Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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The Daily Brief Tuesday, February 5, 2013
"The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." (John 1:5)
Guidelines for today's American Prayer Initiative can be found by going here.
Today's Daily Jot can be found by going to: www.dailyjot.com or by using
this link.
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The Daily Brief
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1. White House, Justice officials defend drone program after release of memo - Fox News
The White House and Justice Department on Tuesday adamantly defended the administration's authority to use unmanned drones to kill terror operatives -- even if those operatives are U.S. citizens -- following the release of a controversial memo on the program.
Pressed repeatedly about the complicated constitutional and legal questions raised by the targeted killing of Americans, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Tuesday that the president takes those issues "very seriously."
"We conduct those strikes because they are necessary to mitigate ongoing actual threats, to stop plots, to prevent future attacks and to save American lives," Carney said. "These strikes are legal, they are ethical and they are wise."
Carney would not describe the legal criteria for ordering those drone strikes. Read more.
- The U.S. Constitution was written to secure our freedoms as American citizens, and to protect us from the hand of tyranny. Isn't it interesting that, day by day, this administration seems to conveniently set that document aside in favor of "ruling and reigning" on its own determination? Lift up your voices in prayer and, together, let's unite to serve as the restraining force Abba has called us to be, in the face of growing evil, tyranny and danger. Pray, too, for this Congress: may it do its job successfully, confronting and reigning in the executive branch when it steps beyond the boundaries of our national law. In His Name, amen.
- "For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way." (2 Thessalonians 2:7)
2. Kerry Backs U.S. Entry into Pro-Abortion UN Treaty - CNS News
Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) said if confirmed as the next Secretary of State, he would support making the United States a party to a United Nations convention that has been repeatedly used to advocate for abortions, oppose restrictions and support government funding across the globe.
- Lord, forgive John Kerry for his position on abortion. Give him a revelation of the God who formed him, and all the babies, in the womb. Let him see that, by supporting abortion, he is grieving Your heart. We ask that You change his heart, so that our new Secretary of State will uphold Your law, and oppose the funding of abortions across the globe. In Jesus' Name, we ask this prayer, amen.
- "Thou shalt not kill." (Exodus 20:13)
3. Lawmakers see immigration overhaul this year - US News and World Report
Republican and Democratic lawmakers were cautiously optimistic Sunday that a long-sought overhaul of the nation's immigration system that includes a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants currently in the country will clear Congress this year, the result of changes in the political landscape shown in November's election. [See more on this issue on the Madison Report, below.]
- Lord, we pray for the lawmakers working on immigration, that they would make fair and just regulations on the immigration problem and that our borders may be secured. We pray for the illegal immigrants here that they would come to adhere to the laws of this country. Make known to all involved what Your statutes are on this issue. May they come unto You so they may make correct judgments on what to do about the immigration problems. We pray the needed reforms be accomplished in the name of Jesus. Amen.
- "When they have a matter, they come unto me: and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and His laws." (Exodus 18:16)
4. Thousands march for gun control in Washington - Fox News
Thousands of people, many holding signs with names of gun violence victims and messages such as "Ban Assault Weapons Now," gathered in front of the Capitol on Saturday for a March on Washington for Gun Control.
- Lord, our Second Amendment to the Constitution protects the right to bear arms. We pray that there will be a solution on the issue of these God-given rights that are in our law. We pray for the violence to be stopped as You change the hearts of men and deliver them from evil. Give our leaders Your wisdom in making these decisions. In the name of Jesus, our Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.
- "He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand." (Ezekiel 9:1)
5. State Fights Back Against Feds on Guns - WND
Lawmaker: 'No authority for federal government to impose restrictions on us' While President Obama and some of his allies on Capitol Hill prepare for a major push on gun-control legislation, state lawmakers are preparing to resist new federal restrictions. Texas officials and sheriffs around the nation have announced they don't intend to enforce any new gun laws, and now there is a push in Wyoming specifically designed to protect gun owners in that state against any crackdowns on semiautomatic firearms or efforts to limit magazine capacity. Read more.
- Father, we cry out for protection from any legislation that would infringe on our rights to own firearms. Bring about a solution to solve this dispute. We speak peace over this situation. May our Constitutional rights be upheld. In Jesus Name.
- 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.(1 Peter 3:12)
6. Conservatives Flooding State Legislatures - Prospect.org
The GOP emerged from November 6 controlling both legislative chambers in 26 states-the same number of states it controlled after the 2010 Tea Party revolution. Most surprising: In seven states that went for Barack Obama, Republicans still hold both the governor's office and at least one chamber, and they are showing no signs that the voters' split decision will keep them from pushing the extreme agendas that we've seen since 2010. (Prospect.org) Read more.
- Praise God. Father raise up an army of Republicans, other politicians and the American public to stand up and fight the enemies of freedom and tenaciously press in to claim more ground for God. May there be voices from all over America who will cry out to the Lord God Almighty to turn this country back to godliness and righteousness. Break the powers of darkness off our country and our people. May we all rise to the occasion and become stronger and stronger in God. In the Name of Jesus we pray.
-"If my people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" ( II Chronicles 7:14)
7. Texas 6th graders design flags for a new socialist nation - Conservative Byte
According to the website txcscopereview.com, a lesson plan for 6th graders in government schools reads as follows: "Notice socialist/communist nations use symbolism on their flags representing various aspects of their economic system. Imagine a new socialist nation is creating a flag and you have been put in charge of creating a flag. Use symbolism to represent aspects of socialism/communism on your flag. What kind of symbolism/colors would you use?"
Texas legislators looked none too kindly on this revelation as they questioned the curriculum's creators at a recent hearing. Read more.
- Father, may we be diligent to question all such assignments in our schools. May we be on guard, and pray continuously without ceasing for our schools across America. The enemy tries to creep in little by little without notice. Thank You, Father, this assignment was noticed and questioned.
- Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Colossians 4:2)
8. Britain's economy flirts with "triple dip" recession - Reuters
Britain's economy shrank more than expected at the end of 2012 with a North Sea oil production slump, lower factory output and a hangover from London's Olympics pushing it perilously close to a "triple-dip" recession.
- Lord, let the people of Britain who need to return to You do so, that their economy may again be blessed. We pray for the poor and needy, that they would come to praise You and that they would get out of poverty. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
- "O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise they name." (Psalms 74:21)
9. Iran official: Attack on Syria is attack on us - AP
Iran considers any attack against Syria an attack on itself, an advisor to the Islamic Republic's supreme leader was quoted as saying Saturday, the strongest warning to date by a top Iranian official that Tehran will use any available means to keep the regime of President Bashar Assad in power.
- Lord, we continue to pray that Syria and Iran would come under Your control. Let them come to listen to Your voice and not listen to the enemy or be a part of his work. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
- "Hearken now unto my voice, I will give you counsel, and God shall be with you." (Exodus 18:19)
10. Hillary Clinton undergoes more medical tests - Telegraph
Former US secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton has undergone more medical tests but is "doing much better.," according to her husband, Bill Clinton. Read more.
- We continue to ask your prayers for the complete healing and recovery of Hillary Rodham Clinton from the concussion and blood clot she has been battling since December. May our Lord visit her with His awesome Presence, even now, in her life!
- "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
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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:
"For My sake, for My sake I will do it; for why should My name be defiled? I will not give My glory to another." (Isaiah 48:11)
1. Kerry calls PM, Abbas, vows commitment to peace - Jerusalem Post
New US Secretary of State John Kerry phoned both Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday to discuss the diplomatic process, in an early sign he intends to make this a top priority on his agenda.
2. Israel arrests 20 Hamas members in West Bank - AP
Israeli forces arrested 20 members of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, including three lawmakers, in a raid early Monday in the West Bank, Hamas officials said.
3. Israeli warplanes reportedly conduct mock raids over Lebanon - Times of Israel
Israel Air Force jets on Friday night flew low over southern Lebanon and carried out "mock raids," Lebanese National News Agency reported.
4. Iran threat is paramount for new Israeli government: Netanyahu - Reuters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday took on the job of forming a new government and said its most important task would be to ensure that Iran does not gain nuclear arms.
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The Persecuted Church
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Today's Focus: The Persecuted Church
"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." (Psalm 5:11)
1. Vietnam Sentences More Activists to Prison, Christians Concerned
Hanoi (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The week-long trial of 22 activists accused of trying to overthrow the "legitimate" Communist government of Vietnam ended in sentences ranging from ten years to life in prison. For the court appointed defence lawyer, the accused admitted their guilt and the sentences were fair.
The trial is a sign of Hanoi's iron fist approach to religious groups, opponents or simple activists. In the capital, ordinary Catholics and the Catholic Church itself experienced it recently when the capital's Carmelite Monastery was torn down.
Phan Van Thu, leader of an environmental group, was sentenced to life in prison. The other 21 accused were given terms ranging from 10 to 17 years, plus five years under house arrest.
The harsh sentences are indicative of the Communist regime's escalating crackdown against dissidents, a trend that has raised concerns in the international community.
2. Christians Sentenced for Stealing Weapons in Egypt to Hide Military Atrocities - The New York Times
A criminal court on Monday sentenced two Coptic Christians to three years in prison for stealing weapons from soldiers during a 2011 clash that left more than two dozen Copts dead. The clash took place on Oct. 9, 2011, when a group of Coptic Christians marched to the state television building to protest discrimination under the generals then ruling Egypt. Video of the episode showed soldiers who were guarding the building driving over protesters with armored vehicles and firing into the crowd. Twenty-seven people died, mostly Coptic Christians. The military has maintained that weapons were stolen from its soldiers and then fired at them and the protesters, causing the soldiers in the vehicles to panic. Last year, the army charged three soldiers who were said to have lost control of their vehicles with the "wrongful killing" of some of the protesters. But a military court acquitted them. Lawyers for the two Coptic Christians convicted Monday said they would appeal.
3. Mob in India Attempts to Lynch 12 Christian Tourists
Srinagar (AsiaNews) - On the basis of false allegations of forced conversions, more and more Christians in Kashmir are victims of persecution. This according to Sajan George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), after the attempted assault on a group of 12 foreign tourists, accused via Facebook of practicing forced conversions in Tangmarg area north of Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred late in the evening of 2 February.
Around 10 pm a crowd of people gathered in front of a hotel in Srinagar, the capital, throwing stones against the walls and asking for the immediate trial of foreigners, eight Americans and four Koreans. Intervening on the spot, the police searched luggage and documents of the tourists. On finding nothing, the officers dispersed the protesters. When checking their passports, the police reported that the group has also visited other Muslim countries, including Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.
The violent reaction was triggered by a photo published on the Facebook page Gulmarg News. The image shows three oriental girls, while the caption warns, "Caution Kashmir! Islam in Kashmir is under attack, Christians trying to convert Muslims," recounting the testimony of a boy, who in exchange for chocolate would have been forced to recant Islam and convert to Christianity.
For more news about the Persecuted Church, and how you can be more involved in intercession for these precious saints, go here.
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The Madison Report
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The Madison Report
www.MadisonProject.com
THE MADISONIAN
February 4 - 8, 2013
Fellow conservative patriots,
Both the House and the Senate will be in session this week. Immigration will remain at the forefront of the national discussion, as the House holds hearings on reform proposals. The Senate will consider the wasteful and unconstitutional reauthorization of the "Violence Against Women Act," even as they help engender violence against women by pushing them into direct ground combat.
For Liberty.
The Honorable Jim Ryun
Chairman of The Madison Project
Immigration
Last week, we witnessed the most prominent focus on the issue of immigration since 2007. A gang of eight senators [Marco Rubio, Jeff Flake, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Chuck Schumer, Dick Durbin, Robert Menendez] unveiled an amnesty proposal that would grant immediate legal status and a future path to citizenship for virtually all estimated 12 million illegals in the country. Moreover, it would provide an expedited path for several million children of illegal immigrants as well as thousands of Agricultural workers.
The main point of contention revolved around the enforcement mechanism. Marco Rubio engaged in a charm offensive on talk radio and in the conservative blogosphere to convince conservatives that the amnesty would not occur until a commission certifies that the border is secure and until the workforce enforcement and visa tracking systems are in place. However, it is clear that the border commission would just serve in an advisory role, not as a legal roadblock to amnesty. Additionally, it is clear from the language of the plan, which Rubio enthusiastically attached his name, that the legal status would be granted immediately - without any preconditions of border/interior enforcement.
Finally, Chuck Schumer said that even the path to citizenship will not ultimately be obstructed by a lack of enforcement. Recent news reports indicate that according to the Senate plan, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano would be vested with the power of certifying that the border is secure. This is the ultimate case of the fox guarding the henhouse.
This Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee will held hearings on immigration related issues. The main witness was Chris Crane, president of the union representing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. He has been one of the most articulate and prolific voices from the inside who have exposed Obama's criminal disregard for our immigration enforcement laws. Instead of divisive discussions over what to do with those who are already here illegally, Republicans should use these hearings as an opportunity to lay out a vision for real enforcement mechanisms and legal immigration reforms that benefit the country. The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a similar hearing next Tuesday.
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HHS Mandate: That's No Compromise
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HHS Mandate: That's No Compromise
After more than a year of heated debate, the Obama Administration issued a "modification" late on Friday to the Obamacare mandate requiring employers to pay for their employees' contraceptives and abortion-inducing drugs. The administration is under court order to revise its rules, and the new regulations supposedly expand the number of religious organizations that can opt-out of the mandate. But it offers no exemptions for private businesses owned by committed Christians-such as the craft store Hobby Lobby-that don't want to pay for their employees' birth control or chemical abortions.
The Constitution grants freedom of conscience to all Americans, not just church groups. As the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which has filed several lawsuits challenging the mandate, stated about the rules change, "Today's proposed rule does nothing to protect the religious liberty of millions of Americans."
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is pouring over the new regulations now. But I already see a bright red flag: the new rules are 80 pages long. That likely means that, once again, the administration is trying to obscure who is paying for birth control and to confuse the public and make it seem as if it is offering a reasonable compromise when in fact it is still violating people's religious conscience rights.
Let's wait and see what the Bishops have to say. But the administration's "modification" makes it clear it hasn't seen the light. The Obama administration is losing in court, and this change appears to be an attempt to cut its losses.
Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, responded to the new ruling by saying, "This policy delivers on the promise of women having access to birth control without copays no matter where they work." Judging by how happy Obama's abortion allies are about the new rule, it seems clear that little if anything has changed. (Gary Bauer)
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Dietrich Bonhoeffer v. Adolf Hitler
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February 4, 1906:
The birth of Dietrich Bonhoeffer -- the man who stood up to Hitler
The following is an excerpt from The American Minute, by William Federer.
To read a synopsis of this article, go here.
The head of the National Socialist Workers' Party, Adolph Hitler, became Chancellor of Germany, January 30, 1933, and began implementing a plan of universal healthcare, with no regard for conscience.
The New York Times reported October 10, 1933:
"Nazi Plan to Kill Incurables to End Pain; German Religious Groups Oppose Move...
The Ministry of Justice...explaining the Nazi aims regarding the German penal code, today announced its intentions to authorize physicians to end the sufferings of the incurable patient...in the interest of true humanity..."
. . . Eventually, to rid the human gene pool of what Nazi's considered "untermensch" -under mankind, Hitler's immoral plan sent 6 million Jews, along with millions of others, to the holocaust gas chambers and ovens.
U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop stated in 1977:
"When the first 273,000 German aged, infirm and retarded were killed in gas chambers there was no outcry from that medical profession...and it was not far from there to Auschwitz."
British Journalist Malcolm Muggeridge explained:
"We have...for those that have eyes to see, an object lesson in what the quest for 'quality of life' without reference to 'sanctity of life' can involve...
The origins of the Holocaust lay, not in Nazi terrorism...but in...Germany's acceptance of euthanasia and mercy-killing as humane and estimable."
Franklin D. Roosevelt stated of Hitler, December 15, 1941:
"Government to him is not the servant...of the people but their absolute master and the dictator of their every act...
His only value is his value, not as a man, but as a unit of the Nazi state...To Hitler, the church...is a monstrosity to be destroyed by every means."
Some Church leaders resisted Hitler, like Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Bonhoeffer, born FEBRUARY 4, 1906, studied in New York in 1930, where he met Frank Fisher, an African-American seminarian who introduced him to Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church.
Bonhoeffer helped found the Confessing Church in Germany, which refused to be intimidated by Hitler into silence.
Bonhoeffer stated in a 1932 sermon:
"The blood of martyrs might once again be demanded, but this blood, if we really have the courage and loyalty to shed it, will not be innocent, shining like that of the first witnesses for the faith. On our blood lies heavy guilt, the guilt of the unprofitable servant."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer warned Germans not to slip into the cult of Führer (leader) worship, as he could turn out to be a Verführer (mis-leader, seducer).
Jimmy Carter wrote in his book Sources of Strength, 1997:
"Rev. Niebuhr urged Dietrich Bonhoeffer to remain in America for his own safety. Bonhoeffer refused. He felt he had to be among the other Christians persecuted in Germany.
So he returned home, and...in resistance to Hitler...preached publicly against Nazism, racism, and anti-semitism...
Bonhoeffer was finally arrested and imprisoned.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer died April 9, 1945, just a few days before the allied armies liberated Germany. He was executed on orders of Heinrich Himmler. He died a disciple and a martyr."
On February 16, 2002, Dr. James Dobson told the National Religious Broadcasters:
"Those of you who feel that the church has no responsibility in the cultural area...
What if it were 1943 and you were in Nazi Germany and you knew what Hitler was doing to the Jews...Would you say, 'We're not political-that's somebody else's problem'?"
Dobson concluded:
"I thank God Dietrich Bonhoeffer did not give that answer, and he was arrested by the Nazis and hanged in 1945, naked and alone because he said, 'This is not right.'"
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THIS JUST IN: TSUNAMI ALERT -- South Pacific
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THIS JUST IN: TSUNAMI ALERT -- SOUTH PACIFIC
Magnitude 8.0 earthquake generates three-foot tsunami in South Pacific
Tsunami warning issued after a magnitude 8.0 earthquake is reported in the Pacific Ocean near the Solomon Islands
A powerful earthquake in the South Pacific generated a tsunami Wednesday that prompting warnings to several island nations.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a tsunami of 3 feet was measured in Lata wharf, in the Solomon Islands. No damage was immediately reported there or in Vanuatu, which also was covered by the warning.
The statement said the waves could be destructive near the epicenter and threaten more distant coasts. Read more.
(Source: Fox News)
> > > Pray for the safety of all who are in the path of this wave. Thank you.
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The Good News Corner
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The Good News Corner:
Minnesota Company Beats Government's HHS Mandate in Court
A federal appeals court Friday temporarily halted a government mandate requiring a Minnesota manufacturing business to offer potential abortion-inducing drugs in employee health plans. The preliminary injunction overturns a lower court's action earlier this month.
Annex Medical, Inc., a Catholic-run company in Minnetonka, filed the lawsuit in November. Owner Stuart Lind said the mandate prevents him from conducting business "in a way that is pleasing to God."
"This decision now marks 11 times in recent months that courts have said 'Hold on there just a minute' to the administration's attempt to deny the religious freedom of business owners," said CitizenLink Judicial Analyst Bruce Hausknecht. "I am deeply encouraged by these results and would hope that the administration is learning from its deeply mistaken views on religious freedom." (Citizenlink)
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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.
> > > OPTION ONE: AboutJesus.net
Go here!
> > > OPTION TWO: The Great Commission Map!
Go here!
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Worship With Us Today!
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Worship With Us Today!
Fall Afresh
featuring Jeremy Riddle
Spirit of the Living God come fall afresh on me
Come wake me from my sleep
Blow through the caverns of my soul
Pour in me to overflow,
to overflow
