Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
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chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief Tuesday, July 2, 2013
"I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth." (Job 19:25)
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The Daily Brief
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1. Catholic Priest Beheaded in Syria by Al-Qaeda Linked Rebels - Blaze
Syrian Catholic priest Francois Murad killed last weekend by jihadi fighters was beheaded, according to a report by Catholic Online which is linking to video purportedly showing the brutal murder.
- Lord, it grieves our heart to hear stories like this one, of the killing (and beheading) our brothers and sisters in Christ in nations that are under persecution. We thank you that each one's life is in Your hands. We pray this report would be an inspiration to stand for the Lord no matter what happens. May Christians be prepared for whatever comes and be reminded that we serve a just God. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
- But he that does wrong shall receive for the wrong which he has done; and there is no respect of persons. (Colossians 3:15)
2. Protesters fill Cairo's Tahrir Square, demand Morsi's resignation - Washington Times
Hundreds of thousands of protesters marked Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi's first anniversary in office Sunday with demonstrations in Cairo and in other cities across the country, demanding that the Islamist leader step down for failing to tackle economic and security problems.
- Lord, we stand in prayer for those who are protesting the presidency of Mohammed Morsi in the nation of Egypt. We ask that Your will be done in retaining or removing him. We pray that the voices of those who are demanding Morsi's removal from office would be heard. May this be a wakeup call to Egypt and may they know what is in the darkness. Reveal the deep and secret things, we pray. We also lift Mohammed Morsi to You that he might come to know You as his savior and his Lord. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
- And he changes the times and the seasons; he removes kings, and sets up kings; he give wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to those that know understanding. He reveals the deep and secret things; he know what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. (Daniel 2:21,22)
3. New NSA leaks show how US is bugging its European allies - UK Guardian
US intelligence services are spying on the European Union mission in New York and its embassy in Washington, according to the latest top secret US National Security Agency documents leaked by the whistleblower Edward Snowden.
- Lord, we pray that secrets that should be known would continue to be brought to light, and that real security secrets be protected. Let truth be known. Blot out the handwriting of ordinances that are against us we pray. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
- Bloting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. (Colossians 2:14)
4. DOJ Defunds Youth Programs that Reference God - Fox News
A Louisiana lawman is livid over the federal government's decision to cut off funds for two programs to help troubled young people, all, he says, because he refused to sign a pledge to bar prayer or any mention of God at their meetings.
- Lord, bless this lawman in his strong stand. Give him favor. Let his inspiration speak to the hearts of all who hear and know of this story. Let prayer and Your Name come back into these meetings. Forgive our government for these wicked decisions, Lord. We pray for all the funding needed to come to those who can help troubled youth. Change those making such rules against prayer and You. May this lawman inspire others to take such stand. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
- Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. (Ephesians 6:13)
5. Central Banks Sell Record Sums of US Debt - CNBC
Central banks sold a record amount of US Treasury debt last week and bond funds suffered the biggest investor withdrawals on record as global markets shuddered at the prospect of the US Federal Reserve ending its quantitiative easing program.
- Lord, we decree that our trust is in You and not in our wealth. We do pray that many would come to have the same trust in You, for the redemption of their souls. We do ask for godly provision and wise distribution of wealth. On our money it says "In God we trust" and we reaffirm the truth of this saying, for our country and for our finances. In the name of Jesus, whom we trust. Amen.
- They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him. (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth forever.)
(Psalm 49:6-8)
6. Russia's Putin signs 'gay propaganda' ban into law - AFP
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a bill punishing people for homosexual "propaganda", an official publication showed Sunday, in a move critics fear will fuel hate crimes. In another controversial step, Putin also signed a bill imposing jail terms and fines on those who offend religious believers, seen as a response to last year's anti-Putin stunt by the punk band Pussy Riot in a Moscow cathedral. Rights activists and Western governments have criticised both bills as part of an unprecedented crackdown on dissenting voices after Putin returned to the Kremlin last year.
The anti-propaganda law introduces fines of up to 5,000 rubles ($156) for citizens who disseminate information aimed at minors "directed at forming nontraditional sexual setup" or which may cause a "distorted understanding" that gay and heterosexual relations are "socially equivalent", the official publication of the bill showed. (Read more)
- Amazing. Amazing . . . pray much over this report so that it, too, will not be used as a deceptive means of propaganda. In the meantime, offer praise that in the past week, the leaders of two nations (Russia and Senegal) have now taken a direct stand against the gay agenda. Pray that our leaders in the United States will take note, and take action. It is time to stop being so politically correct; the lives and the tender consciences of our innocent children are in our hands.
- "It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble." (Luke 17:2)
7. Russia Evacuates Military, Diplomatic Personnel from Syria; High War Alert in Israel - Debkafile
Moscow announced Wednesday June 26, that the evacuation which had begun Friday of all military and diplomatic personnel from Syria was now complete, including the Russian naval base at Tartus. "Russia decided to withdraw its personnel because of the risks from the conflict in Syria, as well as the fear of an incident involving the Russian military that could have larger consequences," said a defense ministry official in Moscow. He stressed that a 16-ship naval task force in the eastern Mediterranean remains on post and arms shipments, including anti-air weapons, would continue to the Syrian government in keeping with former contracts.
In another sign of an impending escalation in Syria, the Israeli Golan brigade staged Wednesday an unannounced war maneuver on the Golan, attended by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and top army chiefs. In London, Prime Minister David Cameron called the government's National Security Council into session in Downing Street on Syria. Opposition leader Ed Milliband was invited to attend the meeting, a custom observed only when issues of the highest security importance are discussed. (Read more)
- Why is it that our own news networks are not reporting this critical news? Ask our Lord to remove the apparent "gag order" that has been placed upon the media; our people have a right to know what is building in this region. So long as the diplomatic remains stuck in the mud, the prospects of a regional war spreading out of the Syrian conflict are rising. Iran, Israel, Jordan and Lebanon may be dragged in at any moment - if they have not already, like Lebanon.
Continue to pray in the Spirit over all reports coming out of Syria in this hour, asking only for our Lord's perfect timing for Isaiah 17:1 to become a reality. Pray!
- "A prophecy against Damascus: "See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins." (Isaiah 17:1)
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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:
"Blessed is YHWH, who has not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped like a bird out of the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of YHWH, who made the heavens and earth." (Psalm 124:7,8)
1. Israeli official: Kerry disappointed in Abbas - Israel Hayom
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is disappointed in the conduct of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, a senior Israeli diplomatic official said on Sunday after Kerry departed Israel following his latest attempt to renew Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
2. Traces of 2,000-year-old wartime famine unearthed in Jerusalem - Fox News
Archaeologists may have discovered evidence of a dire famine that gripped Jerusalem during a Roman siege nearly 2,000 years ago.
3. Netanyahu 'willing to sit in tent for peace' - Times of Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday told his Italian counterpart Enrico Letta he would be willing to sit in a tent and remain there "until white smoke comes out" if it would help advance negotiations with the Palestinians.
4. Kerry leaves without breakthrough, remains optimistic on peace talks - Jerusalem Post
US Secretary of State John Kerry fell short on his fifth trip to the region in bringing Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table, though he said before leaving on Sunday for Brunei that the goal is within sight and he will continue trying.
5. Minister: Netanyahu against settlement freeze - Ynet News
US Secretary John Kerry and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel's chief negotiator Tzipi Livni met in Jerusalem late Saturday night in an attempt to reach an agreement that would pave the way for a meeting between the Israeli premier and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. However, it appears the road to such a summit is full of obstacles.
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The Persecuted Church
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Today's Focus: The Persecuted Church
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." (Deut. 31:6)
1. Chinese Churches Protest Occupation of Land by Communist Party - China Aid News
On the morning of June 13, 2013, Kaifeng Christian Church called together 700 pastors and coworkers represented from six different churches. They convened on the north side of the Kaifeng Yellow River Water Conservancy Technical Institute near the construction site of Fuxing Avenue. There, they organized a protest to stop the local authorities' occupation of their land. According to Kaifeng Christian Church, a state-owned forestry farm has occupied their 200,000 square meters land since forty some years ago. A state-operated Technical Institute has been occupying a portion of this land for 10 years, and still, a portion of their land has been sliced off for municipal road construction use. Kaifeng Church's demonstration is intended to draw the government's attention to the crimes committed by the local authorities and call for the return of the occupied land.
2. Tick Tock: Deadlines Loom for Egypt's Islamist President Morsi - CNN
Cairo (CNN) -- One deadline looms Tuesday for Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy, and another hangs over his head for Wednesday.
Opposition protesters are threatening to march Tuesday evening on Cairo's presidential palace if Morsy does not step down by then.
And Wednesday evening marks the expiration of a 48-hour deadline imposed by the Egypt's military to "meet the demands of the people" or face a restoration of order by the army.
But the army stopped short of saying that it was suggesting a coup.
The ultimatum was meant to push all factions toward a national consensus; the armed forces aren't looking to be part of the political or ruling circles, a spokesman, Col. Ahmed Ali, said Monday in a written statement.
While insisting they want no direct role in national politics, the generals appeared instead to be pressuring Egypt's first freely elected president to restructure his government.
The steps could include reducing the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in his Cabinet and calling early presidential and parliamentary elections, a source close to highly placed members of Egypt's leadership told CNN.
3. U.S. Department of Justice Agrees with Court Refusal to Grant Asylum to German Christians - Christian Post
WASHINGTON - A German family who chose to homeschool their six children for religious reasons is currently still residing in the United States and their legal counsels say they're willing to go all the way to the Supreme Court to fight for their right to receive political asylum in the U.S.
Jim Mason, senior counsel and litigation director of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), told The Christian Post that HSLDA received a response to their letter from the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesay basically saying that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit made the right decision in deciding that the Romeike family should not have asylum in the U.S.
Mason said that the homeschool legal group will file a reply to the DOJ. And his colleague Michael Donnelly, HSLDA's director of International Relations and Staff Counsel, said if the Sixth Circuit Court won't rehear the case, "we're heading to the Supreme Court."
For more news about the Persecuted Church, and how you can be more involved in intercession for these precious saints, go here.
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Independence Day
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Independence Day
by David Barton
On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to approve a complete separation from Great Britain. Two days afterwards - July 4th - the early draft of the Declaration of Independence was signed, albeit by only two individuals at that time: John Hancock, President of Congress, and Charles Thompson, Secretary of Congress. Four days later, on July 8, members of Congress took that document and read it aloud from the steps of Independence Hall, proclaiming it to the city of Philadelphia, after which the Liberty Bell was rung. The inscription around the top of that bell, Leviticus 25:10, was most appropriate for the occasion: "Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof."
It is amazing that on the very day they approved the Declaration, Adams was already foreseeing that their actions would be celebrated by future generations. Adams contemplated whether it would be proper to hold such celebrations, but then concluded that the day should be commemorated - but in a particular manner and with a specific spirit. As he told Abigail: "It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty."
. . . Preserving American liberty depends first upon our understanding the foundations on which this great country was built and then preserving the principles on which it was founded. Let's not let the purpose for which we were established be forgotten. The Founding Fathers have passed us a torch; let's not let it go out.
(To read the full article, go here.)
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The Good News Corner
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The Good News Corner:
Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony in Jerusalem
The two-hour program, featuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Shimon Peres, is called "A Nation Remembers"
The NRB Network gives viewers an historic and sobering opportunity to remember the Holocaust in July when, for the first time ever, it airs the state of Israel's official Holocaust remembrance ceremony from Jerusalem. The two-hour TV program, "A Nation Remembers," airs Saturday, July 6, at 8pm Eastern and Sunday, July 14, at 11pm Eastern.
"A consistent theme of Scripture is remembering," says Dr. Frank Wright, president & CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters. In his special introduction to "A Nation Remembers," Dr. Wright points out that "remembering the past-especially when evil goes infamously unopposed-is our best hope for the future. As the philosopher reminds us: 'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.'"
A Nation Remembers" was filmed April 7, 2013, at Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust museum and study center, and features addresses from Israel's President, Shimon Peres, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the open-air evening observance, which begins Israel's annual "Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust and Heroism," the Israeli flag is lowered to half-mast, Holocaust survivors light six torches in memory of the six million Jews who perished in Nazi death camps, and Israel's chief rabbis recite Scripture and pray.
"The Holocaust will not submerge into the gaping hole of history," says the 89-year-old Peres, speaking on a sumptuously lit and decorated stage before a gathering of Israel's political and religious leaders, and Holocaust survivors. "It is here with us, scorching, scathing, real... It cries out from the prayer shawls, the hair, the shoes that remain a silent testimony of the horror."
Peres, who helped found and build the modern state of Israel, said "A spiritual and political revival emerged from the Holocaust. We were cut down but we established a state of our own . . . We returned to our ancient homeland, we rekindled our moral legacy."
Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that, "In every generation it is incumbent upon us to ensure that there will never be another Holocaust." Netanyahu pledged that 65 years after the creation of the modern state of Israel, "We won't stand helpless against those who seek to destroy us... In this place and on this day, I commit to you there will never be another Holocaust."
The NRB Network is airing the program in partnership with the Christian Friends of Yad Vashem, which promotes awareness about the Holocaust and its universal lessons in Christian communities. (NRB Network) Reported by: Breaking Christian News. To read the full article, go here.
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Pray for the Harvest!
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Pray for the Harvest!
"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35)
Every day, in every nation on earth, tens of thousands of men and women are making decisions for Christ. Now, you can monitor this amazing fact online by literally "watching" as these souls are born again into the Kingdom.
Of course, the identities of those who are coming to the Lord are never revealed, but our God knows who they are!
Join us as we monitor these "names" daily, praying over each one to be mentored and to grow in his or her faith . . . even in these perilous times. You may visit either or both of the sites below, to pray for fields that are ripe for harvest.
> > > OPTION ONE: AboutJesus.net
Go here!
> > > OPTION TWO: The Great Commission Map!
Go here!
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Worship With Us Today!
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Worship With Us Today!
"I Will Sing" with lyrics
Don Moen
Lord, You seem so far away
A million miles or more, it feels today
And though I haven't lost my faith
I must confess right now
That it's hard for me to pray
