Thursday, January 30, 2014

CHPP Daily Brief Thursday, January 30, 2014





Alert! Pray Psalm 91 Over
the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics
(See Below)


Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net



The Daily Brief

"Praying for All in Authority"

Thursday, January 30, 2014


"The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land-- not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. (Amos 8:11)
Thank you for praying for the Persecuted Church!
Please visit the website for the International Christian Concern to find ongoing needs for prayer among the persecuted around the world. Thank you.


The Daily Brief

1. Did Obama Plagiarize Bush's 2007 State Of The Union? - The Blaze

It turns out that, not only were portions of the speech probably written five years ago, but other parts-some of those with the Republican tinge-were written closer to seven years ago, for Bush's 2007 State of the Union.

- Father so many danger signals were apparent in the president's SOTU we can't even count them all. We ask for a major awakening in America.

- "Pride goes before destruction, and haughty spirit before a fall." [Proverbs 16:18]


2. Israel as 'major strategic ally' bill passes key House panel - Times of Israel

It names Israel a "major strategic ally" of the United States - no other nation has the status - and includes measures that would encourage enhanced cooperation such as missile development, energy and homeland security.

- Father we are grateful for this resolution in Congress, and are asking that You not allow any entity - whether in Congress or the White House, or denominations that are deceived - to continue to erode our relationship with Israel.

- "And I will bless them that bless you, and curse those who curse you." [Genesis 12:3a]


3. First He Walks Out of the President's Major Speech - Now He's Thinking About Filing Articles of Impeachment - The Blaze

Just hours after he stormed out of President Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday, Rep. Steve Stockman (R-Texas) announced he's considering filing articles of impeachment against the president.

- Father we thank you for Rep. Stockman's response to the SOTU, and ask Your mighty arm of protection over him and those who believe as he does. We pray that You will turn the tide of belief in America to see truth.

- "But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it." [Proverbs 2:22]


4. Beware of the Disney Channel - SBC Today

Disney has decided it is "relevant" to introduce the two lesbian women to the show to force-feed their view of "inclusiveness and diversity." Thus, it is quite clear to me that Disney no longer wants my granddaughters to view their channel with Good Luck Charlie - or any other show. If they feel it is their responsibility to force-feed that trash and perversion down my throat in their shows, then my only recourse is to boycott all Disney programming. No more movies. No more television channel.

- Father this has been growing worse and worse, not only with the Disney channel, but others as well. We ask a covering of protection for our children and the parents who seek to protect them from this sin, and deliver us from this evil even as You delivered Lot and his family.

- "Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous." [Genesis 18:20]


5. Report: Some Bay Area Communities Could Run Out Of Water Within 4 Months - CBS

As the drought in California continues, 17 communities throughout the state could run out of water within 60 to 120 days, state officials said. In some districts, the wells are running dry while other reservoirs are nearly empty. The state Health Department compiled a list after surveying the more than 3,000 water agencies in California last week.

- Father we pray for mercy over this region in California, and ask for significant rainfall as quickly as You can arrange it.

- "Ask of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to everyone, grass in the field." [Zechariah 10:1]


6. Putin: America Is Godless, Has Turned Away from Christian Values - Breitbart

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the West, including the United States, for eschewing Christian values and opting instead for a "path to degradation." In his State of the Nation speech last month, Putin asserted that, "Many Euro-Atlantic countries have moved away from their roots, including Christian values.

- Lord, how ironic it is that a man once head of one of the most dangerous, oppressive spy organizations in the world is now reminding us of our Christian values. We pray that You would touch his heart and life, deepening His relationship with You.

- "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)


7. Pentagon calls for military pension cut to be relaxed - The Hill

Pentagon officials on Tuesday called for the $6 billion cut to military pensions to be changed so that current service members and veterans are not affected. Acting Deputy Defense Secretary Christine Fox said at a Senate hearing that the Pentagon would "strongly recommend" grandfathering the cuts included in last month's two-year budget deal.

This would ensure that current retirees, and people now in the military who will retire and see their pensions reduced, would not be affected by the cuts. Only future members of the military would see their pensions reduced. (Read more)

- We offer praise unto the LORD for this good report for these veterans, but we sense that more is yet due them. Ask our Lord to cause the hearts of our leaders to bless these men and women for the full measure of their service given unto our nation. In His Name, amen.

- "Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." (Romans 13:7)


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:

"Thus says YHWH: 'If My covenant is not with day and night, and if I have not given the ordinances of the heavens and the earth, then I will cast away the seed of Jacob, and David My servant, so that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For I will bring back their captivity, and have mercy on them.' (Jeremiah 33:25-26)


1. Lapid: Israel faces economic crisis if peace talks fail - Times of Israel

A boycott of Israeli products by European countries, in the event that peace talks fail, would constitute a dramatic blow to the Israeli economy, Finance Minister Yair Lapid warned on Wednesday, in an address at the Institute for National Security Studies conference.


2. Israel as 'major strategic ally' bill passes key House panel - Times of Israel

It names Israel a "major strategic ally" of the United States - no other nation has the status - and includes measures that would encourage enhanced cooperation such as missile development, energy and homeland security.


3. IAF chief: Israel will destroy Hezbollah bases in Lebanon, even ones in residential areas - jpost

Israel accused Lebanon's Hezbollah guerrillas on Wednesday of putting "thousands" of bases in residential buildings and said it would destroy these in a future conflict, even at the cost of civilian lives. The unusually explicit threat by air force chief Major-General Amir Eshel appeared to be part of an effort by Israeli officials to prepare world opinion for high civilian casualties in any new confrontation with Hezbollah in Lebanon.


The Daily Jot

Power To Ruin You
Soft Tyranny. That's what we have in America. How do you like it? You are given enough freedom to make it seem like you are free. The politicians say just enough of the right things to calm your mind and cause you to "check off" that they are handling those troubling things just as you elected them to do. All the while, they are telling you what you want to hear, and, at the same time, doing what they want to do. As the verse in Jeremiah 8:11 says, "For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying Peace, Peace; when there is no peace." You are told you have the right to freedom of speech, religion and assembly, but you know deep down that if you exercise them, you are subject to ruin.

Soft Tyranny. Alexis de Tocqueville defines it in his book Democracy in America, Volume II (1840) as: "After having thus successively taken each member of the community in its powerful grasp and fashioned him at will, the government then extends its arm over the whole community. It covers the surface of society with a network of small, complicated rules, minute and uniform, through which the most original minds and the most energetic characters cannot penetrate, to rise above the crowd. The will of man is not shattered, but softened, bent, and guided; men are seldom forced by it to act, but they are constantly restrained from acting. Such a power does not destroy, but it prevents existence: it does not tyrannize, but it compresses, enervates, extinguishes, and stupefies a people, till each nation is reduced to nothing better than a flock of timid and industrious animals, of which the government is the shepherd."

Soft Tyranny. This is the kind of thing that appears on your doorstep masquerading as the FBI after you have written about FBI abuse and the Muslim Brotherhood. It appears when the IRS investigates groups or voices who do not agree with the government's political thinking. It is the type of tyranny that causes conversations around the dinner table to be held at a whisper rather than a passionate shout. It is the self imposed reticence and timidity of recognition that a government has the authority to undo you and to ruin your life. It spies on you, even though you do nothing wrong. And it tells you that it is not spying on you. It harasses you even though you have no malice. It creates a natural paranoia that controls you.

The FBI has indicted Dinesh D'Souza, who made a documentary exposing the occupant of the Oval Office, accusing him of making illegal campaign contributions to a conservative candidate. It appears he was using the same technique of "bundling" that the liberals use. The IRS, FBI, DHS, NSA, FEC, EPA are a host of "agencies" used to enact Soft Tyranny. They go as far as you let them for none of them can withstand a true constitutional test. Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." A free people can only exist by adhering to the precepts of God. Bondage is bondage, whether it is sin or tyranny.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com


Pray for Super Bowl; Olympics

Pray for the Super Bowl and Sochi Winter Olympics


Dear CHPP Prayer Partners:

As we have drawn closer and closer to the dates for the upcoming Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 2 and the Winter Olympics in Sochi, beginning on Thursday, Feb. 6, we sense a heavy burden to call all of you to "get on the wall" in prayer over these events, and to pray earnestly for the safety and the security of all who will attend these events.

We are grateful to know that Cindy Jacobs and her team, the U.S. Reformation Prayer Network, are now sounding the same warning, below.

Let's join forces with all in the Body of Christ, to lift up these prayers, knowing that our omniscient and all- powerful God is well able to answer. Thank you!
(Excerpt from memo released by USRPN):

In light of all this, we are warranting urgent prayer for the Super Bowl and the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Please pray with us using the following points:

1. Ask God to expose any human trafficking activity in both New Jersey during the Super Bowl and Sochi during the Olympics. Declare that what is hidden in darkness will be brought to the light. (Luke 8:17)

2. Pray that victims of human trafficking would be rescued and reunited with their families, and for them to recover well emotionally and physically from their abuse. (Zechariah 9:12)

3. Ask God to thwart any hidden terrorist attacks on the Olympics and the Super Bowl that are being developed. Pray for His peace to wash over those who are fearful, and for His security to preside over these events. (Psalm 91)

4. Pray for security forces in New Jersey and Sochi as they uncover human trafficking rings seek to dismantle any terrorist threats. Declare Psalm 91 over them and ask God to supernaturally give them insight into what they need to know in order to be effective in their efforts. (Psalm 122:7)

5. Praise and thank God for exposing hidden works of darkness, and for giving His people victory over injustice, corruption and violence! (Colossians 4:2)

To find out ways you can take action, we encourage you to visit the website of the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking.

Thank you for praying with us! We believe that, with your intercession, we will see great breakthrough in justice occur.

Standing in the gap,

USRPN


Update: ATLANTA


"Silver lining to the Snow Apocalypse 2014"


Citizens band together to rescue many who are trapped and stranded
during the huge ice storm that hit Atlanta on Tuesday.


First: the Bad . . .

Instant Chaos

For those stunned by the fact that "two inches of snow shut down Atlanta," here's an explanation: Schools and businesses, which normally close at the mere threat of snow, remained open until the first flakes began falling around noon, at which point everything shut down at once. Thousands upon thousands of drivers flooded the highways at the same time, trying to pick up kids from school or get home from work. The gridlock prevented salt trucks and plows from accessing the roads. The snow turned to ice. Vehicles were unable to get up hills due to the ice. Hundreds of accidents blocked lanes, worsening gridlock. Hours later, cars began running out of gas. It was a horrible ripple effect. These traffic maps, provided by Twitter user @a23kiki23 (Kevin O) show just how quickly things got out of hand.

People spent the night in their cars. In 12 degree cold. Children were trapped on buses and at schools. Pregnant and elderly people were left stranded without medication or help. A baby was born on I-285. Police stopped responding to calls about accidents. The highways are littered with cars abandoned after they ran out of gas or drivers decided to walk after not moving for five or more hours.

Then: the Good!

Southern Hospitality


Then something amazing happened . . . More than 46,900 Atlantans (and counting) joined the Facebook group SnowedOutAtlanta, which was created to provide info and resources to those who needed help. A map was created so that people could add their homes and show where stranded motorists could get shelter and supplies.

Atlantans were soon mobilizing-delivering supplies, rescuing trapped drivers with 4WD vehicles, opening their homes to provide shelters, sharing information, and generally being absolute champions to one another during the crisis, which continues even now. I've been truly shocked by the goodness in people and though it's obvious we're not great at winter weather, I've never been prouder to be an Atlantan. (Buzz Feed Community/Atlanta)
> > > Read more and enjoy the photos of this massive rescue effort by going here.
[With special thanks to one of our Prayer Partners, Linda B., in Florida, for sending us this report. Praise the Lord!]

More News from the CPC Foundation

More News from the Congressional Prayer Caucus (CPC) Foundation

(Continued from yesterday)


4. DOD Releases New Religious Accommodation Instruction

"A DOD's new policy states, 'military departments will accommodate religious requests of service members,' Christensen said, 'unless a request would have an adverse effect on military readiness, mission accomplishment, unit cohesion and good order and discipline.'"

The House Armed Services Committee also announced that it will hold a hearing on religious freedom in the military on Wednesday, January 29.

2. Lawsuit:
Feds Retaliated Against Navy Chaplain For Holding Mass
During Government Shutdown

"Catholic Navy chaplain is the target of retaliation from the federal government after he refused to stop practicing religious services during the recent government shutdown, a lawsuit against the Department of Defense alleges."

3. FIRE Reports Finds Very Restrictive Speech Codes
At American Universities

"The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) released its annual report on college-campus speech codes last week finding that while the percentage of colleges that seriously infringe upon students' free-speech rights has diminished in recent years, many universities still burden students with overbearing and sometimes ridiculous speech regulations."

Obama's Iran Threat

Obama's Iran Threat


I want to revisit one of most significant statements Barack Obama made in his State of the Union address. Toward the end of his remarks, while discussing his foreign policy agenda, Obama warned Congress that he would veto sanctions legislation against Iran. Here's what Obama said:

"But let me be clear: if this Congress sends me a new sanctions bill now that threatens to derail these talks, I will veto it. For the sake of our national security, we must give diplomacy a chance to succeed."

Of all the things the president took time to explain in a nationally televised address, Obama wanted the American people to understand that he would veto sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran. That is breathtaking!

Let's be absolutely clear about what has happened: The president of the United States has become the leader of the pro-Iranian lobby in the United States -- all in the name of peace, of course.

Obama is doing everything he can to end the isolation of the Islamic Republic, which a succession of American presidents have done their best to establish. He is doing everything he can to prevent Israel from taking any military action to protect itself against an existential threat to its continued existence.

And while Obama is running interference for Iran, his Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, delivered a report yesterday to the Senate Intelligence Committee which states:

"Tehran has made technical progress in a number of areas -- including uranium enrichment, nuclear reactors, and ballistic missiles -- from which it could draw if it decided to build missile-deliverable nuclear weapons. These technical advancements strengthen our assessment that Iran has the scientific, technical, and industrial capacity to eventually produce nuclear weapons."

If we know this, Israel likely knew it sooner. That may well explain some tough statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week.

During a major speech, the prime minister insisted that Israel did not have to accept every American position. Referring to Iran, Netanyahu said that Israel would "only support an arrangement that ensures the complete dismantling of Iran's infrastructure and capabilities to build nuclear weapons. We will not let Iran develop the capability to build nuclear weapons." (Gary Bauer)


The Good News Corner

The Good News Corner:

Oklahoma Introduces Obamacare Nullification Bill


Oklahoma is another state that is taking a stand and flexing their 10th Amendment muscles in the face of the Obamacare healthcare law. Rep. Mike Ritze has introduced legislation that would be similar to that of South Carolina's legislation and would essentially gut the Affordable Care Act in the Sooner State.

HB2421 states that "an agency, officer, or employee of the state shall not . . . engage in an activity that aids any person in the enforcement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act."
The legislation also bars Oklahoma from setting up a state-run health insurance exchange and prohibits prohibits the purchase of insurance from an exchange set up by a non-profit. Notably in the bill, there are measures to block the state from conducting involuntary home inspections under the ACA. Yes Politifact, they are there in the ACA.
Judge Andrew Napolitano has praised this type of legislation, claiming "If enough states do this, it will gut Obamacare." (Freedom Outpost) Read more.

- Please pray that this bill will be passed by the legislature in the State of Oklahoma, so that all its citizens would be exempt from the onerous burden of the Affordable Care Act.

Pray, too, that other states will take note and introduce similar bills for their own people. We ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

- "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." (I John 5:14)

Signs and Wonders

Signs and Wonders:

NON-STOP NORTHERN LIGHTS


In Sweden's Abisko National Park, Chad Blakley has been an aurora tour guide for many years. "I believe January 2014 will be remembered as the best aurora watching month of my life!" he says. "Last night, for the 25th time this year, we enjoyed an amazing display of northern lights." He stepped outside his teepee for this comemmorative shot: (go here).

"The contrast of green lights in the sky and the red glow of the teepee was fantastic," he says. "Our eight guests really enjoyed photographing the display."

"With a little luck," Blakley adds, "tonight will be number 26 for the year." He might get his wish. NOAA forecasters estimate a 40% chance of polar geomagnetic storms on Jan 30th in response to a minor solar wind stream buffeting Earth's magnetic field. (Spaceweather.com


Bonus! To view a spectacular, real-time photo gallery of the Aurora Borealis displays that occurred this past week, go here.


"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
(Luke 11:25-28)


Worship With Us Today!

Worship With Us Today!

"Come Down O Love Divine"

King's College, Cambridge


Come down, O love divine, seek Thou this soul of mine,
And visit it with Thine own ardor glowing.
O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear,
And kindle it, Thy holy flame bestowing.

O let it freely burn, til earthly passions turn
To dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
And let Thy glorious light shine ever on my sight,
And clothe me round, the while my path illuming.

Let holy charity mine outward vesture be,
And lowliness become mine inner clothing;
True lowliness of heart, which takes the humbler part,
And o'er its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.

And so the yearning strong, with which the soul will long,
Shall far outpass the power of human telling;
For none can guess its grace, till he become the place
Wherein the Holy Spirit makes His dwelling.

Worship by going here. Amen.