Saturday, September 7, 2013

CHPP Daily Brief Friday, Sept. 6, 2013






Next week! CRY OUT
AMERICA on 9/11!


Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
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The Daily Brief
Friday, Sept. 6, 2013
 
Praying the Word of God . . .
in the Will of God . . .
over the Issues of the Day

(Isaiah 55:11)

Friday, Sept. 6, 2013

"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven . . ." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
> > > What is CRY OUT AMERICA?

On Patriot Day, Wed., Sept. 11, 2013, Cry Out America is a united effort seeking deep transformation and a Christ Awakening in every state, every county, every church and every heart in the nation.

This prayer initiative was birthed in the patriot hearts of America following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Millions of believers have united in the public square to remember the sacrifices of yesterday, seek God's face for the restoration of godliness today, and help redeem generations from the strongholds of darkness that they will face tomorrow.

(To learn more, go here. Please allow time for this brochure to download into your computer.)


HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners welcomes 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.

WELCOME!


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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.



The Daily Brief

1. Obama could lose big on Syria in House - Politico

If the House voted today on a resolution to attack Syria, President Barack Obama would lose - and lose big. That's the private assessment of House Republican and Democratic lawmakers and aides who are closely involved in the process. If the Senate passes a use-of-force resolution next week - which is no sure thing - the current dynamics suggest that the House would defeat it. That would represent a dramatic failure for Obama, and once again prove that his sway over Congress is extraordinarily limited. The loss would have serious reverberations throughout the next three months, when Obama faces off against Congress in a series of high-stakes fiscal battles.

(Read more)

- Father, it is the hand of God that is controlling the placement of those in authority. The scene will change as God steps in. Lord, guide the House, the Senate, and Congress to hear the voice of God and obey accordingly. In the Name of Jesus we pray.

- "No weapon that is formed against America shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against them in judgment shall be condemned. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, says the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17)


2. Russia says it's compiled 100-page report blaming Syrian rebels for a chemical weapons attack - McClatchy

Russia says it has compiled a 100-page report detailing what it says is evidence that Syrian rebels, not forces loyal to President Bashar Assad, were behind a deadly sarin gas attack in an Aleppo suburb earlier this year. In a statement posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website late Wednesday. Russia said the report had been delivered to the United Nations in July and includes detailed scientific analysis of samples that Russian technicians collected at the site of the alleged attack, Khan al Asal.

Russia said its investigation of the March 19 incident was conducted under strict protocols established by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the international agency that governs adherence to treaties prohibiting the use of chemical weapons. It said samples that Russian technicians had collected had been sent to OPCW-certified laboratories in Russia.

(Read more)

- Lord God, bring the companies of the Army of President Assad to fight against the Syrian rebels and settle this clash of war in their own camps. Neutralize this warfare as the Syrian Army and the Syrian rebels are moved to fight among themselves. In Jesus' Name we pray.

-"And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host." (Judges 7:22)


3. John Kerry reveals Arab countries have offered to PAY America to carry out full-scale invasion of Syria - Daily Mail UK

John Kerry said during a hearing Wednesday in the House of Representatives that counties in the Arab world have offered to foot the entire bill for a U.S. military mission that destroys the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria. 'With respect to Arab countries offering to bear costs and to assist, the answer is profoundly yes,' Kerry said. 'They have. That offer is on the table.'

(Read more)

- Lord God, this offer made by the Arab countries to enlist the United States military to fight their battles is filled with deception and no doubt carries a heavy price tag with it. God, protect our military that You LORD will not allow our military strength- and their lives - to be put on the butcher block when the Arab world has at their disposal millions of Arabs to fight their own battles, without the aid and assistance of our American military. Protect our military with the presence of Almighty God that they are not pulled into this bold deception. In the Name of Jesus we pray.

- "Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth." (Micah 6:11-12)


4. President Obama has Tripped over his own Red Line - Israel National News

President Obama has tripped over his own red line - leaving the prestige and authority of his Office and America's reputation in tatters. That red line appears to have been definitely crossed on 21 August 2013 with a claimed chemical warfare attack using sarin causing more than 1429 confirmed deaths - including 426 children.

(Read more)

- Father God, the road of this administration is becoming more narrow, and the authority weaker by the day. God, we pray for divine action to be implemented, and let the shaking begin where the rude and awful shall be uncovered, and all the shadow government be exposed and the truth be known of who are our real enemies. Let the power of God prevail over our nation, starting at the top. In Jesus' Name we pray.

- "God has made void the covenant of this servant: He has profaned his crown by casting it to the ground. God has broken down all his hedges, He has brought his strongholds to ruin. All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbors." (Psalm 89:39-41)


5. Syria: We Will Never Give In - Israel National News

Syria said Wednesday it was mobilizing its allies against a possible U.S.-led military strike over a suspected gas attack and would never give in, even if a third world war erupts.

(Read more)

- Father, we ask You to command that the truth come out regarding this suspected gas attack. God, reveal whether all this has been conjured up and by whom. Lord, bring out the actual facts regarding the possibility it could have been a ploy to draw America into a war with Syria and away from supporting Israel. God, You see all things from Your throne room in heaven and absolute truth comes from our God. Lord, throw back the coverup and expose everything deceitful surrounding this issue in the Middle East. In Jesus' Name we pray.

- "Surely the Lord shall deliver us from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover us with His feathers, and under His wings shall we trust; His truth shall be our shield and buckler." (Psalm 91:3-4)


6. Internet Bible reading surges, now 4 in 10 read God's words digitally - Washington Examiner

God is still great in the eyes of Americans. . . While an amazing 88 percent of the nation's homes own a Bible, more and more are switching to the internet, cell phones and iPad for their weekly inspiration, according to a sweeping new survey of Bible use. In their latest survey of Bible use, the American Bible Society finds that 41 percent of Americans used the internet to read the good book on a computer.

(Read more)

- Father, we thank You that the Word of God is being read by the millions now. It is the source of our spiritual strength and we thank You for this wonderful revival of reading the Bible. Bring multiplication upon multiplication of blessings, more readers, more seekers, and more conversion of souls into the kingdom of God. It is the Truth of God's Word that will set us free. In Jesus' Name.

-"To the end God may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints." (I Thess. 3:13)


7. European Jihad in Syria - IPT

German citizens have participated in the bloody expulsion of Christian villages in Syria, according to the German newsmagazine Focus. The incident is part of a larger problem involving German and other citizens from Western countries joining jihadist groups in Syria's brutal, multiparty civil war, raising Muslim terrorism concerns in Syria and beyond. (Read more)

- Father God, as more and more facts of the complex situation in Syria continue to come to light, we ask that You would grant Your wisdom to our own leaders, in particular, that they would know Your will in response. We continue to come against all deception, and we release TRUTH, in Jesus name, amen.

- "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)


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:

"Yahweh has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:19)


1. Report: Hezbollah preparing to defend Damascus, strike Israel if Syria situation worsens - Jerusalem Post

Hezbollah will only attack Israel if Iran approves strike; source says 10,000 fighters have been recruited by the Shi'ite group.

Hezbollah is preparing to defend Damascus from an invasion by the Syrian rebels following a possible US strike, as well as preparing for retaliation against Israel if the situation in the area calls for it, Lebanese sources told Saudi newspaper Okaz on Thursday.

The sources told the paper that the Shi'ite organization recruited 10,000 fighters, who were tasked to defend the Syrian capital in the event the Syrian army fails to thwart attacks on it from both the rebels and the United States.


2. 'Israel wants to hold 40% of West Bank in peace deal' - The Times of Israel

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) - Israel has proposed leaving intact dozens of Jewish settlements and military bases in the West Bank as part of a package to establish a Palestinian state in provisional borders, a Palestinian official told The Associated Press on Wednesday, in the first detailed glimpse at recently relaunched peace talks.


3. Report: Turkish official says normalization talks with Israel on track, can be concluded at any time - The Jerusalem Post

Talks to normalize frayed relations between Israel and Turkey "are on track and can be concluded at any time," Today's Zaman reported on Thursday, citing a Turkish official.

"This should not surprise anyone. I do not see any political obstacle standing in the way of normalization," the official reportedly said.

The official's comments came just days after an Israeli diplomat was invited to a Turkish government reception for the first time since the May 2010 IDF raid of the Mavi Marmara, in which nine Turks attempting to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip were killed.


The Persecuted Church

Today's Focus: The Persecuted Church

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love." (I Peter 1:6-8)

Christians in Middle East Want U.S. to Find Diplomatic Solutions in Syria - Washington Post

Roma Downey: Christians in Middle East want U.S. to find diplomatic solutions in Syria

My husband Mark and I just landed last night back from Middle East where we attended a peace conference of Arab Christian leaders from Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan hosted in Amman Jordan by our friend His Majesty King Abdullah. I had the privilege of being the only woman to speak at the gathering, I wanted to lift up my voice on behalf of peace and justice. Spending these last few days in Amman was intense, but so eye opening. Clearly no one is in support of Assad and what is happening in Syria is an outrage but these Christian leaders do not want America to jump in this war with a military strike. They are praying that the United States of America will figure out a political solution not a military one.

We did not meet a single Christian leader over there in support of further action in Syria. Not one. They believe such action will only escalate violence against Arab Christians, it will only serve to trigger more fear and violence. We must find another solution. I pray we do. Yes, it's terrible what is happening in Syria but a violent response would be terrible as well.

I feel compelled upon my return to speak up and share the heart of what I heard over there.

The repeated message was that they don't feel American Christians understand the Middle East. That we are not listening to those who live there.


Joel Rosenberg: More on Syria

WHAT NETANYAHU IS LEARNING FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA'S VACILLATIONS ON SYRIA

By Joel C. Rosenberg


(Washington, D.C., September 6, 2013) -- Yesterday, National Review Online published a new column of mine on Israel and the Syria crisis. Here are excerpts:

It is not exactly starting off as a happy New Year in Jerusalem.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his security cabinet are mortified by what they are seeing unfold -- not in Damascus, but in Washington.

To be sure, Israeli leaders are concerned but not surprised by the horrific blood-letting that is underway between the evil Assad regime and the demonic forces of al-Qaeda and their radical Islamic partners. But the Israelis are stunned and dismayed by the vacillating, lurching, confused, and chaotic approach to decision-making of President Obama and his top advisers.

Officially, the Israeli government supports the Obama administration's approach to Syria. "Israel agrees with President Obama that the use of chemical weapons is a 'heinous act' for which the Assad regime must be held accountable and for which there must be 'international consequences,'" said Michael Oren, the Israeli ambassador in Washington. "Israel further agrees with the president that the use of chemical weapons promotes the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and encourages 'governments who would choose to build nuclear arms.'"
But behind the scenes, Netanyahu and his team have never felt more alone.

If President Obama is so distrusted by the American people and her representatives in Congress that he cannot build solid support for limited military strikes against Syria's chemical-weapons facilities, the Israelis are coming to the painful realization that there is no chance for the president to pull together support for preemptive military action against Iran's nuclear facilities. Zero. Nada. Zilch.

(Read full article here.)

Obama and Gun Control

OBAMA PROMISES MAYORS UNILATERAL ACTION ON GUNS


Stymied by Congress in his gun control efforts, President Obama told a group of big-city mayors Tuesday that he would take more executive actions to reduce gun violence. [This would bring his executive orders to a total of 23 according to The Washington Times - August 30, 2013.]

The closed-door meeting at the White House included Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., who discussed "strategies to reduce youth violence," the White House said in a statement. . .

Mr. Obama "vowed to continue doing everything in his power to combat gun violence through executive action and to press Congress to pass common-sense reforms like expanding the background check system and cracking down on gun trafficking," the White House said in a statement.
The White House said Mr. Obama told the group that government isn't the only answer to lowering gun violence.

"The president reiterated that government alone can never fill the void that causes a child to turn to violence, but that we all have a responsibility to do our part to create safe communities and save lives," the White House said. "The president applauded the mayors for their local efforts to combat violence, solicited their input about proven methods, and pledged his Administration's partnership. (Contributor: Dave Boyer for The Washington Times)


U.S. Spy Black Budget Revealed

U.S. spy network's successes, failures and objectives detailed in 'black budget' summary


U.S. spy agencies have built an intelligence-gathering colossus since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, but remain unable to provide critical information to the president on a range of national security threats, according to the government's top-secret budget.

The $52.6 billion "black budget" for fiscal 2013, obtained by The Washington Post from former ­intelligence contractor Edward Snowden, maps a bureaucratic and operational landscape that has never been subject to public scrutiny. Although the government has annually released its overall level of intelligence spending since 2007, it has not divulged how it uses the money or how it performs against the goals set by the president and Congress.

The 178-page budget summary for the National Intelligence Program details the successes, failures and objectives of the 16 spy agencies that make up the U.S. intelligence community, which has 107,035 employees.

The summary describes cutting-edge technologies, agent recruiting and ongoing operations. The Post is withholding some information after consultation with U.S. officials who expressed concerns about the risk to intelligence sources and methods. Sensitive details are so pervasive in the documents that The Post is publishing only summary tables and charts online.

[To read the notable revelations in the budget summary, go here.]
Source: Washington Post and Intercessors for America

A Message from Dave Butts

A Message from Dave Butts
Chairman, National Prayer Committee


Dear NPC Friends, I have copied below a letter from some international brothers who are calling for a day of prayer and fasting for Syria on Sept. 15. Our NPC Executive Board would encourage you to join in. But I also want to invite you to do the same a week earlier on Sept 7. Many in the US are praying about our nations involvement on that day. Whether on or both, we need to be praying over this serious situation.

Blessings!
Dave


Day of Prayer and Fasting for Syria Sunday, Sept 15:

An Appeal to "Spread the Word"


All of us have been dismayed by the use of chemical weapons in Syria that killed over 1400 Syrians - many of them children. Foreign governments like USA and France are considering an "appropriate response" to this horrific act. America's President is asking Congress to approve his plan to "punish" Assad with bombs and missiles.

We recently contacted a number of Christian leaders calling for a day of Prayer and Fasting for Syria. We suggested that Sunday, September 15th be set aside for such a day. The response was overwhelming:

Dr. Joshua Bogunjoko, International Director of SIM wrote: "Thanks so much for this call to prayer. As people of God, we the Evangelical Christian community need to take this as a wake-up call to our duty of prayer. After all, our own Christian brothers and sisters are among those in the cross-fire. The thousands of lives that are being lost and many more that are wounded Christian or Muslims are all people for whom Christ died and people for whom He care. The least we can do is to pray and so, yes, I agree that it is not only worthwhile but necessary to call as many as we could to prayer."

Rev. Timothy Olonade, a well-known church leader from Nigeria wrote: "I am glad that this call is coming at this level - seeking a global togetherness in our cry to God for the situation in Syria. It was my joy at a speaking engagements this last week to see over 4000 people cry to God for the Muslim world, with specific focus on Syria. I know God is stirring hearts around the world and now He is linking us for a united push."

Dr. Stanley Ling from Singapore wrote: "Amen! Thanks, for being our "prophet" and giving the clarion call for prayer. We in East Asia will support the day of prayer & fasting on Sept 15. I'll pass the message and encourage all to participate."

Whatever these governments do, one has to ask if there is not something that we authentic Christians can do to stem the tide of evil sweeping Syria, Egypt and the Middle East.

Is this not the time for the Christian remnant to humble ourselves and use the spiritual weapons that God has given to confront evil?

Think of what would happen if Christians all over the world "humbled themselves and prayed" for this situation (2 Chronicles 7:14). God would hear our prayers. Muslims would wonder why Christians are praying for them - instead of bombing them. The devil's plans would be overthrown. Thousands of lives in Syria could be spared. But this will only happen if each of takes action to "spread the call for prayer" to our own church, mission and as many world Christians as you can. Let this day of Sept 15th be a historic day of prayer as we hold up this part of the world in our prayers.
Lord Jesus, please touch the heart of those who read this, not only to participate, but contact their pastors, missionaries, church leaders and leaders of Christian networks. I know you will be pleased with us if we do.
A day of prayer for Syria is endorsed by:

Dr. Joshua Bogunjoko: International Director SIM International and Dr. Howard Brant: SIM Missionary serving in Ethiopia You can encourage us by dropping a note telling of how you are "spreading the word." We can keep you and others updated as to how things are going. Drop your note in a "Prayer for Syria" heading and send to howard.brant@gmail.com


The Good News Corner

The Good News Corner:

A Trip into Terror and Love

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries


Memories of being in Jordan with a team of 28 American Christian leaders and journalists on 9/11

[Editor's note: We are sharing this with you today, both for the joy of this story of a team of intercessors who were stranded on Sept. 11th in Jordan; and to share a photo of a former member of our Executive Board, and a congressional spouse, Ruth Cox Mizell! Please go to the link, shown below, to see that photo and the full article. Thank you!]
AMMAN, JORDAN (ANS) -- As we approach the 12th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that devastated America, my thoughts have returned to that fateful day when I was in Jordan and first heard the news of the shocking attacks.

It was on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, and I was traveling throughout Jordan with a team of 28 Christian leaders and journalists from America.

We were in Gerasa (Jerash), the most complete and best-preserved Greco-Roman city in the Middle East, that we first heard the news that all hell had broken loose in New York City.

Giles Hudson, one of our team, received a mobile phone call from the USA Radio Network, in Dallas, Texas, that a plane had slammed into one of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center Building.

In a state of shock, we were then taken by bus to the nearby city of Gadara (modern Um Qais), with its spectacular panoramic views overlooking the Sea of Galilee, the site of Jesus' miracle of the Gadarene swine, where He sent demented spirits out of two men into a herd of swine who ran down the hill and drowned in the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:28-34).

While in Gadara, we received more information about the second plane crashing into another of the towers. It was if the demons of hate had been unleashed on America and all we could do was to pray for the victims and their relatives.

It was surreal to be in Jordan at the time of the worst terrorist attack in American history. Very soon, we were overwhelmed with the way the kind way the Jordanian people treated us. They stopped us at every place we visited to offer their condolences.
We spent a tense week in Jordan as all flights from the Arab World had been suspended. But then came the welcome news that Royal Jordanian Airlines had been given permission to fly into JFK Airport in New York.

Before we left for Queen Alia International Airport, Amman, we attended a candlelight service with nearly 500 Jordanian Christians and Muslims. As we got into the bus to take us to the service, a bellboy at our hotel asked if he could address us on the buses' PA system. He told us that he had lost some of his family in the fighting in the West Bank and said that he knew what it was to lose members of his family that he loved.

"I would like to tell you that I am very sorry for what has happened in America and I want you to know that all of the Jordanian people share in your sorrow," he said, choking back the tears.

We then joined with others in lighting candles for peace at a special candlelight remembrance service at the Citadel in Amman on Sunday, September 16, 2001, to show solidarity with the victims and their families of the New York and Washington terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Muslims clerics united with Christian priests and ministers from the various Christian communities in Jordan, as well the Lord Mayor of Amman in condemning the violence in the United States and praying for the families of the victims. It was hard for us to hold back the tears at this momentous time in world history.

Ruth Cox Mizell, the then Congressional Liaison for Capitol Hill Prayer Partners and White House Liaison for American Christian Trust, was one of our team and she attended the candlelight service. Ruth, the widow of baseball great "Vinegar Bend" Mizell, said, "I really appreciated their caring for us. They really cared about what happened in New York and at the Pentagon. Everyone was so mournful when they told us how sorry they were about what happened. I have really come to love the Jordanian people."
(Source: ASSIST News. Read the full article here.)

Billion Souls Revival Prayer Call

Billion Souls Revival Prayer Call:

Devotional for Day 32:

6 September 2013

(Name withheld due to security reasons)
Team Expansion, Asia


Intention:

We know that He hears us.

Scripture:

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. (1 John 5:14-15 ESV)

Reflection:

He hears.

A Chinese hymn says, "Softly, softly listening. He is softly, softly listening. My Shepherd knows my voice." Our Shepherd is bending down to his lamb, our Dad leaning in to hear his child's requests. He focuses his attention on us. No static obscures our voice. We don't need to shout. As we ask according to His will, our Heavenly Father hears us.

We listen.

The hymn continues, "Softly, softly, listen. I will softly, softly listen. I turn my ear to hear my Lord's voice."

We quietly tune our hearts into the whispers of Scripture that the Spirit breathes. This allows us to move into the place of praying 'according to his will'. We can pray confidently using God's own words, raising the souls of those he has laid on our hearts-though we may never have seen their faces-to the throne.

He answers.

"He is the Great Shepherd, the Lord of Life. My whole life I will follow my Lord's voice." The hymn rises to this triumphant conclusion.

The One we petition is no tin pot ruler, no wizard of tricks, but the Author of Life in whom all things hold together. We can fully rely on his ability, confident that 'we have the requests we have asked of him'. We have been given a blank cheque on an unlimited account. One billion souls are not beyond his power to save, nor corrupt national systems beyond his power to change.

Ask big. He hears. He answers.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Great Shepherd of the sheep, we thank you for hearing us. Please guide us now to pray according to your will. Please bring in the sheep still outside your fold. Jesus gave his life for them, that they may also follow your voice. You are well able to do this. We praise you for hearing and answering these prayers, which we bring in the name of Jesus. Amen.

> > > To view the Four Daily Prayer Points, as well as the Introduction to this prayer strategy, please visit their website by going here.

Worship With Us Today!

Worship With Us Today!

What Makes Rosh Hashanah Beautiful


Celebrate the Jewish New Year here.