Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief Wednesday, June 26, 2013
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9)
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. Supreme Court strikes down key section of Defense of Marriage Act -
The Hill
In a 5-4 decision written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, the court overturned a section of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that bars same-sex couples from receiving federal benefits, even if they live in a state that recognizes same-sex marriages.
- Pray that our nation does not continue down this Sodom and Gomorrah path of destruction. Pray that sound voices of logic and reason would align with God's Word on the subject of homosexual sin. Pray that those who advocate the sin of homosexuality would bend their knees to the Lord's sovereignty and that the Lord would deliver their souls from the death-grip of Satan's domain while there is yet some time to do so.
Pray, too, for God's mercy on the U.S., and that a heaven-sent, widespread revival will sweep through the Church in America and bring many to repentance and a true heart-change on these deeply divisive issues.
- "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination." (Lev. 18:22) (Prayer offered by Intercessors for America)
2. High court punts on California's Prop 8 gay marriage ban - The Hill
The Supreme Court did not reach a ruling Wednesday in a landmark case on same-sex marriage rights. Citing procedural issues with the case, the justices declined to rule on whether California's ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional. Technical and procedural issues had marred the case from the beginning. The justices questioned during oral arguments whether the group defending Proposition 8 had the legal standing to do so. (Read more)
- We offer a cautious word of thanksgiving for this decision regarding Proposition 8. Meanwhile, the DOMA ruling also "lets stand" the laws in 36 other states that do not recognize same sex "marriages." Stand strong in intercession that this tide of perversion not turn into a tsunami of evil, overwhelming our land. Praise God for states' rights on this issue. In Jesus name, amen.
- "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19 KJV)
3. Senators tout 70 votes for immigration reform as Paul predicts bill already 'dead' in House - Fox News
Even with one of the Senate's strongest opponents to the chamber's sweeping immigration-reform bill saying Sunday that the legislation will likely pass this week with a resounding 70 votes, Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul predicted the legislation was doomed in the more conservative House.
IMMIGRATION BILL ADVANCES IN THE SENATE
Senators voted Monday to add 20,000 more Border Patrol agents to the southwestern border and require a total of 700 miles of fencing within a decade, clearing the way for the broad immigration bill to pass the chamber this week - but opening deep divisions within the Republican Party.
In the 67-27 vote, 15 Republicans joined Democrats in backing the manpower and infrastructure, but the other Senate Republicans balked, saying the enhancements were chimerical and shouldn't be used to cover over what they argued was a bad bill that doesn't do enough to enforce the laws and stop another wave of illegal immigration. (Reported by Intercessors for America)
- Lord, we thank you for this good report. We thank You that our Congress has two chambers -- House and Senate -- so that bills must pass through several hurdles before they become law. Father, all indicators are that this immigration (amnesty) bill, in its present form, will not be a blessing to our nation, but instead will serve to weaken our borders. We ask that You would strengthen the hands of the members of the House of Representatives so that, when it comes time for them to vote on its passage, this bill will fail. We ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.
- He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
4. Friends of Syria agree to give rebels military aid - Jerusalem Post
Western and Arab countries opposed to President Bashar Assad agreed at talks in Qatar on Saturday to give urgent military support to Syrian rebels fighting for his overthrow, and to channel it through a Western-backed rebel military command.
- Lord, we call on Your compassion and mercy for Syria. We pray especially for the execution of decisions regarding the intervention in Syria.
- Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord--that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. (James 4:11)
5. Putin slams West for plan to arm Syrian rebels - Times of Israel
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West on Friday against arming the Syrian rebels, which he said included terrorist groups, and against a hasty exit by Syrian President Bashar Assad, which would lead to a political vacuum.
- Lord, we pray for President Putin and the West leaders. We also pray for the rebels and terrorist groups. We pray that the Holy Spirit would breakthrough for a harvest of souls. Give discernment to our leaders; guide and direct their thoughts and plans. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
- He loosens the bonds of kings, and binds their waist with a belt. He leads princes away plundered, and overthrows the mighty. (Job 1:19-20)
6. British spy agency said to tap world's phone calls, e-mails - CNet
Accusations of broad government surveillance have traveled across the pond. Britain's intelligence agency has reportedly been collecting and storing vast amounts of data from the world's telephone calls and Internet traffic -- and sharing that information with the National Security Agency.
- Lord, we pray that data collected by these two countries would not interfere with God given liberties. Bring the people of these countries out of their slumber - to stand for their liberties - and do what is necessary to protect them. We pray for liberty and not bondage in the use of this surveillance information. In the name of Jesus we pray.
- And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage). (Galatians 2:4)
7. Op-Ed: Now Obama Using Troops To Prop Up Cairo's Islamofascists - Investors Daily
In the latest twist in our upside-down war on terror, President Obama withdraws troops fighting terrorists in Afghanistan and sends others to Egypt to protect a regime that supports terrorists.
- Lord, help our upside-down decisions on terror. Bring clarity, right judgment, and wisdom in all these decisions. Surround our leaders with God-fearing men and women filled with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with justice and might.
- But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, (Micah 3:8a)
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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:
" "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His mercies endure forever." (Psalm 118:1)
1. Mass Ethiopian aliya to end in August - Times of Israel
The Jewish Agency is preparing to end mass aliya from Ethiopia with two final flights consisting of 400 immigrants on August 28.
2. Jordan, Israel Weigh Gas Deal - Wall Street Journal
Jordan has been holding talks to become the first country to buy natural gas from Israel, which on Sunday approved a plan to export 40% of energy reserves recently discovered beneath the Mediterranean Sea, analysts and people familiar with the talks said.
3. Netanyahu urges Palestinians to start talks, and stay at them - Jerusalem Post
Amid reports that Israeli-Palestinian talks are on the immediate horizon, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu shifted the message Tuesday from calling on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to the negotiating table, to calling on him not to bolt once he is there.
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The Persecuted Church
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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. Christian Activist Goes on Hunger Strike to Protest Abuse in Vietnamese Prison - AsiaNews
Hanoi (AsiaNews/Agencies) - A Vietnamese activist convicted for plotting to overthrow the government has begun a hunger strike to protest prison conditions. Tran Minh Nhat, a Catholic activist, sentenced to four years in January for his affiliation with the banned Viet Tan opposition party, started to refuse food after he was denied reading material, including books about Catholic saints, and subjected to psychological and physical abuse.
Ngueyn Thi Chi, sister of activist Nguyen Dinh Cuong who was convicted and imprisoned with Nhat, said that the young man decided to go on a hunger strike "to protest prison conditions." The protest, which began on June 21, will continue to the bitter end.
2. Gunman Open Fire on Church in Baghdad - AINA
Baghdad (AINA) -- Gunmen opened fire on St. Mary Assyrian Church this on Tuesday morning, wounding two security guards. The gunmen were traveling in a civilian car, according to a source in the interior ministry, when they fired a barrage of bullets at the church, which is located in the Ameen Thania neighborhood in eastern Baghdad. The church guards were taken to Al Kindi hospital, where one is listed in serious condition.
73 churches have been attacked or bombed since June, 2004, including today's attack
3. Secret Believers Share Faith under Fire - CBN News
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan -- 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.
Recently, CBN News gained exclusive access to a gathering of secret believers inside a former Soviet Republic to get a close-up look at what life is like for Christians who face daily persecution.
Secret Strategy
The setting in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan could not have been more ideal.
"This is a beautiful location," Vitaly, a secret believer, said. "Seventy percent of the country is mountainous. Locals call it the second Switzerland of Asia. Our goal was to find a safe place away from the city to not draw attention of the authorities."
For a few days Vitaly and a handful of Christians gathered in a secluded villa tucked away in the mountains about a two-hour drive outside the capital city Bishkek.
"We worship, pray, and strategize how to effectively share the love of Christ in our countries," Vitaly said.
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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SCOTUS Did Not Rule Against Prop 8!
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U.S. Supreme Court Announces Decision on Prop 8
Just moments ago, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision in the Proposition 8 case.
It is widely being mis-reported that the Court ruled against Prop 8. IT DID NOT!
Rather, the Court said it could not reach a decision because California government officials refused to defend the law. So it did not rule on Prop 8's validity.
In doing so, the Court also nullified the Ninth Circuit's ruling against Prop 8, which is a great victory in itself!
So, the voter-passed Constitutional Amendment to protect man-woman marriage remains the law of the land in California, because only an appellate court can strike down a voter proposition statewide.
But it remains to be seen what California officials will do now.
But for now, let's be thankful that the Court refused to strike down Prop 8!
Andy Pugno
Prop 8 General Counsel
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FRC Statement on SCOTUS Rulings
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Supreme Court's Refusal to Redefine Marriage Nationwide Allows American People to Consider Consequences of Redefinition
Family Research Council
June 26, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to today's U.S. Supreme Court rulings on marriage:
"While we are disappointed in the Supreme Court's decision to strike down part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the court today did not impose the sweeping nationwide redefinition of natural marriage that was sought. Time is not on the side of those seeking to create same-sex 'marriage.' As the American people are given time to experience the actual consequences of redefining marriage, the public debate and opposition to the redefinition of natural marriage will undoubtedly intensify.
"We are encouraged that the court learned from the disaster of Roe v. Wade and refrained from redefining marriage for the entire country. However, by striking down the federal definition of marriage in DOMA, the Court is asserting that Congress does not have the power to define the meaning of words in statutes Congress itself has enacted. This is absurd. The Defense of Marriage Act imposes no uniform definition of marriage upon the individual states. However, the states should not be able to impose varying definitions of marriage upon the federal government.
The ruling that the federal government must recognize same-sex 'marriages' in states that recognize them raises as many questions as it answers. For example, what is the status of such couples under federal law if they move to another state that does not recognize their 'marriage?' This decision throws open the doors for whole new rounds of litigation.
"We are disturbed that the court refused to acknowledge that the proponents of Proposition 8 have standing to defend Proposition 8. This distorts the balance of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. The Court's decision allows the executive branch to effectively veto any duly enacted law, simply by refusing to defend it against a constitutional challenge. Ironically, by refusing to defend the law, California's executive branch has also denied the nation any definitive ruling on the constitutionality of defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
"What is inevitable is that the male and female relationship will continue to be uniquely important to the future of society. The reality is that society needs children, and children need a mom and a dad. We will continue to work to restore and promote a healthy marriage culture, which will maximize the chances of a child being raised by a married mother and father," Perkins concluded.
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A personal message from Rob Schenck
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A personal message from Rob Schenck
at the US Supreme Court
My heart is heavy today . . . but I still have hope!
This morning I attended the special session at the US Supreme Court. While the results were disappointing, they were not unexpected...and not the final word! Justice Kennedy once again used his role as the deciding vote in a deeply divided Court to strike down the federal law defining marriage as between a man and a woman. He also, however, reminded everyone that nothing in today's DOMA decision would restrict any state from defining marriage as they wish. That means the defense of marriage will be fought from state to state. And Justice Scalia, in a strong dissent that he read word for word from the bench, took the Court to task and presented powerful language we will all be able to use as this battle continues.
I was the very first person at the microphones and "spoke the truth in love" to the national and international press gathered there. I reminded everyone that no matter how any of us feel about the outcomes in these cases, one thing is true: the Supreme Court has no authority when it comes to the nature of marriage. That authority belongs to the Creator, whom our founders declared is the source of all our rights. At the same time, for the church, today's decisions are an invitation to look at the reality of same-sex couples and families differently, through the lens of God's love, to seek and minister with grace and mercy to all people. The gospel is open to everyone regardless of their sexual orientation or the configuration of their families. This is a challenge we all need to meet. Don't let today's decisions discourage you! This struggle will continue!
Rev. Rob Schenck, President
Faith and Action
PS: To watch to my full remarks at the microphones at the steps of the US Supreme Court, click here.
- Thank you, Rob! We agree!
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At the White House . . .
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Banned Cleric's Outspoken Deputy Visits White House
Radical Egyptian cleric Yusuf Qaradawi is considered so radical that the United States bans him from entering the country. Qaradawi, considered the spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood movement, has called for the killing of Jews and Americans.
That history makes the June 13 White House meeting with Sheik Abdullah Bin Bayyah all the more inexplicable. Bin Bayyah is vice president of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), a group founded by and headed by Qaradawi. The IUMS has a long history of supporting Hamas -a top Hamas leader is an IUMS member - and of calling for Israel's destruction.
Bin Bayyah's website claims that he met June 13 with senior Obama administration officials at the White House.
Nonetheless, it was the Obama administration which sought the meeting with Bin Bayyah, his website's account said.
"We asked for this meeting to learn from you and we need to be looking for new mechanisms to communicate with you and the Association of Muslim Scholars (another name used for the IUMS)," Gayle Smith, senior director of the National Security Council, reportedly said.
. . . The White House did not respond to repeated requests for comments between June 14 and Tuesday. . .
Bin Bayyah lobbied the White House to "take urgent action" to help Syrian rebels. "We demand Washington take a greater role in [Syria]," Bin Bayyah told Al-Jazeera. President Obama later announced plans to arm Syrian rebels. . . (Read more here)
[Source: Steve Emerson, Investigative Project on Terrorism]
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The Good News Corner
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The Good News Corner:
A Speech in the Irish Parliament
The nations are watching . . . and weighing in.
This speech was presented to the Irish Parliament by one of its members, Clare Daly.
