CHPP Daily Brief - December 31, 2008

In This Issue
· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· Pray for the Persecuted Church
· More Prayers for Israel

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

The Daily Brief - Wednesday, December 31, 2008

CAPITOL HILL PRAYER PARTNERS WISHES ALL OF OUR FRIENDS A BLESSED NEW YEAR, FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR FATHER'S LOVE FOR EACH OF US . . . IN HIS NAME, AMEN.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. . ." (Hebrews 13:8)

The Daily Brief

1. Gov. Blagojevich Appoints former Ill. state AG Burris to fill Obama's Senate Seat - Fox News

Burris Decision Could Lead to Unprecedented Use of Senate Power to Refuse Appointment Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's appointment of former state Attorney General Roland Burris to fill President- elect Barack Obama's vacant U.S. Senate seat has created a national crisis, say competing interests who nonetheless agree that the Senate needs to be whole when it convenes next week. In the meantime, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald is now asking for a 90-day extension to indict Illinois governor on corruption charges.

· Pray, asking for wisdom to be granted to all in authority as this latest constitutional crisis now faces our Government. God will make a way to resolve this issue, if we but ask Him to do so.

· "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)

2. Franken Lead at 49; Minn. Absentees Left to Count - NewsMax

Democratic candidate Al Franken now holds a 49-vote lead over Republican Sen. Norm Coleman in Minnesota's Senate race, but wrangling over inclusion of absentee ballots continued Tuesday and any final determination of a winner was still days or weeks away.

· Continue to offer intercession over this key race. Senator Coleman is a man who stands by Israel and who defends the right to life. His voice is needed in the Senate chamber. It is now likely that this vote will end up in the courts; pray, as above, for wisdom for all in authority.

· "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice." (Proverbs 21:3)

3. 5-year terrorism threats forecast for U.S. - AP

"The threat of terrorism and the threat of extremist ideologies has not abated," Homeland Security Michael Chertoff said in his year-end address. The terrorism threat to the United States over the next five years will be driven by instability in the Middle East and Africa, persistent challenges to border security and increasing Internet savvy, says a new intelligence assessment obtained by The Associated Press. Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks are considered a threat to the USA.

· Continue to pray for the security of the USA - for angelic protection of our borders, for shrewd and divine alertness of our intelligence, for committed citizens who will stand for this country, for leadership that wants to protect the USA and not sell our country to foreign powers in the name of globalization, and for revival of America in Jesus Christ.

· "But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble." (Psalm 37:39)

4. Incoming European Union President: Israel is Right - (IsraelNN.com)

The Czech Republic, which takes over the European Union's rotating presidency this week, takes Israel's side in the conflict with Hamas. Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, who will become the EU's president for the coming six months, told the Mlada Fronta Dnes daily newspaper that Hamas had excluded itself from serious political debate due to its rocket attacks on Israel. He also indirectly blamed the terrorist group for its own growing death toll by placing its military bases and gun warehouses in densely populated areas. "Let us realize one thing," Schwarzenberg said. "Hamas steeply increased the number of rockets fired at Israel since the ceasefire ended on December 19. That is not acceptable any more." He further said, "Why am I one of the few that have expressed understanding for Israel? . . . I enjoy the luxury of telling the truth." Schwarzenberg has said that he will work for closer relations between the EU and Israel.

· Wow! Praise the Lord for this declaration from the new president of the EU. We know that God's hand is at work, giving time for the great revival to take place not only in America but around the world. Ask the Lord to greatly bless the Czech Republic for developing a leader who can make such a strong statement in an organization that is afraid of the Moslem world. Pray for the protection of Karel Schwarzenberg.

· "Great is the Lord and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground." (Psalm 147:5,6)

5. a. Ahmadinejad Christmas speech annoys U.K. government - Reuters

The British government has rebuked broadcaster Channel 4 for airing a Christmas message from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose previous dismissal of the Holocaust and refusal to abandon the pursuit of a nuclear capability have caused international dismay.

b. Axis of Evil gifts: ICBMs from N. Korea to Iran - World Tribune

The U.S. intelligence community has concluded that North Korea could export intercontinental ballistic missiles or technology to Iran over the next year.

· Lord, we pray that there will be an awakening for those who are supporting Iran and who are encouraging the evil that Ahmadinejad spreads. May the world see the plans of the wicked and stand firm against them.

· You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. (Matthew 12:34)

6. Zimbabwe cholera deaths pass 1,500 - CNN

The number of cholera deaths in Zimbabwe continues to increase, a World Health Organization spokesman said Monday. As of Sunday, the outbreak had killed 1,564 people, and 29,131 cases had been reported, Gregory Hartl told CNN. These figures represent increases from numbers released Thursday that showed 1,518 deaths and 26,497 cases.

· The pain of this nation seems to continue and it tears at our hearts, Lord. We pray for improved sanitation and for resources and strength for Your children who are working so hard to support the tired citizens of Zimbabwe. We pray that justice will reign and that Mugabe will step aside so that this nation can heal.

· Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them. (Ezekiel 34:4)

7. Dictator Stalin Voted Third-Greatest Russian Historical Figure - Fox News

A Russian state television network says Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, who sent millions to their deaths in the Great Purge of the 1930s, has been voted the country's third-greatest historical figure.

· It is incomprehensible that people would support a mass murderer, but this survey shows that Russia has disintegrated and that the Russian people are forgetting the pain of the past. We pray that their eyes will be opened and they will remember the 20 million Stalin murdered so that they do not allow this to happen again.

· Do not envy a man of violence And do not choose any of his ways. (Proverbs 3:31)

8. Russian volcano erupts - reuters.com/news

The Koryakski volcano to the far east of Russia has started to erupt emitting ash which could threaten local populations. The Kamchatka Koryakski volcano's last major eruption occurred 3,5 thousand years ago. Scientists now predict an even more damaging and far-reaching eruption.

· The earth is groaning in anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ to rule and reign. Pray for the people who live in the region of this volcano along the Pacific rim - that they know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and that they will be divinely protected. Lay your hands on a map of this part of the world.

· "Let all the earth fear the Lord; let the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him, for He spoke, and it was done." (Psalm 33:8,9a)

9. World Says Goodbye to Rocky Year - Fox News

Amid jubilation and celebration, relief is felt around the world as a tumultuous 2008 comes to a close.

· Join us in praising the LORD for His goodness to His people throughout the year just past, and His promise to continue to sustain us in the year ahead. We thank Him that He IS "the stability of our times."

· "Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." (Psalm 55:22)

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:

"Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies." (Psalm 108:13)

1. IAF strikes Haniyeh's Gaza office - Jerusalem Post

Hamas flexed its muscles Tuesday night and fired two rockets into Beersheba as Defense Minister Ehud Barak asked for government approval to call up an additional 2,500 reservists ahead of a planned ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

2. Israel posts video of Gaza air strikes on YouTube - AFP

The Israeli military has launched its own channel on video-sharing website YouTube, posting footage of air strikes and other attacks on Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

3. Olmert and Barak appear split on Paris cease- fire offer - Jerusalem Post

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak appeared split Tuesday on whether to accept a French proposal for a 48-hour suspension of the IDF offensive against Hamas to allow Paris the opportunity to mediate a cease-fire.

4. Behind closed doors, U.S. seeks Israel exit strategy - LA Times

While publicly declaring strong support for Israel, the Bush administration is increasingly nervous about the 4-day-old campaign in the Gaza Strip and is urging its ally to settle on a timetable and exit strategy, say foreign diplomats and Middle East experts close to the discussions.

Pray for the Persecuted Church

Congo groups: 400 massacred on Xmas day - CNN

A Catholic aid organization operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the country's government have accused Uganda-based rebels of massacring 400 civilians during Christmas celebrations last week. The United Nations peacekeeping force in Congo put the death toll at 189 and said the Lord's Resistance Army rebels also abducted 20 children.

· We wonder who is the "Lord" in this resistance army that would prompt soldiers without consciences to massacre their country men. Bind this strong man who has become dominant in the minds of this "army.' Pray for godly leadership in the Congo and for the Ugandan government to weed out these rebels.

· "Rescue me and deliver me from the hands of foreigners. whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful." (Psalm 144:11)

More Prayers for Israel

[Note: when the war broke out in Israel/Gaza this past weekend, we received a prayer guide from a ministry on the land: Tents of Mercy. Their comments follow, with their prayer points at the end. Please join us tonight in praying with them and for them, as requested. They can be reached at: the_ark24@hotmail.com]

The IDF ground incursion that the Israeli government has wanted to avoid, but Hamas has been begging for, seems imminent. After an end-of-the-"truce" Hamas rocket rain on Israel's southern cities, our air force struck the Gaza strip hard. Somehow we must knock out Hamas' capacity to bombard our population at will.

Among the many soldiers being readied for this action is our 20 year old son, Avi, together with Messianic believers from our congregation and others around the country. So we are asking you to join us, along with all the families of Israel's troops, in concentrated prayer. Here are a few points upon which we ask you to agree with us:

* Supernatural safety and angelic protection for each soldier.

* Divine guidance for all government and military leaders making decisions---both large and small.

* Disruption in the Hamas ranks---confusion, miscommunication, arms failure, exposure of weapons caches, key leaders immobilized.

* Swift, decisive succuss with minimum civilian casualties and maximum debilitation of Hamas.

* Ultimate removal of terrorist control in Gaza.* A safety wall surrounding Yeshua's followers inside Gaza.

Thank you for devoting significant time to this intercession. We know that their are major spiritual forces involved. At the same time, on the most basic human level, our hearts long for the well-being of our young men, even as we kow that their just duty is to defend the people of Israel.

CHPP Daily Brief - December 30, 2008

In This Issue
· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· How to Listen to Israel Radio
· 21 Days for a New Awakening
· Reminder: CHPP Publishing Schedule

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

The Daily Brief Tuesday, December 30, 2008

". . . my God turns my darkness into light." (Psalm 18:28b)

The Daily Brief

1. Israel Mulls Halting Gaza Strikes, Official Says - MSNBC

Israel is considering halting its Gaza offensive temporarily to give Hamas militants an opening to halt rocket fire on Israel, but coupled with the threat of a ground offensive, if such a cease-fire does not hold, an Israeli defense official said Tuesday.

· Pray for peace in the nation of Israel, but that peace be a true one, not one of man's creation. Ask for wisdom on the part of Israel's leaders not to make decisions that allow the continuation of Hamas rocket attacks.

· "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee." (Psalm 122:6)

2. Iran hardliners register volunteers to fight Israel - Reuters

A group of Iranian hard-line clerics is signing up volunteers to fight in the Gaza Strip in response to Israel's air strikes that have killed at least 300 Palestinians, a news agency reported on Monday. "From Monday, the Combatant Clergy Society has activated its website www.rohaniatmobarez.com for a week to register volunteers to fight against the Zionist regime (Israel) in either the military, financial or propaganda fields," the semi-official Fars news agency said. Israel patrols the coastal waters around Gaza and has declared areas around the enclave a "closed military zone." The hard-line Iranian group, which is headed by some leading clergy, says it has no affiliation with the government and was formed shortly after Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution.

· Pray that this action be thwarted by the angelic host, and that God will show Himself against the enemies of Israel.

· "And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the Lord fought against the enemies of Israel." (II Chronicles 20:29)

3. Taliban are Beheading Their Way Through Former Pakistan Tourist Haven - AP

Taliban militants are beheading and burning their way through Pakistan's picturesque Swat Valley, and residents say the insurgents now control most of the mountainous region far from the lawless tribal areas where jihadists thrive.

· Father, as the Taliban resurges in Afghanistan, we ask that You destroy their plans and their organization. Bring Your truth and light to the people of that region.

· "Break Thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till Thou find none." (Psalm 10:15)

4. India Moves Troops Toward Shared Pakistan Border - AP

Pakistan said Tuesday, that India had moved troops toward their shared border, following Islamabad's own redeployment of forces toward the frontier amid tensions over the Mumbai attacks.

· Father, we pray for calmer heads to work through this threat of war to save this region from nuclear conflict over terrorist activities. We pray that the leadership of these nations will see what the plan of the enemy truly is, and not become a part of it.

· "But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet of fear of evil." (Proverbs 1:33)

5. Yellowstone Quake Swarm Worries Scientists - AP

Yellowstone National Park was jostled by a host of small earthquakes for a third straight day Monday, and scientists watched closely to see whether the more than 250 tremors were a sign of something bigger to come.Swarms of small earthquakes happen frequently in Yellowstone, but it's very unusual for so many earthquakes to happen over several days, said Robert Smith, a professor of geophysics at the University of Utah."They're certainly not normal," Smith said. "We haven't had earthquakes in this energy or extent in many years."

· Of all the natural disasters that could occur, this one has the potential to bring total destruction to much of the country. Pray that the Lord will not allow Yellowstone to have a major eruption, that His mercy will cover us.

· "Show us Thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us Thy salvation." (Psalm 85:7)

6. Study: DoD May Act On US Civil Unrest - McClatchy-Tribune

A U.S. Army War College report warns an economic crisis in the United States could lead to massive civil unrest and the need to call on the military to restore order. Retired Army Lt. Col. Nathan Freir wrote the report "Known Unknowns: Unconventional Strategic Shocks in Defense Strategy Development," which the Army think tank in Carlisle, Pa., recently released. "Widespread civil violence inside the United States would force the defense establishment to reorient priorities ... to defend basic domestic order and human security," the report said, in case of "unforeseen economic collapse," "pervasive public health emergencies," and "catastrophic natural and human disasters," among other possible crises. The report also suggests the new (Barack Obama) administration could face a "strategic shock" within the first eight months in office.

· Lord, we come before You to ask for peace within our borders. We pray that You will cover our nation with peace, that civil violence will not occur on a massive scale.

· "I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

7. Soldier Alleges Military Pattern of Christian Bias - AP

An atheist soldier suing over prayers at military formations claims a larger pattern of religious discrimination exists in the military, citing attempts to convert Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan and an evangelical bias in a suicide prevention manual.

· Pray that this lawsuit will fall to the ground and dismissed. We declare the Lordship of Jesus Christ over our nation, our military, and our leadership.

· "For He is the Living God, and steadfast forever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end." (Daniel 6:26b)

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:

"Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies." (Psalm 108:13)

1. Aboul Gheit lashes back at Nasrallah - Jerusalem Post

Tensions between moderate and radical rival camps in the Arab world reached a new height Monday, with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit launching a scathing critique of Hizbullah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who on Sunday had called on millions of Egyptians to take to the streets to protest their government's response to Israel's attack.

2. Hamas calls 'reservists' to foil attack - Jerusalem Post

Hamas's armed wing, Izaddin Kassam, on Monday announced that it was recruiting an additional 1,000 militiamen ahead of a possible IDF ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

3. IDF raises alert level in the North - Jerusalem Post

The IDF has raised its level of alert in the North out of fear that Palestinian terror groups - possibly acting under Hizbullah auspices - will launch rockets into Israel in the coming days to open another front as the army operates against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

4. Shalev: Israel seeks to 'destroy' Hamas - Jerusalem Post

Israel will push forward with its offensive in the Gaza Strip until it "completely destroys" Hamas, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gabriela Shalev, said Monday, saying that the operation will continue as long as necessary to reach that goal.

How to Listen to Israel Radio

Listen live to Israel National Radio "pray the news"

To listen to live streaming broadcasts of Israeli Radio news, go here.

This is an excellent way to monitor and to pray over the news coming out of Israel at this critical time. Amen.

21 Days for a New Awakening

January 1-21, 2009

"Decare a Holy Fast..." (Joel 1:14)

Join us January 1 - 21 fasting together for a New Awakening in America!!!

Sponsored by: Awakening America AllianceUniting Together for America's Future
If your organization or you personally will be joining us in this time of seeking God's face together, please let us know by sending us an e-mail at:mail@awakeningamerica.us or by visiting: www.awakeningamerica.us/21dayfast

"Thy people shall volunteer freely in the day of Thy power." (Psalms 110:3 NAS)

Reminder: CHPP Publishing Schedule

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners will publish our alerts according to the following schedule, adjusted for the New Year's holiday:

Today and tomorrow: The Daily Brief (December 30, 31)

Thursday and Friday: Holiday break ( January 1,2)

Monday, January 5: On Capitol Hill This Week -- Our New Year's edition -- the first "OCAP" of 2009.

Congress returns next week on Thursday, Jan. 8th. We invite you to join us in prayers for this new Congress, beginning next week.

Tuesday, January 6 through Friday, January 9: The Daily Brief resumes its normal schedule.

THANK YOU ALL AGAIN FOR STANDING WITH US IN PRAYER FOR "ALL THOSE IN AUTHORITY" IN WASHINGTON, D.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (I Timothy 2:1-4)

CHPP Daily Brief - December 29, 2008

In This Issue
• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• Israel Fights Back
• Conference Call: Pray for Israel
• PRAYERS FOR ISRAEL

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

The Daily Brief - Monday, Dec. 29, 2008

". . . my God turns my darkness into light." (Psalm 18:28b)


The Daily Brief

1. Israel At 'War to the Bitter End,' Strikes Key Hamas Sites - Fox News

Israel's defense minister said Monday the country is engaged in a "war to the bitter end" against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and said the military operation against the terror group would continue and intensify. "We have stretched our hand in peace many times to the Palestinian people. We have nothing against the people of Gaza," Ehud Barak said to a special session of parliament. "But this is an all-out war against Hamas and its branches. The restraint that we have demonstrated is the source of our strength when it is time to fight."

Israel's air force obliterated symbols of Hamas power on the third day of its overwhelming Gaza assault, striking a house next to the Hamas premier's home, devastating a security compound and flattening a five-story building at a university closely linked to the Islamic terror group.

• Please see our section, below, on "Prayers for Israel" for guidance in intercession in this critical hour for the Israeli people.

• "Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies." (Psalm 108:13)

2. White House Says Violence in Gaza Will Stop When Hamas Ends Rocket Fire - AP

The Bush administration is continuing to monitor events in Israel and Gaza, but insisted again Monday that Hamas stop agitating for a fight whose latest violence has resulted in more than 300 dead Palestinians and two dead Israelis.

"In order for the violence to stop, Hamas must stop firing rockets into Israel and agree to respect a sustainable and durable cease-fire. That is the objective to which all parties need to be working. That is what the United States is working towards," National Security Council Spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in Crawford, Texas.

• Offer praise for the stand that our nation is taking now, in support of Israel as she fights her own terrorists, and laying blame squarely where it belongs -- on Hamas. Ask that our Lord would continue to strengthen the hand of President Bush in this matter, and the he and our nation would remain unwaivering in its support of the peace of Jerusalem.

• "To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness . . ." (Eccl. 2:26)

3. White House Urges Continued Pursuit of "Roadmap to Peace" - AP

National Security Council Spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the administration is interested in getting back to the "roadmap" for peace and following the blueprint laid out in 2007 in Annapolis between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, whose Fatah party is at odds with Hamas.

He said President Bush has spoken to several regional leaders, including the kings of Jordan and Saudi Arabia. He added that Bush had a detailed briefing early Monday by video conferencing with Vice President Dick Cheney, White House chief of staff Josh Bolten and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has also been making calls, speaking Monday afternoon with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

• Pray that, in his remaining days in office, President George W. Bush would see the biblical danger of "dividing the land" in order to create "peace" in Israel and in the Middle East. Pray!

• "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." (Prov. 21:1)

4. Wall St. faces record losses in last week of 2008 - AP

Investors are preparing to close out the last three trading days of 2008 with Wall Street's worst performance since Herbert Hoover was president.

• Lord, we pray to You for guidance in the ways that we should handle financial situations such as the one that we are currently facing. We pray for patience and mercy for this country as it faces uncertain times.

• Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." (Mark 10:21)

5. Blagojevich Says He's 'On Wrong Planet' if Impeached - Fox News

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Friday that if what he's done as Illinois governor is an impeachable offense, he's living on the "wrong planet" and is in the "wrong place."

• We turn to You for mercy because these revelations are a public show of the corruption that we have allowed in our government. If these allegations are true, we pray that the governor will feel shame and will repent of his actions and act justly for the people of his state.

• "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them." (Romans 1:18-19)

6. Franken Maintains Small Lead in Ongoing Minnesota Recount - Fox News

The Minnesota State Canvassing Board meets again on Tuesday to allocate the very last of the withdrawn ballots that were not disputed by either Democrat Al Franken or Republican incumbent Norm Coleman in the still up-for-grabs Minnesota Senate race. Those ballots are just a part of the 6,600 original challenged ballots that may be put back into the mix. Franken's unofficial lead over Coleman remains at 46 votes.

• Lord, as this count continues, let the people in authority be honest and work to make this a fair and legal assessment of the votes of the people.

• "You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly." (Leviticus 19:15)

7. Palin's Daughter Gives Birth to Son - AP

People magazine reported that 18-year-old Bristol Palin gave birth to Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston on Sunday. He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces. Colleen Jones, the sister of Bristol's grandmother, told the magazine that "the baby is fine and Bristol is doing well."

• Every child that enters this world is a blessing from You. We praise You that this child was born healthy and that the Palin family was kept safe from anyone who would have harmed them.

• "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth." (Psalm 127:4)

8. Somali president quits amid power struggle - CNN

Somalia's transitional president has resigned amid a power struggle with the African nation's prime minister and parliament, sources told CNN on Monday. Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed announced his resignation Monday before parliament in Baidoa. Ahmed's resignation is the latest turn in the political crisis in Somalia, which is already struggling with an Islamist revolt, a refugee crisis and rampant lawlessness that has fueled a wave of piracy off the Horn of Africa.

• We pray for peace and for authority to take control of this nation which is spreading its chaos throughout the world. We pray that the UN will take action that will help the Somali people to get rest from the constant attacks that surround them.

• "Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves." (Romans 13:2)

* * * SPECIAL REQUEST * * *

'Santa' Gunman's Marriage Dissolved When Wife Discovered He Abandoned Brain-Damaged Son - Fox News

A man plotting revenge against his ex-wife dressed up like Santa, went to his former in-laws' Christmas Eve party, shot at partygoers and destroyed his former in- laws' house with a homemade device that sprayed flammable liquid, slaughtering at least nine people before killing himself hours later. Bruce Pardo, 45, saw his marriage fall apart this year when his wife discovered he had abandoned a brain-damaged son years earlier but continued to claim the boy as a tax write-off, the L.A. Times reported.

• Lord, for someone to take advantage of the celebrations of Your birth in order to sow evil is a stunning and saddening event. We pray for peace and healing for the victims of this attack and for the child that this man abandoned. We ask, too, for a miraculous move of divine intervention in the heart of the perpetrator of this crime -- a work that only You can do -- bringing him to salvation in You.

• Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:24-26)


The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies." (Psalm 108:13)

1. IDF: Tunnel bombing cripples Hamas - Ynet News

Destroying the tunnels under the Philadelphi Route means cutting off Gaza terror's lifeline, military sources told Ynet Sunday.

2. IDF mobilizing tanks in event of Gaza ground incursion - Ynet News

The Israeli Air Force struck a total of 100 Hamas targets in Gaza on Saturday with the launching of the operation dubbed 'Cast Lead.' Palestinian medical officials have reported at least 230 people killed in the Israeli strikes.

3. IAF air strikes target Hamas centers at Islamic University - Jerusalem Post

IAF aircraft bombed the Islamic University and government compound in Gaza City early Monday morning, both centers of Hamas power. Witnesses saw fire and smoke at the university, counting six separate air strikes there just after midnight.

4. Hamas: Gaza death toll passes 340 - Jerusalem Post

At least five Palestinians were killed in IAF attacks in Gaza late Saturday night and Sunday morning, as the death toll in the Strip rose to over 340, and over 1400 injured.

5. Hezbollah Leader: Group Is on Alert, Won't Abandon Hamas - Fox News

The leader of Lebanese militant Hezbollah said Sunday that he has asked his men to be on alert in southern Lebanon in case Israel attacks and promised not to abandon Hamas.

6. Israel defends Gaza op to UN chief - Jerusalem Post

In an urgent letter to the United Nations Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon and the head of the UN Security council, Israeli UN Ambassador Gabriela Shalev on Saturday night defended Israel's decision to embark on a military operation in the Gaza Strip in order to put an end to rocket attacks on the South.

7. Long war could delay election - Jerusalem Post

Politicians expressed concern on Saturday night that the general election set for February 10 could be postponed if the IDF operations in the Gaza Strip require people to remain in bomb shelters for an extended period.

Israel Fights Back

For months, Hamas thugs in Gaza have fired missiles and mortars into southern Israel, subjecting hundreds of thousands of Israelis to a campaign of 24-hour terror. This was done in clear violation of an Egyptian- negotiated cease-fire to which Hamas had agreed. As usual, the world's reaction to this outrage was a collective "yawn." The United Nations was silent. Major newspapers seldom reported the daily attacks.

But this weekend, Israel did what any sovereign nation would do under the same circumstances: It struck back at those responsible for the aggression - Hamas, the Iranian-backed terrorist group. As I write this, the Israeli counterattack is continuing. Israeli government officials are suggesting that their goal is to cripple Hamas. We should all hope they are successful.

Predictably press reports have been distorted to make Israel look like the aggressor who doesn't care about civilian casualties. Don't be taken in by the propaganda. The war criminals in this conflict are the Islamic extremists who comprise Hamas and their allies throughout the Middle East, including Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and his government of thugs.

Has Israel gone too far? Hamas propagandists are already screaming that the Israeli attacks are "disproportionate." Some "mainline" U.S. religious denominations are repeating this charge, and before the day is out Jimmy Carter will be singing the same tune. They are arguing that since most rockets and mortars fired by Hamas into Israel have missed their targets, Israel should not respond effectively.

But under international law, any nation can respond at a level sufficient to meet the threat. Hamas rocket attacks are destroying normal life and have made daily routines impossible for countless Israelis whose children cannot go to school. Israel has every legal and moral right to demolish the terror infrastructure that supports the daily rocket attacks on its people.

Gaza, in recent years, has been turned into "Gazastan," an Islamic republic that educates its own children to seek death in martyrdom operations. Weapons are being stored in mosques. The only university in Gaza has turned its labs over to the terrorists, who are using them to make bombs and mortars. Gaza TV airs "children's shows" that teach six and seven year-olds to kill Jews. The Gaza government just instituted a new legal code based on Sharia Islamic law that permits crucifixion for certain crimes against Islam.

Gaza is hell, but not because of Israel. Its conditions are unbearable because its people elected Hamas - an organization with no economic plan, no educational ideas, nothing to offer at all except to kill the Jews, kill the infidel and destroy Israel.

It is almost laughable to see demonstrations by outraged Muslims reacting to Israel's air strikes. There was no such outrage when a Sunni extremist blew up 14 Afghan school children ages eight to ten a few days ago. Over Thanksgiving, when Islamic terrorists attacked in Mumbai, India, intentionally killing civilians, including Jews, the streets of the Middle East were calm as those murderers spread death in the name of Islam. (We now know that many of the Indian victims, including a rabbi and his five- month pregnant wife, were sexually assaulted and their genitals mutilated before they were killed.)

Israel is fighting back, and the usual alliance of Islamists and leftwing extremists are protesting. If our new president at some point concludes that America will have to fight back too, the same extremists will go after him, just as they have savaged President Bush. But fight back we must or we and our civilization will die.

All men of goodwill should be thanking Israel today and praying for her success. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; 12/29/08)

Conference Call: Pray for Israel

Dear Intercessors Across America:

Please join us for a very important conf. call prayer meeting for the people of Israel/Gaza tomorrow morning (12/30), 9-10am Eastern/6-7am Pacific.

You may connect by using 712-432-9998 with the access code of 526338#.
Together in Christ,
Dai Sup Han
Prayer Surge NOW!

PRAYERS FOR ISRAEL
(Submitted by various intercessory teams in Israel)

SECTION ONE:

• Pray for the leadership of Israel - that the God of Israel will give them clarity, strategy, courage and discernment (2 Kings 6:8-12)

• Pray for Gaza's leadership - that God would frustrate their plans, operations and strategies (Psalm 83:4, 9-15)

• Pray for the civilian population of Gaza, many who support the terror - that God in His mercy would reveal Himself to many as their Savior and Prince of peace (Jonah 3:8-9)

• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the salvation of the Jewish people (Psalm 122:6; Romans 10:1)

• Pray for the struggling tiny community of believers in Gaza, some who have been tortured or martyred by Islamists in recent days

• Pray for the Jewish believers in the Negev area bordering on Gaza, some who contend with daily rocket attacks (Source: Avner Boskey; Final Frontier Ministries)

SECTION TWO:

• Pray for the Lord to have His hand upon the war going on between Israel and terrorist-run Gaza - that the conflict with not expand to other terror groups or other Arab nations entering into warfare against Israel, yet Israel would be able to limit the attacks from Gaza that caused this outbreak.

• Pray for a continued divided house - that Egypt and the Palestinian Authority led West Bank and others would continue to call Hamas the problem.

• Pray for the ultimate removal of terrorist control in Gaza - the downfall of Hamas to continue crumbling an unable to carry out its leader's declaration of a third Intifada and suicide attacks in Israel.

• Pray that international media and govt. would follow the lead of the U.S. in demanding Hamas cease terrorizing Israeli towns with missile attacks.

• Pray for those ministering in the name of the Lord to find fertile ground in the midst of the warfare - both in Israel and in Gaza and the West Bank.

• Pray for protection of the Palestinian Christians who are under direct threat of Muslims. For the safety of those involved, we cannot be more specific - pray in the Spirit.

• Pray for the legal protection of Israeli Jewish believers under threat from anti-Messiah groups in Israel. There has been an increase in persecutions and these groups usually take advantage of the chaos of war to up the ante. (Source: Arrows from Zion; partial list)

SECTION THREE:

• Protection of the innocent on both sides of the battlelines.

• Israel to strike a hard and decisive blow on the Hamas infrastructure and terrorist leadership.

• Israel to have an anointing and ability to explain to the world why this is happening and to remain committed to finishing it properly in spite of the worlds condemnations and accusations. Pray too, for the USA and Canada which seem to be the only nations that are clearly laying the blame for this war where it belongs: on Hamas.

• The Israeli elections: that they will not be postponed, nor that this long overdue Israeli response will shift the election into the hands of those who are responsible for the condition in the first place. (Up to this point the Likud of Benjamin Netanyahu was clearly ahead in the polls.) Please pray that this military campaign will not throw the election to Kadima (Livni) or Labor (Barak), as they would continue with the policies that make this kind of operation an ongoing necessity.

• Extreme vigilance for Israel's intelligence services so we are not surprised by an attack by Hizbullah or Syria. Pray also that there would be clear communication between the intelligence services and divine wisdom as to what to act on and what not to. In addition, pray that policy would be driven by what's truly best for the nation and not by politics or personal ambition. • If it is the time for Israel to deal a decisive blow to Hizbullah and Syria, that we would not hesitate but do it quickly.

• While we pray for the safety of all of Israel's soldiers, please remember that many Messianic believers are serving at this time and more may be called to the battle.

• Ultimately, that God's will is done. (Source: Intercessors for Israel)

CHPP Daily Brief - December 23, 2008

In This Issue
· Presidential Message
· Live Broadcast from Bethlehem
· Our Annual Christmas Message

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

Merry Christmas from CHPP! December 23, 2008

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. . . Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end." (Isaiah 9:6a,7a)

Presidential Message

Presidential Message - Christmas, 2008

Christmas 2008 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." (Luke 2:10-12)

Each year, Christmas brings together families, friends, and communities to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrate the wonderful gifts God has bestowed upon us. During this season, we remember Jesus' birth from the Virgin Mary, His justice and mercy that changed the world, and His ultimate sacrifice for all people. Though Jesus was born humbly in a manger, He was destined to be the Savior of the world. The light He brought into the world continues to break through darkness and change people's lives two thousand years later.

This holiday season, as you rejoice in the good news of Jesus' love, forgiveness, acceptance, and peace, I encourage you to show grace to those less fortunate, just as God showed it to us. By serving those in need and through other acts of love and compassion, we can honor God's goodness and affirm the immeasurable value God places on the sanctity of life. We remember the members of our Armed Forces serving to protect our country and secure God's gift of freedom for others around the globe. All Americans are indebted to these men and women and their families for their sacrifice, devotion to duty, and patriotism.

Laura and I send our best wishes for a very Merry Christmas. May you be surrounded by loved ones and blessed by the Author of Life during this joyous holiday and throughout the New Year.

GEORGE W. BUSH


Live Broadcast from Bethlehem

Special Christmas Day Prayer Meeting World Wide

Join fellow Christian Brothers and Sisters from around the World, including those in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. International visitors on the prayer line are welcome to let us know you will be calling. To be a part of this Prayer meeting there are two ways you can join.

1. 12:00 noon EDT December 25, 2008 call in on the conference line " Telephonic Prayer Meeting".1-712-432-1690 put in access code 399430 #

2. Tune in and listen "Live" on www.crusaderadio.comThis "Telephonic Prayer Meeting" will be broadcast "Live" around the World.

Our theme is to honor God's Word as found in Genesis 12:1-3 and to pray for our Lord's birth city of Bethlehem. We will have prayer warriors from Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and around the world. You can ask questions, make comments and lead us in PRAYER. What a great way to honor our Lord's Birthday as we pray with our friends from His Birth City. Sponsored by: DR. WILEY S. DRAKE, PASTORFIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA

ALSO: You can watch "Live" TV Feed on your Computer from The Holy Land by going to: www.ipraytv.com .( Live Feed starts 4:00 am CDT Wednesday Morning and will continue through Christmas Day)

PLEASE NOTE:

Israeli Police on High Alert for Hanukkah [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]As in every year, police have declared a state of high alert throughout Israel with the commencement of Hanukkah. The special deployment came into effect on December 21, and will last until the school vacations end next week. The defense establishment confirmed it is currently monitoring six specific terror plot alerts, along with dozens of general alerts.

Terror organizations have long put an emphasis on carrying out attacks particularly during holiday seasons. Police will erect mobile roadblocks at various points to detect suspicious vehicles or people, particularly at city entrance points. There will also be more stringent monitoring of military checkpoints in the Palestinian Authority as well as international border crossings. Thousands of police officers from all districts, reinforced by Border Guard troops and volunteers from the Civil Guard, will spread out in population centers both in uniform and undercover. They will focus on city centers, markets, recreation arenas, parts and entertainment centers- putting an emphasis on the traditional holiday events.

Protection efforts will also be coupled with increased enforcement. Traffic Police, in conjunction with volunteers and the police helicopter unit, will patrol the main routes and work to prevent the anticipated congestion.Traffic Police units are also preparing to crack down on drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Investigators will also be reinforced with the commencement of the vacation period, as there is concern of teenage violence and vandalism.

The day before schools will reopen their gates, bomb squads are to comb the buildings and grounds for possible explosive devices. Speaking at the menorah lighting ceremony at the residence of President Shimon Peres on Sunday evening, Police Commissioner Dudi Cohen said: "There is no other police force in the world that faces such a variety of challenges and complexities." (By Efrat Weiss, Ynetnews.com, December 21, 2008)

Prayer Focus:Hanukkah is often a time of terrorist threat. Pray for the protection of Israel as terrorist groups seek to inflict death and violence during this time of joyful celebration and remembrance.Scripture:"Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust." (Psalm 16:1)

Our Annual Christmas Message

Our Annual Christmas Message:One Solitary Life

He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant. He grew up in another village, where he worked in a carpenter shop until he was 30. Then, for three years, he was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a home. He didn't go to college. He never lived in a big city. He never traveled 200 miles from the place where he was born.

He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but himself. He was only 33 when the tide of public opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied him.

He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While he was dying, his executioners gambled for his garments, the only property he had on earth. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave, through the pity of a friend.

Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human race. I am well within the mark when I say that: all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed,
all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned--put together--
have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one, solitary life.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF OUR PRAYER PARTNERS AND FRIENDS
FROM CAPITOL HILL PRAYER PARTNERS

CHPP Daily Brief - December 19, 2008

In This Issue
· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· Pray for the Persecuted Church
· The White House in Transition
· A Note of Thanks . . .
· Merry Christmas!

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

The Daily Brief Friday, December 19, 2008

"And the government shall rest upon His shoulder." (Isaiah 9:6)


The Daily Brief

1. Illinois governor: 'I have done nothing wrong' - CNN

Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich vowed Friday to fight federal corruption charges and stay on the job, despite calls for his resignation amid allegations that he attempted to sell President-elect Barack Obama's former Senate seat. "I will fight, I will fight, I will fight until I take my last breath. I have done nothing wrong," Blagojevich said in a brief news conference in Chicago. "I'm not going to quit a job that people have hired me to do."

- You have been faithful to bring out all manner of evil and deceit and we pray that You will continue to do so. May those who are wickedly using their positions be stripped of their power.

- They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, quarreling, deceit, and viciousness. (Romans 1:29)

2. Conservatives win court case in Va. church dispute - Fox News

Nearly a dozen conservative church congregations in Virginia have won a lawsuit in which they sought to split from the U.S. Episcopal Church in a dispute over theology and homosexuality. The final rulings came Friday from a Fairfax County judge who said the departing congregations are allowed under Virginia law to keep their church buildings and other property as they leave the Episcopal Church and realign under the authority of conservative Anglican bishops from Africa.

- Lord, we praise You that there are some in the justice system who are giving credence to decisions made through faith. We pray that if other churches need to disassociate with their denominational leadership that they will do so Biblically and without fear of monetary repercussions.

- But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1)

3. U.S. Fails to Withstand Mock Cyberattack - Fox News

We're not ready. That's the disheartening conclusion reached by the organizers of a mock cyberattack on the United States, reports Reuters. Details were sketchy, but participants told the news agency that the exercise exposed serious security gaps in leadership, preparedness and communications.

- Lord, we pray for focus for those who are charged with protecting innocents and for creativity for them to be able to be proactive in their security.

- But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night. (Nehemiah 4:9)

4. Donors list raises fears over Hillary Clinton role as Secretary of State - London Times

Bill Clinton has raised millions of dollars from governments and politicians in the Middle East and Asia, raising fresh concerns about the impartiality of his wife's role as Secretary of State.

- Recently there have been incidents of people buying influence with the government. Lord, may there be no decisions made by politicians that will be a result of tainted money that comes to them from enemies of the people.

- 'It shall come about on that day,' declares the LORD of hosts, 'that I will break his yoke from off their neck and will tear off their bonds; and strangers will no longer make them their slaves. (Jeremiah 30:8)

5. Blagojevich Pardons 22 People - Fox News

While facing his own legal cloud, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich decided to pardon 22 other people.

- We pray that any evil moves made by this man as he is being investigated will be stopped and that he will only be able to act in ways that help his state.

- You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44)

6. Stimulus Package Heads Toward $850 Billion - Wall Street Journal

President-elect Barack Obama's economic team is crafting a stimulus package to send to Congress worth between $675 billion and $775 billion over two years, according to officials familiar with the package, and it expects a final price tag to be even larger.

- In this time of a change in how government relates to business, we pray that the government will be discerning in how it chooses to use the money that it takes from the populace.

- The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives. (Psalm 37:21)

7. Plans Being Drawn to Close Guantanamo Prison - Washington Post

The Pentagon is drawing up plans to shut the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to be prepared for any order from President-elect Barack Obama, who has promised to close the controversial facility after he assumes office Jan. 20, a defense official said yesterday.

- However the military decides to deal with these prisoners, we pray that there will not be a threat to the US.

- The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust to the day of judgment to be punished: (2 Peter 2:9)

8. Coalition asks UN to decriminalize homosexuality - AFP

Sixty-six countries Thursday called on the United Nations to urge members to decriminalize homosexuality, a position rejected by several Arab countries and the Vatican.

- Lord, in these days there has been a movement away from Your law and into a law based on personal whims. We rely on You to continue to quicken our hearts so that we will know when the temptation is to stray from Your path.

- Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. (Romans 1:24)

9. Russia to abandon missile plans if US drops shield - AFP

Moscow is ready to abandon plans for a wholesale renewal of its nuclear missile arsenal if Washington stops deployment of a controversial missile shield, a top Russian general said on Friday.

- May those in authority in this country be alert to the threats of Russia and be wary of any offers until there is verification.

- "It will come about on that day, when Gog comes against the land of Israel," declares the Lord GOD, "that My fury will mount up in My anger." (Ezekiel 38:18)

10. Opposition leader threatens to halt Zimbabwe unity talks - CNN

The man who would be Zimbabwe's prime minister under a power-sharing pact said Friday his party will withdraw from efforts to implement the unity government unless 42 abducted members of his party are freed by New Year's Day.

- May the people of Zimbabwe be blessed with peace in their hearts and may there be a stabilization of their nation.

- No, in heart you work unrighteousness; On earth you weigh out the violence of your hands. (Psalm 58:2)

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: "And the government shall rest upon His shoulder." (Isaiah 9:6)

1. Bush, Rice to host Palestinian leader Abbas in goodbye visit - Ha'aretz

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is to dine with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas ahead of his farewell meeting with President George W. Bush on Friday after the UN Security Council's endorsement this week of the U.S.-sponsored Annapolis peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

2. Poll: Kadima and Likud neck and neck - Jerusalem Post

A new poll published Friday puts Kadima and Likud neck and neck. The poll, conducted by Ma'ariv and coming hot on the heels of the Kadima primary, predicted that the parties of Tzipi Livni and Binyamin Netanyahu would each win 30 seats.

3. Barak to Haaretz: The truce with Gaza was not a mistake - Ha'aretz

As a six-month truce with Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip comes to an end with a slew of breaches on either side, Defense Minister and Labor leader Ehud Barak remains optimistic that a deal can be reached for calm with the ruling Hamas faction.

4. 3 Kassams hit western Negev after cease-fire officially ends - Jerusalem Post

Palestinian terrorists fired three Kassam rockets at the western Negev on Friday morning, slightly over an hour after the cease-fire between Israel and Gaza factions officially ended.

5. Olmert: Peace with Syria feasible - Ynet News

A peace accord with Syria is "feasible" and can give Israel "substantial advantages," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Thursday, during a speech at Tel Aviv University's Institute for National Security Studies.

Pray for the Persecuted Church

Prayers for the Persecuted Church "I tell you with certainty, since you did it for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me." (Matthew 25:40)

1. India Christians Fear Christmas Violence In Orissa; Celebrations Cancelled

Fearing violence, many Christians in India's volatile state of Orissa will for the first time in their history not celebrate Christmas but instead mourn victims of recent anti-Christian attacks, which killed dozens, and those who died in shootings in Mumbai, a priest told BosNewsLife, Saturday, December 13.

2. India Militants Attack Christians In Karnataka; Church Bombers Sentenced

A nation-wide alliance of Christian leaders, churches, mission agencies, and other Christian institutions in India has condemned widespread anti-Christian violence in the Indian state of Karnataka, which injured dozens, but "welcomed" the sentencing of those involved in church bombings.

3. Christian "Disappearing" in China

Four Christians remained missing Friday, December 12, more than a month after they were detained in China's Hubei province amid a police crackdown on believers, including missionaries, in the region, a house church network said.

4. Massive Arrests Of Christians In China

Over a dozen Christians will spend Christmas behind bars in China after police raided a Christian leaders gathering in Henan province, while in the capital Beijing two officials of the banned Chinese House Church Alliance were detained, an advocacy group and Chinese Christians confirmed Thursday, December 18.

5. Vietnam: Authorities Destroy New Church Building

Local government officials in Dak Lak Province this morning made good on their threat to destroy a new wooden church building erected in September by Hmong Christians in Cu Hat village.

6. Indonesia Muslims Burn Churches, Homes Over Blasphemy

A tense calm returned to a village in Indonesia's Central Maluku province, where angry Muslims torched churches, dozens of homes and other properties after a Christian teacher allegedly made comments insulting Islam, rights investigators said Wednesday, December 17.

7. Pakistan Police Raid Christian Slum; Women Injured

Pakistani police ransacked run-down homes of Christians living in a slum of Pakistan's 10th largest city and "severely tortured Christian women" leaving several of them "critically injured", local residents told BosNewsLife.

A SPECIAL NOTE FROM CHPP:
As we prepare to celebrate our Savior's birth next week, let us remember the millions of believers around the world who will not have the freedom to do so, or who will do so under intense scrutiny. May our Lord dispatch His holy angels to surround and safeguard each and every family, worldwide, next week who will celebrate His birth. Amen.
[All articles cited above came from Worthy News.]

The White House in Transition

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (I Timothy 2:1-4)

1. Obama Gives Final Cabinet Spots to Solis, LaHood - Fox News

President-elect Barack Obama nominated the final members of his Cabinet on Friday, selecting a California congresswoman to be secretary of labor and a Republican from his home state of Illinois to be secretary of transportation.Rep. Hilda Solis, the four-term congresswoman tapped to head the Labor Department, is known to be strongly pro-union but is viewed skeptically by some business groups. Rep. Ray LaHood was picked for the Department of Transportation. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is the only other Republican named to Obama's Cabinet. Obama also picked former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk to be U.S. trade representative and venture capitalist Karen Mills to lead the Small Business Administration.

2. Report: Obama Team Planning Iranian Outreach Post - Fox News

Barack Obama is planning to create a new administration post meant to reach out to Iran, The Washington Times reported Friday. Such a move would support the president-elect's pledge during the campaign to engage the rogue nation. The Times quoted a State Department official who said Obama's team discussed naming a senior Iranian outreach coordinator in early meetings with Hillary Clinton, Obama's pick for secretary of state. Iranian specialists also said the position was in the works. Obama's team has made no official announcement on the creation of such a post.

3. Obama Tells Gay Community to Respect Choice of Warren at Inauguration - Fox News

President-elect Barack Obama made no apologies Thursday for asking evangelical pastor Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration, a move that infuriated gays angry at Warren's support for California's Proposition 8 banning gay marriage. Obama said he and Warren don't agree on everything, but he's collected a group of people to appear at his inauguration who share a variety of viewpoints. Repeating a line from his campaign, Obama said, "We have to disagree without being disagreeable and then focus on those things that we hold in common as Americans."Obama noted that he was invited to speak at Warren's Saddleback Church despite Warren knowing that Obama supports gay and lesbian rights, and Dr. Joseph Lowery will give the benediction at the inaugural ceremony. Lowery holds "deeply contrasting views" with Warren on gay rights issues, Obama said. (Read more.)

4. Franken Takes Lead in Minnesota Recount for the First Time - Fox News

Democrat Al Franken has taken the lead over Sen. Norm Coleman in the Minnesota Senate race recount, but that could change as a board reviews challenges.

A Note of Thanks . . .

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, we wish to thank ALL of you for having remained SO FAITHFUL throughout this past year in your level of giving to our work.
You are clearly a people of FAITH, for despite all appearances to the contrary in the global markets, you have remained FAITHFUL in sending in offerings so that our work here can go forward.

We will continue to depend solely upon the freewill offerings of our friends in order to continue our work, because it is written: "He is faithful who hath called you, who also will do it." (I Thess. 5:24) AMEN!

We also wish to thank you for sharing this ministry with others, as our Lord brings them to you. In this way, our prayer army continues to grow, and to prosper.

May our Lord bless all of you RICHLY in this new year as you have blessed us. We praise God for you!

Merry Christmas!

(A Publishing Notice from CHPP)

The Daily Brief will not be published next week, in honor of Christmas week. Our next regular edition of the Daily Brief will be published on Monday, December 29, 2008.

We take this time to wish all of our wonderful Prayer Partners a joyous Christmas holiday, and a blessed New Year. Please watch for our annual Christmas message, to be published this weekend, too. Thank you!

CHPP Daily Brief - December 18, 2008

In This Issue
· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus

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

The Daily Brief Thursday, December 18, 2008

"And the government shall rest upon His shoulder." (Isaiah 9:6)

The Daily Brief

1. Bush trumpets US security record while in office - AP

President George W. Bush went a step further Wednesday to define his legacy, saying America has been kept safe from another Sept. 11-style terrorist attack during his watch. In a speech at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle , Pa. , Bush said that after the terror attacks in New York and Washington , he set up an elaborate plan to reorganize the governmental apparatus to confront such threats. At the same time, he said, the United States has worked to nurture alternatives to hateful regimes around the world.

· Father, we thank You that thus far America has not suffered another major attack. We thank You for the leadership of President Bush in this area. We pray for Your continued mercy and protection over America even after President Bush leaves office. We ask for Your mercy and truth for him as well, may he find a deeper and more personal knowledge of You.

· "Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!" (Psalm 80:3)

2. Israel's defense minister: Iran could attack U.S. with atom bomb - AP

Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned Wednesday that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, it could try to attack the United States . Speaking at a conference of the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University , the defense minister said the world should press Iran to stop it from building nuclear weapons. "If it built even a primitive nuclear weapon like the type that destroyed Hiroshima , Iran would not hesitate to load it on a ship, arm it with a detonator operated by GPS and sail it into a vital port on the east coast of North America ," Barak told the audience. Indicating the possibility of a military strike, Barak said, "We are not taking any option off the table, and we recommend to the world not to take any option off the table, and we mean what we say."

· Thank You, Lord, for Israel's warnings and willingness to fight against the plans of our enemies. We ask that You guide both Israel and the US with YOUR wisdom. We also pray for Your heavenly host to stand watch over our two nations, as well as all of our interests abroad.

· "The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming." (Psalm 37:12,13)

3. Church-Based Effort Aims to Counter Christian Zionism - Intercessors Network

A (Church-based )Association will distribute a brochure saying the (Christian Zionist) movement fosters hatred of Muslims and opposition to Mideast peace. A movement leader says the brochure presents a stereotype of Christian Zionists. Before the year is up, nearly 45 million people will get more than a sermon at their churches - they'll get a brochure titled "Why We Should Be Concerned About Christian Zionism." 35 Christian church bodies that make up the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, wrote the brochure and began distributing it this month."

To say we're dehumanizing Israelis and Palestinians with our support for Israel dehumanizes us," said David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel, one of the most prominent Christian Zionist organizations in the United States. The group was started in 2006 by controversial televangelist John Hagee, senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio.

· Pray that this plan is completely ineffective. Ask the Lord to turn it around and allow all Christians to see the importance of Israel in His sight, and that those who have subscribed to wrong theologies and doctrines will be granted truth by the Holy Spirit.

· "For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written." (Romans 11: 25-26a)

4. Violence Flares as Hamas Rules Out Extending Mideast Ceasefire - Fox News

Twenty-four hours before a fragile six-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to end, Palestinian rockets hailed down on the Israeli border town of Sderot as Hamas vows not to extend the truce, the Times of London reported.

· Pray that God will intervene and change the minds and hearts of Hamas and its supporters, and that the Lord will grant them repentance and show them the extent of their own evil. Pray also that God will protect the people of Israel from this barrage of rocket attacks.

· "Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is with those who uphold my life. He will repay my enemies for their evil. Cut them off in Your truth." (Psalm 54:4,5)

5. Saudi Arabia Among Biggest Donors to Clinton Foundation - AP

Former President Bill Clinton's foundation has raised at least $46 million from Saudi Arabia and other foreign governments that his wife Hillary Rodham Clinton may end up negotiating with as the next secretary of state.

· Lord, as we pray daily against corruption in our own government, we are once again grieved to see foreign influences over our leaders. We thank You for revealing this money trail, but ask that You begin to root out the greed that allows foreign interests to gain such footholds in American politics.

· "You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. . ." (Ezekiel 18:17b)

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: "And the government shall rest upon His shoulder." (Isaiah 9:6)

1. Iraq Downplays Reports That Arrests Were Over Government Coup Plot - Fox News

Iraq's Ministry of Interior is downplaying published reports that 23 people - including four generals - were arrested in an alleged secret plot to restore to power Saddam Hussein's Baath Party.

2. Hamas insists: Ceasefire to end as scheduled - Ynet News

Less than a day before the shaky ceasefire between Israel and the armed Palestinian groups in Gaza is set to expire, Hamas insists that it will not be extended.

3. Israeli aircraft launch air strikes in Gaza - Ynet News

Israeli aircraft conducted two nighttime air strikes against terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip for the first time in six months, this following rocket fire on the western Negev region.

4. IAF targets arsenal and factory in Gaza - Jerusalem Post

The IAF struck terrorist infrastructure in two separate locations overnight Wednesday after southern Israel sustained at least 23 rockets throughout the day.