Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief Friday, February 15, 2013
". . . and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven." (Luke 21:11)
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The Daily Brief
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1. NASA to Chronicle Close Earth Flyby of Asteroid - Nasa News
NASA Television will provide commentary starting at 11 a.m. PST (2 p.m. EST) on Friday, Feb. 15, during the close, but safe, flyby of a small near-Earth asteroid named 2012 DA14. NASA places a high priority on tracking asteroids and protecting our home planet from them. This flyby will provide a unique opportunity for researchers to study a near-Earth object up close.
- O Lord, You alone are God, our Creator and Sustainer of the Universe! We thank You for Your awesome creation, and the magnitude of it! We are as tiny specks in this Universe, and yet You have set Your love upon us! We thank You for Your protection over us personally, and also of our planet. We pray that as scientists observe this asteroid, they will see Your hand, and know that You are God, and that none of this could just "evolve". May they humble themselves before You and embrace Your salvation. Amen.
- "It has been solemnly and earnestly said in a certain place, What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You graciously and helpfully care for and visit and look after him?" You have hemmed me in both behind and in front and laid Your hand on me. Such wonderful knowledge is beyond me, far too high for me to reach. Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?" (Hebrews 2:6; Psalm 139:5-7)
2. Massive Meteor explodes in Russian Sky - The Blaze/AP
A Russian health official says nearly 1,000 people have sought help for injuries caused by a meteor that exploded in the sky, blasting out countless windows in over 3,000 buildings. Chelyabinsk health chief, Marina Moskvicheva, said Friday that 985 people in her city had asked for medical assistance, of which 43 were hospitalized.
The Russian Academy of Sciences said the meteor - estimated to be about 10 tons, entered the Earth's atmosphere going at least 33,000 mph. It shattered about 18-32 miles above the ground, releasing several kilotons of energy above the Ural Mountains. The European Space Agency said it was not related to the asteroid currently slated to buzz by earth about 17,000 miles away. There are also rumors that the meteor was intercepted by rockets, but that is unconfirmed.
- Abba, we are humbled by the vastness of Your creation and how it impacts us on a daily (minute by minute) basis. We do pray for these 1,000 people in Russia who have been injured by this meteor exploding in mid-air. We ask that You would heal them, physically, and emotionally from this trauma. We also ask that this will provoke them to reach out to You spiritually as well, and that You would reveal Yourself as Savior and Protector. We thank You for no fatalities during this Meteor explosion. We pray for restoration of that which was damaged, and that You will give them Your peace. Amen.
- "Thus says Adonai the maker, Adonai who formed [the universe] so as to keep directing it -Adonai is his name: 'Call out to me, and I will answer you -I will tell you great things, hidden things of which you are unaware.'" (Jeremiah 33:1-3)
3. China, Iran Boost Cyber Attacks on U.S., Lawmaker Says - Bloomberg
China's cyber espionage effort targeting U.S. industrial secrets "has grown exponentially both in terms of its volume and damage it's doing to our economic future," the intelligence panel's chairman, Mike Rogers, said at a hearing yesterday. "We have no practical deterrents in place today."
- Father, as technology grows, it seems that "cyber crimes" are also increasing. Man's heart is deceitful, and so theft of all kinds are being committed simply with computer know-how. Besides "Identity Theft", there is now the desire to steal industrial secrets, and even military secrets. We are dismayed to hear that we have "no practical deterrents" in place today. We ask for those You have especially gifted in this technology, to be placed into positions of blocking these cyber attacks against our national security. We do ask for Your supernatural wisdom for those who would use their skills to protect our nation, and stop those rogue sites that would wish us harm. We pray You would put a shield around our hardware and software, that would be impenetrable to our enemies! Amen.
- "The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans of Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him." (Psalm 28:7)
4. FAA moves toward creating 6 drone test sites in US - Yahoo
In a major step toward opening U.S. skies to thousands of unmanned drones, federal officials Thursday solicited proposals to create six drone test sites around the country. The Federal Aviation Administration also posted online a draft plan for protecting people's privacy from the eyes in the sky. The plan would require each test site to follow federal and state laws and make a privacy policy publicly available.
- Abba, we need Your protection from our own country. We ask that our government will be less intrusive in our lives, than they apparently want to be. May there be a great outcry of the people - most of whom are law-abiding citizens - against this violation of our constitutional rights of privacy. We pray against becoming a "police state", and ask for Your mercy and wisdom. We ask that this plan will be dropped. In Yeshua's Name we pray. Amen.
- "It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His tender compassions (mercies) fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness. The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him." (Lamentations 3:22-24)
5. Senate Republicans Block Vote on Hagel - New York Times
Senate Republicans have blocked a confirmation vote on President Barack Obama's pick for U.S. defense secretary, former senator Chuck Hagel. The move effectively suspends consideration of the nominee for more than a week, and deepens controversy surrounding the president's choice to lead the Pentagon. This past Tuesday, Chuck Hagel received no votes of support from Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
- Abba, we thank You that Senator Hagel's nomination for Defense Secretary has been blocked, and/or delayed, at least until after the congressional recess. We ask that those who voted against him will have renewed courage, and will stand their ground against his nomination, which would be awful for Israel, and our nation. We do not want to come under your judgment as a nation, by having leaders who are anti-semitic. We know You set up leaders, and take them down, and we ask You to intervene in this scenario, so that the person of Your choosing - at this time in history - would become our next Defense Secretary. Amen!
- "The king's heart in ADONAI'S hand is like streams of water --He directs it wherever He pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)
6. WSJ: Bernanke Abdicates World Leadership Role on Currencies - Newsmax
Central banks around the world are meddling with their currencies through massive easing, none more so than Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, according to a Wall Street Journal editorial.
"The Fed is supposed to be the steward of the dollar, which is still the world's reserve currency," Journal editors write. "But since the crisis Mr. Bernanke has all but declared that the rest of the world can take care of itself."
Central banks around the world have had to respond to the Fed's easing program with easing of their own "to keep their currencies from rising too fast," the editorial states. "Mr. Bernanke is the band leader in this round of monetary nationalism."
- Father, we continue to come to You for wisdom concerning our national debt, our excessive spending, and our lack of financial control by this administration. As seen during the "State of the Union" address, we saw and heard our President say of budget cuts, that we "cannot cut our way to prosperity"; but it is also true that we cannot spend our way there either. We ask for Your wisdom to prevail, and for the obvious truth - that we cannot spend what we do not have - become clear to those making these decisions. We pray for whomever will replace Bernanke, that He will be Your choice, and led by Your wisdom. May cool heads prevail, we pray. Amen.
- "Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth." (James 3:12,13)
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The Middle East in Focus
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The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High . . ." (Psalm 92:1)
1. Israel blamed for death of Iranian general in Lebanon - Times of Israel
Israel is being blamed for the death of a senior commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard in Lebanon on Wednesday.
2. Israeli officials visit Cairo for security talks - ICEJ News
It has been reported in Egypt's Al-masry Al-youm that an Israeli delegation consisting of four officials met with Egypt's senior intelligence officials, led by Major General Rafet Shahata, in Cairo on Thursday. The meeting on regional security issues lasted several hours and covered Sinai terrorist activities in addition to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. They also discussed Israel's alleged attack on a Syrian convoy carrying weapons to Hezbollah, Palestinian reunification, and the resumption of regional peace talks.
3. 19th Knesset coalition talks remain unsettled - ICEJ News
This week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to persuade Naftali Bennett (Bayit Yehudi) into a coalition with Shas, United Torah Judaism (UTJ), Kadima and the Tzipi Livni Party. Bennett was offered the Education portfolio that religious Zionist parties traditionally sought but rejected the offer. Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) has reported to declare that his party would not join Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's government together with Shas. "I am not even considering entering a government with Shas," Lapid said. "If I will be in the traditional photograph at the President's Residence the day the government is sworn in standing next to a minister from Shas, my political career is over."
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The Persecuted Church
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Today's Focus: The Persecuted Church
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
1. AZERBAIJAN: Denial of Church Registration Causes Mounting Pressures - Christian Crisis.net
Many churches in Azerbaijan are facing further challenges due to the government's tough new regulations and, as a result, denial of official registration. To make matters worse, Christians who refuse to give or take bribes struggle to survive in a country where corruption is endemic; a struggle that's further compounded by discrimination while seeking employment.
The law was initially amended in 2009 to require religious organizations to re-register with the authorities. (According to human rights lawyer, "Asad," the authorities have since increased the fines significantly.) In practice, applications for registration are often refused. This means churches that had previously been granted registration are now considered illegal.
2. Indonesia Church Officials Face Violence, Jail Time for Conducting Services - Jakarta Globe
The wife of a church minister who was jailed two weeks ago for allegedly conducting a service without a permit also faces arrest for defying an order from local authorities to stop holding services at a church in Sumedang, West Java.
Minister Bernhard Maukar and his wife, Corry, were holding a service at their Pentecostal church (GPdI) in Mekargalih village, Jatinangor subdistrict, on Jan. 27, when it was attacked by members of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), who claimed that the church did not have a valid permit to operate.
3. Tanzania: Nchimbi Appeals for Peace in Geita Region - All Africa.com
Skirmishes erupted in Buseresere town on Monday morning leading to the death of one person who was identified as Pastor Mathayo Kachila (45), of the Tanzania Assemblies of God church, who was beheaded by a group of youths believed to be Muslims.
Several people were also injured. Those admitted to Buseresere district hospital were identified as Said Ntahompagaze (45), Sadick Yahaya (40), Yasin Rajab (56), Vicent Damon (22), and another person identified by single name as Ramadhani who remains in critical condition.
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The Madison Report
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The Madison Report
THE MADISONIAN
[Every week, we will try to spotlight some positive legislation that is worthy of conservative support.]
Focus the Fed on Price Stability
In 1977, Congress vested the Federal Reserve with a dual mandate of stimulating the economy and job growth in addition to keeping a stable currency. This has allowed the Fed to become a fourth branch of government by initiating its own stimulus policies of printing money. These stimulus policies exacerbate the fiscal stimuli of the other branches of government by devaluing the remaining dollars that we own (non-borrowed money). Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) has introduced a bill to repeal this dual mandate and require to the Fed to focus exclusively on price stability. This will ensure that the Fed is kept out of the mortgage security market and preclude them from creating asset bubbles.
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In Memoriam: Richard Twiss
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In Memoriam: Richard Twiss
In the Lakota tradition, there is no word for goodbye. Instead, we say, "Toksa ake (We'll see you again), son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend!"
Richard Leo Twiss, Tayoate Ob Najin "He Stands with his People," passed from this life and into the next, February 9, 2013 in Washington, DC encircled by his wife, Katherine, and sons Andrew, Phillip, Ian, and Daniel. Richard was 58.
Richard was born on the Rosebud Reservation, South Dakota among his mother Winona (Larvie) LaPointe's people, the Sicangu Band of the Rosebud Lakota/Sioux. Richard's father, Franklin (Buster) Twiss (deceased) was Oglala from the Pine Ridge Lakota/Sioux Reservation also in South Dakota.
Until age seven, Richard lived in Rosebud, a town of 600, on the reservation. In 1961, Richard's mom moved the family from the reservation to Denver, then Klamath Falls, and eventually to Silverton, Oregon where Richard attended the third through twelfth grades. Richard's mom ensured they made regular summer visits back home in order to stay connected with family and culture.
After graduating from high school in 1972, Richard moved back to Rosebud to attend Sinte Gleska, "Spotted Tail" College. It was here that he became involved in the American Indian Movement. During this tumultuous time Richard strengthened his connection with relatives, and deepened his appreciation for Lakota culture.
Richard wandered for a while, ending up on the island of Maui in Hawaii, where late one night, alone on a deserted beach, Creator responded to Richard's desperate prayer, making Himself known to him. From that night in 1974 until his passing, Richard was on a spiritual journey to live a meaningful life as a Lakota follower of the Jesus Way.
In February 1997, Richard and Katherine founded the non-profit ministry of Wiconi International. Through Wiconi, Richard and Katherine touched the lives of many thousands of people. Richard also co-founded NAIITS (North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies); he was chairman of the board for My People International, a member of the CCDA (Christian Community Development Association), and co-founder of Evangelicals4Justice. In 2011, Richard earned his doctorate, a D.Miss. from Asbury Theological Seminary. Until his passing, Richard continued his teaching career through the NAIITS program, Portland State University, and other institutions of higher education. . .
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Wiconi International that will allow the continuation of the work to which Richard and Katherine had committed their lives. A public Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, March 10; further details will be published later. (Breaking Christian News)
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The Good News Corner
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The Good News Corner:
House Bill Passes giving Churches Same Status as Non-Profits for Disaster Help
According to a report by the Christian Post, the "Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act of 2013" was passed in the US House of Representatives on Thursday. There were 354 voting in favor and only 72 who voted against the bill.
It will now move to the Senate for a vote, and if passed there, will continue to the president to be signed into law.
Thursday's passage of HR 592 is good news since, according to Rep. Meng, "Three-and-a-half months since the storm wreaked havoc on our region, houses of worship-and the millions of Americans who benefit from the social services these institutions provide-continue to be denied the same treatment that is afforded to other non-profit entities. This is unfair, wrong and must change. And it will change if this critical legislation becomes the law of the land."
"This legislation is long overdue," said Rep. Peter King. "Organizations should not be denied federal assistance in times of need just because of their religious affiliations." (Christian Post) _
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Pray for the Harvest!
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Pray for the Harvest!
"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35)
Every day, in every nation on earth, tens of thousands of men and women are making decisions for Christ. Now, you can monitor this amazing fact online by literally "watching" as these souls are born again into the Kingdom.
Of course, the identities of those who are coming to the Lord are never revealed, but our God knows who they are!
Join us as we monitor these "names" daily, praying over each one to be mentored and to grow in his or her faith . . . even in these perilous times. You may visit either or both of the sites below, to pray for fields that are ripe for harvest.
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Worship With Us Today!
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Worship With Us Today!
John Starnes
Alleluia To The Lamb
We have gathered here on holy ground,
Angels hovering all around;
Stand now before Him, O magnify Him,
Alleluia to the Lamb.
