• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot!
• Today's Legislative Focus
• The Good News Corner
• The USS Arizona
• 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, May 25, 2012
"Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, 'Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.' He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision." (Psalm 2:1-4)
[A note to our readers: in honor of Memorial Day, we will stand down on Monday. Thank you for joining us in honoring our veterans on this very special American holiday. Amen.]
The Daily Brief
1. New Signs of Global Slowdown - Wall Street Journal
New signs of a global slowdown are darkening the economic outlook, with measures of business sentiment in Europe slipping and reports from manufacturers around the world turning down.
- Father, this is interesting news following the G8 and NATO summit in Chicago last weekend. Apparently, the world's financiers are unable to think their way to fiscal soundness. We thank You that You do have the answers for the whole world, not just financially, but in every area of our lives and those of the nations.
We ask, Lord, that these experts will turn to You for Your answers. We pray for the salvation of all the nations and their peoples. Give wisdom, Lord, to these heads of states, and show Yourself to them . . that they may bow to Your authority and accept Your provision in every area, giving their lives to You. Amen.
- "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2,3)
2. Did somebody say McJobless? -Washington Times
Did somebody say McJobless? The American job market is no place for students as the number of employed high schoolers has hit its lowest level in more than 20 years, according to new figures from the National Center for Education Statistics. In 1990, 32 percent of high school students held jobs, versus just 16 percent. Sectors that traditionally have offered teens their first paying gig - fast-food chains, movie theaters, malls and big-box retailers - have now become the last resorts for out-of-work college graduates or older Americans forced back into the labor force out of sheer financial necessity. The resulting squeeze has left students on the outside looking in.
- Abba, again we come to You asking for wisdom and discernment for those seeking jobs. We know that many young people start their working life in these "level entry" employment situations. However, now with so many jobless people, they too are now taking these jobs, leaving the teens out in the cold. Father, You have promised to meet all of our needs, and so we ask that You guide the unemployed to be creative in their thinking, and to find employment for all. Thank You. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day." (Deuteronomy 8:18)
3. Real federal deficit dwarfs official tally: $5 Trillion! - USA Today
The deficit was $5 trillion last year. The official number was $1.3 trillion. Liabilities for Social Security, Medicare and other retirement programs rose by $3.7 trillion in 2011, according to government actuaries, but the amount was not registered on the government's books.
- Father, we ask that, according to Your Word, the secret things would be revealed, and that which was hidden shall be made known. We ask that the true figures of our deficit be made known far and wide, so politicians seeking office would be held accountable for this financial mess they have created. We pray that the "books" will reflect the true picture, and not be manipulated by those who lust for power.
Shine Your Light in these dark corners, expose the "cover-ups" and bring fiscal soundness to our nation, we pray. May we elect those who will be people of honor and integrity in all things financial, and otherwise. Amen.
- "He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear." (Mark 4:21-23)
4. Obama: GOP 'standing in way' of recovery - USA Today
Obama sought today to shift blame for the bumpy economy to congressional Republicans, saying too many of them are "standing in the way" of recovery.
- Lord, we know that this is the season for playing the "blame game", when each party accuses the other of being the problem, in order to gain votes. Again, Lord, we do ask that Your truth and clarity be brought to this issue, and reveal that which has been hidden and/or manipulated. Reveal the Truth to all, and may that truth, indeed, set us free. In Yeshua's Name, Amen.
- "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, " If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:31,32)
5. Soldiers place thousands of flags at Arlington graves - CNN
Soldiers placed small American flags at the graves of more than 260,000 service members in Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.
- Abba, we are so grateful to You for those men and women who gave their lives so that we may remain free! We do ask Your continuing comfort for the families of these precious soldiers, and we ask that this Memorial Day will bring to mind all that freedom means. We honor these brave soldiers and thank You for them.
We ask, that we, as Americans, will value and protect our freedoms in our lives, and also at the polls this November. Through Yeshua's precious blood shed for our freedom from sin, we pray. Amen.
- " And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death." (Revelation 12:11)
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; Therefore you are not consumed,
O sons of Jacob." (Malachi 3:6)
1. IDF working to upgrade range of Iron Dome system - Jerusalem Post
The IDF is working to increase the range of the Iron Dome counter rocket defense system, with the aim of enabling it to intercept longer-range rockets, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
2. Christians and Jews 'inferior,' Palestinian TV teaches children - Israel Hayom
Television programs aired on stations owned by the Palestinian Authority are teaching children that both Christians and Jews are enemies of the Palestinian people and "inferior," according to Palestinian Media Watch.
3. Unity gov't watered down response to PA letter - Jerusalem Post
The letter that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu sent in response to PA President Mahmoud Abbas last month regarding conditions for renewing the peace talks was a milder version of the original response drawn up,The Jerusalem Post has learned.
The Daily Jot!
Americans confused on Abortion
A recent Gallup poll indicated that Americans who call themselves "pro-choice" on abortion are at the lowest levels in recorded history. Gallup says that 41% of Americans identify themselves as pro-choice while 50% say they are "pro-life." Good news, right? Not so fast says a Chicago Tribune analysis of the Gallup analysis. The spin doctor newspaper of the man who occupies the Oval Office's home town says that Americans by an overwhelming majority--77%--believe that women should be able to legally obtain an abortion under specific circumstances. This begs the question, "How can Americans call themselves "pro-life" and still overwhelmingly support legal abortion?"
In the liberal Chicago Tribune's diatribe, it comes down to situational ethics. The lib Trib cites a University of Chicago poll indicating that about 90% of Americans believe that abortion should be legal if a mother's health is seriously in danger, and about 80% believe abortions should be legal in cases of rape, incest or --here's a new one-- "there is a strong chance of serious defect in the baby." Gallup, however, found that 52% of Americans believe abortion should be legal under certain circumstances, 25% say under any circumstances. Hence the lib Trib's spin of 77% who believe abortion should be legal for certain conditions.
Gallup says 51% of Americans consider abortion morally wrong, and 38% say its morally acceptable. There is a wide gap of those who have no opinion. They either don't know, or they know deep down in their hearts and don't want to admit it. Over the years, my wife and I have encountered very few women who actually are enthusiastic about getting an abortion. A mother knows the score. She knows that having an abortion is killing her baby. Most everyone I have ever talked to who had an abortion regrets it and lives with that pain everyday. No matter how hard the lib Trib and other leftist outlets try to manipulate public opinion on this issue, most Americans know that abortion is a bad thing....
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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.]
Tax Deductions for Physician-[provided Charity Care - H.R.5849
Between Obamacare, new onerous mandates, low reimbursement rates from Medicaid, and frivolous lawsuits, doctors are beleaguered from all ends. Some of our most talented and experienced physicians are leaving the profession, while not enough youngsters are entering the medical field.
While conservatives strongly believe in a low, flat tax rate without any deductions, we are still burdened with the current system. As the system is currently constituted, successful doctors already pay too much in taxes, especially considering the high costs of malpractice insurance they must incur.
To that end, Congressman Bobby Schilling (R-IL) has introduced a bill (H.R. 5849) to offer tax deduction to those physicians that provide charity care to those who cannot afford regular medical care. Just like we believe that charitable giving should supplant government-run welfare (to that end, we have the charitable deduction), charity care should replace government-subsidized healthcare.
The Good News Corner:
Maine Budget Cuts Funds to Planned Parenthood
Maine will not send tax dollars to the Family Planning Council of Maine and Planned Parenthood under its 2013 budget, which was signed last week by Gov. Paul LePage.
The budget eliminates $400,000 from the abortion businesses. The cuts were among $80 million in reductions by the state to close shortfalls in the budget. Life advocaates said women are not losing any access to health services, since many providers do not perform abortions.
"This is a real victory for Maine," said Carroll Connelly Jr., executive director of the Christian Civic League of Maine. "It's the first time that this funding has ever been cut from family planning and Planned Parenthood. It's becoming more and more apparent to even moderates that Planned Parenthood is not somebody that you really want to be associated with."
The budget passed the Senate, 19-14, and the House, 75-61.
Teresa McCann-Tumidajski, executive director of the Maine Right to Life Committee, said the governor and Legislature reflect the majority of Mainers who do not want taxpayer support of abortion businesses.
"It just means (services) will not be available through that particular group," she said. "There are services available elsewhere throughout the state and throughout the country. Just because people do not get funding through Planned Parenthood or providers that are associated with the abortion industry, they can go elsewhere." (CitizenLink)
In Honor of Memorial Day:
The USS Arizona
"Eternal Peace"
The USS Arizona went down at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked the United States.
Please watch this moving video to learn how our men in uniform, who were on that ship at that time, are still being honored today.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR ALL OF OUR TROOPS AROUND THE WORLD AS THEY SERVE US EACH AND EVERY DAY. PRAY THAT NOT ONE OF THEM LEAVE THIS EARTH WITHOUT KNOWING THE LORD.
Sara Ballenger
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
Mary Fox Murphy
Christian Womens' Outreach International
Worship with Us Today!
Fire In The Night Rick Ridings
Worship Here:
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot!
• Today's Legislative Focus
• The Good News Corner
• The USS Arizona
• 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, May 25, 2012
"Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, 'Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.' He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision." (Psalm 2:1-4)
[A note to our readers: in honor of Memorial Day, we will stand down on Monday. Thank you for joining us in honoring our veterans on this very special American holiday. Amen.]
The Daily Brief
1. New Signs of Global Slowdown - Wall Street Journal
New signs of a global slowdown are darkening the economic outlook, with measures of business sentiment in Europe slipping and reports from manufacturers around the world turning down.
- Father, this is interesting news following the G8 and NATO summit in Chicago last weekend. Apparently, the world's financiers are unable to think their way to fiscal soundness. We thank You that You do have the answers for the whole world, not just financially, but in every area of our lives and those of the nations.
We ask, Lord, that these experts will turn to You for Your answers. We pray for the salvation of all the nations and their peoples. Give wisdom, Lord, to these heads of states, and show Yourself to them . . that they may bow to Your authority and accept Your provision in every area, giving their lives to You. Amen.
- "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2,3)
2. Did somebody say McJobless? -Washington Times
Did somebody say McJobless? The American job market is no place for students as the number of employed high schoolers has hit its lowest level in more than 20 years, according to new figures from the National Center for Education Statistics. In 1990, 32 percent of high school students held jobs, versus just 16 percent. Sectors that traditionally have offered teens their first paying gig - fast-food chains, movie theaters, malls and big-box retailers - have now become the last resorts for out-of-work college graduates or older Americans forced back into the labor force out of sheer financial necessity. The resulting squeeze has left students on the outside looking in.
- Abba, again we come to You asking for wisdom and discernment for those seeking jobs. We know that many young people start their working life in these "level entry" employment situations. However, now with so many jobless people, they too are now taking these jobs, leaving the teens out in the cold. Father, You have promised to meet all of our needs, and so we ask that You guide the unemployed to be creative in their thinking, and to find employment for all. Thank You. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day." (Deuteronomy 8:18)
3. Real federal deficit dwarfs official tally: $5 Trillion! - USA Today
The deficit was $5 trillion last year. The official number was $1.3 trillion. Liabilities for Social Security, Medicare and other retirement programs rose by $3.7 trillion in 2011, according to government actuaries, but the amount was not registered on the government's books.
- Father, we ask that, according to Your Word, the secret things would be revealed, and that which was hidden shall be made known. We ask that the true figures of our deficit be made known far and wide, so politicians seeking office would be held accountable for this financial mess they have created. We pray that the "books" will reflect the true picture, and not be manipulated by those who lust for power.
Shine Your Light in these dark corners, expose the "cover-ups" and bring fiscal soundness to our nation, we pray. May we elect those who will be people of honor and integrity in all things financial, and otherwise. Amen.
- "He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear." (Mark 4:21-23)
4. Obama: GOP 'standing in way' of recovery - USA Today
Obama sought today to shift blame for the bumpy economy to congressional Republicans, saying too many of them are "standing in the way" of recovery.
- Lord, we know that this is the season for playing the "blame game", when each party accuses the other of being the problem, in order to gain votes. Again, Lord, we do ask that Your truth and clarity be brought to this issue, and reveal that which has been hidden and/or manipulated. Reveal the Truth to all, and may that truth, indeed, set us free. In Yeshua's Name, Amen.
- "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, " If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:31,32)
5. Soldiers place thousands of flags at Arlington graves - CNN
Soldiers placed small American flags at the graves of more than 260,000 service members in Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.
- Abba, we are so grateful to You for those men and women who gave their lives so that we may remain free! We do ask Your continuing comfort for the families of these precious soldiers, and we ask that this Memorial Day will bring to mind all that freedom means. We honor these brave soldiers and thank You for them.
We ask, that we, as Americans, will value and protect our freedoms in our lives, and also at the polls this November. Through Yeshua's precious blood shed for our freedom from sin, we pray. Amen.
- " And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death." (Revelation 12:11)
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; Therefore you are not consumed,
O sons of Jacob." (Malachi 3:6)
1. IDF working to upgrade range of Iron Dome system - Jerusalem Post
The IDF is working to increase the range of the Iron Dome counter rocket defense system, with the aim of enabling it to intercept longer-range rockets, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
2. Christians and Jews 'inferior,' Palestinian TV teaches children - Israel Hayom
Television programs aired on stations owned by the Palestinian Authority are teaching children that both Christians and Jews are enemies of the Palestinian people and "inferior," according to Palestinian Media Watch.
3. Unity gov't watered down response to PA letter - Jerusalem Post
The letter that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu sent in response to PA President Mahmoud Abbas last month regarding conditions for renewing the peace talks was a milder version of the original response drawn up,The Jerusalem Post has learned.
The Daily Jot!
Americans confused on Abortion
A recent Gallup poll indicated that Americans who call themselves "pro-choice" on abortion are at the lowest levels in recorded history. Gallup says that 41% of Americans identify themselves as pro-choice while 50% say they are "pro-life." Good news, right? Not so fast says a Chicago Tribune analysis of the Gallup analysis. The spin doctor newspaper of the man who occupies the Oval Office's home town says that Americans by an overwhelming majority--77%--believe that women should be able to legally obtain an abortion under specific circumstances. This begs the question, "How can Americans call themselves "pro-life" and still overwhelmingly support legal abortion?"
In the liberal Chicago Tribune's diatribe, it comes down to situational ethics. The lib Trib cites a University of Chicago poll indicating that about 90% of Americans believe that abortion should be legal if a mother's health is seriously in danger, and about 80% believe abortions should be legal in cases of rape, incest or --here's a new one-- "there is a strong chance of serious defect in the baby." Gallup, however, found that 52% of Americans believe abortion should be legal under certain circumstances, 25% say under any circumstances. Hence the lib Trib's spin of 77% who believe abortion should be legal for certain conditions.
Gallup says 51% of Americans consider abortion morally wrong, and 38% say its morally acceptable. There is a wide gap of those who have no opinion. They either don't know, or they know deep down in their hearts and don't want to admit it. Over the years, my wife and I have encountered very few women who actually are enthusiastic about getting an abortion. A mother knows the score. She knows that having an abortion is killing her baby. Most everyone I have ever talked to who had an abortion regrets it and lives with that pain everyday. No matter how hard the lib Trib and other leftist outlets try to manipulate public opinion on this issue, most Americans know that abortion is a bad thing....
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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.]
Tax Deductions for Physician-[provided Charity Care - H.R.5849
Between Obamacare, new onerous mandates, low reimbursement rates from Medicaid, and frivolous lawsuits, doctors are beleaguered from all ends. Some of our most talented and experienced physicians are leaving the profession, while not enough youngsters are entering the medical field.
While conservatives strongly believe in a low, flat tax rate without any deductions, we are still burdened with the current system. As the system is currently constituted, successful doctors already pay too much in taxes, especially considering the high costs of malpractice insurance they must incur.
To that end, Congressman Bobby Schilling (R-IL) has introduced a bill (H.R. 5849) to offer tax deduction to those physicians that provide charity care to those who cannot afford regular medical care. Just like we believe that charitable giving should supplant government-run welfare (to that end, we have the charitable deduction), charity care should replace government-subsidized healthcare.
The Good News Corner:
Maine Budget Cuts Funds to Planned Parenthood
Maine will not send tax dollars to the Family Planning Council of Maine and Planned Parenthood under its 2013 budget, which was signed last week by Gov. Paul LePage.
The budget eliminates $400,000 from the abortion businesses. The cuts were among $80 million in reductions by the state to close shortfalls in the budget. Life advocaates said women are not losing any access to health services, since many providers do not perform abortions.
"This is a real victory for Maine," said Carroll Connelly Jr., executive director of the Christian Civic League of Maine. "It's the first time that this funding has ever been cut from family planning and Planned Parenthood. It's becoming more and more apparent to even moderates that Planned Parenthood is not somebody that you really want to be associated with."
The budget passed the Senate, 19-14, and the House, 75-61.
Teresa McCann-Tumidajski, executive director of the Maine Right to Life Committee, said the governor and Legislature reflect the majority of Mainers who do not want taxpayer support of abortion businesses.
"It just means (services) will not be available through that particular group," she said. "There are services available elsewhere throughout the state and throughout the country. Just because people do not get funding through Planned Parenthood or providers that are associated with the abortion industry, they can go elsewhere." (CitizenLink)
In Honor of Memorial Day:
The USS Arizona
"Eternal Peace"
The USS Arizona went down at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked the United States.
Please watch this moving video to learn how our men in uniform, who were on that ship at that time, are still being honored today.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR ALL OF OUR TROOPS AROUND THE WORLD AS THEY SERVE US EACH AND EVERY DAY. PRAY THAT NOT ONE OF THEM LEAVE THIS EARTH WITHOUT KNOWING THE LORD.
Sara Ballenger
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
Mary Fox Murphy
Christian Womens' Outreach International
Worship with Us Today!
Fire In The Night Rick Ridings
Worship Here:
