CHPP Daily Brief Friday, December 7, 2012

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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The Daily Brief Friday, December 7, 2012


"This people that I formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise." (Isa. 43:21)

	The Daily Brief

1. Justices will hear challenges to Defense of Marriage Act, Proposition 8
- Fox News

The Supreme Court agreed Friday to take up the explosive issue of same-sex marriage, thrusting itself into a policy debate that has divided federal and state governments and courts, as well as voters in nearly 40 states.

The high court's long-awaited decisions to hear challenges to the federal Defense of Marriage Act and California's Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriage move the issue to the top of the national agenda following a year in which advocates scored major legal and political victories.
- Lord, we grieve for our nation regarding this explosive, contentious debate over same-sex "marriage". We know that You, our Creator, made us male and female and commanded us to "marry" someone of the opposite sex, and that to do otherwise is a provocation to You as our Creator. We ask that these Justices will follow the Constitution in their rulings. We ask You to "plead Your case" before each one of them, and instill a healthy respect within them for You and Your Word, we pray. Amen.
- " For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-who is forever praised. Amen.

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-who is forever praised. Amen.

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done." (Romans 1:21-28)

2a. White House to GOP: We're not moving - POLITICO

If Wednesday's phone call between Speaker John Boehner and President Barack Obama seemed like a hopeful sign in the fiscal cliff standoff, think again. On Thursday, with the House out of session, White House congressional liaison Rob Nabors trekked to Capitol Hill and delivered a firm message: We aren't moving. In a meeting with leadership staff, Nabors reiterated the administration's hard line that tax rates on top earners must go up, according to Republican sources with knowledge of the meeting. The White House is also insisting that Congress give it power to raise the debt limit on its own. Read more

2b. Obama Debt Limit Power Vote Blocked By Mitch McConnell - Reuters

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday prevented a simple majority vote on a proposal to give Democratic President Barack Obama unilateral power to raise the debt limit. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid brought the measure to the floor for consideration at the request of McConnell. But McConnell refused to permit a vote after Reid said it could pass with 51 votes in the 100-member Senate. McConnell demanded 60 votes needed for passage.


2c. Fed set to launch fresh bond buying program - Financial Post

The Federal Reserve is set to announce a fresh round of Treasury bond purchases when it meets next week, avoiding monetary policy tightening to maintain support for the weak U.S. economy amid uncertainty over the looming year-end "fiscal cliff."
- Father, as this "fiscal cliff" looms larger, and the White House seems determined to not compromise, but rather, go over the cliff, we pray that all this juvenile "name-calling" and blame game would stop, and that our Congress and our President will stop playing politics and seek a real, viable solution to this problem. We ask that You give wisdom to those who make these decisions, and a healthy dose of patriotism, that they would care more about the folks they represent, than about their own personal agendas. We pray for fiscal sanity and a long term solution to this problem, in addition to any "stop gap" temporary fix. Thank You that Senator McConnell blocked the vote to give our President the ability to unilaterally raise the debt ceiling without the approval of Congress. We do not want a government devoid of checks and balances. We do not want a dictator, and so we pray that such power will never be given to any President of this nation. In Your Name we pray, Amen.

- " But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." (James 3:14-17)

3. U.S. manufacturers grind to a halt - CNN

Manufacturing activity came to a standstill in the United States, as global competitors reported improving conditions in November, according to separate reports released Monday.

- Abba, again we cry out to You on behalf of our economy. This news appears to say that other global nations are producing and selling more than our nation is. We ask that our nation will continue to compete, and improve quality and desirability of our products, meeting the demands for such goods, and thereby strengthening our economy. Amen.

"You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. For the LORD your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly." (Deuteronomy 25:15,16)

4a. Congress Demands United Nations Keep Hands Off the Internet - Wired

The House on Wednesday unanimously passed a Senate resolution calling on the United States to oppose the United Nations gaining control of the internet.

4b. 'Everyone in US under virtual surveillance' - NSA whistleblower - RT

The FBI records the emails of nearly all US citizens, including members of congress, according to NSA whistleblower William Binney. In an interview with RT, he warned that the government can use this information against anyone.
- Abba, we thank You for the unanimous vote in Congress for the U.S. to oppose the U.N.'s desire to control the internet. And yet, we see that our own FBI is recording the emails of nearly all US citizens. Lord, we ask for Your exposing light to shine brightly on these subversive activities that are unwarranted. We ask that we not lose our sovereignty to the U.N., and that our own governmental agencies would use discretion in collecting any necessary information from enemies within our borders. Amen.

- "Now this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the light. Why? Because their actions were wicked. For everyone who does evil things hates the light and avoids it, so that his actions won't be exposed. But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God." (John 3:19-21)

5. Poll: Attitudes toward gays changing fast - USA Today

In the wake of historic victories for gay-rights supporters in last month's elections, a pair of USA TODAY/Gallup Polls find growing acceptance among Americans toward gay men and lesbians -- and soaring optimism among gay Americans that issues involving homosexuality will one day no longer divide the nation.

- Lord, we do pray for those who are trapped in this lifestyle, and would like to be free. We pray that You would reveal the Truth of Your Word, and Your desire for all of us to have a full, abundant life, as we walk in Your ways, and follow Your commands. We pray You will set the captives free, Amen.

- " This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8)

6. Doomsday for Iran? - Reuters

Boeing has successful tested an electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) missile that turns "science fiction into science fact" and could be the doomsday weapon against Iran, but media have largely ignored the development. The U.S. Air Force and Boeing demonstrated the device more than two months ago over a military site in the Utah desert, reported the VR-Zone technology website. "We hit every target we wanted to... Today we made science fiction, science fact," said Coleman.

- O Lord, God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, surely You are coming soon, before we all obliterate ourselves with such lethal weapons! We pray that it will never be necessary for any nation to use this weapon against any other nation. As the nations rage, and there are wars and rumors and threats of war, our Hope is in You, Who alone, can bring "Peace on earth". Save us from ourselves, Lord, we pray! Amen.

"'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one." (Acts 4:25)

7. Article: Japan lifts tsunami warning issued after quake in northeast - Reuters

TOKYO (Reuters) - A strong quake centered off northeastern Japan shook buildings as far away as Tokyo on Friday and triggered a one-meter tsunami in an area devastated by last year's Fukushima disaster, but there were no reports of deaths or serious damage. The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.3, the U.S. Geological Survey said, and thousands of coastal residents were ordered to evacuate to higher ground, but the tsunami warning was lifted two hours after the tremor struck.

- Father, we thank You for Your goodness and protection of the people of Japan in this most recent earthquake. We praise You that You have stopped the waves from crashing into the cities and homes, as it did previously. We pray that many would turn to You for their protection and salvation. Amen.

- "'This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt'. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" (Job 38:11; Matthew 8:27)

	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:

"YHWH brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He breaks the plots of the people. The counsel of YHWH stands forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations." (Psalms 33:10-1)

1. PA petitions UN against Israeli 'war crimes' - Israel Hayom

Palestinian leaders delivered a harsh complaint to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday in light of Israel's recent decision to move ahead with plans to build an additional 3,000 housing units in area E1 between Jerusalem and Maaleh Adumim.

2. IDF soldiers clash with Palestinian police in Hebron - Times of Israel

A group of IDF soldiers on patrol in Hebron clashed with some 250 Palestinians after trying to arrest a Palestinian policeman on Thursday in the West Bank city of Hebron.

3. 'We agreed that we disagree' on settlement expansion, Merkel says after meeting with PM - Times of Israel

Coming out of a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she and Netanyahu had "agreed to disagree" on the issue of West Bank settlements.

4. Hamas seeks lawsuit against senior IDF officer - Ynet News

Hamas official Ismail al-Ashqar said Thursday that the terrorist group is seeking a lawsuit at the International Criminal Court against Major-General Eitan Dangot, coordinator of government activities in the territories, for what it sees as his responsibility for the Gaza blockade.

	The Daily Jot

How much can you take?

There are many who say that because the United States has abandoned God, we are in judgment and there is nothing we can do about it. We must just accept the fact and deal with it. That is a problem. YHVH is merciful and righteous. His judgment is commensurate with the deed. In reality, most of the time, the consequences of bad decisions may seem like judgment, but they are just the result of what happens when you do not follow Godly principles. Notwithstanding, the Lord allows harsh consequences or judges a nation to get people's attention; to bring them back into righteous standing. In the end, it is the action of the people, whether they submit to YHVH, as to how long they are experiencing the difficulties.
Part of the problem with the 21st century Christian is that his self indulgence does not permit him to discern what is upon him or to take decisive action to change it. How many times have you heard someone respond to the difficult times we are facing by saying "God is in charge...God is still on the throne...God loves me...God takes care of his people..." and so on? Many will say that we have fallen so far away from YHVH that we are getting what we deserve, so "let's not get in the way of what God is doing." In other words, accept it and get on with your life. Let's not miss the point: YHVH is wanting us to step up and change. He doesn't want us to do nothing. He is trying to get our attention. He wants us to repent individually and collectively.
When I see these "Fiscal Cliff" negotiations taking place where our leaders do not want to cut government to live within its means, but only want to raise taxes, I think "How much can you take?" When I see the Muslim Brotherhood do exactly what was predicted a year ago by taking full dictatorial power in Egypt, I think, "How much can you take?" Did you know that Deutsch Bank estimated that every penny increase in gasoline prices has the impact of a billion dollar tax hike on every American household? Did you know that since the Occupant of the Oval Office announced his "New Beginning" foreign policy speech in June 2009 that gas at the pump has risen 82 cents? That's the result of destabilizing the Middle East.
Fact is, the consequences of our leaders of wanting to grow government to the point it suffocates its people under the burden of taxes; to recklessly disrupt the world economy to help terrorists take over nations; and spend money we don't have, are coming home to roost on your shoulders. We need revival in this country. True revival of the Christian faith--a revival of those of us who believe. YHVH is trying to get our attention. As He said in Ezekiel 22:30, "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." Repentance is the foundation of revival. We need to repent. We need to call others to repent. We need to demand accountability. We need to act on YHVH's invitation. So How Much Are You Going To Take?
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!

Bill Wilson
Monday, Dec. 3, 2012
www.dailyjot.com

	Talking; Not Talking

Talking; Not Talking

There are conflicting reports about the state of the fiscal cliff negotiations between the White House and Speaker John Boehner. Some suggest the two sides are talking, that channels of communication are open. On the other hand, what is being communicated isn't necessarily productive.

According to Politico, President Obama and Speaker Boehner spoke Wednesday. That conversation led to high-level staff meetings yesterday where things broke down again. White House congressional liaison Rob Nabors reportedly dug his heels in demanding higher tax rates and the power for President Obama to raise the debt ceiling without congressional approval.

It is such a bitter pill that it would completely blow up the GOP brand. If this is how the Obama White House is negotiating, there may be no option for House Republicans other than to stand their ground and go over the fiscal cliff.
If that ends up being the result, brace yourself for massive across-the-board tax increases. Few will be spared. Working families will be hit especially hard. Every individual tax rate will go up. Even the bottom tax rate will increase from 10% to 15%. The per-child tax credit will be cut in half, slashed from $1,000 to $500.

And be prepared to see more of what happened yesterday when Barack Obama visited a middle class Virginia family. He sat at their kitchen table and warned them that if we go over this cliff, they will face at least $2,200 in higher taxes. His message was essentially this: "As you know, I wanted to give you this tax cut. But Republicans just won't give up on protecting their rich friends."

Of course, there is no "tax cut." This entire debate is about the extension of existing rates and preventing a massive tax hike, which many Democrats seemingly want. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Obama's main negotiator, said they are "absolutely" willing to go off the cliff. But Obama can get away with this doublespeak because he knows the left-wing media will forever obfuscate the facts. (Gary Bauer)

	FRC Pleased at Supreme Court News

Family Research Council Pleased Supreme Court Will Examine Marriage Cases

December 07, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. Supreme Court accepted petitions to review two court decisions that challenge the constitutionality of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The federal case, Windsor v. United States, involves the Defense of Marriage Act. The second case, Hollingsworth v. Perry, deals with California's marriage amendment, Proposition 8.

Family Research Council (FRC) has had a long-standing interest in preserving the natural definition of marriage. FRC was instrumental in the legislative process that crafted and enacted the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996. More recently, FRC, in conjunction with the Thomas More Society of Chicago, Illinois, filed amicus briefs in two of the marriage cases for which Supreme Court review had been requested. Those filings supported the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in the case arising out of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit (Gill) and in the Proposition 8 case (then called Perry v. Schwarzenegger).
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins made the following comments regarding the decision:

"Virtually nothing is more important to the future of our country than marriage and the family. This is why we are pleased that the Supreme Court has decided to examine lower court decisions striking down the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8. It was completely appropriate for Congress, using DOMA in 1996, to create uniformity in federal law and explicitly confirm that 'marriage' would be between one man and one woman for federal purposes - as it always had been. Since President Bill Clinton signed DOMA into law, 30 states have followed suit by incorporating the definition of marriage into their constitutions.
Should the Supreme Court decide to overturn the marriage laws of 41 states, the ruling would become even more divisive than the Court's infamous Roe v. Wade decision. Marriage, unlike abortion laws in the 1970s, has been incorporated into the state constitutions of 30 states. Voters in these states will not accept an activist court redefining our most fundamental social institution.

"However, we remain confident that in the end, the U.S. Supreme Court will recognize that DOMA is supported by numerous legitimate legislative purposes - all of which are consistent with our principles of federalism. The argument that the authors of our Constitution created or even implied a 'right' to redefine 'marriage' lies outside our constitutional law.
"Additionally, we believe that the people's vote on Proposition 8 should be respected. Activist courts like the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit should not overturn their decision. We hope the Supreme Court will recognize the right of the people to uphold marriage as it has always been defined," concluded Perkins.

	Tony Perkins' Commentary On Sen. DeMint's Resignation

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins Praises
Sen. DeMint Decision to Join Heritage Foundation

December 06, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins made the following comments regarding Sen. Jim DeMint's (R-SC) decision to become president of the Heritage Foundation:

"Jim DeMint has proven time and time again that he is a champion of the conservative movement," said Perkins. "His move to one of the leading conservative organizations in the country gives him an even greater voice for the nation's foundational principles.

"While I am sad to see Jim leave the Senate, he leaves behind a very powerful legacy in that body. Pro-family champions Senators Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Pat Toomey, and Mike Lee and Senator-elect Ted Cruz all owe their seats in part to the support Jim gave them.
"Jim's tremendous accomplishments in the Senate will help him fill some very big shoes. Few people in the nation have done so much, for so long, to advance the conservative agenda than departing Heritage President Ed Feulner. He has always made sure that Heritage stood out as a strong voice for conservatism. I've greatly appreciated his friendship and counsel and wish him the very best as he moves to new ventures, and look forward to his continued leadership within the conservative movement.

"We are proud to partner with Heritage on numerous projects, including our annual Values Voter Summit and our recently completed national bus tour. With a good friend like Jim DeMint joining this great organization, I look forward to that partnership deepening even further."

	December 7, 1941: Pearl Harbor

December 7, 1941: Pearl Harbor

from Bill Federer's The American Minute

"DECEMBER 7, 1941- a date which will live in infamy- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."

Thus spoke President Franklin D. Roosevelt following the attack on Pearl Harbor by over 350 Japanese aircraft.

Five American battleships and three destroyers were sunk, 400 planes were destroyed and over 4000 were killed or wounded.
President Roosevelt concluded:

"No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory. . .

We will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us."
"Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God."
For more of President Roosevelt's quotes during World War II, in which he has honored God and our dependance upon Him, go here.
> > > Please note!

The World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, was dedicated in 2004. Of the over 500 words inscribed on the new World War II Memorial the designers chose not to include FDR's phrase "So help us God," nor any other mention of God.

The D-Day Landing Prayer Act, S 3078, which has 22 co-sponsors in the Senate, would add FDR's D-Day Prayer to the Memorial. http://ohioca.org/

(Source: The American Minute)

www.americanminute.com

Remembering Pearl Harbor

The news that we had been attacked at Pearl Harbor was the defining moment of my parents' lives. My father did what many red-blooded, patriotic men did -- he immediately volunteered for the Marines. As America was dragged reluctantly into the war, he drilled with broomsticks because at that time we didn't have enough money for weapons.

In the years that followed, we understood that there were things the Germans and Japanese did that we would not do. But we made difficult choices that would enable us to defeat our enemies.

For example, knowing our values, the Japanese often put POWs -- hundreds at a time -- on ships and warned us not to sink them, hoping that the public would turn against the war effort. We sunk the ships because we knew that we could not give the Japanese navy a free pass. Even though we started the war with broomsticks, there was a toughness and a determination to defend our country.

I'm not suggesting America needs to turn back the clock to 1941. But when it comes to the things that matter to the survival of any civilization, it seems we are losing confidence in our values.

As we remember "the day that will live in infamy," let's give thanks that we still raise patriots who will answer the call to serve God and Country, and pray we can recapture the confidence of the Greatest Generation. They did not have a lot of physical treasures, but they had a rich understanding that Judeo-Christian civilization was something worth protecting. (Gary Bauer)

	Introducing: The American Prayer Initiative

Introducing: The American Prayer Initiative

One prayer topic for each day of the month . . . every day!

http://www.AmericanPrayerInitiative.org

http://www.facebook.com/AmericanPrayerInitiative

http://www.twitter.com/PrayerUSA

The Mayflower sailed through uncharted waters to an unknown land - a land that was claimed "for the glory of God &..the Christian faith".

(The Mayflower Compact ~ November 11, 1620)

Today, America is on uncharted waters, having strayed far off course. With these prayers, we reclaim America's roots & founding principles.
"Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other." - John Adams

Today's Topic: Domestic Tranquility (an excerpt)

SCRIPTURE:

Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers. (Psalm 122:7)

PRAYER FOCUS:

We pray for Your protection against external and internal efforts to divide, deceive, discourage and destroy America. Give us the wisdom to discern, and the will to stand for our country.

> > > Register here to receive our daily prayer notes and/or newsletters.

	The Good News Corner

The Good News Corner

Creative Victory for Christians in Santa Monica:

Nativity Tradition Will Continue in Palisades Park

"We are so thankful that a Nativity Display will be seen in Palisades Park for a 60th Consecutive year." -Rev. Patrick Mahoney

EDITOR'S NOTE: In addition to the "Live" Nativity victory, the usual display of "life-size figurines" which are set in several booths depicting the birth of Jesus, has been moved to private property within Santa Monica, so that they too will be available for viewing beginning on Sunday, Dec. 9th. -Aimee Herd, Breaking Christian News

(Santa Monica, CA)-In a YouTube video about The Nativity Project, Rev's Rob Schenck and Pat Mahoney discuss not only the Nativity scenes held in front of the US Supreme Court and US Capitol buildings, but also the one that has been just recently OK'd in Santa Monica.
The Santa Monica Nativity Scene had been displayed in Palisades Park at Christmas time for 59 continuous years.

. . . Until this year, when the city of Santa Monica banned the Nativity display.

After a federal court upheld the city's decision, The Nativity Project-an organization whose mission is "keeping Christ at the center of Christmas"-was contacted.

That's when Rev. Pat Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, was sent to California to see if anything could be done. After analyzing the situation, Mahoney and his legal team realized that the ban was only related to "unattended" Nativity displays.
That's when Rev. Pat Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, was sent to California to see if anything could be done. After analyzing the situation, Mahoney and his legal team realized that the ban was only related to "unattended" Nativity displays.

Therefore, a "live" Nativity scene would be allowed in the park.

So, on December 8th, the Nativity tradition in Palisades Park, Santa Monica will continue with a "live" display.
Rev. Mahoney's message from the victorious press release he sent read:

This is a major victory for religious freedom, the First Amendment and the public display of Nativity scenes. Working with Santa Monica city officials, the faith coalition will have a live Nativity Display on Saturday, December 8, between 1:00 and 4:00 P.M. in Palisades Park.

The Christian community as well as people of good will from all across Southern California are being encouraged to bring their own personal Nativity Scenes that they would display in their homes during the Christmas Season.
The name of the event is "The Birth of Christ. The Birth of Freedom. The Santa Monica Nativity."

This entire campaign is part of "The Nativity Project" which was launched by the Washington, DC-based Christian Defense Coalition and Faith and Action almost 7 years ago.
"We are so thankful that a Nativity Display will be seen in Palisades Park for a 60th Consecutive year," remarked Rev. Mahoney. "It is critical that the faith community did not allow the City of Santa Monica and the federal court to crush the First Amendment and religious freedom by banning a Nativity Display in Palisades Park."

Rev. Rob Shenck and Rev. Patrick Mahoney held Live Nativity scenes in front of the US Capitol and the US Supreme Court buildings earlier in the week. (Source: The Nativity Project)

	Worship with Us Today!

Worship with Us Today!

'A song by Maranatha
"I want to praise you, Lord"
Our hearts' desire: To know Him more,
and the power of His resurrection.