Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"A National Prayer Alliance"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief
"Praying for All in Authority"
Thursday, March 27, 2014
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5,6)
Please visit the website for the International Christian Concern to find ongoing needs for prayer among the persecuted around the world. Thank you.
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The Daily Brief
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1. World Vision reverses decision to hire Christians in same-sex marriages - Fox News
Facing a firestorm of protest, the prominent Christian relief agency World Vision on Wednesday reversed a two-day-old policy change that would have allowed it to hire Christians in same-sex marriages in the US.
- Father, thank You for sending conviction to the hearts of this Christian group. We must not be like the world, or follow the values of secular society!
- "for I will work a work in your days, which you will not believe, though it be told you." (Habakkuk 1:5)
2. Syrian Civil War Spreads to Israel, Turkey - CBN News
When the Syrian uprising turned into a civil war in 2011, most of the trouble stayed inside Syria's borders, but that's changing.
- Father, we ask Your mighty protection over Israel. We also ask for protection over Turkey, once the home of many New Testament churches.
- "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely; for My anger is turned away" (Hosea 14:4)
3. Obama meets Pope Francis, looks for Catholic boost - AFP
Barack Obama will meet Pope Francis for the first time Thursday for talks on a shared agenda to fight inequality which the US President hopes will help boost support at home.
- Lord, we ask for discernment on the part of Pope Francis, that he will not fall for political ploys that would use him for Obama's agendas.
- "The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten Your law." (Psalm 119:61)
4. Sen. Inhofe: 'Obama Administration Is Attempting to Write a New Moral Code' - CNS News
U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) released a statement regarding the Supreme Court Oral arguments saying, "If you restrict those of faith from applying their conscience to the world around them, then you quench the progress of freedom."
- Father, we rejoice at this statement by Senator Inhofe, and ask that You move on the Supreme Court for a favorable decision.
- "Move not the ancient landmark which your fathers have set" (Proverbs 22:28)
5. Pin drop! Obama lawyer stuns Supreme justice - WND
In a dramatic moment at the Supreme Court Tuesday, Solicitor General Donald Verrilli told justices that U.S. business owners have no religious freedom to reject government mandates forcing them to cover abortions.
- Lord, this is an unconscionable statement by a lawless government. We pray for justice for the people seeking help from the Supreme Court.
- "For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work" (2 Thessalonians 2:7)
6. House Republicans attempt to renew focus on debt - Washington Examiner
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling is trying to draw attention back to the nation's mounting debt ahead of midterm elections that are more likely to revolve around Obamacare.
- Lord, we pray for wisdom on the part of our Congress. Let them move only according to Your wishes.
- "The simple believe every word; but the prudent man looks well to where he is going." (Proverbs 14:15)
7. Democrats Push for New Changes to Obamacare Amid Mid-term Election Fears - Fox News
Several Democratic senators moved Thursday to "improve" parts of ObamaCare, proposing numerous changes to the law amid concerns that it could cost Democrats House seats and possibly the Senate in November. The proposals came from a half-dozen senators, some of whom are facing reelection in the fall and most of whom represent moderate-to-conservative states.
- Lord, we ask that You reveal all hidden agendas of these Democratic and Republican legislators who may seek to deceive the American people in order to save their seats.
- "He that is greedy of gain troubles his own house; but he that hates gifts shall live." (Proverbs 15:27)
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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:
" Your word is a lamp unto my feet And a light unto my path."
(Psalm 119:105)
1. Arab League states 'total rejection' of Jewish state recognition - Jerusalem Post
The Arab League announced on Wednesday a full backing of a Palestinian refusal to meet Israel's demand to be recognized as a Jewish state, a condition Jerusalem says it required for peace.
2. PA Foreign Minister: Agreement With Israel to be 'Non-Binding' - Arutz Sheva
The Palestinian Authority's Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki has claimed that the upcoming framework agreement with Israel will be "non-binding", and that the PA was likely to take unilateral steps against Israel following the end of the nine-month negotiating period.
3. Jordanian king vows to protect Jerusalem - Times of Israel
Jordan's King Abdullah II said his country will protect Jerusalem and stand up to "Israeli violations," in a speech to the Arab Summit in Kuwait Tuesday.
4. Security Council concerned by Syrian fire on Golan - Times of Israel
The UN Security Council is expressing concern about ongoing military activity on the Golan Heights by the Syrian army and opposition fighters and condemning the decapitations of five apparent members of Syria's military.
5. New F-35 Fighter Jet Purchased by Israel From U.S. Can Carry Nuclear Bomb - Algemeiner
The F-35 Stealth fighter aircraft that Israel is purchasing from the United States can carry a nuclear payload, Israel's Channel 2 reported on Wednesday.
6. Report: US agrees to free Pollard for extended Israeli-Palestinian peace talks - Jerusalem Post
The United State has reportedly agreed to release imprisoned Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard as part of a negotiated compromise to secure the continuation of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, Army Radio reported Wednesday.
7. Israel: Abbas refusal to discuss 'Jewish state' torpedoing talks - Times of Israel
By refusing to even discuss recognizing Israel as a Jewish state Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is destroying any chances of reaching a peace agreement, a senior Israeli official said Wednesday.
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The Daily Jot
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Senate back door to ending the First Amendment
One of the top communists in the US Senate, New York Democrat Chuck Schumer has introduced a bill called the "Free Flow of Information Act." One thing that we can count on from Washington socialists and communists--which roam both parties freely these days--is deception. If a bill is named one thing, you can almost be the farm that it means something else. Can anybody say "Affordable Care Act?" In this case, Schumer has introduced a bill which has the support of most Democrats and some Republicans, to exempt a "covered journalist" from subpoenas that would expose their confidential sources. The stated purpose of the bill is to protect freedom of the press. In reality, it protects government from the press.
This great idea Schumer has stems from all the spying on reporters by the Justice Department and all the other agencies that are collecting your pictures and phone numbers. Schumer wants reporters to be protected from having to give up their confidential sources or be intimidated by the legal system. These were protections that the Constitution has guaranteed for years. Judges from time to time have held reporters in contempt of court for not exposing their sources, but usually in the end, the reporters win. Its called freedom of the press. It's guaranteed by the Constitution's First Amendment. But Schumer wants to change all that with a bill disguised as a defender of free speech.
Schumer establishes two classes of journalists--covered and non-covered. You are a covered journalist if on the date of the passage of the bill you are or were "an employee, independent contractor, or agent of an entity or service that disseminates news or information..." You could be an independent investigative journalist who is looking into government wrongdoing and since you are not employed by a "legitimate" news service, your ability to report is infringed. For example, the Senate does not consider Focus on the Family's Family News In Focus a legitimate news entity and will not issue it press credentials, although it covers news from a Christian worldview. This bill places the government in control of determining who is "covered."
This has tremendous implications to all citizens because if the government can determine who is a legitimate journalist, it has penetrated the protections of the First Amendment. The same argument may be used to determine legitimate religion and legitimate people with the right of free assembly. The Supreme Court is hearing such a case now with Hobby Lobby regarding religious freedom from government mandates that infringe on religious beliefs. The communist argument stems from corporations (which are a registered government entity) are amoral and therefore must comply. These people are twisting words and meanings to undermine your liberty. As Christ said in Matthew 24:4, "Take heed that no man deceive you."
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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The Issue Is Religious Liberty
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The Issue Is Religious Liberty
I want to revisit the Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby case today in view of some of the news coverage and punditry from the talking heads (not to mention spin from liberal Democrats we will hear ad nauseam from now until Election Day). The central issue of this debate is not the legality or availability of contraception. It is religious liberty.
The left is trying hard to confuse Americans about that fact. A pro-abortion and fake Catholic group ran a full-page ad in yesterday's Washington Post. It posed the question, "Who in their right mind would want a woman's boss in charge of her birth control?"
The ad stated that arguments about religious liberty were "fake" and accused Catholic bishops of trying to "impose their religious views on all Americans."
That was the same line of reasoning pursued yesterday by Justice Kagan, who rhetorically asked if employers should be able to exclude vaccines and blood transfusions from insurance policies based on religious objections to those procedures. In Kagan's view, the right to free birth control trumps all other considerations.
It's a mystery to me where Justice Kagan finds this imaginary right. But the Constitution is clear about the right of religious liberty! And that is the point -- this is not a debate about contraception.
While the Catholic Church has moral objections to contraception, there is no law in the United States limiting it use. The Supreme Court settled that issue fifty years ago.
Moreover, I can say without any fear of contradiction that from the very beginning of the republic until now there has never been a day in America when contraception was not as readily available to men and women (even your kids in the public schools) at lower cost than it is today. In fact, it's not that hard to find it for free. No matter what the outcome of the Supreme Court's decision in the Hobby Lobby case, contraception will continue to be widely available in America.
So, I repeat -- this is not a debate about the legality or availability of contraception.
This case is about our constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. Are they real or not?
It has implications for other constitutional protections like free speech, freedom of assembly and the right to bear arms. Will those rights continue to be whittled away by the big government juggernaut that is trying to tell us what to buy, what to eat, how much to drink, what temperature to set the thermostat?
There are two main aspects of this debate.
First, can the government force religious institutions to subsidize something that goes against the teachings of that particular religious group? It would be a dark day in America if the highest court in the land declared, "Yes, we can put a nun in jail if she refuses to allow one penny of her organization's funds to abort a baby or provide sterilizations."
That is precisely the dispute in Little Sisters of the Poor vs. Kathleen Sebelius. In December, Justice Sotomayor temporarily blocked the Obama Administration from persecuting these nuns while their case continues to work its way through the appeals process.
If there is an employee working for the Little Sisters who disagrees with the teachings of the Catholic Church, the remedy in a free country is for that employee to seek employment somewhere that offers an insurance policy that covers contraception, sterilizations and abortions.
The Left's Assault On Faith
This is the most important point to understand: For at least half a century, the left has been using the language of tolerance to intimidate conservatives into silence and force its agenda on the rest of the country. Sadly, it has succeeded in convincing many conservatives and religious Americans that, even though they may have strong feelings about abortion and marriage, they have no right to use the law to "force their views on somebody else."
Pontificating liberals love to lecture conservatives by saying, "You can't legislate morality!"
We have repeatedly warned that the people making this argument have a long history of being extremely intolerant. As they have gained strength, their real intention has become more transparent. They are not simply asking for an America where they can live the way they want. Rather, they want an America where you will live the way they want.
Remember that full-page ad I mentioned at the beginning of this report? Liberals were accusing Catholic bishops of trying to "impose their religious views on all Americans." The exact opposite is true. The Obama Administration, under the guise of health care, is using the power of big government to force religious Americans to pay for its radical abortion-on-demand agenda. (Gary Bauer)
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President Obama Sends New Year's Greeting to
Iran
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President Obama's Nowruz Message to the Iranian People (Persian)
> > > Note: posted on the White House website is a video of the president wishing the Iranian people a happy new year. [On the Persian calendar, the first day of spring every year marks the start of their new year.]
The video is in Persian, but the introduction (below) is in English. To view this video, go here.
From the White House website:
President Obama sends best wishes to everyone celebrating Nowruz. In his video message, the President speaks directly to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran about the possibility for the first time in many years of a new chapter in the history of Iran and its role in the world - including a better relationship with the United States and the American people.
[The following commentary is from a sister in Christ who was able to translate this message.]
In the official message videotaped to the Iranian people, Mr. Obama spoke of his confidence that a diplomatic agreement could be reached; enabling the Iranian people to have a peaceful nuclear program. In his message he described some new elements in the American negotiating plan; stating that in a final settlement to be accomplished in the next four months by the P5+1 powers (US, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China and Germany), Iran would emerge with access to peaceful nuclear energy.
Mr. Obama went on to say that the Iranians "deserve better" than the "status quo of harsh, punitive sanctions, which are crippling the economy, as they pursue their right to enrich uranium and to have a heavy water plutonium reactor." Obama suggested that the leadership of Iran at the highest level, including Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, have given him assurances that Iran is not developing nuclear weapons. Because of that "peaceful" foundation and firm commitment, Obama, said, "There is a chance to reach an agreement, if Iran takes meaningful and verifiable steps to assure the world that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only."
- Lord God in Heaven, we cry out to You to turn the heart of this "king," Barack Hussein Obama, toward truth and away from deception. We ask that You take the veil off of his eyes to see the reality we face: an enemy in Teheran that wants to "wipe Israel off the face of the earth" and to pursue the development of nuclear weapons for evil purposes. We ask this Lord, in Jesus' Name, amen.
- "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." (Proverbs 21:1)
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More News from Israel
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Second-largest Mosque in Israel Dedicated by Chechen President
in Abu Ghosh
A few weeks ago our Update focused upon the construction of an enormous mosque in the Israeli Arab community of Abu Ghosh just west of Jerusalem. The new mosque, capable of hosting thousands of Muslim worshippers, is the second-largest in Israel, exceeded in size by only the Al Aqsa mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Situated on a hillside, it is plainly visible from the highway connecting Jerusalem with Tel Aviv. In the day the gilt on the peaks of its four minarets (it is the only mosque in Israel bearing four of the towers) shines in the sun, and at evening the openings near their tops twinkle with the green lights used to illumine Islamic holy structures. The mosque reportedly cost $10 million to build, six million being contributed by the Chechen government. An old tradition links the four clans making up most of the citizenry of the community with ancestors immigrating to Palestine from the Caucuses (in the region of modern-day Chechnya) in the 16th century.
The mosque was formally dedicated on Sunday. On hand to take part in the ceremony was Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov. Kadyrov, a former separatist, is now considered to be a staunch ally of Russian president Putin. (He, in fact, is reported to have offered to send troops into Ukraine last month when a pro-European uprising toppled that country's pro-Russian president.) It seems clear that the Chechen leader was in Israel primarily for the dedication. He did not schedule a meeting with Israeli leaders, and a planned press-conference in Jerusalem Sunday afternoon was cancelled.
We would recommend our readers re-peruse the 10 February Update (click HERE) in which we expressed concerns as to what might be the spiritual significance behind the appearance of so supremely grand a temple to the Islamic god at this time and in this location. Upon a hill overlooking the Abu Ghosh community lies the site at which the Ark of the Covenant rested for many years (I Samuel 7:1-2) before David had it removed to Jerusalem where his son Solomon built a Temple for it on the mountain upon which the largest Islamic house of worship in Israel presently stands. As we have mentioned, Abu Ghosh is a Muslim Arab community which is often noted for its unusually cordial coexistence over the years with its Jewish neighbors. Whether such will continue to be the case with the new Chechen-spawned Islamic nerve-center now in place and operating at its center, remains to be seen.
The streams of Islam in Chechnya have not been recognized for their moderation. Chechen Islamists assassinated the current President's father. The two Chechen brothers carrying out the Boston Marathon bombing blatantly exemplified what may take place when the spirit behind this religion is allowed to manifest. Recent weeks have witnessed unusual instances of violent rioting against civil authority by young people in the city schools of Abu Ghosh. We hope that with yesterday's dedication of the new "Peace Mosque" a door of deception and great darkness has not been opened upon the citizens of Abu Ghosh and Israel.
We repeat below the Prayer Points from our Update in February, preceded by a prayer for the Body of Messiah from Ephesians 6:10-13: "Finally, brothers and sisters, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual armies of wickedness in the heavenlies. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand!"
PLEASE PRAY: 1.That "He Who Watches over Israel" will bring to light anything lying in darkness (Daniel 2:22) in Abu Ghosh with designs for harm to His purposes in His land.
2.That the Body of Messiah in Israel will be awake, and hear what the Spirit is saying regarding the establishment of this new hall of Islamic worship west of Jerusalem. Pray for God's strategy for countering any move of the enemy against His purposes for the people in Abu Ghosh whom He loves, and for Israel and Jerusalem itself.
3. For Abu Ghosh Mayor Salim Jaber, that he will lead his city wisely-that he will receive supernatural revelation of El Elyon--The "Most High God" and of His Son. Mr. Jaber reportedly said that he was unconcerned that Chechnya would try to impose its flavor of Islam in Abu Ghosh, "They will not intervene, because there are borders. Their practices are different than ours." Pray that he will be protected from any such influences.
4. For a testimony of Yasuah (Yeshua/Jesus) to be awakened among the Arab Muslim citizens of Abu Ghosh. Pray for dreams and visions from Heaven. Pray against any entrance of spiritual powers from abroad into this region.
5.There are several growing communities of Messianic Jews which God has been raising up within only a few miles of the place where this mosque has been built. One in particular is in close alliance with Arab believers in Jerusalem. Pray for prophetic insight and revelation from the Holy Spirit in these communities. Pray for high praise and worship in spirit and in truth to be released which will displace the dark spiritual powers seeking to hold the heavenlies over the region. Pray for strategic strategies from on High!
Martin & Norma Sarvis
Jerusalem
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Israel Closing Embassies Worldwide
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Israel Closing Embassies Worldwide
Israel's Diplomats Escalate Labor Dispute
Statement Released by the Embassy of Israel
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Suspension of Diplomatic and Consular Operations
As of Tuesday, 3rd March 2014, Israel's diplomats will no longer engage with foreign representatives, take care of official visits of any kind, either in Israel or overseas, issue visas or provide any consular services. This is just part of an extended list of organizational measures which will take effect immediately.
Israel's diplomatic corps was left with no other choice but to ratchet up its year-long labor dispute with the Ministry of Finance, after the latter caused the failure of a seven-month mediation process led by the former Chief Justice of the Labor Court.
The diplomats were willing to give a real chance to the mediation process and find pragmatic solutions to all outstanding issues; however, the finance bureaucrats lacked sincerity and did not reciprocate with the same approach.
The bold measures mentioned above will hopefully raise awareness, both domestically and internationally, of the dire situation of Israel's hard working diplomats.
Why have the Israeli diplomats decided to take these measures?
It may seem unusual for the diplomatic service of a country to become engaged in such a difficult labor dispute. This is especially true in relation to Israel's diplomats, who are well known around the globe for their commitment and their excellent ability to represent Israel with the many different challenges it faces.
Precisely because of their deep commitment to Israel's international standing and national security, Israel's diplomats insist that their reasonable demands be met. Among them are a long-overdue adjustment of the salary to the rise in the cost of living, an end to a discriminatory tax policy, consideration of the dear price paid by "trailing" spouses and children in terms of loss of income, career and pension, and a decent compensation for extra hours.
It is unfortunate that the same dedicated civil servants, who receive praise wherever they are stationed in the world as representatives of Israel, are met with nothing but scorn by the Finance Ministry bureaucrats, who know little about the importance of diplomacy to national security. This is true always, but more so in a country like Israel, which is faced with an unparalleled range of challenges in the international arena.
Foreign Service Workers' Association
[Source: Embassy of Israel; Washington, D.C.] Read more.
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The Good News Corner
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The Good News Corner:
Kansas Can Strip Planned Parenthood of Taxpayer Funds,
Appeals Court Rules
"The Wichita and Hays clinics actually solicit abortion business for their Overland Park counterpart and serve as partners in the abortion business. Blocking funding to them is consistent with the federal law against spending tax money for abortions." -Troy Newman
The state of Kansas can implement a law that effectively strips Planned Parenthood of state taxpayer dollars, a federal appeals court ruled today. (Photo via LSN)
In April 2011, Gov. Sam Brownback signed a Fiscal Year 2012 budget that restricted Planned Parenthood's access to $330,000 in Title X family planning funds.
The law redirected the monies to hospitals and public health organizations, which do not perform abortions, leaving Planned Parenthood at the bottom of the list to receive state tax revenues. (LifeSiteNews) Read more here.
(Also reported by Breaking Christian News)
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Worship With Us Today!
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Worship With Us Today!
"Awesome God" - Acapella Version
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
