> > > Please be sure to note the "Special News from CHPP" at the end of this edition of the Daily Brief.
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief Friday, May 31, 2013
"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth." (Revelation 3:10)
Guidelines for today's American Prayer Initiative can be found by going here.
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The Daily Brief
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1. More heavy storms on tap for Midwest after deadly night - CBS
OKLAHOMA CITY - Forecasters warned that large hail and more tornadoes could strafe parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri on Friday, a day after powerful storms killed one man and left at least two missing in the storm-weary region.Up to a dozen tornadoes touched down in mostly rural parts of Arkansas on Thursday, as well as one in Illinois and three in Oklahoma. One twister bounced through the Tulsa suburb of Broken Arrow, causing some structural damage, but no injuries.
> > Editor's note: Our prayer editor for today lives in Broken Arrow and spent some time last night in her own closet! We praise God for her own safekeeping, and ask agreement with her prayer, below. Thank you.
- Abba, we thank You that the tornadoes that strafed Oklahoma and Arkansas last night, resulted in structural damages, but no injuries, and only one fatality. We do ask for comfort for the family of the one who did lose his life. With more storms expected tonight for the same region, we call on You for Your protection and mercy. We ask that the winds cease, and these funnels dissipate in Yeshua's wonderful Name. You are our Hiding Place, and we huddle under Your protection, and pray for a very minimal effect of these storms! Amen.
- "The LORD says, 'whoever loves Me, I will save. I will protect those who know Me. They will call to Me, and I will answer them. I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue them and honor them. I will give them a long, full life, and they will see how I can save.'" (Psalm 91:14-16)
2. Obama To Sign International Gun Control Treaty On June 3rd - Breitbart
The ATT passed in the U.N. General Assembly by a vote of 153-4 on April 2. This treaty is ostensibly aimed at putting an end to gun trafficking across international boundaries, and both Breitbart News and the NRA have argued that it will eventually require an international gun registry in order to be enforceable. The ATT also provides the executive branch of our government with broad powers for controlling which guns do and don't come into the country, and includes ambiguous language that a gun-control-friendly administration can use to its advantage.
Even though Obama will sign this treaty, it is not enforceable in the U.S. until the Senate ratifies it by a two-thirds majority. (Read more)
- Father, we are concerned that our President seems intent on "getting his way", and circumventing Congress and the will of the people, by enacting "executive orders", and now signing this international treaty proposed by the U.N. General Assembly. We ask that You "rein him in", so that he will have to abide by the will of the people and Congress on this issue. We pray that our Senate will not ratify this treaty, and thereby thwart the "takeover" of our rights by an international body. We thank You for those in the Senate who know You and respect our Constitution, and that You will prosper them in their efforts to do the will of the people. In Your Name we pray, Amen.
- "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." (Proverbs 11:2,3)
3. Applications for US Unemployment Aid Rise to 354K - ABC News
The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose 10,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 354,000, a sign layoffs have increased. Still, the level of applications is consistent with steady hiring.
- Lord, we again come to You on behalf of those seeking employment in order to provide for their families. We thank You that You are a compassionate God, and that Your mercies endure forever. We ask that You would guide them to the places they need to be, in order to find the right job to utilize their skills, and be a blessing to the company, as well as meeting their own needs. We thank You that our times are in Your hands, and that You are our Source, supplying that which we need. Amen.
- "I know what it is to be in want, and I know what it is to have more than enough--in everything and in every way I have learned the secret of being full and being hungry, of having abundance and being in need. I can do all things through Him Who gives me power." (Philippians 4:13)
4. Record 10,978,040 Now on Disability - CNS News
The total number of people in the United States now receiving federal disability benefits hit a record 10,978,040 in May, up from 10,962,532 million in April, according to newly released data from the Social Security Administration.
- Abba, we ask that this number of folks on disability would level off and decrease as these individuals are restored to their former functionality, through Your healing and supplying what is needed for them to recover. We do pray against discouragement by those who are having to be on disability, and pray that they would put their faith and trust in You; and that You would be their Source of supply and their Healer. Amen.
- "The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. The blessing of Adonai is what makes people rich, and He doesn't mix sorrow with it. To a fool, vileness is like a game, as is wisdom to a person of discernment." (Proverbs 10:21-23)
5. Turkey Stakes Claim in America With $100 Million Mega-Mosque - Clarion
The government of Turkey is building a 15-acre, $100 million mega-mosque in Lanham, Maryland. Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan visited the site on May 15 as part of his official visit to the U.S.. The state of Maryland was officially represented at the event by its Secretary of State John McDonough.
- Lord, we are distressed to see the "Islamization of America", and we ask that this would somehow be 'arrested', and that we would be tolerant of other religious faiths, and yet still remain a Christian nation. We know that many who practice Islam are also wealthy from Middle Eastern oil, so can afford "grand" edifices. However, we ask that we, as Americans, would not "sell our souls, for a bowl of porridge"; i.e. that we would not be "dazzled" by their wealth. We ask that we would remember that "not all that glitters is gold", and lose sight of our goal of winning others to You and walk in Your ways. We recommit ourselves in service to You alone, the only true and living God! Amen.
- "Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the one true God; whoever takes an oath in the land will swear by the one true God." (Isaiah 65:16)
6. Navy ships growing in capability amid missile threats from Iran, North Korea - Fox News
In the operations center on board the USS Stethem, sailors keep watch on a dizzying array of maps, graphics, sensors and radar data -- all focused on North Korea.
The Stethem, a destroyer, is one of two warships in the western Pacific that are responsible for detecting, tracking and, if necessary, shooting down a ballistic missile launched by Pyongyang. And they represent the first line of defense for U.S. allies and territories in a region that has become increasingly nervous as North Korea has ratcheted up its rhetoric and threats in recent months.
Thousands of miles away, two more of the ballistic missile defense ships are in the eastern Mediterranean Sea monitoring the threat from Iran while giving the Obama administration the ability to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles at potential targets in Syria, if officials call for military action. (Read more)
- Lord of Hosts, our Supreme Commander, we thank You for the readiness of these Navy ships positioned for our protection from the threats from North Korea and Iran. We do ask that our nation would maintain "readiness" and "superiority of weaponry" in the face of these threats. We ask You to give Your wisdom to our military and our Defense Secretary, and our President and Congress in monitoring the threats in the regions, and act with wisdom and discretion in neutralizing any threats against our nation. We thank You for Your oversight of world events and Your wisdom in dealing with them! Amen.
- "'They will panic, and their protection will be destroyed. Their commanders will be terrified when they see God's battle flag', says the LORD, Whose fire is in Jerusalem and Whose furnace is in Jerusalem." (Isaiah 31:9)
7. Hagel to Address Cyber Attacks with Chinese - VOA
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says he plans to raise the issue of cyber espionage when he meets informally with Chinese officials on the sidelines of a security summit in Singapore. U.S. officials are pondering how to confront Beijing after recent reports the Chinese hacked into US weapons designs, the latest in what officials say is a long history of cyber-intrusions by China. During a stop in Hawaii en route to Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said there is no greater concern to the United States than cyber security.
- Lord, we do ask for Godly wisdom to come forth out of the mouth of Defense Secretary Hagel, as he speaks to the Chinese officials about the U.S.'s concerns regarding Cyber Attacks. We pray that Secretary Hagel will be given wisdom as to how to approach this subject with the Chinese, the timing of such approach, and even the wording he should use in this discussion to convey our security needs. We pray for the truth to come forth, and the imposing of necessary safeguards to block these attempts by the Chinese, and any other nation to violate our security. We thank You for this. Amen.
- "Proverbs are for learning about wisdom and discipline; for understanding words expressing deep insight; for understanding words expressing deep insight; for gaining an intelligently disciplines life, doing what is right, just and fair; for endowing with caution those who don't think and the young person with knowledge and discretion. Someone who is already wise will hear and learn still more; someone who already understands will gain the ability to counsel well; he will understand proverbs, obscure expressions, the sayings and riddles of the wise." (Proverbs 1:1-6)
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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:
"Has YHWH's hand become short? You shall see now whether or not My word shall come to pass to you." (Numbers 11:23)
1. U.S.: We Support Israel's Ability to Defend Itself - Arutz Sheva
The United States reiterated on Wednesday that Israel has the right to defend itself, even if Russia goes ahead with the sale of advanced missiles to Syria.
2. Palestinians, US upset by east Jerusalem building - Jerusalem Post
Israeli officials on Thursday tried to douse a diplomatic fire Channel 10 ignited with its report about two building projects in Jewish neighborhoods of east Jerusalem -- of 1,100 units -- that have been in the pipeline for years.
3. The US or Israel -- who should strike Iran? - Times of Israel
A position paper weighing US and Israeli military options against Iran, written by retired US Marine Corps general James Cartwright and Amos Yadlin, former IAF head and military intelligence chief, posits that a US-led strike on the Iranian nuclear facilities would be preferable from a military standpoint, while an Israeli strike might not be able to disable Iran's nuclear capabilities but would have less international fallout.
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The Persecuted Church
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Today's Focus: The Persecuted Church
". . . lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
(Matthew 28:20)
1. The Signing of a Cease-fire Between Rebels and the Burmese State Posits Hopes of Reforms in the Hearts of Minority Christians - Channel NewsAsia
YANGON: Myanmar on Thursday reached a tentative peace deal with ethnic minority Kachin rebels aimed at ending the country's last major active civil war, which has displaced tens of thousands of people.
Kachin and government representatives, meeting on home soil for the first time since fighting flared up two years ago, signed a seven-point plan to end hostilities in the remote northern region.
"I think we have achieved a breakthrough," said negotiator Min Zaw Oo, a director of the EU-funded Myanmar Peace Center who took part in the talks in the Kachin state capital Myitkyina.
"The agreement is to stop fighting at this point and afterwards there are going to be detailed discussions about the repositioning of troops," he added.
2. Christians the greatest victims of bloodshed in Syria - ANSAmed
Archbishop Elias Chacour, head of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Israel, said Christians had suffered the greatest bloodshed since the Arab Spring which in his view had failed.
"Arab Spring is a mistaken definition. In Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq, Libya and now in Syria we are witnessing a wave of bloodshed, and we will not see a garden grow from this socalled spring," he warned.
Across the Arab world and in the Middle East, he said "many are dying, but those who are losing the most are Christians".
He told journalists the hopes of the people who rose up against the regimes have been betrayed by the "danger" imposed by Sharia, Islamic law.
Head of the largest Christian community in Israel - 80,000 faithful out of a total 150,000 Christians - expressed his concern particularly for Christians being forced to flee the civil war in Syria.
3. India Has Systems to Address Christian Persecution But Doesn't - Zeenews
Indian democratic system, independent judiciary, civil society and a free press together provide the necessary mechanism to address reported violations of religious freedom in the country, the US said on Monday.
According to a report by the US State Department, 89 people died and another 1,846 were injured in 560 cases of communal violence in India in 2012.
"The country's democratic system, independent legal institutions, vibrant civil society, and free press provided mechanisms that helped to address violations of religious freedom when they occurred," it said in the annual religious freedom report as mandated by the Congress.
The report designates eight nations -- Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Uzbekistan -- as 'countries of particular concern'.
Noting that there were reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice in the year 2012, the report said US officials discussed with religious freedom issues, including reports of harassment of minority groups and missionaries, and redress for victims of the 2002 communal riots in Gujarat.
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 Daily Jot
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Prophecy Clock: FBI shooting story changes again
The New York Times is now reporting that the FBI has once again changed its story of why Ibragim Todashev was shot to death during questioning about his relationship with one of the alleged Boston Marathon bombers and a triple homicide on September 11, 2011. The first story was that the FBI agent felt threatened by Todashev. The second story was that Todashev became violent and attacked the FBI agent with a knife, sending him to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Now the story is that Todashev upended a table on the agent and attacked him with a metal pole--likely a broomstick. The Times reports that the agent fired seven shots into Todashev while stun-gun armed detectives watched.
Stories with no shortage of video and photographs abound on the internet regarding a government-sponsored disaster drill taking place at the same time as the Boston Marathon. Websites such as InfoWars.com and PrisonPlanet.com have pieced together documentation that, if the smallest of claims were remotely true, call into question the official government narrative of the Boston Bombing. Overall, these websites and numerous other commentators believe that there is another story to the Boston Marathon Bombing that the government is covering up. The killing of one of the suspects; the virtual disappearance of another in government custody, and the Todashev killing fuel the fire that a cover up is in the making.
Whether you agree or disagree with the theories surrounding government drills and entrapment of alleged patsy terrorists, there is a trend here in America that every citizen should contemplate--that First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Amendments to the Constitution are being actively scuttled by this government. Your rights are eroding by every precedent-setting action of the government. Todashev did not get a trial. He was shot to death as people watched, according to the reports. The Justice Department, as approved by the "highest level," spied on and tried to prosecute Fox News Reporter James Rosen for doing his job. The IRS harassed political critics and opponents of the White House.
These tyrannical domestic events are combining with the White House teaming with the Muslim Brotherhood and al Qaeda to establish Constitutional Islamic Sharia Law regimes in nations throughout the Middle East. The Gatestone Institute, an international policy think tank, has written a white paper on how US military interventions are succeeding in reconstituting the Ottoman Empire. From the FBI shooting irregularities to IRS harassment to Spygate to aiding and abetting of America's enemies, this White House is weighted to the wrong side of prophecy. That means We the People are in harms way. Proverbs 29:2 says, ". . . when the wicked rule, the people mourn." We need to make changes, and that takes courage in this environment.
Have A Blessed And Powerful Day,
Bill Wilson
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The Real Benghazi Scandal
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The Real Benghazi Scandal
Yesterday we reported that the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee had issued a subpoena to the State Department demanding "all documents and communications referring or relating to the Benghazi talking points." On Fox News last night, columnist Charles Krauthammer offered his thoughts on the possible origin of those talking points. Here's what he suggested could be the real scandal:
"The biggest scandal of all, the biggest question is what was the president doing in those eight hours. He had a routine meeting at five o'clock. He never after during the eight hours when our guys have their lives in danger, he never called the Secretary of Defense, he never calls the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, he never called the CIA Director. . .
"But five hours in he calls the Secretary of State. And after the phone call she releases a statement essentially about the video and how we denounce any intolerance. It looks as if the only phone call is to construct a cover story at a time when the last two Americans who died were still alive and fighting for their lives. There's the scandal and that has to be uncovered." (Gary Bauer)
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Senate GOP Goes To Court
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Senate GOP Goes To Court
Many conservatives have been rightly concerned about the lawlessness of this administration and the apparent lack of a response. Here is some good news: There has been a response, but it just takes time.
As you may recall, Barack Obama has expressed his frustration with the limits placed on him by the system of checks and balances our Founders created. Well, those checks and balances work both ways -- making it difficult for the other branches of government to check the executive.
Consider the example of Obama's extraordinary recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Obama made the appointments when there wasn't a congressional recess. Two federal courts have now declared those appointments unconstitutional. Of course, the Obama Administration is appealing to the Supreme Court.
On Tuesday, all 45 Senate Republicans signed on to a brief urging the high court to strike down Obama's recess appointments. In a statement, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell argued, "If [President Obama] can override Senate procedures and second-guess its account of its actions, there is no telling what mischief he can achieve." If the Supreme Court agrees, everything the NLRB has done could well be declared invalid. (Gary Bauer)
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NDP Rally Tour Begins Today!
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NDP Rally Bus Tour Begins Today!
Launches "Pray for America" 2013!
Our PRAY FOR AMERICA BUS RALLY TOUR beings today in Pittsburgh, PA! We'll be traveling throughout the country engaging, equipping, and encouraging people in prayer. We will do our best to keep you informed every day while we are on the road. You can expect to see pictures, videos, personal updates, and even Podcast recordings as we meet with church leaders, host prayer rallies, and pray with friends we meet along the way. (For more details, see below.)
The National Day of Prayer observance on May 2nd was just the beginning of this year's efforts to engage, encourage, and equip millions in prayer! Beginning a few days after Memorial Day on May 31st - just four weeks after the National Day of Prayer - we plan to launch our first Pray for America Rally Tour!
Aboard a specially decorated tour bus, our team (featuring a group of authors and speakers, such as John Bornschein, Dion Elmore, Kathy Branzell, Lisa Crump, Ryan Dobson and others) has a vision of carrying this challenge (to engage, encourage and equip in prayer) from community to community, from state to state, and from coast to coast. At each stop, we will set up tents and tables, audio and video equipment, and hold prayer rallies. We'll pass out helpful resources, and most importantly, engage people in prayer. We'll meet with governors, mayors, pastors, and churches - praying for them and promoting the need for fervent prayer in their communities.
Can you imagine the impact to our nation if thousands of churches, in hundreds of communities, take the challenge to stand boldly in prayer for America - all year long? Other ministries have caught this vision, and have made a commitment to join with us, including Joni and Friends with Joni Eareckson Tada, Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah, Harvest Crusades with Pastor Greg Laurie, and more. Sponsors have already come forward to help make the first route, throughout 11 Northeastern states, possible. The other two routes will take us through an additional 24 states, all of which are still available for sponsorship.
> > > To learn more about how you can get involved with this exciting project . . . and to see the schedule of stops on this tour of eleven states on the East Coast, go here.
You can also go here to make a comment, or to read their three daily updates. Blessings!
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The Good News Corner
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The Good News Corner:
1. Student Includes Prayer in Graduation Speech, Draws Standing Ovation
It's what you might call a joyful noise.
Jonathan Hardwick, senior class president of Lincoln County High School in Stanford, gave attendees the option to participate in the prayer. The auditorium went quiet, and the young man thanked the Lord for helping everyone arrive safely to the event. "And thank You for the many blessings you have given us," he continued. "Because we are a very talented class. Will You watch over us and bless this ceremony?"
Six students - including at least one atheist - tried to stop the prayer by asking Principal Tim Godbey to prohibit it from going forward, according to The Advocate-Messenger. Godbey responded by noting that the U.S. Constitution protects the rights of students who wish to pray, as long as they are not disruptive.
A video of Hardwick's prayer was posted to media websites Friday. So far, it has generated more than 50,000 views on YouTube alone.
"More and more students are learning what their religious freedoms are - and the fact that the government cannot censor voluntary and respectfully communicated personal expressions of faith or voluntary prayers, even during graduation speeches," said CitizenLink Education Analyst Candi Cushman. "I think there is a renewal of bold expressions of religious speech - and students are leading the way in this."
Cushman said Hardwick's decision to pray is encouraging.
"Activist legal groups like the ACLU continue trying to intimidate schools," she explained. "The truth is, that schools aren't required to censor students' voluntary references to faith." (CitizenLink)
Read more.
2. North Dakota Governor Signs 3 Anti-Abortion Bills Into Law
On Tuesday, North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple signed three new anti-abortion bills into law.
HB1305 places a ban on abortions that are performed solely because the baby has a genetic disorder or because they are not the desired sex wanted by the parents.
HB 1456 places a ban on all abortions once a fetal heartbeat has been detected.
SB 2305 places strict guidelines on anyone performing an abortion requiring them to have hospital privileges.
Knowing that the last two bills will most likely face court challenges by the liberals, Dalrymple instructed the state legislature to appropriate funds to be used for the legal defense of them, before they adjourn. (The Last Resistance) Read more.
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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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Psalm 20: The Name of GOD
What a powerful way to close out this week, saints of God! Turn up your speakers and enjoy this magnificent praise out of Israel . . . praise to the Name of our God!
