CHPP Daily Brief - Thursday, May 22, 2014

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, May 22, 2014

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me."
(Psalm 51:10,11)

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. 600 million citizens of India are now enrolled with biometric ID - SPIE

The most ambitious biometric deployment in history, to enroll the iris patterns and other identifying data of all 1.2 billion Indian citizens in three years, has now passed its halfway mark.
- Lord, while You told us this was coming, we are always shocked at the speed with which things happen. We pray for mercy over these people who have received this ID mark, and we pray that You will protect Your people from receiving it here in the US.

-"And he caused all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark in their right hand or in their foreheads" (Rev 13:16)

2. Blasts kill at least 118 in Nigeria - Reuters

Back-to-back bomb blasts killed at least 118 people and wounded 45 in the crowded business district of the central Nigerian city of Jos on Tuesday, emergency services said, in an attack that appeared to bear the hallmarks of the Boko Haram insurgents.
- Father, we pray that You will destroy the Boko Haram group: cause Your Spirit to rise up and bring truth and conviction throughout their camps, pulling out the evil that reigns there.

- "For behold the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon you and his glory shall be seen upon you" (Isaiah 60: 2)

3. FBI chief: 'Be suspicious' of government power - The Hill

The head of the FBI says he understands why people worry about the scope of the government's powers, and in fact, he agrees with them.
- Father, we are suspicious of this man's statement as attempting to sound logical and friendly, and are wary of all that this government is doing against Your people. We pray for discernment and wisdom, that deception will not overtake us.

-"Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are in the way with him" (Matthew 5:25)

4. Dems Kill Key Pro-Israel bill to Appease White House on Iran -Washington Free Beacon

The fallout from a rushed, late night decision by a leading Democrat to scuttle key pro-Israel legislation in a bid to appease the Obama administration threatens to complicate efforts by Democrats to hold on to the Senate, according to sources on Capitol Hill and in the pro-Israel community.
- Lord, we are grieved that once again Israel has been pushed aside in favor of her enemies. We pray that You will intervene for her against those who seek to destroy her- we pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.

-"And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, says the Lord your God." (Amos 9:15)

5. Washington's High Court Swears In First Openly Gay Justice - AP

Mary Yu was sworn in as the newest member of the Washington state Supreme Court on Tuesday, marking the first time the high court has had an openly gay justice.
- Lord, our gates are completely down in nearly every portion of the land. We plead for Your mercy over our once great nation. Restore us, Holy Father, release Your Spirit to change our hearts and turn us back to You.

-"When evil comes upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this House, and in Your Presence (for Your Name is in this House) and cry to You in our affliction, then You will hear and help." (2 Chronicles 20:9)

6. Pastor Jailed for Displaying Anti-Abortion Sign

A Christian legal group is defending a pastor who was arrested for protesting outside an abortion clinic in Mississippi, according to CBN News.
- We ask for deliverance for this man who was acting according to the First Amendment. Father, our nation does not honor the Constitution, so we ask for Your help for him.

- "Through God we shall do valiantly: for it is He who shall tread down our enemies" (Psalm 60:12)

	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:

"As the mountains are all around Jerusalem, so YHWH is all around His people from this time and forever." (Psalms 125:2)

1. Netanyahu Was 'This Close' to Dumping Livni Over Abbas Meeting - Arutz Sheva

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was on the verge of firing Justice Minister Tzipi Livni after her recent meeting with Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas in London -- but restrained himself, according to a report in business magazine Maariv This Week.

2. Israel in danger without Egypt's army in Sinai, says al-Sisi - Ynet News

Egyptian military chief turned presidential candidate Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has given Israel a clear reminder of the danger its faces from militants in the Sinai Peninsula, against which Egypt provides a vital defense.

3. IDF's budget crisis not a bluff, Gantz warns - Israel Hayom

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz warned Tuesday of the budgetary crisis the military is facing as a result of the cuts imposed on defense spending and the Finance Ministry's refusal to approve additional funds for the IDF.

4. David's Sling missile shield unlikely to be ready in 2015 - Ynet News

Israel's US-backed David Sling missile shield is unlikely to be deployed by next year as originally scheduled, an Israeli defense official said on Wednesday, citing budget shortfalls.

5. Mashaal on unity: Hamas made concessions to Fatah, won't compromise on Israel - Jerusalem Post

Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal said on Tuesday the Islamist group was close to mending rifts with rival President Mahmoud Abbas's Palestine Liberation Organization, but vowed resistance against Israel will continue.

	The Daily Jot

FBI Director reveals massive spying on you

FBI Director James Comey justified the federal government's intensive spy program on American citizens by telling the Senate Judiciary Committee May 21, "I believe people should be suspicious of government power. I am. I think this country was founded by people who were worried about government power so they divided it among the three branches." First, he tells senators that he is concerned about government power--a message he knows will get picked up in the press and sent to the American people. People will read this, senators will hear it, and immediately be put to ease that the FBI spy program is not so bad after all because the director is suspicious of government power. I'm sure we all feel better.
Then, Comey gave senators some insight into just how massive the government's spy program really is. According to The Hill newspaper, he discussed the PRISM program that requires banks, phone companies, internet service providers and others to hand over details about their customers. Agents can then use this information to look at photos, emails and other documents people upload. Comey gave the senators his word that these programs were run responsibly and added that the operations also helped to track down kidnappers and save children. While this is admirable, it is an admission that the program is not just used to "track foreign terrorists operating in the United States."
Officials at these unconstitutional, unelected agencies of the government often use the word "metadata" when describing how they spy on Americans. Not to worry, they say, it's just general data, nothing specific. But it can get specific real fast. That's how an alleged FBI agent can show up on your doorstep falsely accusing you of taking pictures of an oil refinery in another state AND have your drivers license photo and a host of other personal information collected into a manilla folder. I know. It happened to me. And get this--taking pictures is not an illegal act. So if they have time to spend on such nonsense, think about how deep this spy ring goes. Nothing you do goes unnoticed. Government becoming as God.

The Fourth Amendment reads: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." The cunning have found ways to undermine privacy and force us to accept oppression as security. Isaiah 30:12-14 says, "Because you despise this (the Lord's) word, and trust in oppression...iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall..." We must return unto God's word and rest in his freedom as in verse 15: "In returning and rest shall you be saved."
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com

	Atheists Lose in Court

Court Rejects Atheists' Attack On Church Favoritism In Tax Code

In American Atheists, Inc. v. Shulman, (ED KY, May 19, 2014), a Kentucky federal district court dismissed claims by several atheist organizations that under the Internal Revenue Code and Regulations, churches and religious organizations are treated more favorably that other non-profits. The court identified five advantages enjoyed by churches, including fewer filings and tax advantages for clergy compensation. The court held that plaintiffs lack standing because they never applied for an exemption as a church or religious organization, pointing out that:

A review of case law establishes that the words "church," "religious organization," and "minister," do not necessarily require a theistic or deity-centered meaning . . .
Thus, the Atheists' assertion that they are subjected to unconstitutional discrimination and coercion due to their alleged inability to gain classification as religious organizations or churches under I.R.C. §501(c)(3) is mere speculation. At this point, the Atheists have no idea whether they could gain classification as a church or religious organization under I.R.C. §501(c)(3) because they have never sought such classification. Accordingly, the Atheists have not suffered a particularized injury which is fairly traceable to the actions of the Commissioner. (Religion Clause) Read more.

	Congress Funds the Military

Congress Funds the Military

As the country heads into Memorial Day weekend, the House is working on a gift for our troops -- funding. If it feels like Congress just wrapped up the National Defense Authorization Act, you're not alone. House members are back at it this week, debating amendments in an all-day marathon that often stretches well into the night. Thanks to conservatives, led by Reps. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), John Fleming (R-La.), and Randy Forbes (R-Va.), the conversation will also include greater clarity on one of FRC's key concerns: religious liberty protections.
In the FY2013 and 2014 bills, the Defense Department was ordered to safeguard the rights of service members to hold and express their religious beliefs -- rights that had been threatened in the wave of anti-Christian hostility washing up on U.S. bases. Essentially, that language just reaffirmed the law: that the men and women who fight for our constitutional liberties don't lose their ability to live out and practice their faith just because they join the military.
Unfortunately, the Air Force has been particularly reluctant to bring their policies in line with the law, refusing to shield airmen from the intensely hostile actions taken at the Academy and other facilities. As we witnessed in something as minor as Scripture written on a dorm room white board, the Air Force's vague and unworkable policies are stifling free speech and allow even a hypothetical claim of offense to trump an Airmen's right to talk about or practice their faith.
Members of Congress and Senators have repeatedly called upon Air Force leaders in letters and in hearings to revise Air Force rules. Until they do, confusion will continue to reign. To nudge the branch along, Rep. Lamborn offered an amendment calling on the Pentagon and Air Force to revise their regulations on religious liberty. These brave men and women risk their lives to defend America -- the least we can do is provide them the clarity and support their faith deserves. (From an article titled: "On Troop Bill, Congress Soldiers on" by Family Research Council)

	Meriam Yahya Ibrahim

Radical Islam's War On Christian Women


Meriam Yahya Ibrahim, a married 27 year-old woman, was recently sentenced to 100 lashes for adultery by a Sudanese court. How can a married woman be guilty of adultery? Sudan, which is governed by radical Islamic or Sharia law, refuses to recognize Meriam's marriage to her Christian husband, Daniel Wani, an American citizen. Under Sharia law, a Muslim woman cannot marry a Christian, and Meriam is considered to be a Muslim because her father was.

And because her husband is a Christian, the judge refused to recognize Daniel's parental rights and threw her 20 month-old son, Martin, in jail with her. By the way, Meriam is eight-months pregnant. Oh, and she's also been sentenced to death because she refuses to convert to Islam. The court has delayed the death sentence until she gives birth, which could be any day.
That, friends, is a real war on women. Have you heard anything from Obama about that? Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy is demanding a DNA test before it will help Wani gain access to his imprisoned son.

It is also a war on Christians. Remember the kidnapped girls in Nigeria? They were from Christian families. As a result, radical Islamists abducted them, forcibly converted some of them to Islam and are now threatening to sell others as sex slaves.

I hope you hear more about Meriam's plight in the days ahead. Members of Congress, including Senators Roy Blunt (MO) and Kelly Ayotte (NH), and Representatives Trent Franks (AZ) and Frank Wolf (VA), are demanding action. America's pastors need to speak up too. (Gary Bauer)

	May 25: Pope Francis to Visit Israel

May 25: Pope Francis to Visit Israel

On May 25, Pope Francis will begin his two-day visit to the Holy Land. It will begin in Bethlehem with a large mass together with PA leader Mahmoud Abbas. Palestinians are already celebrating the visit, saying his choice to begin the trip directly in PA-held Bethlehem is meant to "recognize Palestine," and "oppose the occupation."

Hind Khoury, a former PA minister for Jerusalem affairs, has admitted that every detail of the visit "will be highly charged politically." Already in February, Rabbi Sergio Bergman, a member of the Argentinian parliament and close friend of Pope Francis, said that the pope intends to define himself as the "Che Guevera of the Palestinians" and support their struggle and rights during his visit.
After the mass services in Bethlehem, the pope is to visit a nearby "refugee camp." Ziyyad Bandak, Abbas's adviser for Christian affairs has explained that the pope "will have a lunch with Palestinians, with families suffering from the occupation . . . then he will visit Dheishe refugee camp to witness the suffering of Palestinian refugees . . .This visit will help us in supporting our struggle to end the longest occupation in history."

Father Jamal Khader of the Latin patriarchate in Jerusalem told AFP, "Knowing who he is, and his sensitivity for all those who suffer, I am sure that he will say something defending all those who are suffering, including the Palestinians who live under occupation."
Everything about the pope's visit is carefully arranged in great detail to convey a political message. That the "Vicar of Christ on earth" has chosen to meet with the Palestinian leader Abbas before he meets with the Prime Minister of Israel, even though Abbas has just signed a unity agreement with Hamas, is no mistake even though the political implications are wicked and a desecration of the Name the pope claims to represent.
The pope's limited time in Jerusalem will be equally political in nature. After first visiting with Greek Orthodox Church leaders on the evening of his arrival, the first thing he will do the following morning is, not to go to the Western Wall, but to visit the Temple Mount-or as the Vatican expresses it, "The Esplanade of the Mosques"-accompanied by the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem in a show of approval of Islamic rule over the Temple Mount, Judaism's most sacred site in the world.
When the pope finally meets with Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, he will not do so at the Prime Minister's residence or in the Knesset, but at the Vatican-owned Notre Dame complex! This is also a political statement, declaring in essence: "This land is really not yours but mine!" The Prime Minister might not have to bow to the pontiff, but he might be forced to sit lower than the pope during their meeting.
[This is an excerpt of an article titled "Sound the Alarm!", by Lars and Harriet Enarson. We strongly encourage our readers to study the article in its entirety by going here.

Below please find the prayer requests that the Enarsons list at the end of this essay. Thank you.
1. Pray that God will expose the true agenda behind the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Israel!

"Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." (Eph 5:11)
2. Pray that people in Israel and around the world will not be fooled by the pope's charm offensive and false show of compassion during his visit!

"For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." (Mt 24:24)
3. Pray that many Charismatics who have been drawn into a false ecumenical movement under the pope will have their eyes opened!

"I counsel you to buy from me . . . salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see." (Rev 3:18)
4. Pray for protection against deception!

"See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray." (Mt 24:4-5)
5. Pray that Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders will be strong and speak the truth to the pope!

"Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked." (Pr 25:26)
6. Pray that all replacement theology will be exposed!

"For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Messiah for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises." (Ro 9:3-4)

God bless you as watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem!

The Elijah Prayer Army

	The Good News Corner

The Good News Corner:

German Homeschool Family Can Stay

A family that fled Germany in order to homeschool their children was about to be deported by the Department of Homeland Security. Now the DHS has reversed its stand. The family may remain in Tennessee. Homeschooling has been illegal in Germany for a century. The German state does not want competition for control over the the minds of children. The U.S. Department of Justice agrees.
The DoJ did not reverse itself. The DHS did. (Source: Gary North, The Tea Party Economist) Read more.

	Signs and Wonders

Signs and Wonders:

Huge fish die-offs in California and Minnesota.

What's happening?

A lack of oxygen in the water brought on by the recent Southern California heat wave is one of the reasons experts are suggesting for a huge fish die-off in the waters of Marina Del Rey.
California Fish and Wildlife workers are still scooping dead sea life from the surface of the harbor Monday after thousands of dead anchovies, stingrays and even an octopus died and floated up over the weekend.

The silvery blanket of fish on the water's surface created a pungent smell and set off a feeding frenzy of harbor seals, pelicans and seagulls.
Marine biologists were working Monday to determine the cause, with some suggesting the recent heat wave was to blame.

Similar fish die-offs occurred in Redondo Beach and the Ventura Harbor in 2011.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, researchers say that last winter's heavy snowfall is partly to blame for a fish kill that took out tens of thousands of walleye, bass, northern pike and other species on Grand Lake near Duluth.

Dan Wilfond, Department of Natural Resources fisheries specialist for the Duluth area, said even bullhead were among the species affected - an indicator that the fish kill was fairly severe. He estimates roughly 35,000 fish died. (Christian Science Monitor; Associated Press) Read more.

"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 21:25-28)

	Worship With Us Today!

Worship With Us Today!

Casting Crowns - "Who Am I"
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are