The Madison Project
www.madisonproject.com
Bonus Legislation
[Every week, we will try to spotlight some positive legislation that is worthy of conservative support.]
H.R. 2487 Eliminating Agriculture Direct Payment Subsidies:
Later this year, Congress will take up another 5-year authorization of the farm bill. The current reauthorization is set to expire September 30, the end of the fiscal year. The entire premise behind the government's involvement in agriculture; from subsidies to regulations, is an anathema to the free-market.
The most egregious aspect to the farm bill is the direct payment program, which grants corporate welfare to wealthy land owners. Congressman Jeff Flake has introduced a bill to completely abolish direct payment to land owners. A preliminary score from CBO indicates that this bill would save taxpayers $28 billion over the next ten years. Please call your members of Congress and request that they cosponsor this bill.
Are We Still One Nation Under God?
The National Day of Prayer is just around the corner and America needs your prayers now more than ever. We continue to face unabated moral decline, economic turmoil, military conflict in the Middle East, and ever-increasing assaults against our religious liberty. Given these urgent concerns, it's imperative that we remain on our knees in contrite supplication for our great nation.
Throughout the six decades since Congress established an annual National Day of Prayer, untold millions of Americans have come together every year to express humble reliance upon the Almighty. On May 3, 2012, citizens will once again gather stateside, and at points around the globe, to lift our nation and leaders before the Lord. In doing so, we pay tribute to the example set by our Founding Fathers and by presidents down through the years who have exhorted the American people to seek God's help and deliverance during trying times. As Abraham Lincoln presided over a war-torn land, he called on his fellow citizens to take part in a day of fasting and prayer, making this statement:
" . . . it is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history: that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord . . . "
What a powerful reminder of the true source of our well-being.
Because our nation continues to navigate through extremely challenging and pivotal days, the National Day of Prayer Task Force has chosen One Nation Under God as the 2012 theme. The inspiration is found in Psalm 33:12, which offers this important reminder: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..." In addition, Dr. David Jeremiah, Founder of Turning Point and Senior Pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church, has agreed to serve as this year's Honorary Chairman. Dr. Jeremiah's understanding of Scripture and his ability to articulate those insights will undoubtedly make him an outstanding advocate for the upcoming events.
In light of our theme for 2012, we must ask the question; are we still One Nation Under God?
(To read the full article, go here.)
The mission of the National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force is to mobilize prayer in America and to encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the culture. Our team is made up of extremely dedicated men and women who love Jesus Christ and have a heartfelt belief that prayer is the hope for America. As our Task Force works to achieve the divine purposes to which we are called, we'd be encouraged to have you join us.
To determine your personal and spiritual qualifications for this service, we would ask that you fill out the online Volunteer Coordinator Application. This process will help our leadership team determine if this commitment is right for you. May the Lord lead you as you prayerfully consider this exciting opportunity.
Mrs. Shirley Dobson, Chairman
National Day of Prayer
An American Minute: Lincoln Calls the Nation to Repentance
MARCH 30:
Lincoln's Day of Fasting
A freak accident 2 days later that changed the war
(American Minute with Bill Federer)
On MARCH 30, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer:
"Whereas, the Senate of the United States devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for national prayer and humiliation; and
Whereas, it is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history: that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord;
And, insomuch as we know that, by His divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisement in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land may be but a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?
We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.
But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious Hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.
Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!
It behooves us then to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.
Now, therefore, in compliance with the request and fully concurring in the view of the Senate, I do, by this my proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th day of April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer.
And I do hereby request all the people to abstain on that day from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion.
All this being done, in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the nation will be heard on high and answered with blessing no less than the pardon of our national sins and the restoration of our now divided and suffering country to its former happy condition of unity and peace.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this 30th day of March, A.D. 1863, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-seventh. Abraham Lincoln. By the President: William H. Seward, Secretary of State."
Lincoln's National Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer was observed April 30, 1863. Two days later, a freak accident occurred which changed the course of the war.
To read what happened next, go here.
The Good News Corner:
"Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover!"
Shy Boy and his Friend Shock the Audience with The Prayer - Unbelievable
In a recent episode of "Britain's Got Talent," Simon, the other judges, and the entire audience laughed as this boy and his friend came on stage. But then those laughs quickly turned to applause and tears when Jonathan and Charlotte started to sing. WOW.
To hear Charlotte and Jonathan sing their opera duo, go here.
Worship with Us Today!
Don Moen - "I Offer My Life"
All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before You, oh Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaims
The joy and the pain, I'm making them Yours
Listen here:
