CHPP Daily Brief Friday, October 5, 2012

Please note:

Monday is a federal holiday, so we will not publish "On Capitol Hill This Week" that day. We will resume publication of the Daily Brief on Tuesday, October 9.

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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The Daily Brief Friday, October 5, 2012

"The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him." (Lamentations 3:25)

Join us every night for ONE MINUTE OF PRAYER at 9:00 p.m. EDT (adjusted for your own time zone). Let's all cry out to God together for our nation! Amen!

To learn more, go here.

To explore the many opportunities that are now available to all of us during the 40 DAYS and 40 NIGHTS of prayer, leading up to Election Day, please see our two-part series, "Praying for our Nation," by going here.

	The Daily Brief

1. F.B.I. Says Russians Smuggled Out U.S. Microchips - New York Times

Russian officials had a muted response on Thursday to a potentially embarrassing revelation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that it had uncovered a ring of Russian agents that was smuggling microchips out of the United States.

b.) Eight held in US over 'Russian hi-tech smuggling plot' - BBC

Eight people have been arrested in Houston, Texas, on charges of illegally exporting hi-tech components to Russian security bodies.

- Father, we thank You this evil has been brought into the light, and we ask that all the facets of this subversive plot will continue to be made known and dealt with appropriately. We pray for those who have enabled this evil to occur, will be identified and disciplined accordingly. We ask for people of integrity to take the place of those who have betrayed us. In Your Name we pray, Amen.

- "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret." (Ephesians 5:11,12)

2. Biden: 'Yes, We Do' Want to Raise Taxes By a Trillion Dollars
- Weekly Standard

Vice President Joe Biden, speaking earlier today in Iowa said, "Yes, we do" want to raise taxes by a trillion dollars.

- Abba, we ask wisdom for the electorate, that they will come to understand that we must all live within a budget, both individually and nationally. We cannot continue to "tax and spend", which only increases the numbers of those dependent on the government, and thereby reduces the numbers of those paying taxes, and increases the number of those collecting government "hand-outs". Help us to learn to live within our means, and bring glory to You. Amen.

- "Jesus said to them, 'Pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's'. And they stood marveling and greatly amazed at Him." (Mark 12:17)

3. 67 million people watch first presidential debate - Washington Post

More than 67 million people watched the first presidential debate of this election cycle -- nearly 15 million more people than watched the first presidential debate four years ago.

- Lord, we thank You for the increase in the number of those watching the debates in order to be more informed. We pray they will all have wisdom, and will cast their votes for the candidate of Your choice. We pray that righteousness would prevail. 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!" (Daniel 2:21)

4. These Are Obama's Gas Prices, This Is Obama's Fuel Shortage - Breitbart

Since taking office in 2009, Barack Obama has denied us the oil necessary to make enough gasoline to meet driver demand. As a result, today's gas prices are up more than 100% over the $1.84 per-gallon-average we were all paying when Obama took office and gasoline suppliers in some states -- California -- are literally running out of fuel.

b.) California Gas Stations Shut as Oil Refiners Ration Supplies - Bloomberg

Gasoline station owners in the Los Angeles area including Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST) are beginning to shut pumps as the state's oil refiners started rationing supplies and spot prices surged to a record. Valero Energy Corp. (VLO) stopped selling gasoline on the spot, or wholesale, market in Southern California and is allocating deliveries to customers.

- Abba, You are the Creator of the earth, and have placed all resources within it, for our benefit. We ask wisdom for those who make these decisions regarding our natural resources of gas and oil. We pray that we will properly use our resources to supply the needs of our people - and share with others - as well. We look to You as our Source for everything we need, and we thank You. Amen.

- "There are mines where people dig silver and places where gold is made pure. Iron is taken from the ground, and copper is melted out of rocks. Miners bring lights and search deep into the mines for ore in thick darkness." (Job 28:1-3)

5. World food prices near crisis levels - The Guardian

The United Nations food agency reported on Thursday that the worst drought in more than 50 years in the United States had sent corn and soybean prices to record highs over the summer, and, coupled with drought in Russia and other Black Sea exporting countries, raised fears of a renewed crisis.

- Lord, You are indeed the Lord of the Harvest. You have promised to meet all of our needs, and certainly food is a basic need. We ask that the peoples of the world will recognize that there is a God above all gods - and that is You! We pray, that as they bring their requests for rain and food, and acknowledge You as the Source of these things, that You will meet those needs and grant their requests. Amen.

- "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:31-33)

6. Thousands of Christians march in Jerusalem in support of Israel - Haaretz

Waving blue and white Israeli flags, thousands of evangelical Christians from around the world filled streets of downtown Jerusalem on Thursday in a show of support for the Jewish state. The annual march during the week-long Jewish Sukkot holiday brings together Christians from dozens of countries.

- Abba, we thank You for the privilege given to these Christians to express their love for Israel, and Your people in that Land. We pray this parade would be a blessing and comfort to the Israelis, that they would know that we love them and pray for them and their safety from the enemies, who have vowed to destroy them. Amen.

- "But glory and honor and shalom to everyone who keeps doing what is good, to the Jew first, then to the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism." (Romans 2:10,11)

	The Middle East in Focus

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." (Genesis 12:2)

1. UN: Palestinian statehood bid likely in November - Jerusalem Post

In November the Palestinians are likely to present to the United Nations General Assembly a resolution seeking to upgrade their statehood status, the GA's new president Vuk Jeremic told reporters in New York late Wednesday afternoon.

2. Arabs Riot for Third Day on Temple Mount - Israel National News

For the third morning in a row, Arabs rioted on the Temple Mount, attempting to attack groups of Jews who sought to visit the holiest site in Judaism during the Sukkot holiday. Police again Thursday deployed large numbers of officers to keep the Arabs from attacking the Jews.

3. Former US defense secretary lashes out at Israel, warns against military strike on Iran - Times of Israel

The United States needs to tell Israel that it does not "have a blank check to take action that could do grave harm to American vital interests," according to former US defense secretary Robert Gates.

4. Netanyahu's mind made up on calling early election - Jerusalem Post

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has already made a final decision to seek a February 12 election rather than try to pass the 2013 state budget, politicians who spoke to Netanyahu said on Thursday.

	The Daily Jot

Of choices and good and evil
I have been receiving hundreds of emails about various opinions on voting in this election. Many believe there is no choice in this presidential election. Some believe that it is predetermined who will win. I know that when I was working in politics, Christians were involved at the local level in choosing candidates. We had committee members and chairmen, organizations of conservatives and Christians working together to choose candidates. That doesn't appear to be the case anymore, so the moderates and moderately Christian or non-Christians likely chose the nominee. We have/had a choice, our choice was not to be involved as much as we could have been. Now we choose from another's choice.
I do not believe that the president is already chosen. I do believe that the king-makers have hedged their bets and are doing whatever they can to place their most favored person--communists and capitalists alike (although all these monied people are capitalists, despite their hypocritical political leanings). And we do have to be ever vigilant against voter fraud--it is a huge problem. Your choice on election day is a choice. You will vote. You may not vote. You may vote for one of the two-party candidates, or you may write in. But you will make a choice. And any choice short of voting for the challenger is in actuality a vote for the incumbent. How you justify that choice is what will make you angry at my last statement.
Our nation is at a crossroads for all the reasons you already know. Things are going to get better or get worse by our nation's decision. I think so often Christians tend to over-analyze and use scripture to justify the way they feel or their actions. Its called isogesis. Our free will is a gift from YHVH and He sees how we use it. Our actions determine our situation, even after much prayer and supplication. YHVH not only gave us free will, He allows us to live out the consequences of our decisions. Maybe we blame YHVH for too many things for which we ourselves are responsible. All choices, whether they be action or inaction, have consequences!
For me, I am not voting for the lesser of two evils. I am voting to get rid of an evil with hopes that we as a people can begin to change the godless direction of this nation. We are at a pivotal and dangerous point where if we do not stop this, we are going to suffer great consequences. Some will blame it on YHVH's judgement (and to a large extent, be correct). But also, how much of these horrors we will experience are the result of our own inactions of not overcoming evil with good? As Romans 12:21 says, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." As I see it, my vote--and I will vote-- will be a vote of good intent and faith that the Lord may use it for His good purpose. Be blessed and follow your heart as weighed in the balance of our Lord! Do what you will. I will. Hopefully, we are in the Lord's will.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com

	On the Campaign Trail

On the Campaign Trail:

32 Days Until Election Day

Obama Campaign Supports Promiscuity

This is an actual ecard that can be found on the Obama-Biden website. This one has companion pieces that decry any agenda that returns us to an era of stable, two-parent (male and female, not one of the many permutations of gender and species identity that inhabit the modern Democrat party) families, middle class incomes, independence from government, affordable health care, and a low rate of both out of wedlock births and shacking up. This era is called "The 1950s" by the Democrats and it is bad because it is hostile to their natural constituency.
What struck many of us on the right as exotic about this claim is not only why any adult woman would expect her mother to pay for her birth control. Even the slacker mandate in Obamacare cuts you off from the familial teat at age 26. But the price tag.
I mean $18K is a lot of birth control to be used from age 12 or 13 through age 22 or so. If you were servicing the Pacific Fleet you wouldn't use that many. Abstinence is also fairly inexpensive, in fact, based on my experience growing up abstinence can be very lucrative. (RedState) Read more.

	A Letter from a Member of Congress

God and Country: My First Term in Congress

By Congressman Stephen Fincher
8th District; Tennessee

In thinking about all that has been accomplished in the past two years, it's been a fight, but it's always been one worth fighting for the good of our nation. I will be honest with you; my first term in Congress was not what I expected. I have found that my faith in God and the strength of my family have helped me make the right decisions.

With many in Washington who seem to have forgotten With many in Washington who seem to have forgotten the many ways that faith and Judeo-Christian values shaped our great country, it is easy to become discouraged. I find hope in knowing that God is watching over everything we do, and I am reminded of that when I participate in my weekly Bible study on Capitol Hill with other like-minded members.
Last week I introduced H. Res. 789, a resolution reaffirming the importance of religion in the lives of Americans and their freedom to exercise those beliefs peacefully. It seems as though religion has been under attack in recent years, and I fear we will soon forget that everyone is free to practice or not practice any religion they choose. The First Amendment to the Constitution says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." This is a nation with freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. No faith should be silenced in the United States. That goes against the idea of freedom of religion, which we hold so dear and is the spirit of our country.
Faith is simply part of our heritage through the convictions and decisions made by our first settlers, founding fathers, and lawmakers today. This in mind, I introduced this resolution as a reminder that we are fortunate in this country to have the freedom to choose our religion. It does not change the Constitution, state or federal law, or in any way affect our rights of freedom. It is simply a statement recognizing that many Americans value faith and make it an important part of their lives.
It is important to me that my constituents know where I stand when it comes to God and Country. My faith will always serve as a guidepost for how I make everyday decisions, as well as my voting record. Remember to be thankful that we live in a country where we are free from religious persecution. Remember that prayer still is the strongest weapon we have against evil of all kinds.

God Bless,

Stephen L. Fincher
[Rep. Fincher is a member of the Congressional Prayer Caucus.]

- Please pray for passage of H. Res. 789. Thank you!

- "Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power."
(Psalm 110:3 NAS)

	Good News from Pennsylvania

Judge dismisses case challenging Pennsylvania state legislature's
Year of the Bible resolution

A federal district court judge in Pennsylvania dismissed a lawsuit challenging the Year of the Bible resolution passed by the state legislature. The judge ruled that the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FRFF) could not challenge the measure because the state lawmakers enjoyed "absolute legislative immunity." The judge did, however, criticize the measure as divisive and say that his decision should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the legislation. (Washington Post) Read more.

	Good News from Tennessee

Tennessee City Council adds pre-prayer disclaimer to agenda
to avoid legal challenge

The Memphis City Council has begun reciting a disclaimer before opening meetings with prayer in hopes of avoiding a lawsuit challenging its prayer practice. The disclaimer says in part, "No member of the community is required to attend to participate in the invocation." It was added after the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) threatened to file a lawsuit alleging that the prayers are unconstitutional. (News Channel 3; Memphis) Read more.

	Obama Appoints Anti-Israel Islamist to Speak at OSCE

Zionist Organization of America Critical of Obama Sending Extreme Anti-American, Anti-Israel Islamist Marayati To Speak Overseas
on Human Rights

October 4, NEW YORK -- The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has criticized President Barack Obama for dispatching an extremist, anti-American, anti-Israeli Islamist, Salaam Al-Marayati, to speak overseas on behalf of the U.S. to a human rights conference Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Salaam Al-Marayati, the director of the Islamist Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), is a vocal Israel-hater and apologist for Islamist terrorism who has called for Israel's destruction; suggested Israel be placed on a suspect list as the possible perpetrator of the 9/11 acts of terrorism; condemned already in the 1990s American air strikes of Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Sudan; and defended the rights of Holocaust deniers.

In 1999, Marayati was appointed to a U.S. congressional committee on terrorism but, following a ZOA campaign in the media and on Capitol Hill that exposed his extremism, Marayati's appointment was rescinded. . .
Steve Emerson, an authority of American Muslim extremist groups, has said of the appointment of Al-Marayati as a representative of the U.S. at one of the world's largest human rights conference "For this administration to appoint to an august human rights organization Salam Al-Marayati, who has openly supported Hizbollah, claimed that the FBI has illegally incited Muslims on terrorism charges because of FBI sanctioned policies of "racial profiling," has defended as innocent the most notorious members of Hamas who were found guilty of laundering millions of dollars to a terrorist group, and someone who has complained of 'having the Holocaust shoved down [his] throat,' is an outrage.
. . . [his appointment as a representative of the U.S. to the OSCE human rights conference] cries out for a congressional investigation of the larger and more heinous scandal of the unprecedented degree to which the Obama administration has embraced and collaborated with radical Muslim groups in the U.S. whose lineage derives directly from the world wide totalitarian Muslim Brotherhood movement."
ZOA National President Morton A. Klein said, "This is repeat performance of the terrible mistake made by the Obama Administration in 2010 in dispatching Al-Marayati to Europe to speak on behalf of the U.S. to UNESCO in Paris and at the U.S. mission to the United Nations in Geneva.

"It is deeply disturbing and offensive that the Obama Administration would go out of its way to select a man with a long record of Israel-bashing and apologetics for terrorism, who even called for Israel's destruction and described its creation as a "crime," to go overseas speaking on behalf of the United States.
"As we said in 2010, such an ill-conceived decision calls into question the Obama Administration's commitment to combating Islamist extremists. Indeed, in the Administration's refusal to even refer to Islamist extremists and its tendency to refer to terrorist acts perpetrated by Islamists as 'man-made disasters,' we see a deeply concerning blindness to the threat. In the invitation to Al-Marayati to speak overseas, we see further lack of seriousness about dealing with the problem. Such spokesmen and organizations should be shunned, not courted and never given the credibility of the imprimatur of the U.S. government."
-- To read more about the background of this appointee, go here.

- Father God in Heaven, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we ask that You would intervene directly to remove Marayati from this position, and to silence the tongues of the wicked who would rail against Your people and against their land, Israel. In the Name of our Messiah, we offer this prayer, amen.
- " . . . the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped." (Psalm 63:11)

	The Good News Corner

The Good News Corner

Message of God's Judgment Rings in US Congress

The admonition of The Harbinger has reached the hearts and minds of more than 600,000 since its release in January. The book is now finding its way into the hands of government officials via donations from its publisher, Charisma House. Strongly impacted by The Harbinger after picking it up and reading it in April, Owasso, Okla., native Joe Esposito felt led to purchase 152 copies of author Johathan Cahn's New York Times best-selling novel from his own pocket. He delivered them to all members of the Oklahoma state legislature.
Earlier this month, Esposito and a team of volunteers, financed by the World Net Daily news network, delivered copies of The Harbinger and WND's film, The Isaiah 9:10 Judgment, to every member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C. The No. 1 faith film in America was inspired by Cahn's novel. The Harbinger has become the No. 1 Christian book in the country for 2012. Charisma House donated the books, while WND donated the DVDs.
"The message of The Harbinger is critical for our nation in this hour-and millions are listening," said Tessie DeVore, executive vice president of Charisma House Book Group. "With so much at stake, we decided to send a copy of this prophetic novel to every member of Congress so they could hear what God is saying. No matter whether you are Democrat or Republican, The Harbinger is a book to read and reflect upon as we continue to see the consequences of our actions as a nation."
The Harbinger has gone to reprint 14 times since its release. Since January, it has spent 37 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list, 37 weeks on the Publishers Weekly best-sellers list, 36 week on USA Today's Top 150 Books, is the No. 1 fiction title on the Christian Booksellers Associations list, has been in the Amazon overall top 100 books for more than 250 consecutive days and has more than 800 customer reviews on Amazon.com.

The gesture brought positive reaction from some of its recipients.
"Thank you for sending me copies of Jonathan Cahn's The Harbinger and the movie, The Isaiah 9:10 Judgment," Rep. Sue Myrick, R-N.C., told WND recently. "I appreciate these timely reminders of the Judeo-Christian values upon which this country was founded and the necessity of repentance in modern America life. I will certainly keep the implications of both works in mind as we continue to confront the challenges facing our nation today."
"I look forward to reading The Harbinger and watching the Isaiah 9:10 Judgment to learn more about the relationship between modern events and biblical prophecy," said Rep. Ben Quale, R-Ariz.
Both the book and the film are staunch warnings to America that God's judgment that once fell upon Israel could fall on this country. Many pastors, evangelists and Christian authors have called for a Third Great Awakening in America, referring to Cahn's message in The Harbinger. (Charisma News) Read more.

	Worship with Us Today!

Worship with Us Today!

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