Please be sure to see our Christmas Greeting at the end of this Brief, as well as a note
about our revised publishing schedule.
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief Friday, December 21, 2012
"He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3)
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The Daily Brief
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1. Boehner's 'Plan B' to avoid 'fiscal cliff' fails to win over GOP - Washington Times
House Republicans' "Plan B" to avert the "fiscal cliff" came crashing down Thursday night after party leaders realized they didn't have the votes to pass it, and pulled it from the floor -- leaving the country poised on the edge of massive tax increases and spending cuts.
- Father, we ask that our Congress would stop behaving like children in playing the "blame game" and partisan politics when this fiscal crisis is looming before us. We pray for cool heads to prevail, and that wisdom will enable them to come to an agreement that would benefit the majority of Americans. We also pray that they will enact long term solutions to this problem, so that we, as a nation, would once again become fiscally responsible, we pray. Amen.
- "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." (I Corinthians 1:8)
2. Operation Fast and Furious gun found after drug cartel shootout - LA Times
Two of the weapons found after a drug cartel gunfight last month in Sinaloa, Mexico, that killed five people have been traced back to the U.S. -- one lost during the ATF's Operation Fast and Furious, the other originally purchased by a supervisory ATF agent who helped oversee the botched gun-tracking operation.
- Lord, we thank You that You have exposed these works of darkness, and we ask You to continue to do so. We ask Your light to shine brightly into the corners of that which evil doers wish to keep secret. We ask for wisdom in dealing with these deceptive, "under-the-table" deals, bringing the perpetrators to light, and bringing justice. In Your Name, amen.
- "And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it]." (John 1:5)
3. Benghazi Commission Practically Demands Pain Rays at Embassies - Wired
Want to stop the next riot at a U.S. embassy? The commission into the September assault on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi has an unexpected suggestion: load them up with exotic, supposedly non-lethal weaponry. Not that the commission has much confidence in the security personnel who'd operate the controversial gear.
- Lord, we ask that the Commission would find solid solutions to the problem of protecting our Ambassadors and Embassies around the world, by recommending effective solutions that would genuinely deter these attacks. We ask for wisdom and sanity to prevail, and that they would show strength in dealing with such attacks in the future. Amen.
- "You are to surround the king, each man with his weapons in his hand. Anyone who penetrates the ranks is to be killed. Stay with the king whenever he leaves or enters." (2 Kings 11:8)
4. Top State Dept. official quits, others on leave after report on security lapses in Libya - Fox News
A State Department security chief has resigned and three other officials could lose their jobs following the release of scathing report about safety lapses at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi in the run-up to the terror attack that killed four Americans.
- Lord, again, we ask that all these individuals responsible for our lax security would be exposed and brought to justice. We pray for real changes to be enacted to secure our personnel all over the world. We pray for Your light to shine brightly in exposing these deeds done in darkness, and bring about real, positive changes. Amen.
- "Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith. Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!" (1 Corinthans 16:13)
5. Even without Congress, Obama could act to restrict guns - Reuters
Unburdened by re-election worries and empowered by law to act without Congress, U.S. President Barack Obama could take action to improve background checks on gun buyers, ban certain gun imports and bolster oversight of dealers.
- Father, we ask that our President would not act, unilaterally, to change gun control. We understand the horror of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary last week, and all of us are affected by it, but we do not want to have a "knee-jerk" impulsive reaction against the weapons. We pray that there may be cool heads, wisdom, and discussion, regarding any changes that might be enacted in the future. We thank You for giving wisdom to those who must grapple with this, and we ask, Lord, that the real heart of this problem of violence will be exposed and dealt with. May we all turn to You and humble ourselves, and repent for relegating You out of our schools. Amen.
- "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:9,10)
6. Obama To Announce Gun Control Measures at State of the Union - NewsMax
President Barack Obama will mention gun control in a state of the union address for the first time during his presidency, saying today that he will make specific proposals to increase gun control following the elementary school massacre in Newtown, Conn.
- Abba, we understand the anguish associated with this horrible act committed against our children last week, and we do pray for Your comfort and presence to be with those who are living with grief, and many still in shock. We do ask, that when our President gives his State of the Union address, that his remarks would be caring and responsible. We do ask that our second amendment Constitutional rights would be preserved, while dealing with these difficult decisions. Amen.
- "Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish." (Matthew 18:14)
7. Obama nominates Kerry for secretary of state - Fox News
President Obama nominated Sen. John Kerry to be the next secretary of state Friday, calling him the "perfect choice" to replace Hillary Clinton and lead America's foreign policy. Obama, in announcing his decision, cited his years of experience in the Senate and as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. (Read more)
- Pray for Senator Kerry as he prepares to assume this new post. His confirmation by the Senate to serve as the new Secretary of State is almost guaranteed. Lift up Hillary Rodham Clinton, too, as she prepares to resign her position. May she be blessed in all she puts her hand to in the days ahead. Amen.
- "Pray for . . . all in authority . . . " (I Tim. 2:1,2)
8. Congress, the President, Leave Town for the Holidays - CHPP
As we write tonight's edition of the Daily Brief, all in authority at the federal level in Washington, D.C., are going home (or elsewhere) for the holidays. As these members of Congress and the Executive Branch stand down now from their normal, grueling schedules on Capitol Hill and in the White House, lift up a prayer for each one . . . that he or she would be touched by the true message of this season: our Messiah HAS COME, in an act of Divine Intervention, and in the end, man's sin was taken at the Cross. Jesus Christ is the propitiation for our sin, and through Him, we have salvation and new life. Praise the Lord!
- "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:17)
9. Down to -50C:
Russians freeze to death as strongest-in-decades winter hits - RT
Russia is enduring its harshest winter in over 70 years, with temperatures plunging as low as -50 degrees Celsius. Dozens of people have already died, and almost 150 have been hospitalized. The country has not witnessed such a long cold spell since 1938, meteorologists said, with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees lower than the seasonal norm all over Russia.
Across the country, 45 people have died due to the cold, and 266 have been taken to hospitals. In total, 542 people were injured due to the freezing temperatures, RIA Novosti reported. The Moscow region saw temperatures of -17 to -18 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, and the record cold temperatures are expected to linger for at least three more days. Thermometers in Siberia touched -50 degrees Celsius, which is also abnormal for December. (Read more; photos included)
- Politically, Russia and the U.S./Israel are not on the same page these days, but we do pray for God's mercy to rest upon the Russian people. Without divine intervention, this lethal cold wave will claim many, many more lives. Ask our Lord to lift this cold wave, and return the Russian winter to a more manageable one. Pray for Russia.
- "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. . ." (Matthew 5:44)
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The Middle East in Focus
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The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Your name give glory, for Your mercy, and for Your truth's sake. Why should the nations say, Where is their God? But our God is in the heavens. He has done whatever He has pleased." (Psalm 115:1-3)
1. Ban Ki-moon, UN Security Council slam Israel on settlements - Christian Science Monitor
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and all members of the Security Council except the United States criticized Israel on Wednesday, demanding an immediate halt to new settlement construction.
2. Syrian defector: Assad forces transferred WMDs to Lebanon - Ynet News
According to Syrian sources, President Bashar Assad's regime has developed special vehicles for moving and mixing chemical weapons, the Washington Post reported.
3. IAF to receive F-35 stealth fighter jets in 2016 - Israel Hayom
The Israel Air Force will receive its first F-35 fighter jets in the second half of 2016, a Lockheed Martin official said.
4. Group: Human Rights Watch Again Lying About Israel - Arutz Sheva
NGO Monitor, which studies the treatment of Israel by supposedly non-affiliated and apolitical volunteer and civic groups, has accused Human Rights Watch (HRW) of once again leveling false charges against Israel. According to NGO Monitor, HRW accused Israel of attacking "journalists" in Gaza during Operation Pillar of Defense, but the charge "is false both legally and factually, and the timing of this release appears to be a cynical attempt to divert attention from many scandals currently plaguing the organization," NGO Monitor said.
5. Group of Indian Jews said to be from 'Lost Tribe' move to Israel - Washington Post
A group of 50 Jews said to descend from one of the 10 Lost Tribes prepared Thursday to emigrate to Israel from their village in northeastern India.
6. Palestinians aim to isolate Israel with new steps - Ynet News
Weeks ahead of Israeli elections, Palestinian officials are already plotting a series of tough steps against Israel to be taken if, as polls predict, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is re-elected and peace efforts remain stalled.
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The Daily Jot
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Chinese support White House effort to disarm US citizens
It was Passover. An assassination plot was in the air. The Lamb of YHVH God was about to be captured, tried, and crucified. Yeshua (Jesus) was preparing his disciples for what was to come at the what is now called The Last Supper. The narrative picks up in Luke 34-37 where Jesus tells them, "When I sent you without purse, and scrip and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said Nothing. Then said he unto them, But now, he that has a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scirp: and he that has no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." Jesus was preparing them for what was to come and the possible violence that could befall his disciples during or in the aftermath of his crucifixion.
The disciples were to arm themselves for protection with the most common assault weapon of the day--the sword. Likewise, the Founding Fathers, in their wisdom, wanted the citizens of America to be armed if they so desired. The Second Amendment reads: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." The Pennsylvania Constitution in 1776 explained further: "the people have a right to bear arms for the defense of themselves and the state; and as standing armies in the time of peace are dangerous to liberty, they ought not to be kept up; And that the military should be kept under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power."
Many Christians debate whether it is Biblical to own a weapon. Certainly, the use of a weapon comes with a warning. Jesus told Peter in Luke 26:52, "Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." Revelation 13:10 also says "he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword." The unfortunate condition of human nature sadly requires just people to protect themselves from the unjust. The Founding Fathers wanted Americans to live in freedom. They wanted each citizen to protect their freedoms from both the lawless and even more specifically an overreaching government with a standing army. Hence, the 2nd Amendment.
The occupant of the Oval Office and liberals across the country want to disarm the public.The 1997 Harvard University publication, "The Black Book of Communism," documented over 100 million deaths due to communism. It pegged death tolls "at 65 million in China; 20 million in the Soviet Union; 2 million in North Korea; 2 million in Cambodia; 1.7 million in Africa; 1.5 million in Afghanistan; 1 million in Vietnam; 1 million in the communist states of Eastern Europe; and 150,000 in Latin America." Is it no wonder that the Chinese Communist government in an editorial for Xinhua advises the US president to take advantage of the Sandy Hook massacre to disarm the American public, and that he should "make preparation for a protracted war" to do so? See what's coming?
Have A Blessed And Powerful Day,
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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Focus on Gun Control (1)
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Focus on Gun Control (1):
NRA sees rise in membership after Connecticut school shooting
(Posted on Wed., Dec. 20)
The National Rifle Association, while staying mostly quiet in the immediate aftermath of the mass shooting in Connecticut, has registered an average of 8,000 new members a day since the tragedy, an NRA source told Fox News.
While this broadly aligns with trends seen after similar incidents in the past, the surge in membership this time is said to dwarf past trends.
The source, based on his access to an internal memo prepared by the organization's membership division, said both the number of individual contributions to the NRA and their average amount have risen significantly in this period.
Amid the uptick, the NRA is planning what it describes as a "major" news conference on Friday. In its first public statement since last week's shooting, issued Tuesday by an aide to NRA President Wayne LaPierre, the organization also conveyed condolences to the murder victims' families and expressed the group's willingness to offer "meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again." (Fox News) Read more.
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Focus on Gun Control (2)
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Focus on Gun Control (2):
NRA chief urges armed guards in 'every single school,'
dismisses calls for gun control
National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre on Friday dismissed calls for increased gun control in response to the Connecticut school shooting, calling instead for Congress to support a plan putting armed police officers in "every single school" in America.
In an impassioned speech, marking the NRA's first in-depth public comments since the Newtown tragedy, LaPierre pointed the finger not at gun proliferation but violent video games, the media and the absence of armed guards at schools.
He argued that if banks and members of Congress can have protection, schools across America should be afforded the same security.
"It's now time for us to assume responsibly for our schools," he said. "The only way to stop a monster from killing our kids is to be permanently involved and invested in a plan of absolute protection."
He added: "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun."
Warning that the next mass killer could be "waiting in the wings," LaPierre urged immediate action to protect school children.
He said efforts over the years to pass laws for "gun-free school zones" have only told "every insane killer in America that schools are the safest place to inflict maximum mayhem with minimum risk."
He said that when it comes to America's children, "we as a society leave them, every day, utterly defenseless. . . . That must change now." (Fox News) Read more.
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Focus on Gun Control (3)
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Focus on Gun Control (3):
GUN CONTROL: WHAT IT COULD MEAN FOR AMERICA
"A Little Gun History"
A note from one of our Prayer Partners in the State of' Maine:
Sara - After the grief settles down perhaps something like the attached needs to be pointed out. When you see the statistics all in one place, it is very frightening. We need 4000 intercessors to be praying against this.
To view the statistics in this article, go here. This tracks the history of many seven brutal regimes since the year 1900 (Stalin, Hitler, Mao Tse-Tung and others) and what happened to their citizens after their guns were confiscated. Bottom line: THE NUMBER OF DEFENSELESS PEOPLE ROUNDED UP AND EXTERMINATED IN THE 20TH CENTURY BECAUSE OF GUN CONTROL: 56 MILLION.
To read more, go here.
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Focus on Gun Control (4)
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Focus on Gun Control (4):
Obama Announces Campaign to Pass Comprehensive Gun Control
Dear Sarah, This week, Barack Obama held a press conference confirming our greatest fears. . .
He's launching an all out campaign to pass comprehensive gun control:
1. A so-called "Assault Weapons" Ban,
2. A "High-Capacity" Magazine Ban, and
3. A ban on ALL Private Firearms Sales without government permission.
And he wants the legislation on his desk as
early as January.
If you haven't signed your Second Amendment Protection Petition please do so right away.
If you have signed, please forward this to anyone you know cares about our gun rights.
Christine
H.If you haven't signed your Second Amendment Protection Petition please do so right away.
If you have signed, please forward this to anyone you know cares about our gun rights.
for Dudley Brown
The National Association for Gun Rights
[dudley.brown@nationalgunrights.org]
The National Association for Gun Rights is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, single-purpose citizens' organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the Constitutionally protected right-to-keep-and-bear-arms through an aggressive program designed to mobilize public opposition to anti-gun legislation. The National Association for Gun Rights' mailing address is P.O. Box 7002, Fredericksburg, VA 22404. They can be contacted toll-free at 1-877-405-4570. Its web address is www.NationalGunRights.org/
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The Good News Corner
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The Good News Corner
Kansas Governor Prays for Repentance
For his courage, he faces a firestorm of secular criticism.
Please pray for this man of God.
(Topeka, KS)-On Saturday, December 8, several hundred Christians gathered beneath a large tent at a park near the governor's mansion to worship and pray. The celebration, part of the ReignDown USA movement, was telecast around the world to an estimated 25-30 million people.
The event probably wouldn't have drawn the attention of the nation's mainstream press had it not been for the appearance of Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, who led a prayer for repentance.
As reported in The Topeka Capital-Journal, Brownback spoke for about 10 minutes, during which he gave his personal testimony of coming to Christ in 1995 after being diagnosed with cancer.
In his prayer for forgiveness, the governor said, "I pray this as a child of God. I pray this as a sinful man. I pray this as somebody in the position of governor in the state of Kansas. I pray this in the name of Jesus."
Secular news sources ran with the headline, "Secular Group Rips Gov. Brownback for Promotion of Faith Rally," and "Kansas Governor Promotes Christian Prayer Event; Violates Constitution."
Such accusations by the press are ultimately not only biased and misleading, but groundless on the basis of historical context. It would mean that President Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and nearly every American president who ever served in office, had violated the Constitution.
Thank you, Senator Brownback, for facing your critics with courage, class, and conviction. May God bless you and the great state of Kansas.
(The Topeka Capitol-Journal) Read more.
[Reported by Teresa Neumann; Breaking Christian News]
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Worship with Us Today!
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Worship with Us Today!
Kari Jobe
The More I Seek You
The more I seek you,
The more I find you
The more I find you, the more I love you
I wanna sit at your feet
Drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breathe, feel your heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming
Today's American Prayer Initiative:
Friday, December 21, 2012
MARRIAGE
SCRIPTURE:
"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." (Ephesians 5:31)
SUGGESTED PRAYER:
We
pray for Your hand of healing and restoration upon marriages, and upon the
institution of marriage.
Join the American Prayer Initiative!
Go here.
Our editorial team will now stand down to celebrate this wonderful holiday with our own family and friends. The next edition of the Daily Brief will be published next Wednesday, Dec. 26th.
We want to take this opportunity to wish each one of our amazing
Prayer Partners a Christmas holiday, filled with the JOY of knowing our Lord in
a fresh and intimate way. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
JOIN US NOW IN SINGING . . . "JOY TO THE WORLD!"
>>> You can also join us throughout the D.C. metro area by live streaming our classical station, WETA, as they play Christmas music all week this week. Enjoy!
Friday, December 21, 2012
MARRIAGE
SCRIPTURE:
"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." (Ephesians 5:31)
SUGGESTED PRAYER:
Join the American Prayer Initiative!
Go here.
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Merry Christmas!
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Our editorial team will now stand down to celebrate this wonderful holiday with our own family and friends. The next edition of the Daily Brief will be published next Wednesday, Dec. 26th.
JOIN US NOW IN SINGING . . . "JOY TO THE WORLD!"
>>> You can also join us throughout the D.C. metro area by live streaming our classical station, WETA, as they play Christmas music all week this week. Enjoy!
