"Hold the Fort!" - (See our worship section, below!)
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
The Daily Brief Friday, June 28, 2013
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Gal. 6:9)
Guidelines for today's American Prayer Initiative can be found by going here.
VISIT OUR BLOG!
CHPP's blog includes archives of past editions of all of our alerts, as well as features on praying for the government, Israel, and other key issues. Come visit us by going here.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE
We welcome all who wish to pray for our leaders to join us in prayer for our nation. You may sign up to receive our alerts by sending an email to us at chpp@patriot.net, requesting that your name be added to our list of subscribers.
|
The Daily Brief
|
|||
 |
||||
1. Hobby Lobby Gets Obamacare Fee Reprieve While Battling Contraception Mandate - Charisma News
Arts and crafts chain Hobby Lobby may be exempt from a requirement in U.S. President Barack Obama's 2010 healthcare overhaul to provide free contraception coverage in its employee health insurance plans, a federal appeals court ruled. Thursday's decision by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver could spare the family-owned company from potentially paying millions of dollars in fines as soon as next week for not complying with the law. (Read more.)
- Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for this answer to prayer, all the while continuing to bring this case before the Throne of Grace. More appeals are forthcoming, so please continue to lift up Hobby Lobby in prayer so that our rights to religious freedom will be sustained in the next court of law to hear this case. Praise the Lord.
- ". . . in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
(I Thess. 5:18)
2. Gay lobby's next target: Benefits in all 50 states - The Hill
Gay rights lobbyists plan to use their victory at the Supreme Court to push legislation that would ensure married same-sex couples are eligible for federal benefits in all 50 states.
- Lift up the hands of the watchmen and the gatekeepers in all of these 50 states, that they would be strengthened to continue to STAND for God's law to prevail in their states regarding marriage. Thank Him that He is able to stop the onslaught at the gate, as we each stand in repentance and continue in prayer. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
(I Samuel 17:47)
3. Senate passes sweeping rewrite of immigration laws - USA Today
The U.S. Senate passed a sweeping immigration bill Thursday that would allow the nation's 11 million unauthorized immigrants to become U.S. citizens, overhaul the country's immigration system and spend billions to secure the southwest border with Mexico.
- Dear Lord, we pray that the House leadership will continue to stand strong against this very flawed bill. We pray against a spirit of compromise which has afflicted our lawmakers in the past. Thank You, Lord, for working in the hearts of the House members to vote against this bill that would not do what it is supposed to do and would reportedly harm America.
- "Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers."
(Isaiah 1:7)
4. Obama on Snowden: 'I'm not going to be scrambling jets to get a 29-year-old hacker' - Washington Times
President Obama said Thursday he hasn't spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin about extraditing confessed NSA leaker Edward Snowden, even though he's concerned that the fugitive might reveal more top-secret information about U.S. surveillance programs.
- Pray in the Spirit over this report. Only the Lord knows all the details about this shadowy figure and his actions; and only the Lord can bring justice in this case. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." (Romans 8:26)
5. Secret Believers Share Faith under Fire - CBN News
One-hundred-thousand Christians are murdered because of their faith each year. In many cases, governments are to blame because they pass laws that restrict religious freedom.
- Oh, Lord, how disturbing is this report of the appalling number of Your Saints who are murdered each year!. Even as the enemy of Your people thinks he is winning, we speak Your divine protection over Your people and pray that You would both hide them from the persecutors and change policies of the many nations who are determined to stamp out Christianity from the face of the earth. Lord, we pray for You to turn back the tide of evil that seems planned for Christians in this country as well.
- "Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die." (Psalms 79:11)
6. Gay rights clash: Obama, African host are at odds - Yahoo
Laying bare a clash of cultures, President Barack Obama on Thursday urged African leaders to extend equal rights to gays and lesbians but was bluntly rebuked by Senegal's president, who said his country "still isn't ready" to decriminalize homosexuality.
- Pray that this rebuke by the president of Senegal would be used by the Hand of God to cause Obama to reassess his own position on gay rights. It is time for the light to shine in the darkness; pray!
- "My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke . . ." (Proverbs 3:11)
|
The Middle East in Focus
|
|||
|
||||
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
" "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His mercies endure forever." (Psalm 118:1)
1. UN Security Council renews Golan peacekeeping mission - Ynet News
The UN Security Council renewed for six months on Thursday a peacekeeping mission in the Israeli Golan Heights monitoring a decades-old truce between Israel and Syria that has been shaken by a spillover of violence from Syria's civil war.
2. Israel's biometric database to begin operating in two weeks - Ha'aretz
Israel's pilot biometric database will begin operations in two weeks, Deputy Interior Minister Fania Kirshenbaum announced Monday.
3. Peres, Netanyahu reject idea of bi-national state - Ynet News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres on Thursday rejected the idea of a bi-national state during a memorial for Theodore Herzl in Jerusalem.
4. Netanyahu: Without security, any peace we have will unravel - Israel Hayom
In a continuation of his efforts to renew Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to arrive in Israel on Thursday and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
5. Netanyahu, Kerry meet in Jerusalem - Ynet News
US Secretary of State John Kerry met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem Thursday, in an attempt to discuss a renewal of the diplomatic process between Israel and the Palestinians.
|
The Persecuted Church
|
|||
|
||||
Today's Focus: The Persecuted Church
"The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry." (Psalm 34:15)
1. Algeria's Protestants Want Their Churches Back - World Watch Monitor
The Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA) has reaffirmed its desire to regain control of several former churches used today for other purposes. Christians are the distinct minority in Algeria, representing less than 1% of Algeria's 38 million inhabitants, and often face restrictions when seeking to build new churches.
The presence of Protestant Christians in Algeria dates back to the French colonial era, when a number of churches were built. However, after the country gained independence in 1962, many of these buildings were given to other purposes.
2. Suicide Blast in Christian Neighborhood of Damascus Claims Four Lives - BBC
A blast in an old Christian quarter of the Syrian capital Damascus has left four people dead, in what Syrian state TV describes as a suicide attack. Several people were injured in the attack in the Bab Sharqi neighbourhood, near a church. Rebel sources confirmed the number of dead, but said the attack was caused by a mortar bomb.
More than 90,000 people have died and millions have been displaced by Syria's two-year conflict, the UN says.
Reports say that the bomber was wearing a suicide belt and blew himself up outside the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox church.
3. United States Called on to Strengthen Religious Freedom Policies - CSW
The US-based International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable, a multi-faith network of organizations and individuals advocating for freedom of religion or belief, will publish a letter today calling on the US government to further protect and promote international religious freedom.
The letter will be published following today's second annual IRF event on Capitol Hill, co-hosted by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), and expresses the IRF Roundtable's concern "regarding the current state of international religious freedom (IRF), which is one of deepening crisis." It includes recommendations "on how the United States can strengthen its IRF policy such that freedom of religion, conscience, and belief-the foundation of human dignity-is protected and promoted, resulting in reduced persecution and repression, as well as greater security and stability worldwide."
For more news about the Persecuted Church, and how you can be more involved in intercession for these precious saints, go here.
|
Now is the time to pray for America
|
|||
|
||||
Now is the time to pray for America
Tony Perkins, President
Family Research Council
The decisions issued Wednesday by our nation's highest court only magnify the need for God's people in America: individuals, families and churches, to heed His remarkable appeal found in 2nd Chronicles 7:14.
The moral and spiritual blindness of our many of our nation's top political leaders and judges is clearly stunning. But we should not be surprised by this darkened understanding (Eph 4:18), it is the by-product of a people who have forgotten God. Every follower of Christ should be troubled by our nation's continued rejection of God's revealed truth. However, we must not become discouraged in our call to live by and be a witness for the Truth. Jesus, Himself gives us very clear instruction in Luke 18 that we must not be discouraged, rather we should pray.
I remind you there is a higher Court of Appeal whom our nation's Founders addressed as the "Supreme Judge of the World." That is the Court where you and I have been appointed to serve as advocates, under the authority of our Chief Advocate, our Lord Jesus Christ (see Heb 7:25).
This Sunday, June 30th is Call2Fall.
In 2009, the Lord led FRC to launch a Call2Fall, which is based upon 2 Chronicles 7:14. This call in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is not to the political, it's not to the powerful or the prominent, it's to God's people.
Will you join over 1.7 million other Christians on their knees this Sunday crying out for the Church, for America?
If you have not already done so, I urge you to ask your pastor to lead your church in Call2Fall, and if he cannot, for you to lead your family in a private time on your knees, uniting with over 1.7 million believers and churches who have already pledged to do so this Sunday, June 30th. Please join us. Everything you need to know can be found at www.Call2Fall.com. Please visit the site and let us know you will be with us by clicking, "I'm In!"
And when we rise from our knees, may we heed the Apostle Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 6:10-20. May we be strong in the Lord, protected by His armor, equipped for spiritual warfare, and engage in the struggle ahead, and after we have done all, stand and pray -- especially for the successful proclamation of the Gospel!
Standing (Ephesians 6:13),
Tony Perkins, President
Family Research Council
|
Business As Usual
|
|||
|
||||
Business As Usual
By Congressman Randy Forbes
June 27, 2013
> > > Forbes Introduces Resolution on President's Trip to Africa
Read the text of this resolution here.
The first family recently departed on their travels to Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania as a part of a week-long visit across the continent of Africa. The agenda lists efforts to boost economic partnerships and promote democratic development in African nations, all at a cool cost of $100 million to American taxpayers.
An elaborate security infrastructure for the first family is a major contributor in the cost of the trip, which will involve airlifting bullet-proof support vehicles, sending hundreds of U.S. Secret Service agents to each country, and stationing a Navy aircraft carrier or amphibious ship offshore to be made available in case of an emergency.
But while the President flies across the world with his family, civil servants continue to receive furlough letters in the mail. Families sit around the kitchen table over spreadsheets and calculators, working and reworking their budgets, trying to decide whether they can afford, not vacations, but life's everyday essentials.
Our nation faces austere times. Thousands of civil servants have had their regular salaries reduced. No sequestration solution is in sight. Our federal spending is a mess. Quite simply, using millions of taxpayer dollars to fund such an elaborate trip is not only symbolically reckless, but shows a lack of focus on cutting spending and solving sequestration. . .
. . . This week, I introduced a resolution expressing those concerns.
Specifically, H.Res.275 brings to attention that the $100 million used to fund the President's trip is a misguided use of taxpayer dollars at a time when thousands of families face furloughs and with no sequestration solutions in sight. It is important for Americans to see that our government leaders are tuned in to the ramifications of sequestration, the current state of our federal budget, and our national debt. They need to know leaders are laser-focused on bringing resolution to these issues, rather than continuing to operate under business as usual.
[To read the entire article, go here.]
|
Gov. Perry Takes Action
|
|||
|
||||
Gov. Perry Calls Special Session to Begin July 1
AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today announced a Special Session of the Texas Legislature will begin at 2 p.m. Monday, July 1.
"I am calling the Legislature back into session because too much important work remains undone for the people of Texas. Through their duly elected representatives, the citizens of our state have made crystal clear their priorities for our great state. Texans value life and want to protect women and the unborn. Texans want a transportation system that keeps them moving. Texans want a court system that is fair and just. We will not allow the breakdown of decorum and decency to prevent us from doing what the people of this state hired us to do."
The special session will consider the following issues:
- Legislation relating to the regulation of abortion procedures, providers and facilities.
- Legislation relating to the funding of transportation infrastructure projects.
- Legislation relating to establishing a mandatory sentence of life with parole for a capital felony committed by a 17-year-old offender.
> > > Footnote from Mike and Cindy Jacobs:
We'd like to thank all of you who participated in calling Texas Governor Rick Perry's office yesterday concerning the pro-life bill that was being filibustered. Your actions truly had positive impact! Please read the report below, and continue praying for life to win in Texas!
|
An Explosion of Pro-Life Legislation
|
|||
|
||||
An Explosion of Pro-Life Legislation
Allan Parker, President
The Justice Foundation
Several States Move to Restrict Abortion on Demand
As many of you know, January 22, 2013, was the fortieth anniversary of the infamous Supreme Court decision known as Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. These two cases brought abortion on demand to America up to the moment of birth. The full horror of those decisions can perhaps be known only in eternity, but the recent Kermit Gosnell horror story in Philadelphia has been used by God to help expose some of the deeds of this terrible darkness.
Many of you were praying that after forty years, 2013 would be the year of exodus from the wilderness to the pro-life Promised Land. I believe it is actually happening. In a very unexpected and surprising development, at least four states independently and without national coordination, led by sincere legislators, have passed legislation which might very well lead to the end of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. This is in addition to incremental legislation under current law like regulations of clinics, informed consent, etc.
It reminds me that after the forty years in the wilderness, there was not an immediate occupation of all of the Promised Land. Rather it was the beginning of a series of victories (with a small defeat at Ai) that ultimately led to conquest after state by state and city by city battles for occupation of the territory. I believe that is what we are seeing with this explosion of significant pro-life legislation.
[To read the entire article, including a list of prayer points for different states, go here.]
|
The Good News Corner
|
|||
|
||||
The Good News Corner:
Robert De Niro in Jerusalem to Encourage Israelis
The actor's appearance contributed to what some see as a major defeat for the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to put pressure on Israel to surrender to Arab demands by getting A-listers like De Niro to shun the Jewish state.
(Jerusalem, Israel)-On Wednesday, June 19, A-list American actor Robert De Niro spoke at the annual President's Conference in Jerusalem. A veteran of many "tough guy" movie roles, De Niro said he had a lot of admiration for the aggressive "tough guy" Israeli character.
"Israelis are warm, they're energetic people. Forthright. Very smart. I always like smart people. They're nice people, you know. Aggressive, and I respect that aggressiveness because you need it in their situation," he said.
De Niro is one of only many international celebrities and political figures attending the "Tomorrow" presidential conference, an annual gathering started by Israeli President Shimon Peres several years ago.
On Thursday, the last day of the conference, the podium was dominated by the CEOs of the world's technology and communications giants, who all unanimously crowned Israel as the most innovative hi-tech nation on earth.
The star-studded turn-out at the conference was seen locally as a major defeat for the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to put pressure on Israel to surrender to Arab demands by getting A-listers like De Niro to shun the Jewish state.
|
Pray for the Harvest!
|
|||
|
||||
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!
|
Worship With Us Today!
|
|||
|
||||
Worship With Us Today!
HOLD THE FORT!
"That which you have hold fast till I come." (Revelation 2:25)
The Ottawa Christian Men's Chorus sings a Civil War era hymn, "Hold The Fort" This was performed during the Church Service in conjunction with the 150th Anniversary of the first Lincoln-Douglas Debate held in Ottawa, Illinois in 1858.
To sing along with these mighty men of God, go here.
HOLD THE FORT!
1) Ho, my comrades! see the signal waving in the sky! Reinforcements now appearing, victory is nigh.
Refrain:
"Hold the fort, for I am coming," Jesus signals still; Wave the answer back to Heaven, "By Thy grace we will."
2) See the mighty host advancing, Satan leading on; Mighty ones around us falling, courage almost gone!
Refrain
3) See the glorious banner waving! Hear the trumpet blow! In our Leader's Name we triumph over ev'ry foe.
Refrain
4) Fierce and long the battle rages, but our help is near; Onward comes our great Commander, cheer, my comrades, cheer!
Refrain:
"Hold the fort, for I am coming!" Jesus signals still; Wave the answer back to Heaven, "By Thy grace we will!"
To learn about the history of this Civil War hymn, go here.
