Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief Monday, July 15, 2013
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." (Phil. 4:8 NIV)
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The Daily Brief
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1. Obama calls Martin's death 'tragedy,' urges calm and says 'jury has spoken' - Fox News
President Obama on Sunday called the death of Trayvon Martin a "tragedy for America" but urged people to remain calm, in his first public remarks since a jury Saturday night acquitted the man who fatally shot the Florida teen.
The president acknowledged the not-guilty verdict has elicited strong emotions across the country but said "the jury has spoken" and that Americans should respect the "call for calm reflection" by Martin's parents.
"In the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher," Obama said. "But we are a nation of laws." (Read more)
- Father, we thank You that Obama has publicly called for our citizens to remain "calm" after the verdict of "not guilty" was rendered for George Martin on Saturday night. We ask You to command Your angels to stand guard over our cities for our protection, and that You would move upon the hearts of our people to cause any anger or rage to subside. In Jesus' name, amen.
- "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)
2. Black Churches Pressuring Justice Department to Try Zimmerman For Civil Rights Violation - AFRO.com
The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) , an organization representing 34,000 Black churches, is staging a rally July 15 at noon in front of the Justice Department headquarters in Washington, D.C. to protest the verdict in the murder trial of George Zimmerman.
The NBCI, which has been among the leading advocates for justice in the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla., is calling for the demonstration to buttress demands for the Justice Department to launch a prosecution under federal civil rights laws of George Zimmerman, who was found not guilty July 13 by a Florida Circuit Court jury of second degree murder and manslaughter charges in the 2011 shooting death of Martin. (Read more)
- Pray for the safety of George Zimmerman for the remainder of his life on the earth. We ask that any other court cases that may appear regarding this incident be placed under the Shed Blood of the Lamb, and that justice be served, again.
- Psalm 91 for George Zimmerman.
3. Texas Republicans pass new abortion limits -AP
Republican lawmakers in Texas passed a bill that would give the state some of the nation's most restrictive abortion laws and force most of its clinics to close, leading Democrats to promise a fight over the contentious measure in the courts and at the ballot box.
Democrats promised a legal challenge to the measure, which will ban abortions after 20 weeks, require doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital and require all abortions to take place in surgical centers. Only five of Texas' 42 existing abortion clinics meet the requirements to be a surgical center, and clinic owners say they cannot afford to upgrade or relocate. (Read more)
- Father God, we rejoice greatly at this victory for LIFE over the weekend in the State of Texas. We ask You to be with the supporters of this bill as it goes through future court fights and we ask, Lord, that this kind of law be voted in across our nation. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen and Amen.
- "But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You . . . For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous, with favor; You will surround him as with a shield." (Psalm 5:11-12)
4. Obama: U.S. Needs More Taxpayers; Calls for Fewer Babies But 'More Immigrants' - CNS News
President Barack Obama said today America needs "more immigrants" to increase the number of people who pay taxes to the federal government and to populate the national workforce. That contrasts with the arguments he made at a recent Planned Parenthood conference, where he ridiculed efforts to limit abortion and called on the conferees to help make sure that all American women knew that a regulation his administration has issued under Obamacare requires that insurance companies provide them with free contraceptives. (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, this conveys that what is wanted is 'instant voters' for the leftists, and not concern for tax revenue. Father, we need this stopped, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.
- "A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape." (Proverbs 19:5)
5. Under new rules, GOP would have no say in Obama pick for Homeland Security - Daily Caller
If Harry Reid gets his way, President Obama won't have to worry about appointing a new Homeland Security secretary that is acceptable to Senate Republicans. Napolitano's resignation from the department on Friday comes as the Democratic majority leader is threatening to invoke "the nuclear option" and change the Senate's rules to allow administration appointees to sail through confirmation without threat of Republican filibustering. Under that scenario, Napolitano's replacement would likely be the first major appointment made in the post-"nuclear option" era where Republicans would have no ability to stop the confirmation of a nominee they find unacceptable.
If Democrats actually do the nuclear option, it would reduce the confirmation process to one party rule," Ashbrook said. "President Obama could install controversial nominees with a complicit Democrat majority and no real input from the opposition." (Read more)
- O Lord, stop the actions of this man Harry Reid! Negotiation and compromise is the way things need to be accomplished within our nation's congressional branch but he is using his power and position to manipulate and control so he can have only what he wants done. Have mercy Lord, but confront he and his allies strongly so they have fear of You and face what they are doing, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.
- "The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out." (Proverbs 10:31)
6. Snowden documents could be 'worst nightmare' for U.S.: journalist - Reuters
Fugitive former U.S. spy contractor Edward Snowden controls dangerous information that could become the United States' "worst nightmare" if revealed, a journalist familiar with the data said in a newspaper interview.Glenn Greenwald, the Guardian journalist who first published the documents Snowden leaked, said in a newspaper interview published on Saturday that the U.S. government should be careful in its pursuit of the former computer analyst.
"Snowden has enough information to cause harm to the U.S. government in a single minute than any other person has ever had," Greenwald said in an interview in Rio de Janeiro with the Argentinean daily La Nacion."The U.S. government should be on its knees every day begging that nothing happen to Snowden, because if something does happen to him, all the information will be revealed and it could be its worst nightmare." (Read more)
- Abba Father, it seems Mr. Snowden has stored information with some contacts to be revealed if something negative happens to him. We ask You Lord to rise up and control what is happening here, so that he may move safely to asylum and to release what needs to be heard but not to reveal what potentially may severely damage our nation. Thank you, Father, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.
- "In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise will preserve them." (Proverbs 14:3)
7. Gay marriage foes seek to halt California same-sex weddings - Reuters
Gay marriage opponents asked the California Supreme Court on Friday to stop same-sex weddings in the state and order that a voter initiative banning the nuptials remain in effect. California voters passed the wedding ban, known as Proposition 8, in 2008 but a San Francisco federal judge struck down the initiative as unconstitutional. Last month the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that backers of the ban did not have the legal right to appeal.A federal appeals court then allowed gay marriages to resume, and a wave of ceremonies around the state began immediately. (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, we ask You to be in the midst of this legal request submitted on behalf of the voting citizens in California to their Supreme Court. May this request be honored as it has not been legally put aside. Your justice and righteousness is needed to activate this law. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen and Amen.
- "God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day." (Psalm 7:11)
8. Netanyahu to push US for 'more credible military option' on Iran - Times of Israel
If new 'public diplomacy' effort fails, Netanyahu will have to decide whether to attack Iran by winter at the latest, TV report claims By Times of Israel staff July 13, 2013. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly to launch a new, last-ditch effort in the next few days to persuade the United States to credibly revive the military option against Iran. If the prime minister's effort fails, "Netanyahu will have to make a decision in the next few months" over "whether to attack Iran by the winter." The report stressed considerable support for a resort to military force within the cabinet, and concluded: "This could happen." (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, thank you for being a wonderful miracle working God! We praise and worship You, Lord! We come to Your throne and bring PM Netanyahu before You for Your blessings of discernment and wisdom, strength and courage, and peace as to this decision. We ask You to be totally in the midst of this for Israel's sake! Prepare both the prime minister and his advisors, staff, coalition and military for this event. Let this action be taken in Your timing and approach. In Jesus' Name, we ask this prayer, amen and amen.
- "The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident." (Psalm 27:1-3)
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The Middle East in Focus
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The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
" It is because of YHWH's covenantal love that we are not destroyed, because His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)
1. Netanyahu: Iran 'weeks away' from crossing red line - Jerusalem Post
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu launched a rhetorical offensive against Iran on Sunday. The move came amid unease that the world might be enticed by a "compromise proposal" that Jerusalem believes Tehran is hatching, and concern that regional turmoil was distracting everyone's attention from Iran's nuclear march.
2. Israel May Attack Iran before U.S., PM Warns - Arutz Sheva
Iran is moving "closer and closer" to building a nuclear weapon and Israel may have to act before the United States does, Israel's Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu warned Sunday.
3. Report: Israeli submarine strike hit Syrian arms depot - Jerusalem Post
Israeli Dolphin-class submarines carried out a July 5 attack on an arms depot in the Syrian port city of Latakia, according to a report in the British Sunday Times, which contradicted a previous CNN report that the attack was the work of the Israel Air Force.
4. Netanyahu pledges to thwart Iran 'before it's too late' - Times of Israel
Israel's prime minister insisted Sunday that he would act to keep Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and also that he would not allow "dangerous weapons" to reach Lebanon's Hezbollah terrorists -- following reports that Israel recently carried out an airstrike in northern Syria against a shipment of advanced missiles.
5. Netanyahu phones Abbas for Ramadan, pushes to restart talks - Times of Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas Sunday night to wish him a happy Ramadan.
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The Persecuted Church
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Today's Focus: The Persecuted Church
"Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body." (Hebrews 13:3)
1. UK Urged to put Human Rights at Heart of Burmese President's Visit - CSW
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) today urged the British Government to ensure that continuing grave violations of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, are put at the heart of discussions with Burma's President Thein Sein during his visit to the United Kingdom next week.
President Thein Sein is expected to arrive in London for a two-day official visit on 14 July and will meet the Prime Minister, David Cameron, and the Foreign Secretary, William Hague. It is the first time a Burmese President has visited the UK in decades and is in recognition of the political reforms Thein Sein's government has introduced over the past two years. It follows the UK visit in June 2012 of the leader of Burma's democracy movement, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and a visit last month by leaders of the 88 Generation Student Movement.
2. Wave of Attacks on Copts and Churches: Authorities Must Act to Protect Citizens and Houses of Worship - EIPR
The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) today warned about the gravity of sectarian violence and incitement seen in several governorates since the massive demonstrations and marches of 30 June. The way that state agencies, particularly the security apparatus, have dealt with these attacks is disturbing. These agencies have acted slowly and have not performed their legally mandated roles, failing to intervene to protect citizens and their property despite prior knowledge of the charged atmosphere and despite their presence on the scene during attacks.
"Copts are paying the price of the inflammatory rhetoric against them coming from some Islamist leaders and supporters of the former president, who accuse Coptic spiritual leaders of conspiring to foment army intervention to remove Dr. Morsy. Incendiary speeches indicate that Islamist leaders believe Copts were heavily involved in the anti-Morsy protests," said Ishak Ibrahim, EIPR officer for freedom of religion and belief. "At the same time, Copts are paying a tax to exercise their constitutional rights and take part in political life as equal citizens like any other. What is disturbing is the failure of the security apparatus to act-which at times looks like collusion-to protect citizens and their property who are being targeted on the basis of their religion."
The EIPR is troubled by state institutions' disregard for these incidents and their failure to deal decisively with the perpetrators and those inciting them. It is also greatly disturbed by their failure to intervene to prevent any escalation. This helps to perpetuate the attacks, especially considering that flyers were and continue to be distributed in several provinces inciting against Copts and churches.
3. Scientists Upset at Hire of Christian Professors in Indiana - The Blaze
Creationism and intelligent design are causing quite a stir at Ball State University, a public college in Muncie, Indiana. In addition to sparking an internal investigation into Professor Eric Hedin, a Christian who is accused by the atheistic Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), among others, of potentially indoctrinating students, there's yet another new target. The FFRF is now joining evolutionary scientists in speaking out against the same university's hire of Dr. Guillermo Gonzalez, an astronomy professor who embraces intelligent design.
What's most fascinating about the debate is that academic environments really should be the host of vibrant discussion, debate and diverse viewpoints. While most scientists do believe in evolutionary theory, the notion that people who do not should be silenced seems counter-intuitive. But that is exactly what is unfolding as the contention over Ball State's hiring of these professors progresses.
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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Reaction to Trayvon Martin Case
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Police Chief: 'The Whole World Is Watching Sanford'
Contrary to what some might have anticipated, the city of Sanford, Fla., has not become a powder keg in the wake of the weekend's George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin verdict.
Monday afternoon, city officials, including Mayor Jeff Triplett and Police Chief Cecil Smith, praised the restraint of the people of Sanford during a prayer service at New Life Word Center Church conducted by the group Sanford Pastors Connecting, formed last spring after the tragic shooting.
The Orlando Sentinel reported Sunday that a little more than a dozen demonstrators peacefully protested Zimmerman's acquittal outside the courthouse in Sanford, many shouting, "Justice for Trayvon." The 17-year-old Martin was shot and killed by Zimmerman early last year.
However, no violence has transpired in Sanford as it did in at least one city in the nation, Oakland, Calif. Other significant protests took place in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and other major cities.
"Are you starting to feel like we're covered?" Smith asked. "It might seem unusual for a city official to pose that question. But I get the overwhelming feeling we've been covered by God.
"For months, everybody has been watching what would happen in Sanford after the verdict was read. The whole world is watching Sanford. Everyone wants to see us act up. We may not like what has happened, but we've put it in God's hands, no matter what. We have been the most peaceful people, lifting up Christ in the things we do."
Triplett spoke briefly Monday, quoting Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God," he said. "You may not like the verdict, and you do have the right to protest peacefully. But I must say how proud I am of the people of Sanford today for how they have reacted with grace."
(Charisma News) Read more.
Reported by: Breaking Christian News
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Joel Rosenberg: WWIII Could Come in 2013
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HAS THE END GAME BEGUN?
PRIVATELY, SENIOR ISRAELI OFFICIALS WARN WAR WITH IRAN
COULD COME IN 2013.
By Joel C. Rosenberg
Netanyahu begins public diplomacy campaign to prepare public for "military option."
(Netanya, Israel, July 15, 2013) -- Over the past several weeks, I have been hearing from current and former senior Israeli officials and advisors at the highest possible levels, that the showdown with Iran is entering the critical "end game" phase. I'm hearing from people with direct knowledge of the plans that war could come in 2013.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is beginning to prepare the public in Israel and around the world for a "military option." This is why he appeared on CBS's "Face The Nation" on Sunday (see excerpt of transcript on the blog).
The PM called the Iranian a "messianic, apocalyptic" regime bent on genocide, a reference to the Shia eschatology Khamenei holds that Iran must annihilate Israel and the U.S. to usher in the reign of the Twelfth Imam. Netanyahu also called the incoming Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, a "a wolf in sheep's clothing" who has bragged in the past about negotiating with the West while secretly advancing nuclear enrichment. What's more, Netanyahu vowed not to "wait too long" to stop Iran.
Expect more public diplomacy by Netanyahu and his team in the weeks ahead.
This is one of the reasons why the PM is sending his most trusted foreign policy advisor, Ron Dermer, to the U.S. to serve as Israel's ambassador. Dermer will work to ensure U.S.-Israeli relations are strong at this critical moment. Dermer (who grew up in Miami Beach and is a native English speaker) will also explain Israel's principles, objectives and actions to the American people before, during, and after any crisis with Iran.
Here's the key: Israeli intelligence now believes Iran will likely have a "nuclear device" in as soon as four to six months, and an operational nuclear bomb or warhead within a year.
But top Israeli political and military leaders -- up to an including the Prime Minister -- do not believe they can afford to wait that long. Therefore, they are making final preparations for war, a war that they increasingly believe may have to be launched before this year is over.
Haven't we heard warnings like this before? Yes, we have. But . . .
[To read the rest of this analysis, please go to the blog.]
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Tuesday Marks Tisha B'Av in Judaism
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Tuesday Marks Tisha B'Av in Judaism
This week concludes the 21-day solemn observance of what Jews call..."Between the Straits," or Bein Hametzarim. This has been a three-week time of fasting, reflection and sorrow that began on Tuesday, June 25th, with the Jewish minor feast called 17th of Tammuz, or "The 17th of Tammuz," that commemorates the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of both temples.
The 17th of Tammuz also marked the day that Moses broke the Ten Commandment Tablets as he returned from Mount Sinai and found the Israelites worshipping a golden calf.
This three-week period of mourning and fasting will end on Tuesday, July 16th, with "The Ninth of Av," or Tisha B'Av, that commemorates the destruction of the First Temple built by Solomon in 586 BC, and the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. These tragic destructions occurred about 656-years apart, and as tradition has it, both temples were destroyed on the Hebrew Calendar's Ninth Day of Av.
Hence, Tisha B'Av, or the "Ninth Day of Av," has been called the "Saddest Day in Jewish History."
Tisha B'Av Readings include:
Deuteronomy 4:25-40: "Beware of Idolatry."
Jeremiah 8:13-9:23: "The Peril of False Teaching," "The Prophet Mourns for the People," and "The People Mourn in Judgment."
Matthew 23:16-23 and 24:1-2: "Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees," and "Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple."
If you would like to read more about The 17th of Tammuz and The Ninth of Av, go here.
A PRAYER FOR TISHA B'AV
Dearest Adonai,
May this be the last year that Your people observe with great sadness, Tisha B'Av.
May they realize that if they ask for forgiveness, You can forgive them for their disregard for You that led to the destruction of both Temples built for Your glory! May You please keep them safe and give them divine strategies to keep their enemies at bay.
We ask these things in the Name of Yeshua.
Amen.
"'Comfort, yes, comfort My people!" says your God. Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the Lord's hand, double for all her sins." (Isaiah 40:1-2)
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Prayers During Ramadan
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Why radio ministry is vital in the Muslim world
For Tuesday July 16, Ramadan 2013 - Day 08.
"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"
Radio has the unique ability to deliver its message efficiently, inexpensively, and compellingly to the greatest percentage of the world's people, regardless of their economic status, educational level or geographic location.
Radio waves cross borders and go where traditional missionaries are not able to go and where printed biblical material is difficult to access. In this way, radio ministries play an essential role in reaching the Islamic world for Christ. Radio also tends to be cheaper than other outreach methods.
PRAYER IDEAS
Ask God for more ministries to take up the challenge of radio broadcast.
Pray for the radio programmes to meet the felt needs of the people.
Pray for the local radio producers to be encouraged and protected.
Pray for those who seek the truth, that they may learn to know Christ and grow in Him.
Complete article, video, audio, comments is here.
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The Good News Corner
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The Good News Corner:
Heroic Teens Chase down Suspected Kidnapper, Save Little Girl from Abduction
"I'm just a normal person who did a thing that anybody else would do."
-Temar Boggs
(Lancaster Township, PA)-When a 5-year-old girl was snatched by a suspected kidnapper from her grandmother's front yard, last week, it was a group of teens who ultimately came to her rescue.
Jocelyn Rojas was abducted on Thursday afternoon in Lancaster Township, Pennsylvania, and soon after police with K-9 units began a search. Two teen boys, Temar Boggs and Chris Garcia, who were helping a friend move, heard of the search and jumped into action, gathering other friends to help.
"We made our own little search party," Boggs later told reporters.
The 15-year-old and his friends looked for the girl in several places before spotting a car with a white-haired man and little girl inside, according to reports. Boggs and Garcia pursued the car for a few turns through the neighborhood, and finally he opened a door and pushed little Jocelyn out.
"As soon as the guy noticed we were chasing him," Boggs said, "he stopped at the end of the hill and let her out, and she ran to me and said that she needed her mom."
Police report that there is evidence the girl had been assaulted, and that the suspected kidnapper apparently lured her into the car by offering her ice cream. They are still looking for the perpetrator, described as a white male, 50 to 70 years old, driving a maroon-purple Chevy.
Boggs says he's not a hero, just a "normal person who did a thing that anybody else would do."
(Breaking Christian News)
You can view the TV interview of this exciting story by going here.
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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!
by Curtis Mabry
Worship Here
