Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XX, Number 1a
January 7 - 11, 2013
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
January 7 - 11, 2013
"Yield now and be at peace with Him; Thereby good will come to you."
(Job 22:21)
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News from Israel
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News from Israel
- RISE OF ANTI SEMITIC & ANTI ISRAEL ATTITUDES
- BRITISH TEXTBOOK ERASES ISRAEL
- PALESTINIAN "HOLY TRINITY": JESUS, ARAFAT AND ABBAS
- ISRAEL ALLOWS MORE ITEMS INTO GAZA
- IDF PREPARING HOSPITALS FOR MISSILE AND CHEMICAL ATTACKS
- WORLD JEWISH CONGRESS ANALYSIS-WILL A NEW INTIFADA ERUPT?
- NEAR SHILO: ARABS INJURE 11 JEWS, DAMAGE VINEYARDS
- THE LOST TRIBE ARRIVES IN ISRAEL
- ISRAEL TO BUILD SYRIAN BORDER FENCE
- ABBAS MAKES IT OFFICIAL: ALL OF ISRAEL IS PALESTINE
1. RISE OF ANTI SEMITIC & ANTI ISRAEL ATTITUDES
Take a look at the increasing anti-Semitism as 2012 has ended, and as 2013 begins. The rise is striking!
Take a moment to view this video:
'U.S. Commentator Mike Harris: Israel Carried Out Newtown Massacre, Operates Death Squads in the U.S.
' In this video Israel is blamed for gun violence, for 'occupying' US government, for culture of violence in US arising from Jews in Hollywood, et cetera.
Read further information at this site:
'2012 Top Ten Anti-Semitic/Anti-Israel Slurs'
These arise from Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, out of Iran, Brazil, EU soccer fans, Ukraine, Greece, Hungary, Norway, top German media personalities, and Louis Farrakan with his followers.
- O Heavenly Father, listening to and reading these tirades of blind hatred is mind boggling. These people and groups appear to be controlled by very powerful spirits of blind hatred, bigotry and violence. Lord, in the Name of Jesus, we rise up and take the Cross of Christ into all the gears churning here, and bind and rebuke these spirits to go where Christ would have them go. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen and Amen.
- Why do the nations rage, and the people plot vain things? He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision. (Psalm 2:1 & 4) The Lord is righteous; He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked. Let all those who hate Zion be put to shame and turned back. (Psalm 129:4-5)
2. BRITISH TEXTBOOK ERASES ISRAEL
A popular textbook used by institutions and teachers to teach English as a second language to students in the UK has been found to have a serious anti-Israel bias. "I teach English as a foreign language in a further education college in Nottingham, England. I came across the attached map and couldn't believe my eyes!" Liz Wiseman told Israel Today. The textbook in question is "Skills in English Writing Level 1", which includes a map of the Middle East on which Israel is nowhere to be found.
While Wiseman acknowledges she was not obligated to use this particular textbook, it is one of the more popular and mainstream English Language Teaching (ELT) textbooks published by one of the more popular and mainstream ELT publishers, Garnet Education. Garnet Education bills itself thus: "Garnet Education is an independent English Language Teaching (ELT) publisher, specialising in English for Academic Purposes. We produce award-winning ELT books, multimedia resources and tests for students of all ages, from kindergarten to university."
This is far from an isolated incident, which is motivation for drawing attention to this particular case. It is not only in the Middle East where students, both adults and children, are being taught that Israel has no right to exist. The more students around the world are fed this brand of propaganda, the more remote prospects for true peace become.
Read article:
- Heavenly Father, forgive us Lord, we pray! Have mercy on whomever is so blind with bigotry and anti biblical lies that they would produce such a lie from the pit of hell. Rise up Lord, and cast a fear of You through every cell of their bodies until they confront what they have done, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.
- I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. (Genesis 12:3)
3. PALESTINIAN "HOLY TRINITY": JESUS, ARAFAT AND ABBAS
The Palestinian leadership's falsification of history by presenting Jesus as an ancient Palestinian increased in regularity as Christmas approached this year. In the last month alone, the Palestinian Authority [PA] media has transmitted six additional PA misrepresentations of Jesus as a Palestinian.
In addition, there is an attempt to connect Jesus to the Palestinian leaders themselves. Senior PA leader Jibril Rajoub said: "The greatest Palestinian in history since Jesus is Yasser Arafat," and an editorial in the PA official daily referred to Arafat, Jesus and Abbas as the Palestinian "holy Trinity": "Jesus is a Palestinian; the self-sacrificing Yasser Arafat is a Palestinian; Mahmoud Abbas, the messenger of peace on earth, is a Palestinian. How great is this nation of the holy Trinity!"
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Nov. 30, 2012]
While Christian tradition and the historical writings of the period portray Jesus as a Jew living in the land of Judea/Israel, the PA consistently tells its people that they are the ones connected to Jesus. This is not only a distortion of Jesus' personal history as reported in Christian writings, it is also an anachronism. The Romans changed the name of Judea/Israel to "Palestine" in order to punish the Jewish nation after its unsuccessful rebellion, a full 136 years after the birth of Jesus.
(Excerpts of an article by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinian Media Watch, December 26, 2012) [Reported by BFP: Bridges for Peace]
Read more:
- Pray that the world will recognize that Arafat and Abbas are neither divine nor holy. Pray for those that want to make them into gods and persons to worship.
- Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.(Psalm 20:7)
4. ISRAEL ALLOWS MORE ITEMS INTO GAZA
For the first time since Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in 2007, Israel has decided to let construction materials to enter Gaza for use by the private sector. The decision is based on the dialogue with Egypt following the last Israel-Gaza conflict and the ensuing calm, Israeli spokesman Maj. Guy Inbar told The Mideast Update in an interview. Egypt acts as a mediator between Israel and Hamas and helped establish the ceasefire between them in November. Previously, construction materials were only allowed into Gaza for projects implemented by the international community. Aside from the construction materials, 60 trucks and buses were also allowed into Gaza for use by the private sector as part of the latest arrangement. Israel is considering further easing of restrictions on items allowed into Gaza as well.
"This easing is due especially to the calm since the last operation. If the calm will continue, Israel will consider extra easings as well," Inbar, spokesman for the Coordination of Government Activities in Territories (COGAT), said in Monday's [January 1] interview.
The new Gaza approach comes after November's "Operation Pillar of Defense", in which Israel struck 1,000 targets in Gaza and killed Hamas' top military commander in an effort to re-establish a level of calm following an increase in Gaza attacks. Hamas launched 1,000 rockets at Israel during the fight, including ones capable of reaching areas around Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The easing of restrictions on Gaza following the mediated ceasefire is apparently still being discussed. According to the Ma'an News Agency, an official Hamas legal team visited Egypt last Saturday to follow-up on the talks. Ma'an said that Hamas wants to lift the naval and land blockade and make it easier for Palestinians to come and go from the Strip.
(By Joshua Spurlock, The Mideast Update, January 2, 2013) [Reported by BFP: Bridges for Peace]
Read more:
- Thank the Lord for this time of relative quiet in southern Israel. Pray for a continued time of peace and for more opportunities to build relationships.
- The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.(Proverbs 18:10)
5. IDF PREPARING HOSPITALS FOR MISSILE AND CHEMICAL ATTACKS
Senior military official tells 'Post' Home Front Command preparing hospitals for range of security threats, says chance of chemical attack from Syria is low but defense community planning to prevent, cope with such a threat.
The IDF Home Front Command is preparing all hospitals in Israel for a range of security threats, including large-scale missile attacks and chemical attacks, a senior military source told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday. The preparations have been planned three years in advance, and bear no relation to current events or recent threat assessments. Exercises include training hospital staff to deal with conventional missile attacks, mass-casualty incidents and "mega-mass casualty incidents," - involving 1,000 or more injuries.
"We train a lot for chemical weapons," a Home Front Command source said. "This is our business, and only ours. There is no room for error." The drills form the only basis for dealing with a chemical weapon attack, the source stressed, "since we have no experience with this." The threat of a chemical attack from neighboring Syria is very low, but the defense community's contingency planning includes steps to both prevent and cope with such a threat.
Read article:
- Lord Jesus, be amongst these preparations so that Your special nation Israel and people will be fully prepared for whatever may arise from all the threats brewing around them. The evidence of genuine threats are so apparent. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen and Amen.
- Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. (Psalm 138:7)
6. WORLD JEWISH CONGRESS ANALYSIS-WILL A NEW INTIFADA ERUPT?
Over the last few months there has been an escalation in demonstrations in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria], which included violent acts like stone and Motolov-cocktail throwing. Israeli security forces arrested the Hamas cells that participated in the violent demonstrations and have geared up for a potential escalation in terrorist activities. It is doubtful that the latest unrest in the West Bank will develop into a third intifada that would compete with the Arab Spring for the world's attention. However, it is important to examine what lies behind the current disturbances and what motivates the political actors behind the scenes.
Fatah, whose influence and size are shrinking, has stuck to its basic line-"the struggle," which justifies the organization's existence. The nature of "the struggle," however, remains ambiguous. Fatah is very careful not to engage in a full-scale intifada on the level and magnitude of the first and the second intifadas.Its leadership correctly reads the reluctance of the Palestinian people by and large to return to the hardships that usually accompany the intifadas.
The situation is completely different for Hamas. The organization's online activity indicates that it is interested in a breakout of a full-scale intifada in the West Bank. However, Hamas is split between the overall interests of the movement and the interests of the different groups vying for power inside the organization. Officially, Hamas needs to find a new channel for its "resistance" policy after the conclusion of a tahdiya [Arabic word meaning calming or quieting] with Israel at the end of Operation Pillar of Defense. The movement is under great pressure to join political Islam and thereby abandon the struggle and turn Hamas to a political party.
While it is evident that various Palestinian parties seek to spark a new large scale intifada in the West Bank, so far the pressure has not reached the point of no return, i.e. a massive popular uprising. However, a new wave of terrorist attacks against Israel or a diplomatic campaign and a commercial boycott may very well happen.
(By Pinhas Inbari, World Jewish Congress, December 24, 2012) [Reported by BFP: Bridges for Peace]
Read more:
- Pray that the Lord will place a yearning for peace in the hearts of the Palestinians. Pray that their hatred for Israel and the Western world will fade into nothing.
- Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and Your glory above all the earth. ( Psalm 108:5)
7. NEAR SHILO: ARABS INJURE 11 JEWS, DAMAGE VINEYARDS
About 250 Arabs rioted Saturday afternoon near Esh Kodesh, close to Shilo in the Binyamin region, injuring 11 Jews. According to the Tatzpit news agency, the rioters tore down the fences surrounding the Jewish residents' vineyards, causing them serious damage. About 30 Jewish residents from the Shilo area rushed to the location and at first had to use rocks to get the Arabs to back off.
Israeli security forces instructed the local emergency team to go into action, and the responders fired in the air until the IDF arrived in the scene. According to a report from Esh Kodesh, about 11 Jews were injured in the rioting. One of them suffered a head injury and was taken by MDA to a hospital. The rest of the casualties, including the Military Routine Security Officer ("ravshatz") were slightly hurt and received treatment on the scene.
Heavy damage was caused to some of the residents' vineyards, including the uprooting of saplings. Givot Shilo's security vehicle was damaged with a slingshot.
Read article:
- Abba Father, have mercy please! Daily it is increasing, the boldness and arrogance of hatred, due to the UN vote which was based on lies about history and it is arising from long term taught hatred. We ask You, Father, to rise up and strike down this blind hatred, implanting the fear of You in every soul involved, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.
- God is jealous, and the Lord avenges - The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies. The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble: and He knows those who trust in Him. (Nahum 1:1, 7)
8. THE LOST TRIBE ARRIVES IN ISRAEL
Fifty-three new Jewish immigrants arrived at Ben Gurion Airport Tuesday [December 25] from Manipur in north-eastern India. They are the first arrivals in Israel of a further expected three hundred immigrants belonging to the Bnei Menashe tribe. The Bnei Menashe claim to be descents from one of the lost tribes of Israel who were sent into exile by the Assyrian Empire 2,700 years ago.The Bnei Menashe live in the Indian states of Mizoram and Manipur very close to the Indian border with Myanmar. There are an estimated seven thousand Bnei Menashe adherents currently still in India.
The Bnei Menashe, often referred to as "the lost tribe" were recognized as Jews by the Israel Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar in 2005. The Chief Rabbinate had stipulated that despite the fact that the Bnei Menashe certainly had Jewish roots all members must still undergo a conversion process, including circumcision.
After this acceptance almost two thousand members of Bnei Menashe moved to Israel before the Israeli government stopped issuing visas. The decision to stop the immigration was thought to have been due to pressure by some politicians who were of the opinion that acceptance of Bnai Menashe endangered the Jewish identity of the State. There were also those who regarded the Bnei Menashe primarily as economic migrants. However this decision to halt immigration has now been reversed and once again the Bnei Menashe are permitted to come to settle in Israel.
(By Edgar Asher, Ashernet December 25, 2012) [Reported by BFP: Bridges for Peace]
Read more:
- Thank the Lord that His people are returning home! Pray for an easy and comfortable assimilation into their new lives.
- Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. (Psalm 107:1-3)
9. ISRAEL TO BUILD SYRIAN BORDER FENCE
Israel intends to reinforce its frontier with neighboring Syria amid growing concerns about the fallout from the Syrian civil war. Israel plans to erect a new five-meter-high fence on the Golan Heights, captured from Syria in 1967, and fortify it with trenches, barbed wire and a road for army patrols. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet Sunday that the Syrian army has moved away from the frontier and that what he called 'Global Jihad' has moved in. That is a reference to militant Islamists from around the Middle East, including al-Qaida. Netanyahu said Israel would 'defend its border against infiltrations and terrorism.'
Israel has stayed out of the Syrian conflict, but recently a number of stray mortar rounds have landed inside Israeli-controlled territory on the Golan, prompting the army to fire back. The incidents raised concerns that the Syrian civil war could spill toward Israel. But Israel's biggest concern is that Syria's chemical weapons could fall into the hands of groups like al-Qaida or Hezbollah in Lebanon.
(Voice of America)
Read article:
- O Heavenly Father, we come before You as to this security concern from Israel. We ask that You clearly convey into Israel's leaders what they should do which would provide safety, but not provoke confrontation and hostility. Empowered by the vote in the UN as to the Palestinians, it appears that hate filled and vengeance driven groups have moved to this border to attempt seizing the area , believing they had been given it by this UN vote. Lord, this is land that is promised in Your word to belong to Israel, and the attacks and confrontations are violating this covenant. We ask that You raise up Your right hand and extend Your arm to suppress this or to clearly convey how Israel should do it. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen and Amen.
- As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. (Psalm 125:2)
10. ABBAS MAKES IT OFFICIAL: ALL OF ISRAEL IS PALESTINE
The Fatah party, headed by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, has made official what it has been saying quietly and has adopted a new logo showing all of Israel as Palestine. The logo marks the 48th anniversary of the founding of Fatah by Yasser Arafat and includes a map with the PA flag and a map of Israel that appears to be a depiction of the black and white checkered kefiyah, a symbol of the violent intifada, and the slogan "the state and victory."
Palestine Media Watch (PMW) revealed that the official PA daily published the new official logo. For the past year, official PA documents have increasingly shown Palestine as covering all of Israel, but this is the first time the Fatah party has placed the map on its logo.
Read more
- Cry out to God for the protection of His people and His land, even as the enemies of Israel attempt to draw an ever-tightening grip of destruction around her. Lift up the global media, and ask our Lord to place His hand of restraint upon them - that they not display this new "logo." God is able - pray!
- "When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall." (Psalm 27:2)
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More International News
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More International News
- SYRIA: ASSAD TO MAKE RARE SPEECH
- RUSSIA: WILL HOLD LARGE-SCALE NAVAL DRILLS
- IRAN: RENEWS SUPPORT FOR AFGHANISTAN
- IRAN: BUILDS SOFTWARE TO CONTROL SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
- IRAQ: MASS PROTESTS SPREADING AGAINST GOVERNMENT
- EGYPT: MORSI EXPANDS BROTHERHOOD INFLUENCE IN CABINET
- SUDAN, SOUTH SUDAN: AGREE TO SET UP A DMZ BORDER ZONE
- VENEZUELA: CHAVEZ HEALTH WORSENS
- FRANCE: MOSLEMS CELEBRATE NY EVE; BURN 1,200 CARS
1. ASSAD TO MAKE RARE SPEECH AS SYRIAN REBELS DRAW NEARER
yrian President Bashar al-Assad will deliver a rare speech on Sunday about the uprising against his rule, which has killed 60,000 people and brought civil war to the edge of his capital. With insurgents fighting their way closer to the seat of his power, state media said in a statement that Assad would speak on Sunday morning about the "latest developments in Syria and the region", without giving details. (Reuters) Read more.
- Continue to stand watch in careful prayer over all events surrounding and involving the nation of Syria at this time. Syria seems to be the lynchpin in what will befall Israel and the Middle East in the days ahead. Pray!
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
2. RUSSIA TO HOLD LARGE-SCALE MEDITERRANEAN, BLACK SEA NAVAL DRILLS
Russia will hold large-scale naval drills in the Mediterranean and Black Seas in late January with the involvement of warships from the Northern, Baltic, Black Sea and Pacific Fleets, the Russian Defense Ministry's press office reported on Wednesday. 'The Russian Navy's drills of this scope will be held for the first time over the past few decades and are designed to improve control, ensure and practice multiservice force interaction of the fleets in the far-off maritime zones,' the press office said.
The drills will be held in line with the Russian Armed Forces' 2013 combat training plan and will aim to 'practice the issues of establishing a multiservice grouping of forces (troops) outside Russia, planning its use and conducting joint actions as part of a united naval grouping based on a common plan,' the press office said.
(RIA Novosti) Read more.
- Lord, this is concerning since this large scale drill hasn't been held in decades. May we keep a careful watch over Russia and their actions. In Jesus Name.
- There are six things the LORD hates--no, seven things he detests: 17) haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, (Proverbs 6:16,17)
3. ENVOY RENEWS IRAN'S CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR AFGHANISTAN
Tehran's Ambassador to Kabul Abolfazl Zohrehvand will maintain its support for the reconstruction and development process, especially after the withdrawal of foreign forces from the war-torn country. 'We have been helping Afghans here in different sectors and we will continue to support them after 2014 because the two countries have many things in common. So we will stand alongside the Afghan people and their government,' press tv quoted Zohrevand as saying.
He stated that Tehran will continue to support Afghans in the reconstruction and development of their country. Zohrevand stressed that peace is possible only if the US and its allies leave Afghanistan.
(Fars News Agency)
Read more.
- Lord, this news is no surprise that Iran is directly involved in the affairs of Afghanistan. Lord, we pray over this war torn country of Afghanistan. May Your will prevail in this country. Prevent Iran from taking over this country. In Jesus Name.
- Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; preserve my life from fear of the enemy. 2) Hide me from the secrets plots of the wicked, from the rebellion of the workers of iniquity. (Psalms 64:1,2)
4. IRAN: BUILDS SOFTWARE TO CONTROL SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
Iran's police chief says the Islamic Republic is developing new software to control social networking sites. Gen. Esmail Ahmadi Moghadam was quoted in Iranian newspapers Saturday as saying the new software will prevent Iranians from being exposed to malicious content online while allowing users to enjoy the benefits of the Internet. He did not say when the software would be introduced. (Fox News, New York) Read more.
- Even though Satan is the "prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2), our God rules from Heaven on high. Ask Him to dispatch His warring angels to disrupt and dismantle this scheme, so that those who desire to be free of the tyranny of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad can remain in communication with each other. Pray, too, for the church in Iran . . . may they also be protected from the grip of this oppressor. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:19)
5. IRAQ: MASS PROTESTS SPREADING AGAINST GOVERNMENT
Tens of thousands of protesters rallied across Iraq on Friday, charging that Sunni Muslims had been disenfranchised under the Shiite-led government of Prime Minister Nouri Maliki and pressing for detainees to be freed. Protests have raged for weeks and continued even after the Iraqi justice ministry freed nearly a dozen female prisoners and said it would transfer others to jails closer to their homes. (LA Times) Read more.
- When one does not know the Lord, there is no peace. The answer to all problems in Iraq and the Middle East is the salvation of its people. These two sects of Islam have been at war with each other almost since the beginning of the founding of this false religion. LIft up the people of Iraq for salvation. In their distress, may they find the Answer in the knowledge of our King. Pray for the church in Iraq, that each believer would be granted many opportunities to witness for our Lord among his own friends and family. Pray for Iraq.
- "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel." (Eph. 6:19)
6. EGYPT: MORSI EXPANDS BROTHERHOOD INFLUENCE IN EGYPTIAN CABINET
Egypt's Islamist President Mohamed Morsi has expanded the number of Muslim Brotherhood ministers in his Cabinet as part of a reshuffle aimed at improving the government's handling of an economic crisis. Ten Egyptian ministers were sworn in on Sunday, three of them members of Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood movement. A Brotherhood spokesman said the reshuffle increases the number of Brotherhood Cabinet ministers from five to eight.
Morsi also appointed a Brotherhood-allied expert in Islamic finance as the new finance minister. El-Morsi Hegazy replaces former finance minister Mumtaz el-Said, whom the Brotherhood had accused of being too close to the Egyptian military, which ruled the country for more than a year before handing power to Morsi in June. In another key appointment, Morsi named a new interior minister, Mohammed Ibrahim, to replace Ahmed Gamal Eddin, who was criticized for his handling of last month's violent street protests for and against Egypt's new Islamist-backed constitution.
(Voice of America News)
Read more.
- Lord, this move by Morsi to expand his cabinet with Muslim Brotherhood appointees is exactly what was expected when he took over the government. Lord, maneuver circumstances and people to prevent hostilities toward Israel. May Your hand be upon this government of Egypt.
- " . . . till he knew that the Most High God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that He appointeth over it whomsoever he will."(Daniel 5:21)
7. SUDAN, SOUTH SUDAN: AGREE TO SET UP A DMZ BORDER ZONE
Sudanese President Umar al-Bashir and South Sudan's Salva Kiir agreed to set up a demilitarized zone along their border "without further delay" as the African states seek to resume oil flows vital to their economies. They also agreed to consider establishing a commission to hold a referendum on the status of the disputed Abyei area at a planned meeting on Jan. 13 in Addis Ababa, according to a statement posted on the African Union's website after the presidents met yesterday in the Ethiopian capital. The African Union High-Level Implementation Panel for Sudan and South Sudan will determine the dates for agreements to take effect.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in July 2011, shut down its 350,000 barrel-a-day crude production last January after accusing authorities in Khartoum, the Sudanese capital, of stealing $815 million of its oil. Sudan said it took the crude to recoup unpaid transportation and processing fees. That dispute and others, including differences over border security, brought the neighbors to the brink of war in April. (Bloomberg) Read more.
- Pray that the wall of hostility between Sudan and South Sudan be broken down by the Blood of Christ, and for an equitable agreement to be reached at the meeting on January 13. Pray for stability for both sides; the establishment of a new trust between them; and for a stable economy, both north and south. Lord, please let the oil flow again from this region of the world, amen! - "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near." (Eph. 2:14-17)
8. VENEZUELA: CHAVEZ HEALTH WORSENS; ASSEMBLY CHIEF RE-ELECTED
Allies of cancer-stricken President Hugo Chavez on Saturday chose to keep the same National Assembly president -- a man who could be in line to step in as a caretaker leader in some circumstances. The vote to retain Diosdado Cabello as legislative leader signaled the ruling party's desire to stress unity and continuity amid growing signs the government plans to postpone Chavez's inauguration for a new term while he fights a severe respiratory infection nearly a month after cancer surgery in Cuba. (Fox News) Read more.
- This poor nation has lived under the heavy hand of dictatorship for too long. Pray that this would be a new day for Venezuela. As Hugo Chavez approaches his demise, pray for a change of heart within . . . that he would finally yield to the amazing love of our Savior. Then, pray for the dear people of Venezuela, that they would know and do God's will for their nation in the days ahead. Pray!
- "But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another." (Psalm 75:7)
9. FRANCE: MOSLEMS CELEBRATE NY EVE; BURN 1,200 CARS
Interior Minister Manuel Valls said Tuesday that 1,193 vehicles were burned overnight around the country. Clashes between police and offenders in the New Year's Eve took place in the Muslim majority districts in the city of Strasbourg and Mulhouse. About seven police officers were attacked New Years eve night.
Around 1,200 cars were burned by rioting Muslims on the New Year's Eve in France, where the mass burning cars in the national holidays are kind of tradition among Muslim residents of the disadvantaged suburbs of immigrants. "Youths" demonstrating their utter contempt for Infidel society.
"Muslims Burn About 1,200 cars on New Year's Eve in France," from the Conservative Papers, January 1:
Interior Minister Manuel Valls said Tuesday that 1,193 vehicles were burned overnight around the country. Clashes between police and offenders in the New Year's Eve took place in the Muslim majority districts in the city of Strasbourg and Mulhouse. About seven police officers were attacked New Years eve night.
Around 1,200 cars were burned by rioting Muslims on the New Year's Eve in France, where the mass burning cars in the national holidays are kind of tradition among Muslim residents of the disadvantaged suburbs of immigrants. (Jihad Watch) Read more
- Lord, we are saddened by this action among the Muslim youths in France. Even the police cannot control these actions that are tradition every year. Lord, only You can change the heart. We ask that You change the heart of these Muslim youths. May they have a Damascus experience like the Apostle Paul. In Jesus Name.
- On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. 4)He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" 5)He said, "Who are you, sir?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. (Acts 9:3-5)
On the Hill
1. FRESHMAN LAWMAKERS BEGIN DAY WITH PRAYER
- [Note: this article was posted on Thursday, Jan. 3, by CBN News. The Bipartisan Congressional Prayer Service was actually held last week.]
As the new 113th Congress comes to Washington, many of them will start the day in prayer at a bipartisan gathering. House Chaplain Father Patrick Conroy will officiate. The service includes passages from the Old and New Testaments and a reading from the Koran.
The chaplain told CBN News his message will remind lawmakers they are called to be servants. "Being a member of Congress and perhaps being a person of faith is about understanding oneself as a servant, not as a politician or not as a person with power and authority," Conroy said.
- As one who was present at this service, I can attest to the strong presence of the Lord in this sanctuary. What a blessing it is to know that this Congress has put "first things first," in a very private manner, before beginning their term of office. Ask that the blessing of the Father remain upon this session of Congress and that this would be a "new day" on Capitol Hill. Amen. (Submitted by Sara Ballenger)
- "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Matthew 21:22)
To view a list of all new members of Congress, go here.
2. BOEHNER RETURNS AS SPEAKER BY THREE VOTES
Conservatives rebel against Boehner
House Speaker John A. Boehner narrowly survived his re-election battle on Thursday as the 113th Congress convened at the Capitol amid calls for cooperation on the same issues that left lawmakers gridlocked over the past two years. Conservative opposition to John Boehner's reelection as speaker on Thursday was more determined than it originally seemed, as a small band of hard-liners either flat-out opposed the speaker or simply abstained from casting a ballot.
But the drama playing out among House Republicans during the last 48 hours was a rebuke of Boehner's leadership - and one that matters in both substance and style. A small, but extraordinarily vocal group of conservatives sent Boehner a message: We don't trust you.
Boehner allies write off the near-miss as sour grapes from lawmakers who have long opposed the Ohio Republican. Boehner is speaker for the 113th Congress, they noted. But the numbers do matter. Boehner now faces significant restiveness in his ranks over taxes, spending, borrowing, messaging and his hands-off leadership style. (Washington Times, POLITICO) Read more.
- Pray for a healing within the ranks of the Republican membership of the House of Representatives. It is time to move forward as "one man" and one voice in the Halls of Congress for the conservative agenda. Pray!
- "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (I Peter 3:12)
3. SPEAKER BOEHNER'S OPENING ADDRESS: A CALL TO SERVE
In the House, Republicans and Democrats issued a call to focus on civility, even as they try to tackle big issues.
"If you have come here to see your name in lights or to pass off political victory as accomplishment, you have come to the wrong place. The door is right behind you," Mr. Boehner said after winning the speaker's gavel for the second time. "If you have come here humbled by the opportunity to serve, if you have come here to be the determined voice of the people, if you have come here to carry the standard of leadership demanded not just by our constituents but by the times, then you have come to the right place."
He reconvened the House at noon, just minutes after the 112th Congress officially gaveled to a close, shutting the door on two years that set records for legislative futility. (POLITICO)
To view the House Speaker's Opening Address, go here.
- Now that the arguments over this nomination are over, and John Boehner has been again installed as the Speaker of the House, we commit ourselves to honor him and to lift him up in prayer. Thank the Lord that, as this Speaker seeks Him, He will guide him in the way he should go. Amen.
- "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (I Timothy 2:1,2)
4. NON-BELIEVERS ON RISE IN CONGRESS
The number of members of Congress who don't identify with any particular religion is on the rise, according to an analysis by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. In the 96th Congress (1979-80), not a single member of the House or Senate said they didn't belong to any particular faith, didn't know or refused to disclose their religion. But in the new 113th Congress, 10 members fall under that category. . .
From Pew's fascinating report on the religious composition of the 113th Congress:
About one-in-five U.S. adults describe themselves as atheist, agnostic or "nothing in particular" - a group sometimes collectively called the "nones." But only one member of the new Congress, Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), is religiously unaffiliated, according to information gathered by CQ Roll Call. Sinema is the first member of Congress to publicly describe her religion as "none," though 10 other members of the 113th Congress (about 2%) do not specify a religious affiliation, up from six members (about 1%) of the previous Congress. This is about the same as the percentage of U.S. adults in Pew Research Center surveys who say that they don't know, or refuse to specify, their faith (about 2%).
The numbers here caught my eye, not because of the disparity between non-believers in the general population and in Congress, but because I was surprised so many members actually admitted to it. . . (By Charles Mahtesian, POLITICO) Read more.
-Precious Lord, we pray for all the members of Congress to honor and acknowledge You as Lord of their lives since this was the expectation of the Founders of our country. As legislating is such a serious business, we pray that all will seek You and Your wisdom concerning those laws to be voted upon.
- "Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" (Isaiah 5:21)
5. MEET THE MODERN FACE OF CONGRESS
[Editor's note: The headlines and bylines from the text of this report really tell the whole story. There is nothing more to be said here. ]
On Thursday, January 3, when the 113th Session of Congress was sworn into office, the membership included the following:
- A bisexual, a Buddhist, a Hindu, two female combat veterans and a record 20 women senators
- Six LBGT members in Congress and first ever gay senator, Tammy Baldwin
- The first ever openly bisexual congresswoman, Kyrsten Sinema (Daily Mail UK)
Read more.
- If this 113th Session of Congress does, indeed, show a "snapshot:" of modern America, we should all be on our faces, in repentance. As a nation, we have truly lost our way . . . God, in His mercy and love, may soon give us a wake-up call - a "jolt" back to reality. May we each be ready when that happens. Amen.
- Thank You that as we genuinely repent, You extend Your mercy and pardon. Please lead us to an understanding of how far we have strayed as a nation. We humbly and sincerely ask for Your forgiveness and restoration.
- "From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3:7)
6. BILL INTRODUCED TO ABOLISH PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS
Democratic New York Rep. Jose Serrano reintroduced a bill in Congress Friday to repeal the 22nd Amendment, which places term limits on the U.S. presidency.
The bill, which has been referred to committee, would allow Barack President Obama to become the first president since Franklin Roosevelt to seek a third term in office.
H.J. Res. 15 proposes "an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the twenty-second article of amendment, thereby removing the limitation on the number of terms an individual may serve as President."
The bill is a reintroduction of H.J. Res. 17, which Serrano introduced in Congress in January 2011. It was referred to the House judiciary committee, but did not make it to a floor vote. (The Daily Caller) Read more.
- Father we take authority over this bill in the Name of Jesus Christ, and bind it. We firmly stand against this obviously demonic plan, declaring that no weapon formed against us shall prosper.
- "Behold I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19)
7. PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR NEW CONGRESS
In His Word, our Lord exhorts us to lift up our leaders in daily prayer. It is written:
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (I Timothy 2:1,2)
Below, please find the lists of the names of the members of the House and the Senate, for the 113th Session of the United States Congress. May we each be found faithful to cover each one (particularly those from our own states and districts) in continual prayer. Amen.
- To see the list of members in the House of Representatives, please go here.
- To see the list of members in the United States Senate, please go here.
- To view the legislative calendar for the House of Representatives, please go here.
At the White House
1. OBAMA, FEINSTEIN WILL PUSH FOR GUN CONTROL PLAN
President Obama went on Meet the Press Sunday and said he will put his "full weight" behind passing new restrictions on the Second Amendment in 2013. "I'm going to be putting forward a package and I'm going to be putting my full weight behind it," he said. "I'm going to be making an argument to the American people about why this is important and why we have to do everything we can to make sure that something like what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary does not happen again."
During the interview with David Gregory, Obama focused on "assault weapons" and high-capacity magazines. Second Amendment foes routinely describe semi-automatic weapons with cosmetic military features as assault weapons. "I've been very clear that an assault rifle ban, banning these high capacity clips, background checks, that there are a set of issues that I have historically supported and will continue to support," said Obama.
Obama stressed that he will push legislation within the first year of his second term. "I'd like to get it done in the first year," he said. "I will put forward a very specific proposal based on the recommendations that Joe Biden's task force is putting together as we speak. And so this is not something that I will be putting off." The president told NBC he believes "responsible gun owners" will agree to the recommendations put forward by vice president Biden's task force.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who promised to enact draconian anti-Second Amendment legislation following the Sandy Hook massacre, said on Sunday America needs to "bite the bullet" and restrict the gun rights of Americans. "America has to bite the bullet of what these incidents mean to our people, to our nation and our nation's standing in the world," Feinstein told Fox News Sunday. "When you have someone walking in and slaying in the most brutal way, 6-year-olds, something is really wrong." (Meet the Press; Infowars)
[Reported by Hebrew Nation News]
- Father in heaven, we pray that You will not let an evil speaker be established in the earth who would take away our right to own guns for our protection as responsible American citizens. God, block any and all new restrictions that would apply to the Second Amendment rights of the Constitution. We ask that legislators not be fooled by citing one incident and making a blanket law against all gun owners retaining a gun for their self-defense.
Father, when we weigh the numbers of those killed in these episodes of mass murder against the more than 50,000,000 killed since Roe v. Wade legalized abortion, we stand in horror. We trust You, O God, to balance the scales and implement new legislation against abortion that will save more lives than guns have taken. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
- "Keep us, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked: preserve us from the violent man: who have purposed to overthrow my goings. O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered our head in the day of battle." (Psalm 140:4,7)
2. "FISCAL CLIFF" POSTPONED TO MARCH
With a cocky President Obama no doubt grinning from ear-to-ear, federal lawmakers yesterday gave their blessing to legislation that boosts income tax rates and government spending while kicking many of the "fiscal cliff" issues down the road for several weeks. The $1.2 trillion in scheduled spending cuts -falling largely on the Pentagon- have now been officially postponed for two months. The next manufactured crisis comes March 1, the day the cuts will take effect unless Congress intervenes again to stop them. Putting off dire problems for another day is now becoming routine in Washington, D.C., commentator Jim Antle opined on Twitter. "We have reached the point where temporarily averting self-inflicted disasters at the last second is a political success." (FrontPage Mag) Read more. [Reported by Hebrew Nation News]
- Oh God, we plead for Your mercy regarding how the American people are being pulled under the bus while the government is getting highly intoxicated with the power of rule that their office affords them. Only our God can pull down that evil destructive power and we cry out for our nation to repent of sin and turn to our God of mercy for help. Maintain the cause of the afflicted and the rights of the poor, we pray. The deeds of the wicked are becoming darker and more evil. Break their tentacles from off America and block this tax increase by the blood of Jesus. In the Name of Jesus we pray.
- "Deliver us, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve us from the violent man; which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Keep us, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve us from the violent man; who devise ways to trip my feet." (Psalm 140:1-4)
3. OBAMA MOVING AMERICA TO FALL OFF "THE FREEDOM CLIFF"
With all attention focused on the so-called fiscal cliff, President Obama is moving America ever closer towards tumbling over the freedom cliff. As a writer for Salon Magazine put it, "liberals let Obama get away with unconstitutional actions." Here are just a few examples: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Right To Keep and Bear Arms, Separation of Powers.
We have a president who does not like the Constitution which he is sworn to uphold. In his words, the Constitution is a "document that reflects some deep flaws in American culture." It reflects, according to Obama, "the fundamental flaw of this country that continues to this day." (Front Page Magazine; edited) Read entire article here. [Reported by Hebrew Nation News]
- Lord God, we pray that You will take the Constitution in Your own hands to impede the forces of darkness who would hail its destruction. Break the pen that would rewrite another's version of our Constitution. Surround the wicked rulers of our nation with holy angels from heaven and close the doors that they want to open in order to make our Constitution extinct and rule with an arm of iron. Weaken the evil in our government. Strengthen godliness to rout out the enemy. Strip the unlimited, unaccountable power from the government, shadow government, and the imposing people from other nations. In Jesus Name
- "Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked devices; lest they exalt themselves. Let burning coals fall upon them. Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth." (Psalm 140:8,10,11)
4. OBAMA NOMINATES HAGEL FOR PENTAGON
President Obama on Monday nominated former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) to be the nation's next defense secretary despite warnings of a tough confirmation fight from some Senate Republicans. "Chuck Hagel is the leader that our troops deserve," Obama said from the White House. "He is an American patriot."
Obama also nominated his chief counterterrorism adviser John Brennan to direct the CIA, where he would succeed David Petraeus, who resigned in November after revelations of an affair.
The choice of Hagel, who opposed his party on the Iraq War as a senator, is likely to ignite a raucous confirmation battle because several Democratic interest groups and prominent Republicans have voiced strong opposition since Hagel's vetting for the job was reported five weeks ago.
Hagel's past comments . . . have stirred anger among some in the Jewish community and other Israel backers. Advocates for Israel have a variety of policy disagreements with Hagel, but one of their biggest concerns may be his frank and unflattering public assessments of their work and role in Washington. "The political reality is . . . that the Jewish lobby intimidates a lot of people up here," Hagel told former Mideast peace negotiator Aaron David Miller in a 2006 interview. "I have always argued against some of the dumb things they do because I don't think it's in the interest of Israel. I just don't think it's smart for Israel."
Former New York Mayor Ed Koch said Hagel would be "a terrible appointment" in an interview published with the Algemeiner, a website covering Jewish and Israel news. "Such an appointment would give great comfort to the Arab world that would think that President Obama is seeking to put space between Israel and his administration," Koch said. (The Hill) Read more.
- Lord God in heaven, we pray the evil powers working in Chuck Hagel to incite hatred against the Jewish people and the nation of Israel be bound and broken by the blood of Jesus. Thrust forth Your hand of power and resist this evil spirit that hates Israel. Let his words be jumbled and without effect. We ask You to forgive Senator Hagel and to save his soul. Deal with him in the midnight hours. Convict his spirit not to speak out against the Jewish people. Deal mightily with all those in office who hate Israel and cast them out to no longer be in power. In the mighty Name of Jesus we pray.
- "Keep us from the snares which they have laid for us, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall in their own nets, whilst that we withal escape." (Psalm 141:9-10)
5. OBAMA REJECTS CONSCIENCE PROTECTIONS FOR MILITARY CHAPLAINS
President Obama issued a statement Wednesday rejecting several provisions of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including a conscience protection for military chaplains that he called "ill-advised". "Section 533 is an unnecessary and ill-advised provision, as the military already appropriately protects the freedom of conscience of chaplains and service members," he said in his signing statement.
Obama made clear that his administration would remain unmoved by the NDAA's conscience provision, stating that the Department of Defense would continue to implement the repeal of the military's ban on homosexual service members. "My Administration remains fully committed to continuing the successful implementation of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and to protecting the rights of gay and lesbian service members; Section 533 will not alter that."
Section 533 of the NDAA provides legal protections for military chaplains, barring the Defense Department from forcing them to perform services which violate their moral or religious beliefs. "No member of the Armed Forces may -- (1) require a chaplain to perform any rite, ritual, or ceremony that is contrary to the conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs of the chaplain; or (2) discriminate or take any adverse personnel action against a chaplain, including denial of promotion, schooling, training, or assignment, on the basis of the refusal by the chaplain to comply with a requirement prohibited by paragraph," the section reads.
Advocates had feared that the military might begin forcing chaplains to perform marriage or civil commitment ceremonies for homosexual service members or civilians in states where such ceremonies are legal - ceremonies which could run afoul of the religious beliefs of those chaplains. President Obama signed the NDAA into law Wednesday, and while he does not have the power to veto particular sections of a bill - known as a line-item veto - he can issue such signing statements indicating how his administration will interpret its duty to enforce the laws he is signing. (CNSNews) Read more.
- God in heaven, relieve the military Chaplains from being forced to go against the moral code and ethics code of the Bible that Christians live by. These codes restrict those in Christian leadership from mixing evil with good, and they live above the sinful acts and lifestyles of the worldly who do not accept Christ as their eternal Savior. Protect the Chaplains from the possible imposed chains of darkness from this administration to force them into immorality. Send the Holy Spirit into every area of the military and draw out the souls of men to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus and take a decisive stand of loyalty to the God of the universe. In Jesus' Name.
- "Cause them to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning; for in You do they trust; cause them to know the way wherein they should walk; for they lift up their soul unto God. Deliver them, O Lord, from their enemies: they will flee unto You to hide them. Teach them to do Your will; for You are their God: Your Spirit is good; lead them into the land of uprightness." (Psalm 143:8-10)
6. PRESIDENT PLANS INAUGURAL PRAYER SERVICE
President Barack Obama is planning an inaugural prayer service at the National Cathedral the morning after he takes the oath of office.
An inaugural service has been a tradition for most modern presidencies. Obama plans to hold his on Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. That's according to people involved in the planning speaking on a condition of anonymity without authorization to discuss the event ahead of its official announcement. (Intercessors for America)
- Pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be honored and that any prayers given will be presented before His throne of grace, pray that the false gods of Moslems, Buddhists, Hindus, and countless others will not be given place.
- "No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons." (1 Corinthians 10:20)
Note: This is a private, ticketed-only service.
7. MEDIA FEARS OBAMA PRIVATE SWEARING IN
The White House Correspondents Association is strongly urging the Obama administration to allow press access to the president's official swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20, following indications from inauguration committee officials that the event could potentially be closed to the press.
"Mindful of the historic nature of this occasion, we expect the White House will continue the long tradition of opening the President's official swearing-in to full press access, and we as an organization are looking forward to working with the administration to make that happen," Ed Henry, the Fox News correspondent and president of the White House Correspondents Association, said in a statement.
Because inauguration day falls on a Sunday in 2013, Chief Justice John Roberts will officially administer the official oath of office in a private ceremony that day. The public inauguration on the Capitol Building's West Front - at which Roberts will administer a second, symbolic oath of office - will take place the next day. (Politico) Read more.
- Father, we thank You that the press corps is alert to the fact that the official swearing in ceremony is to be closed to the press and the public. Since this administration has done so much away from public view, we bind up all secret actions at this time and declare that nothing harmful to our country will occur during the inauguration. Lord, we look to you to hinder all actions that are unconstitutional, and as we stand in repentance before You . . . to also protect our people. In Your Name, amen.
- "Yet they say, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it." (Psalm 94:7)
8. OBAMA'S SECOND INAUGURATION: NOT AS BIG A DEAL AS BEFORE
The thrill is back for many Americans as President Obama's second inauguration approaches - though maybe a bit less intense. This inauguration's celebration will be shorter, and almost certainly smaller and less expensive, than the gala that drew nearly 2 million people to witness the first time an African American president took the oath of office. There will be no massive rock concert on the Mall, as there was last time, and there will be only two official evening balls, including one dedicated to military personnel, instead of 10. Even the massive security cordon, which seemed to shut down most of downtown Washington four years ago, will be relatively modest.
Four years ago, inauguration planners initially braced for as many as 4 million people. An estimated 1.8 million people attended, making it the largest event ever in Washington. Elliott Ferguson, president of Destination DC, a nonprofit group that promotes District tourism, said his organization is working on an estimate of 800,000 visitors this time . . .
On Sunday, the president will take the oath in a private ceremony; on Monday, he will repeat it in public. Roberts will give the oath to the president both times. Vice President Biden will receive the oath from Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic appointed to the high court. This will be the fifth time that a president takes the oath in private and repeats the process in public because of a quirk in the calendar, said Beth Hahn, historical editor in the U.S. Senate Historical Office. Four presidents - Ronald Reagan, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Woodrow Wilson and Rutherford B. Hayes - took the oath in private and then again in public because the constitutionally mandated date for the oath fell on a Sunday, a tradition grounded in the desire to honor Sunday as the sabbath. (Washington Post) Read more.
- Please pray for the safety and the security of anyone and everyone who will be in Washington, D.C. on Monday, January 21st, for this event. Thank you.
- " . . . if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned." (Jer. 18:8)
9. JANUARY 16 IS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY
Each year, the President declares January 16th to be Religious Freedom Day, and calls upon Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship." The day is the anniversary of the passage, in 1786, of the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom. We encourage schools to recognize Religious Freedom Day during the school week leading up to January 16.
The goal of ReligiousFreedomDay.com is to promote and protect students' religious expression rights by informing educators, parents, and students about these liberties. To learn more, go here.
- Pray that this president will uphold this tradition in accordance with the true intent of its founders.
- "Instead, let your message be 'Yes' for 'Yes' and 'No' for 'No.' Anything more than that comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)
In the Courts
1. HOBBY LOBBY DEFIES OBAMA ADMIN. WITH CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Over the Christmas break, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor denied Hobby Lobby an injunction to prevent the HHS from forcing a private corporation to provide insurance coverage for free contraceptives, including abortifacient drugs, to its employees, against the religious convictions of its owners. David Green, CEO and founder, is a Christian dedicated to operating his family business upon biblical principles. Ardently pro-life, Green sued HHS, but after losing at the federal appeals court level, sought an injunction from the U.S. Supreme Court to prevent HHS from enforcing the mandate beginning January 1, 2013. The Green family has said it will not violate its biblical convictions even if it must pay a $1.3 million fine for each day it fails to comply. Forty groups have sued HHS, objecting to the mandate on grounds of religious liberty. Green has laid his faith on the line, willing to give up the multi-million dollar business he has built over 43 years. On December 28th, another federal appeals court ruled that HHS violated K & L Contractors' right to religious liberty by imposing the mandate. The U.S. Supreme Court will likely take up these cases this year. Many Christians will face similar decisions in the days ahead. (FRC)
Now that Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has denied Hobby Lobby's application for an emergency injunction protecting them from Obamacare's HHS Mandate on abortion and birth control, Hobby Lobby has decided to defy the federal government to remain true to their religious beliefs, at enormous risk and financial cost. (Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation)
- Pray for the Green family and Hobby Lobby, that they will be rewarded for their steadfast faith and courage. May millions of Americans follow their example and may our Supreme Court rule firmly against Obamacare, the HHS mandate and every effort to force Americans to violate their faith and conscience.
- "Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, 'My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.'" (Acts 23:1)
2. 100 CHALLENGES TO HHS MANDATE: AN UPDATE
Court rulings in recent weeks continued to cast confusion on the future of the mandate issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that will force many Americans to abandon their religious beliefs. The mandate requires most employers to sponsor employee health plans that that cover abortion-inducing drugs, sterilization, and contraceptives-despite the fact that these services directly violate many employers' religious beliefs.
Although the mandate contains a narrow exemption for churches, many religious hospitals, charities, and schools must comply or face significant fines. In addition, private companies owned by people of faith have no relief whatsoever. If they choose to operate their businesses in accordance with their faith, many will face crippling fines.
More than 100 plaintiffs have filed religious liberty lawsuits challenging the HHS mandate. You can track them all here. (Becket Fund)
-Dear Lord, we cry out to You concerning this forced violation of Christian morals under the guise of supposedly doing a good thing by providing health insurance for all. Lord, we ask that You would cause those in authority to change their hearts concerning this unconscionable law. In the name of Jesus, we declare this law null and void. Amen.
- "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and to think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until time and times and the dividing of time." (Daniel 7:25)
3. OBAMA STRUGGLES TO NOMINATE, CONFIRM FEDERAL JUDGES
The president has been slow to nominate judges and Senate Republicans even slower to confirm them. Obama has had fewer judges confirmed than any first-term president in a quarter of a century.
In September 2005, John G. Roberts Jr., a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, moved up a few blocks onto Capitol Hill to become chief justice of the United States. His seat on the appeals court has remained unfilled ever since. The vacant seat symbolizes the problems that President Obama had in his first term in quickly nominating judges and winning even routine confirmations in the face of a determined Republican minority. He has had fewer judges confirmed than any first-term president in a quarter of a century, and he is the first chief executive unable to appoint anyone to the powerful D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, which decides challenges to federal regulations.
Though the Constitution says judges are to be approved on a majority vote, the Republican minority used the Senate's 60-vote filibuster rule to slow or block confirmation of Obama's nominees. Obama said he was "deeply disappointed" at "the Republican pattern of obstructionism." But the filibuster was not invented by the Republicans. . . (LA Times) Read more.
- Offer a chorus of praise that the conservatives in the U.S. Senate have, indeed, been holding the line on approving these nominations, most of which fall way short of the litmus test of judicial standards. Ask our Lord to move upon the heart of Barack Hussein Obama in his second term of office, that he would use greater wisdom in his selection of these judicial nominees. Amen.
- "But select capable men from all the people--men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain--and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens." (Exodus 18:21)
March for Life:
40 YEARS SINCE THE RULING ON ROE V. WADE
This year the March for LIfe will be held on Friday, January 25. Please mark your calendars now, and begin to intercede over this event, which will mark 40 YEARS since Roe v. Wade made abortion legal in our nation.
CHPP will have much more news about the March for Life in upcoming issues. Thank you!
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LIGHT OF ISRAEL
(Or Yis-rah-el)
"The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame . . ." (Isa. 10:17)
You are the Light of Israel and the Light of the world. You set the heavens in orbit. You chose Jerusalem as Your Holy city. Light of Israel, shine forth! Shine Your light into our darkness, O Light of Israel!
(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)
About Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP)
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP) welcomes all who wish to join us in prayer for our governmental leaders, and for Israel, asking that "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
We publish "On Capitol Hill This Week," every week that Congress is in session; and we now publish a Daily Brief all other weekdays, as well.
You can learn more about the work of CHPP, including its mission statement and how to subscribe others to join our network, by going here.
Bless you!
A Clarification from the DAR
[Editor's note: Last week we published a prayer for the DAR, in light of Fox News reporting their deletion of the Name of Jesus from their protocol. Below please find a copy of the letter, written by the DAR to its membership, clarifying their position. Thank you.]
Dear Members,
NSDAR is disappointed to learn that false and incorrect information has recently been circulated regarding the 2011 edition of the DAR Ritual and Missal and the use of the name Jesus Christ in prayers and other ceremonial events of the National Society. The purpose of this message is to clarify NSDAR's position on the matter for anyone who has not previously viewed the blogs written by President General Merry Ann T. Wright.
First, the question was posed by a national media group that if the motto of DAR is God, Home and Country, then " . . . why is DAR taking out references to God. . ." in its printed material. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, as currently written, the 113 page Ritual and Missal contains over 300 references to "Almighty God," "Great God our King" (America hymn), "Our Heavenly Father," "Heavenly Father," "God of Hosts," "God," "Lord," "Eternal God," "Your Holy Spirit," "Lord your God," "Gracious Lord," "Almighty and Everlasting God," "Gracious Father," and similar variations.
Second, the allegation has been leveled that Chaplains and others have been told not to pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Again, this is an absolute falsehood. Each Chaplain and other officers are strongly encouraged to create their own prayers into which they may insert the name of Jesus Christ as deemed appropriate for the occasion and the audience. This is what the President General wrote in her blog of April 10, 2012 when questions about the change to the Ritual and Missal first arose.
Read the entire letter by going here.
As I am not a member of the DAR, I respectfully request that you address any other concerns directly to their office, cited in the link above. Thank you!
Sara Ballenger
CHPP
Iran Update: Pastor Yousef Released after Brief Re-Imprisonment
Dear Friends,
Some of you may be aware that Pastor Yousef was arrested on Christmas Day, and has been held in prison since then. While the Iranian Government claimed that Pastor Yousef was serving the remainder of his three year sentence, the timing of the arrest suggests that it was meant to intimidate the local Christians. In hopes that the government of Iran would keep their word, we chose not to publicize this information. However, we are delighted to now be able to tell you that the Iranian government released Pastor Yousef earlier today and he is once again able to return home. You can find more details at the press release from our friends at Middle East Concern.
Meanwhile, Reverend Vruir Avanessian who was also arrested this Christmas remains in prison and there are serious concerns for his health. Rev. Avenessian is an elderly man requiring dialysis three times a week. As far as we know, since his arrest Rev. Avenessian has been taken to the hospital only once. Please pray that the Iranian government will release this man or at least permit him to receive necessary medical care.
Please also remain in prayer for pastors like Farshid Fathi, Saeed Abedini, Behnam Irani, ordinary churchgoers like Behzad and Mohammed-Reza, as well as the many other Christians in Iran who are in prison for their faith.
In HIS Grace and Peace
Ann Buwalda
Jubilee Campaign USA
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LIGHT OF ISRAEL
(Or Yis-rah-el)
"The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame . . ." (Isa. 10:17)
You are the Light of Israel and the Light of the world. You set the heavens in orbit. You chose Jerusalem as Your Holy city. Light of Israel, shine forth! Shine Your light into our darkness, O Light of Israel!
(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)
- FRESHMAN LAWMAKERS BEGIN DAY WITH PRAYER
- BOEHNER RETURNS AS SPEAKER BY THREE VOTES
- SPEAKER BOEHNER'S OPENING ADDRESS: A CALL TO SERVE
- NON-BELIEVERS ON RISE IN CONGRESS
- MEET THE MODERN FACE OF CONGRESS
- BILL INTRODUCED TO ABOLISH PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS
- PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR NEW CONGRESS
1. FRESHMAN LAWMAKERS BEGIN DAY WITH PRAYER
- [Note: this article was posted on Thursday, Jan. 3, by CBN News. The Bipartisan Congressional Prayer Service was actually held last week.]
As the new 113th Congress comes to Washington, many of them will start the day in prayer at a bipartisan gathering. House Chaplain Father Patrick Conroy will officiate. The service includes passages from the Old and New Testaments and a reading from the Koran.
The chaplain told CBN News his message will remind lawmakers they are called to be servants. "Being a member of Congress and perhaps being a person of faith is about understanding oneself as a servant, not as a politician or not as a person with power and authority," Conroy said.
- As one who was present at this service, I can attest to the strong presence of the Lord in this sanctuary. What a blessing it is to know that this Congress has put "first things first," in a very private manner, before beginning their term of office. Ask that the blessing of the Father remain upon this session of Congress and that this would be a "new day" on Capitol Hill. Amen. (Submitted by Sara Ballenger)
- "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Matthew 21:22)
To view a list of all new members of Congress, go here.
2. BOEHNER RETURNS AS SPEAKER BY THREE VOTES
Conservatives rebel against Boehner
House Speaker John A. Boehner narrowly survived his re-election battle on Thursday as the 113th Congress convened at the Capitol amid calls for cooperation on the same issues that left lawmakers gridlocked over the past two years. Conservative opposition to John Boehner's reelection as speaker on Thursday was more determined than it originally seemed, as a small band of hard-liners either flat-out opposed the speaker or simply abstained from casting a ballot.
But the drama playing out among House Republicans during the last 48 hours was a rebuke of Boehner's leadership - and one that matters in both substance and style. A small, but extraordinarily vocal group of conservatives sent Boehner a message: We don't trust you.
Boehner allies write off the near-miss as sour grapes from lawmakers who have long opposed the Ohio Republican. Boehner is speaker for the 113th Congress, they noted. But the numbers do matter. Boehner now faces significant restiveness in his ranks over taxes, spending, borrowing, messaging and his hands-off leadership style. (Washington Times, POLITICO) Read more.
- Pray for a healing within the ranks of the Republican membership of the House of Representatives. It is time to move forward as "one man" and one voice in the Halls of Congress for the conservative agenda. Pray!
- "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (I Peter 3:12)
3. SPEAKER BOEHNER'S OPENING ADDRESS: A CALL TO SERVE
In the House, Republicans and Democrats issued a call to focus on civility, even as they try to tackle big issues.
"If you have come here to see your name in lights or to pass off political victory as accomplishment, you have come to the wrong place. The door is right behind you," Mr. Boehner said after winning the speaker's gavel for the second time. "If you have come here humbled by the opportunity to serve, if you have come here to be the determined voice of the people, if you have come here to carry the standard of leadership demanded not just by our constituents but by the times, then you have come to the right place."
He reconvened the House at noon, just minutes after the 112th Congress officially gaveled to a close, shutting the door on two years that set records for legislative futility. (POLITICO)
To view the House Speaker's Opening Address, go here.
- Now that the arguments over this nomination are over, and John Boehner has been again installed as the Speaker of the House, we commit ourselves to honor him and to lift him up in prayer. Thank the Lord that, as this Speaker seeks Him, He will guide him in the way he should go. Amen.
- "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (I Timothy 2:1,2)
4. NON-BELIEVERS ON RISE IN CONGRESS
The number of members of Congress who don't identify with any particular religion is on the rise, according to an analysis by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. In the 96th Congress (1979-80), not a single member of the House or Senate said they didn't belong to any particular faith, didn't know or refused to disclose their religion. But in the new 113th Congress, 10 members fall under that category. . .
From Pew's fascinating report on the religious composition of the 113th Congress:
About one-in-five U.S. adults describe themselves as atheist, agnostic or "nothing in particular" - a group sometimes collectively called the "nones." But only one member of the new Congress, Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), is religiously unaffiliated, according to information gathered by CQ Roll Call. Sinema is the first member of Congress to publicly describe her religion as "none," though 10 other members of the 113th Congress (about 2%) do not specify a religious affiliation, up from six members (about 1%) of the previous Congress. This is about the same as the percentage of U.S. adults in Pew Research Center surveys who say that they don't know, or refuse to specify, their faith (about 2%).
The numbers here caught my eye, not because of the disparity between non-believers in the general population and in Congress, but because I was surprised so many members actually admitted to it. . . (By Charles Mahtesian, POLITICO) Read more.
-Precious Lord, we pray for all the members of Congress to honor and acknowledge You as Lord of their lives since this was the expectation of the Founders of our country. As legislating is such a serious business, we pray that all will seek You and Your wisdom concerning those laws to be voted upon.
- "Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" (Isaiah 5:21)
5. MEET THE MODERN FACE OF CONGRESS
[Editor's note: The headlines and bylines from the text of this report really tell the whole story. There is nothing more to be said here. ]
On Thursday, January 3, when the 113th Session of Congress was sworn into office, the membership included the following:
- A bisexual, a Buddhist, a Hindu, two female combat veterans and a record 20 women senators
- Six LBGT members in Congress and first ever gay senator, Tammy Baldwin
- The first ever openly bisexual congresswoman, Kyrsten Sinema (Daily Mail UK)
Read more.
- If this 113th Session of Congress does, indeed, show a "snapshot:" of modern America, we should all be on our faces, in repentance. As a nation, we have truly lost our way . . . God, in His mercy and love, may soon give us a wake-up call - a "jolt" back to reality. May we each be ready when that happens. Amen.
- Thank You that as we genuinely repent, You extend Your mercy and pardon. Please lead us to an understanding of how far we have strayed as a nation. We humbly and sincerely ask for Your forgiveness and restoration.
- "From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3:7)
6. BILL INTRODUCED TO ABOLISH PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS
Democratic New York Rep. Jose Serrano reintroduced a bill in Congress Friday to repeal the 22nd Amendment, which places term limits on the U.S. presidency.
The bill, which has been referred to committee, would allow Barack President Obama to become the first president since Franklin Roosevelt to seek a third term in office.
H.J. Res. 15 proposes "an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the twenty-second article of amendment, thereby removing the limitation on the number of terms an individual may serve as President."
The bill is a reintroduction of H.J. Res. 17, which Serrano introduced in Congress in January 2011. It was referred to the House judiciary committee, but did not make it to a floor vote. (The Daily Caller) Read more.
- Father we take authority over this bill in the Name of Jesus Christ, and bind it. We firmly stand against this obviously demonic plan, declaring that no weapon formed against us shall prosper.
- "Behold I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19)
7. PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR NEW CONGRESS
In His Word, our Lord exhorts us to lift up our leaders in daily prayer. It is written:
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (I Timothy 2:1,2)
Below, please find the lists of the names of the members of the House and the Senate, for the 113th Session of the United States Congress. May we each be found faithful to cover each one (particularly those from our own states and districts) in continual prayer. Amen.
- To see the list of members in the House of Representatives, please go here.
- To see the list of members in the United States Senate, please go here.
- To view the legislative calendar for the House of Representatives, please go here.
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At the White House
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At the White House
- OBAMA, FEINSTEIN WILL PUSH FOR GUN CONTROL PLAN
- "FISCAL CLIFF" POSTPONED TO MARCH
- OBAMA MOVING AMERICA TO FALL OFF "THE FREEDOM CLIFF"
- OBAMA NOMINATES HAGEL FOR PENTAGON
- OBAMA REJECTS CONSCIENCE PROTECTIONS FOR MILITARY CHAPLAINS
- PRESIDENT PLANS INAUGURAL PRAYER SERVICE
- MEDIA FEARS OBAMA PRIVATE SWEARING IN
- OBAMA'S SECOND INAUGURATION: NOT AS BIG A DEAL AS BEFORE
- JANUARY 16 IS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY
1. OBAMA, FEINSTEIN WILL PUSH FOR GUN CONTROL PLAN
President Obama went on Meet the Press Sunday and said he will put his "full weight" behind passing new restrictions on the Second Amendment in 2013. "I'm going to be putting forward a package and I'm going to be putting my full weight behind it," he said. "I'm going to be making an argument to the American people about why this is important and why we have to do everything we can to make sure that something like what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary does not happen again."
During the interview with David Gregory, Obama focused on "assault weapons" and high-capacity magazines. Second Amendment foes routinely describe semi-automatic weapons with cosmetic military features as assault weapons. "I've been very clear that an assault rifle ban, banning these high capacity clips, background checks, that there are a set of issues that I have historically supported and will continue to support," said Obama.
Obama stressed that he will push legislation within the first year of his second term. "I'd like to get it done in the first year," he said. "I will put forward a very specific proposal based on the recommendations that Joe Biden's task force is putting together as we speak. And so this is not something that I will be putting off." The president told NBC he believes "responsible gun owners" will agree to the recommendations put forward by vice president Biden's task force.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who promised to enact draconian anti-Second Amendment legislation following the Sandy Hook massacre, said on Sunday America needs to "bite the bullet" and restrict the gun rights of Americans. "America has to bite the bullet of what these incidents mean to our people, to our nation and our nation's standing in the world," Feinstein told Fox News Sunday. "When you have someone walking in and slaying in the most brutal way, 6-year-olds, something is really wrong." (Meet the Press; Infowars)
[Reported by Hebrew Nation News]
- Father in heaven, we pray that You will not let an evil speaker be established in the earth who would take away our right to own guns for our protection as responsible American citizens. God, block any and all new restrictions that would apply to the Second Amendment rights of the Constitution. We ask that legislators not be fooled by citing one incident and making a blanket law against all gun owners retaining a gun for their self-defense.
Father, when we weigh the numbers of those killed in these episodes of mass murder against the more than 50,000,000 killed since Roe v. Wade legalized abortion, we stand in horror. We trust You, O God, to balance the scales and implement new legislation against abortion that will save more lives than guns have taken. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
- "Keep us, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked: preserve us from the violent man: who have purposed to overthrow my goings. O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered our head in the day of battle." (Psalm 140:4,7)
2. "FISCAL CLIFF" POSTPONED TO MARCH
With a cocky President Obama no doubt grinning from ear-to-ear, federal lawmakers yesterday gave their blessing to legislation that boosts income tax rates and government spending while kicking many of the "fiscal cliff" issues down the road for several weeks. The $1.2 trillion in scheduled spending cuts -falling largely on the Pentagon- have now been officially postponed for two months. The next manufactured crisis comes March 1, the day the cuts will take effect unless Congress intervenes again to stop them. Putting off dire problems for another day is now becoming routine in Washington, D.C., commentator Jim Antle opined on Twitter. "We have reached the point where temporarily averting self-inflicted disasters at the last second is a political success." (FrontPage Mag) Read more. [Reported by Hebrew Nation News]
- Oh God, we plead for Your mercy regarding how the American people are being pulled under the bus while the government is getting highly intoxicated with the power of rule that their office affords them. Only our God can pull down that evil destructive power and we cry out for our nation to repent of sin and turn to our God of mercy for help. Maintain the cause of the afflicted and the rights of the poor, we pray. The deeds of the wicked are becoming darker and more evil. Break their tentacles from off America and block this tax increase by the blood of Jesus. In the Name of Jesus we pray.
- "Deliver us, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve us from the violent man; which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Keep us, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve us from the violent man; who devise ways to trip my feet." (Psalm 140:1-4)
3. OBAMA MOVING AMERICA TO FALL OFF "THE FREEDOM CLIFF"
With all attention focused on the so-called fiscal cliff, President Obama is moving America ever closer towards tumbling over the freedom cliff. As a writer for Salon Magazine put it, "liberals let Obama get away with unconstitutional actions." Here are just a few examples: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Right To Keep and Bear Arms, Separation of Powers.
We have a president who does not like the Constitution which he is sworn to uphold. In his words, the Constitution is a "document that reflects some deep flaws in American culture." It reflects, according to Obama, "the fundamental flaw of this country that continues to this day." (Front Page Magazine; edited) Read entire article here. [Reported by Hebrew Nation News]
- Lord God, we pray that You will take the Constitution in Your own hands to impede the forces of darkness who would hail its destruction. Break the pen that would rewrite another's version of our Constitution. Surround the wicked rulers of our nation with holy angels from heaven and close the doors that they want to open in order to make our Constitution extinct and rule with an arm of iron. Weaken the evil in our government. Strengthen godliness to rout out the enemy. Strip the unlimited, unaccountable power from the government, shadow government, and the imposing people from other nations. In Jesus Name
- "Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked devices; lest they exalt themselves. Let burning coals fall upon them. Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth." (Psalm 140:8,10,11)
4. OBAMA NOMINATES HAGEL FOR PENTAGON
President Obama on Monday nominated former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) to be the nation's next defense secretary despite warnings of a tough confirmation fight from some Senate Republicans. "Chuck Hagel is the leader that our troops deserve," Obama said from the White House. "He is an American patriot."
Obama also nominated his chief counterterrorism adviser John Brennan to direct the CIA, where he would succeed David Petraeus, who resigned in November after revelations of an affair.
The choice of Hagel, who opposed his party on the Iraq War as a senator, is likely to ignite a raucous confirmation battle because several Democratic interest groups and prominent Republicans have voiced strong opposition since Hagel's vetting for the job was reported five weeks ago.
Hagel's past comments . . . have stirred anger among some in the Jewish community and other Israel backers. Advocates for Israel have a variety of policy disagreements with Hagel, but one of their biggest concerns may be his frank and unflattering public assessments of their work and role in Washington. "The political reality is . . . that the Jewish lobby intimidates a lot of people up here," Hagel told former Mideast peace negotiator Aaron David Miller in a 2006 interview. "I have always argued against some of the dumb things they do because I don't think it's in the interest of Israel. I just don't think it's smart for Israel."
Former New York Mayor Ed Koch said Hagel would be "a terrible appointment" in an interview published with the Algemeiner, a website covering Jewish and Israel news. "Such an appointment would give great comfort to the Arab world that would think that President Obama is seeking to put space between Israel and his administration," Koch said. (The Hill) Read more.
- Lord God in heaven, we pray the evil powers working in Chuck Hagel to incite hatred against the Jewish people and the nation of Israel be bound and broken by the blood of Jesus. Thrust forth Your hand of power and resist this evil spirit that hates Israel. Let his words be jumbled and without effect. We ask You to forgive Senator Hagel and to save his soul. Deal with him in the midnight hours. Convict his spirit not to speak out against the Jewish people. Deal mightily with all those in office who hate Israel and cast them out to no longer be in power. In the mighty Name of Jesus we pray.
- "Keep us from the snares which they have laid for us, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall in their own nets, whilst that we withal escape." (Psalm 141:9-10)
5. OBAMA REJECTS CONSCIENCE PROTECTIONS FOR MILITARY CHAPLAINS
President Obama issued a statement Wednesday rejecting several provisions of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including a conscience protection for military chaplains that he called "ill-advised". "Section 533 is an unnecessary and ill-advised provision, as the military already appropriately protects the freedom of conscience of chaplains and service members," he said in his signing statement.
Obama made clear that his administration would remain unmoved by the NDAA's conscience provision, stating that the Department of Defense would continue to implement the repeal of the military's ban on homosexual service members. "My Administration remains fully committed to continuing the successful implementation of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and to protecting the rights of gay and lesbian service members; Section 533 will not alter that."
Section 533 of the NDAA provides legal protections for military chaplains, barring the Defense Department from forcing them to perform services which violate their moral or religious beliefs. "No member of the Armed Forces may -- (1) require a chaplain to perform any rite, ritual, or ceremony that is contrary to the conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs of the chaplain; or (2) discriminate or take any adverse personnel action against a chaplain, including denial of promotion, schooling, training, or assignment, on the basis of the refusal by the chaplain to comply with a requirement prohibited by paragraph," the section reads.
Advocates had feared that the military might begin forcing chaplains to perform marriage or civil commitment ceremonies for homosexual service members or civilians in states where such ceremonies are legal - ceremonies which could run afoul of the religious beliefs of those chaplains. President Obama signed the NDAA into law Wednesday, and while he does not have the power to veto particular sections of a bill - known as a line-item veto - he can issue such signing statements indicating how his administration will interpret its duty to enforce the laws he is signing. (CNSNews) Read more.
- God in heaven, relieve the military Chaplains from being forced to go against the moral code and ethics code of the Bible that Christians live by. These codes restrict those in Christian leadership from mixing evil with good, and they live above the sinful acts and lifestyles of the worldly who do not accept Christ as their eternal Savior. Protect the Chaplains from the possible imposed chains of darkness from this administration to force them into immorality. Send the Holy Spirit into every area of the military and draw out the souls of men to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus and take a decisive stand of loyalty to the God of the universe. In Jesus' Name.
- "Cause them to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning; for in You do they trust; cause them to know the way wherein they should walk; for they lift up their soul unto God. Deliver them, O Lord, from their enemies: they will flee unto You to hide them. Teach them to do Your will; for You are their God: Your Spirit is good; lead them into the land of uprightness." (Psalm 143:8-10)
6. PRESIDENT PLANS INAUGURAL PRAYER SERVICE
President Barack Obama is planning an inaugural prayer service at the National Cathedral the morning after he takes the oath of office.
An inaugural service has been a tradition for most modern presidencies. Obama plans to hold his on Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. That's according to people involved in the planning speaking on a condition of anonymity without authorization to discuss the event ahead of its official announcement. (Intercessors for America)
- Pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be honored and that any prayers given will be presented before His throne of grace, pray that the false gods of Moslems, Buddhists, Hindus, and countless others will not be given place.
- "No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons." (1 Corinthians 10:20)
Note: This is a private, ticketed-only service.
7. MEDIA FEARS OBAMA PRIVATE SWEARING IN
The White House Correspondents Association is strongly urging the Obama administration to allow press access to the president's official swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20, following indications from inauguration committee officials that the event could potentially be closed to the press.
"Mindful of the historic nature of this occasion, we expect the White House will continue the long tradition of opening the President's official swearing-in to full press access, and we as an organization are looking forward to working with the administration to make that happen," Ed Henry, the Fox News correspondent and president of the White House Correspondents Association, said in a statement.
Because inauguration day falls on a Sunday in 2013, Chief Justice John Roberts will officially administer the official oath of office in a private ceremony that day. The public inauguration on the Capitol Building's West Front - at which Roberts will administer a second, symbolic oath of office - will take place the next day. (Politico) Read more.
- Father, we thank You that the press corps is alert to the fact that the official swearing in ceremony is to be closed to the press and the public. Since this administration has done so much away from public view, we bind up all secret actions at this time and declare that nothing harmful to our country will occur during the inauguration. Lord, we look to you to hinder all actions that are unconstitutional, and as we stand in repentance before You . . . to also protect our people. In Your Name, amen.
- "Yet they say, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it." (Psalm 94:7)
8. OBAMA'S SECOND INAUGURATION: NOT AS BIG A DEAL AS BEFORE
The thrill is back for many Americans as President Obama's second inauguration approaches - though maybe a bit less intense. This inauguration's celebration will be shorter, and almost certainly smaller and less expensive, than the gala that drew nearly 2 million people to witness the first time an African American president took the oath of office. There will be no massive rock concert on the Mall, as there was last time, and there will be only two official evening balls, including one dedicated to military personnel, instead of 10. Even the massive security cordon, which seemed to shut down most of downtown Washington four years ago, will be relatively modest.
Four years ago, inauguration planners initially braced for as many as 4 million people. An estimated 1.8 million people attended, making it the largest event ever in Washington. Elliott Ferguson, president of Destination DC, a nonprofit group that promotes District tourism, said his organization is working on an estimate of 800,000 visitors this time . . .
On Sunday, the president will take the oath in a private ceremony; on Monday, he will repeat it in public. Roberts will give the oath to the president both times. Vice President Biden will receive the oath from Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic appointed to the high court. This will be the fifth time that a president takes the oath in private and repeats the process in public because of a quirk in the calendar, said Beth Hahn, historical editor in the U.S. Senate Historical Office. Four presidents - Ronald Reagan, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Woodrow Wilson and Rutherford B. Hayes - took the oath in private and then again in public because the constitutionally mandated date for the oath fell on a Sunday, a tradition grounded in the desire to honor Sunday as the sabbath. (Washington Post) Read more.
- Please pray for the safety and the security of anyone and everyone who will be in Washington, D.C. on Monday, January 21st, for this event. Thank you.
- " . . . if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned." (Jer. 18:8)
9. JANUARY 16 IS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY
Each year, the President declares January 16th to be Religious Freedom Day, and calls upon Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship." The day is the anniversary of the passage, in 1786, of the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom. We encourage schools to recognize Religious Freedom Day during the school week leading up to January 16.
The goal of ReligiousFreedomDay.com is to promote and protect students' religious expression rights by informing educators, parents, and students about these liberties. To learn more, go here.
- Pray that this president will uphold this tradition in accordance with the true intent of its founders.
- "Instead, let your message be 'Yes' for 'Yes' and 'No' for 'No.' Anything more than that comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)
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In the Courts
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In the Courts
- HOBBY LOBBY DEFIES OBAMA ADMIN. FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
- 100 CHALLENGES TO HHS MANDATE: AN UPDATE
- OBAMA STRUGGLES TO NOMINATE, CONFIRM FEDERAL JUDGES
1. HOBBY LOBBY DEFIES OBAMA ADMIN. WITH CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Over the Christmas break, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor denied Hobby Lobby an injunction to prevent the HHS from forcing a private corporation to provide insurance coverage for free contraceptives, including abortifacient drugs, to its employees, against the religious convictions of its owners. David Green, CEO and founder, is a Christian dedicated to operating his family business upon biblical principles. Ardently pro-life, Green sued HHS, but after losing at the federal appeals court level, sought an injunction from the U.S. Supreme Court to prevent HHS from enforcing the mandate beginning January 1, 2013. The Green family has said it will not violate its biblical convictions even if it must pay a $1.3 million fine for each day it fails to comply. Forty groups have sued HHS, objecting to the mandate on grounds of religious liberty. Green has laid his faith on the line, willing to give up the multi-million dollar business he has built over 43 years. On December 28th, another federal appeals court ruled that HHS violated K & L Contractors' right to religious liberty by imposing the mandate. The U.S. Supreme Court will likely take up these cases this year. Many Christians will face similar decisions in the days ahead. (FRC)
Now that Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has denied Hobby Lobby's application for an emergency injunction protecting them from Obamacare's HHS Mandate on abortion and birth control, Hobby Lobby has decided to defy the federal government to remain true to their religious beliefs, at enormous risk and financial cost. (Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation)
- Pray for the Green family and Hobby Lobby, that they will be rewarded for their steadfast faith and courage. May millions of Americans follow their example and may our Supreme Court rule firmly against Obamacare, the HHS mandate and every effort to force Americans to violate their faith and conscience.
- "Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, 'My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.'" (Acts 23:1)
2. 100 CHALLENGES TO HHS MANDATE: AN UPDATE
Court rulings in recent weeks continued to cast confusion on the future of the mandate issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that will force many Americans to abandon their religious beliefs. The mandate requires most employers to sponsor employee health plans that that cover abortion-inducing drugs, sterilization, and contraceptives-despite the fact that these services directly violate many employers' religious beliefs.
Although the mandate contains a narrow exemption for churches, many religious hospitals, charities, and schools must comply or face significant fines. In addition, private companies owned by people of faith have no relief whatsoever. If they choose to operate their businesses in accordance with their faith, many will face crippling fines.
More than 100 plaintiffs have filed religious liberty lawsuits challenging the HHS mandate. You can track them all here. (Becket Fund)
-Dear Lord, we cry out to You concerning this forced violation of Christian morals under the guise of supposedly doing a good thing by providing health insurance for all. Lord, we ask that You would cause those in authority to change their hearts concerning this unconscionable law. In the name of Jesus, we declare this law null and void. Amen.
- "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and to think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until time and times and the dividing of time." (Daniel 7:25)
3. OBAMA STRUGGLES TO NOMINATE, CONFIRM FEDERAL JUDGES
The president has been slow to nominate judges and Senate Republicans even slower to confirm them. Obama has had fewer judges confirmed than any first-term president in a quarter of a century.
In September 2005, John G. Roberts Jr., a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, moved up a few blocks onto Capitol Hill to become chief justice of the United States. His seat on the appeals court has remained unfilled ever since. The vacant seat symbolizes the problems that President Obama had in his first term in quickly nominating judges and winning even routine confirmations in the face of a determined Republican minority. He has had fewer judges confirmed than any first-term president in a quarter of a century, and he is the first chief executive unable to appoint anyone to the powerful D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, which decides challenges to federal regulations.
Though the Constitution says judges are to be approved on a majority vote, the Republican minority used the Senate's 60-vote filibuster rule to slow or block confirmation of Obama's nominees. Obama said he was "deeply disappointed" at "the Republican pattern of obstructionism." But the filibuster was not invented by the Republicans. . . (LA Times) Read more.
- Offer a chorus of praise that the conservatives in the U.S. Senate have, indeed, been holding the line on approving these nominations, most of which fall way short of the litmus test of judicial standards. Ask our Lord to move upon the heart of Barack Hussein Obama in his second term of office, that he would use greater wisdom in his selection of these judicial nominees. Amen.
- "But select capable men from all the people--men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain--and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens." (Exodus 18:21)
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March for Life
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March for Life:
40 YEARS SINCE THE RULING ON ROE V. WADE
This year the March for LIfe will be held on Friday, January 25. Please mark your calendars now, and begin to intercede over this event, which will mark 40 YEARS since Roe v. Wade made abortion legal in our nation.
CHPP will have much more news about the March for Life in upcoming issues. Thank you!
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This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
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This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LIGHT OF ISRAEL
(Or Yis-rah-el)
"The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame . . ." (Isa. 10:17)
You are the Light of Israel and the Light of the world. You set the heavens in orbit. You chose Jerusalem as Your Holy city. Light of Israel, shine forth! Shine Your light into our darkness, O Light of Israel!
(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)
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About CHPP
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About Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP)
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP) welcomes all who wish to join us in prayer for our governmental leaders, and for Israel, asking that "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
We publish "On Capitol Hill This Week," every week that Congress is in session; and we now publish a Daily Brief all other weekdays, as well.
You can learn more about the work of CHPP, including its mission statement and how to subscribe others to join our network, by going here.
Bless you!
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A Clarification from the DAR
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A Clarification from the DAR
[Editor's note: Last week we published a prayer for the DAR, in light of Fox News reporting their deletion of the Name of Jesus from their protocol. Below please find a copy of the letter, written by the DAR to its membership, clarifying their position. Thank you.]
Dear Members,
NSDAR is disappointed to learn that false and incorrect information has recently been circulated regarding the 2011 edition of the DAR Ritual and Missal and the use of the name Jesus Christ in prayers and other ceremonial events of the National Society. The purpose of this message is to clarify NSDAR's position on the matter for anyone who has not previously viewed the blogs written by President General Merry Ann T. Wright.
First, the question was posed by a national media group that if the motto of DAR is God, Home and Country, then " . . . why is DAR taking out references to God. . ." in its printed material. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, as currently written, the 113 page Ritual and Missal contains over 300 references to "Almighty God," "Great God our King" (America hymn), "Our Heavenly Father," "Heavenly Father," "God of Hosts," "God," "Lord," "Eternal God," "Your Holy Spirit," "Lord your God," "Gracious Lord," "Almighty and Everlasting God," "Gracious Father," and similar variations.
Second, the allegation has been leveled that Chaplains and others have been told not to pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Again, this is an absolute falsehood. Each Chaplain and other officers are strongly encouraged to create their own prayers into which they may insert the name of Jesus Christ as deemed appropriate for the occasion and the audience. This is what the President General wrote in her blog of April 10, 2012 when questions about the change to the Ritual and Missal first arose.
Read the entire letter by going here.
As I am not a member of the DAR, I respectfully request that you address any other concerns directly to their office, cited in the link above. Thank you!
Sara Ballenger
CHPP
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BREAKING NEWS
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Iran Update: Pastor Yousef Released after Brief Re-Imprisonment
Dear Friends,
Some of you may be aware that Pastor Yousef was arrested on Christmas Day, and has been held in prison since then. While the Iranian Government claimed that Pastor Yousef was serving the remainder of his three year sentence, the timing of the arrest suggests that it was meant to intimidate the local Christians. In hopes that the government of Iran would keep their word, we chose not to publicize this information. However, we are delighted to now be able to tell you that the Iranian government released Pastor Yousef earlier today and he is once again able to return home. You can find more details at the press release from our friends at Middle East Concern.
Meanwhile, Reverend Vruir Avanessian who was also arrested this Christmas remains in prison and there are serious concerns for his health. Rev. Avenessian is an elderly man requiring dialysis three times a week. As far as we know, since his arrest Rev. Avenessian has been taken to the hospital only once. Please pray that the Iranian government will release this man or at least permit him to receive necessary medical care.
Please also remain in prayer for pastors like Farshid Fathi, Saeed Abedini, Behnam Irani, ordinary churchgoers like Behzad and Mohammed-Reza, as well as the many other Christians in Iran who are in prison for their faith.
In HIS Grace and Peace
Ann Buwalda
Jubilee Campaign USA
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This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
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This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
(Or Yis-rah-el)
"The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame . . ." (Isa. 10:17)
You are the Light of Israel and the Light of the world. You set the heavens in orbit. You chose Jerusalem as Your Holy city. Light of Israel, shine forth! Shine Your light into our darkness, O Light of Israel!
(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)
