Tuesday, September 30, 2008

CHPP Daily Brief - September 30, 2008

In This Issue
·
The Daily Brief
·
The Middle East in Focus
·
Election News
·
Patriots Defeat Government Takeover
· Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace
· Marriage Opponents Expand Efforts


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

The Daily Brief Tuesday, September 30, 2008

"Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the days." (Matthew 28:20)


The Daily Brief

1. Bailout Bill Now Goes to the Senate - AP

Senate schedules Wednesday evening vote on deal that includes hike in federal deposit insurance limit.As the House of Representatives picks up the pieces of its defeated economic bailout bill, the Senate has scheduled a vote Wednesday evening on a deal that includes an increase in the federal deposit insurance limit.The news of a Senate vote came Tuesday night after congressional leaders spent the day scrambling to find out what changes are needed to get the $700 billion rescue plan approved. The House's vote Monday defeating the bailout bill sent shockwaves through Wall Street and world markets. The Senate's version adds tax legislation - including a set of popular business tax breaks.

· When an issue is this complex, this far-reaching, and even this "epochal," how shall we pray? May we offer two suggestions? First, let's simply yield our tongues to the use of the Holy Spirit, for our Father is omniscient and He IS building His Kingdom in our midst! And second, thank you, Lord, for the prayer You taught Your disciples to pray . . . "Our Father . . ."

· The Lord's Prayer: Matthew 6:10. Praying in the Spirit: Romans 8:26,27. AMEN!

2. Pence Calls on Conservatives to Stop Bailout That 'Nationalizes' Bad Mortgages - CNS News

Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) is calling on conservatives to oppose the $700 billion financial industry bailout negotiated over the weekend, because he believes it will permanently change the relationship between the government and the financial sector while giving the government the power to "nationalize almost every bad mortgage" in the country.

· Heavenly Father, our nation is in a state of turmoil. Because of fraudulent behavior of officials to fatten their own pocketbooks, our nation's economy is in stress. Please bring forth all the leaders necessary to straighten this mess out and give them boldness!

· The Lord turned to Gideon and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" . . . The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together." (Judges 6:13, 16)

3. House rejects $700B bailout in stunning defeat - AP

In a vote that shook the government, Wall Street and markets around the world, the House on Monday defeated a $700 billion emergency rescue for the nation's financial system, leaving both parties' lawmakers and the Bush administration scrambling to pick up the pieces. Dismayed investors sent the Dow Jones industrials plunging 777 points, the most ever for a single day. A brutal round of partisan finger-pointing followed the vote.· Thank You, Lord that our leaders are taking a hard look at what this bailout bill entails. When things are done In haste, grave mistakes are made. Please block provisions to the bill that are crooked and wasteful. Give our leaders fortitude and wisdom.

· He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them." (Deuteronomy 20:3)

4. World Stocks Hit by U.S. Bailout - AP

The historic carnage on Wall Street reverberated across Europe on Tuesday, with stocks volatile after U.S. lawmakers rejected a $700 billion bank rescue plan. Asian stocks fell. Britain's benchmark stock index, the FTSE 100, fell by as much as 3% in early trading, with particularly sharp declines in the banking sector. But the index of 102 companies then recovered, trading down only 0.15% at 4,811.33 by late morning. "This is a bad development," Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told reporters in Australia's capital, Canberra. He urged U.S. lawmakers to urgently return to negotiations to come up with a deal that will prevent further infection of world markets.

· Ironically, by the time we wake up here in the States, a lot of the action on Wall Street has already been somewhat predetermined by trading that has taken place overnight in Europe and in Asia. But the good News is that CHPP is now aligned with prayer warriors at the global level, who each are also bringing the activities of their own exchange markets before the Lord, just as we are here on Wall Street. Stand in agreementWith those intercessors, and pray for a calming of the world markets. Rebuke envy, greed, and a "mine" attitude. Pray for a spirit of cooperation among the nations, asking the Lord especially to protect the economy of the USA Pray for the Lord's mercy.

· "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 11:15)

5. $6.6 billion in special projects rides on federal spending bill - USA Today

A $630 billion spending bill nearing final approval in Congress includes $6.6 billion for thousands of lawmakers' pet projects, including $51.5 million requested by Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden when both presidential candidates have sworn off seeking any money. It combines spending bills for the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs, as well as nearly $30 billion in disaster relief for flood and hurricane victims and up to $25 billion in loans to automakers.

· Lord, we pray that our leaders will not put more burdens on the taxpayers. There are too many earmarks in our projects that are already unnecessary. Bring forth leaders who will quickly cut this gluttony and waste by our government.

· Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon the elders and officers and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone. (Numbers 11:17)

6. Family Advocates: Don't Panic over Financial News- CitizenLinkPro-family leaders have some advice regarding the financial news coming out of Wall Street and Washington: Don't panic. "It's important not to panic," said Gary Bauer, founder and president of American Values. "The last thing the country needs is a run on the bank. We have systems in place, but people need to understand this is not just politics, and it's not a bunch of people in Washington exaggerating a problem. . . . "This is an attempt to try to prevent bad decisions from hurting people that had no part in them."

· In Judgment, our Lord shows His mercy. As we each examine our personal financial "portfolio," let's be sure that it is rooted and grounded in the Word of God and in GIVING to those in need -- a cardinal principle of Kingdom living. Thank our Lord that He does not desire for any of us to perish, but to even thrive and survive in times of need . .. . that we might yet serve as His ambassadors to a lost and fallen world.

· "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer. 29:11)

7. U.S. Military's Africa Command Set To Start - AP

The U.S. Africa Command, known as Africom, the Pentagon's first effort to unite its counterterrorism, training and humanitarian operations on the continent, launches Wednesday amid questions at home about its mission and deep suspicions in Africa about its intentions. But many in Africa see it as an unwelcome expansion of the U.S.-led war on terrorism and a bid to secure greater access to the continent's vast oil resources.

· Heavenly Father, as our nation reaches out to do more work in the world, we pray that our people will have Your favor with other nations. Let them through Your Holy Spirit learn to trust us and let us be worthy of that trust.

· Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the thirty, and he said: "We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you." . . . (1 Chronicles 12:18)

8. Iraqi Christians Protest End to Legislative Quotas - AP

Iraq's prime minister sought safeguards Sunday for small religious communities in this mainly Muslim country as Christians protested parliament's decision to stop setting aside seats for minorities on provincial councils. Iraq's Christians have been targeted by Muslim militants since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, with priests, churches and Christian-owned businesses attacked. The violence has led many Christians to flee the country.

· Lord, You will to have Iraq be a free nation from intimidation and brutality. We pray that the Christian church in Iraq will be protected in a special way so that Christians will be free to spread the gospel and truly free the people.

· And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed." (Mark 16:20) Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. (Acts 2:41)

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: "The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined." (Psalm 50:1-2)

1. Olmert Calls for the Division of Jerusalem - ABC News

Ehud Olmert is still the prime minister of Israel. Despite his resignation announcement, he remains the man in charge until a replacement is confirmed.

2. Olmert: Israel should quit most occupied land - Ynet News

Israel should withdraw from nearly all territory captured in the 1967 Middle East war in return for peace with the Palestinians and Syria, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was quoted on Monday as telling a newspaper

3. Bibi: I'll resume settlement activity - Jerusalem Post

Binyamin Netanyahu will resume building in existing West Bank settlements if he is elected prime minister, the opposition leader told Walla! News on Sunday.

Election News

This Week's Presidential Prayer Guide:(II Kings 13:16) "Take the bow in your hands," he said to the king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king's hands."

Pray that the Lord would put His hands on the man of His choice for president (and his team) and guide them in this election.

1. Election fraud charge filed in Milwaukee - AP

Worker had quota to fill, complaint claims. A Milwaukee resident was charged Monday with election fraud, the first charge in an investigation into voter registration workers who submitted fake names to the city in what a complaint says amounted to a quota system. According to the complaint, Endalyn Adams, 21, is accused of submitting dozens of fake names and addresses as a registration worker paid by the Community Voters Project, one of two primary groups under scrutiny.

· Lord, we pray that before the election, these people who are committing fraud things will be caught and punished. Let the punishment be severe so that people can understand the seriousness of the crime. Let the election not be stained by these actions!

· There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. (Proverbs 14:11,12)

2. Attorneys believe Rezko is talking to prosecutors - AP

Convicted political fixer Antoin "Tony" Rezko [a former very close friend of Senator Obama] has been quietly visiting Chicago's federal courthouse, setting off speculation that he may be spilling secrets to prosecutors in return for a lenient sentence. The federal government has spent years investigating whether patronage jobs were handed out legally under Blagojevich, and Rezko might shed additional light.

· We thank You, Lord that secret, hidden things are being revealed that must be taken care of. What caused our economy to go down needs to be revealed so we can correct it. We pray for transparency in our government and leaders.

· What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted. When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. (Proverbs 10:24, 25)

3. Veep Nominees Train for Face-Off

With only two days until the only vice presidential debate of '08, Biden and Palin aren't taking anything for granted.

· As they prepare for this historic debate, lift up Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and Delaware Senator Joseph Biden, asking they be graced with "wisdom from above." Begin to pray now for the actual debate -- that all questions would be raised "fair and square," and that all issues that need to be addressed, in the perfect will of God, are addressed.

· "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)

4. Flighty Votes from Little ACORNS Grow - Family Research Council

Writing in today's Washington Times, former Senators Warren Rudman (R-N.H.) John C. Danforth (R-Mo.) call on both campaigns to work together to reduce incidents of fraud this election year. They point out how both campaigns have squads of attorneys for either self-protective or nefarious reasons and that "before the 2004 presidential election, lawyers filed more than 60 lawsuits concerning voting procedures."

Writing elsewhere columnist Mona Charen brings up a glaring example of how wary we need to be about voter fraud this November 4th. Her column exposes the uber-liberal, taxpayer-funded Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). ACORN says it is "the nation's largest grassroots community organization of low- and moderate-income people." However, their two main accomplishments appear to be perpetuating voter fraud and furthering their reliance on the federal trough. ACORN employees are under investigation in a number of places, most of them battleground states.

Both candidates need to do everything in their power to ensure that voter fraud does not occur. · Pray in agreement with that last statement!

· "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)

Patriots Defeat Government Takeover

Patriots Defeat Government Takeover
But Brace Yourselves For the Next Assault On Your Money and Property

National outcry from patriotic Americans caused lawmakers to blink on the final vote to consummate a Democratic Party-White House alliance to foment a nationalization of private property and finances disguised as a rescue plan for the taxpayer. But Americans still need to be vigilant as the socialist forces are regrouping with another run at a government takeover of the economy. This time, they will repackage the "bailout" bill and put a marketing spin on it pointing toward the near record losses on Wall Street and imminent financial disaster if the plan is not implemented. Wall Street stocks plummeted some 777 points after brokers found out they may have to take responsibility for their own greedy actions.

The White House and the Democratic leadership in Congress out and out lied to the American people that the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 was a long term benefit to those who were losing their homes to bad mortgage decisions. Homeowners were subject to the very same foreclosure rules currently in place unless they are minorities or low income, where special leniencies would apply. But the bill is aimed solely at the federal takeover of banks, saving associations, credit unions, security brokers and dealers and insurance companies, designating them as "financial agents of the federal government."

Changes currently being discussed do not address the federal takeover. They will focus on "giveaway" details that will gain the support of enough congressmen to pass the plan to seize control of the US economy. News organizations are reporting that the Bush Administration and congressional leaders are holding ongoing meetings to "assess what type of changes are needed to win over enough votes to guarantee success." Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, formerly the Chairman of Wall Street investment bank Goldman Sachs, used scare tactics after the vote saying that failure to pass the bill will make it hard on Americans to borrow money.

Interesting that Goldman Sachs was boosted by a $5 billion investment from billionaire Warren Buffet and was leveraging the purchase of troubled assets that will be bought by the federal government if the bill passes. Here is the sordid deal: Financiers of Wall Street and of political campaigns will make billions from taxpayer money being used to buy up bad business deals consummated by these Wall Street scoundrels. One world order politicians and socialists will, in turn, get complete control of the mortgage and banking industries under the absolute power of the federal government. Jesus said in Matthew 24:4, "Take heed that no man deceive you." Those being deceived are the taxpayers. Stand fast for your nation and pray your congressman does the same.

Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace
[A commentary on Pulpit Freedom Sunday, by Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council]

On Sunday, 31 pastors from 20 states preached "election sermons," applying the truth of Scripture to the records and platforms of persons running for public office. Many American pastors have been conscientiously conflicted since, in 1954, Congress gave the IRS a mandate to restrict churches from endorsing or opposing candidates for office. Some pastors have done so, nonetheless, risking loss of their church's tax exemption. Others have chosen silence. America has been the worse for it.

But what of the freedoms of speech, religion and assembly? After years of ambiguity, these IRS regulations may finally be examined in the light of the Constitution. While Barry Lynn and others are up in arms, and have already filed formal complaints with the IRS, these pastors, working with the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), have sent or will send video copies of their sermons to the IRS. ADF hopes the IRS will act; that the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on this matter; and that the pulpits of our land will once again hold our nation's leaders to a Biblical standard. The issue has now been forced into the public discourse.

Father Frank Pavone, a member of FRC's Pastors Council and Founder of Priests for Life, has said, "This effort is not about bringing politics into the pulpit; it's about getting government out of the pulpit... It should be church authority, not government authority, that determines the criteria for how pastors should address politics."

· Lord, we praise Your holy name that You have raised up godly men and women of God who are willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel in this nation. Let them be successful in their endeavor and let the courts rule in their favor!

· Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! (Daniel 3:28)

Marriage Opponents Expand Efforts


by Jennifer Mesko, editor
CitizenLink

SUMMARY: Polls touted by the mainstream media claim the three amendments could be in jeopardy.

With the election just 34 days away, those opposed to traditional marriage are pulling out all the stops in the three states that will vote on the definition of marriage.

In Florida, homosexual activists have turned a "gay pride" event into an anti-Amendment 2 rally. Come Out With Pride 2008, set for Oct. 12 in Orlando, also will feature an Obama campaign booth. And in California, Google and Levi Strauss & Co. have joined the Hollywood elite in opposing Proposal 8. Earlier this year, Pacific Gas & Electric gave $250,000 to defeat the amendment.
Some polls touted by the mainstream media claim the three amendments could be in jeopardy. But a recent Field Poll revealed that past polls have underestimated support for marriage amendments by as much as 21 percentage points.

"Support for traditional marriage rises considerably when voters cast their ballots in the privacy of the voter booth," said Frank Schubert, campaign manager for California's ProtectMarriage.com. "It is my opinion that the same thing will happen in California when voters cast ballots on Proposition 8."

When California voted on marriage in 2000, pre- election polls showed 53 percent support for Proposition 22. At the end of the day, 61 percent of voters had supported the traditional definition of marriage. And while Hollywood may be piling on the funding, it's far from a sign of victory.
"Regardless of funding by the opposition, voters in 27 states have overwhelmingly approved defining marriage in their state constitutions as one man and one woman," said Mona Passignano, state issues analyst for Focus on the Family Action. "Even though our side is consistently outspent, marriage amendments pass with 70 percent of the vote, on average."

TAKE ACTION!

Don't forget to register to vote.

Arizona and Florida voters must be registered by Oct. 6;

California's deadline is Oct. 20.

If you live in these states, please support the marriage amendments on Nov. 4.

Friday, September 26, 2008

CHPP Daily Brief - September 26, 2008

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

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


The Daily Brief Friday, September 26, 2008

"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work." (John 9:4)


The Daily Brief

1. President Bush Pushes Bailout Plan - ABC News

President Bush and Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain pleaded with GOP members of the House to end their party rebellion and quickly approve a Wall Street bailout plan.At a meeting scheduled for Friday afternoon on Capitol Hill, Republican lawmakers failed to show up. Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, said the Republicans were a no-show due to a "miscommunication."Sources in the Senate told ABC News's George Stephanopoulos that a final vote on that bill would be "unlikely" until Wednesday of next week.

· Lord, we continue to ask Wisdom for our leaders. Help them to come to an agreement and do what is best for our country.

· Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Phil 4;6)

2."Friends on the Hill are requesting prayer"

Nobody knows the future but many people are saying that we are on the verge of a domino affect and that all kinds of banks and financial organizations are on the verge of collapse. The world economy is tied to the US and this could have terrible world wide consequences.

· "Pray for Wisdom" as the President, his financial advisors and the congress debate on how to address this financial crisis.

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

3. Debate on tonight for McCain and Obama - AP

Republican John McCain agreed to attend the first presidential debate Friday night even though Congress doesn't have a bailout deal, reversing an earlier decision to delay the event until Washington had taken action to address the crisis. An Associated Press-Knowledge Networks poll out Friday just before McCain's announcement showed the public overwhelmingly wanted the candidates to debate, 60 percent to 22 percent, with the rest undecided.

· Please pray that the truth of God be clearly revealed on the issues - and regarding both candidates. Pray for discernment for the nation to know truth, and discern lie, to have a heart to return to the truths and goodness of God, and that lies and falsehoods be exposed, and defeated. May we as a nation have a heart to choose life and not death.

· He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. (Isaiah 33:6)

4. Russia Scuttles Meeting on Iran Nukes - NY Times

Russia said Tuesday that it would not participate in a meeting with the U.S. this week to discuss Iran's nuclear program, effectively scuttling the meeting. Russia and the U.S., with China, Britain, France and Germany, had been scheduled to meet Thursday in New York to discuss additional punitive actions against Iran in the wake of a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency criticizing Iran's failure to fully answer questions about its nuclear activities. Russian officials had already made clear that they did not support new sanctions beyond three rounds already approved by the UN Security Council. [Reported by: Intercessors for America]

· Lord, we ask that You will reveal the agendas of Russia as it moves into complete alignment with Iran. May Your hand be clearly seen at this time.

· "So I will make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel ; and I will not let them pollute My holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel." (Ezekiel 39:7)

5. A. Homeland Security Detects Terrorist by Reading Your Mind - Fox News

Baggage searches are SOOOOOO early-21st century. Homeland Security is now testing the next generation of security screening -- a body scanner that can read your mind.


B. Al Gore Urges Civil Disobedience Against Coal Plants - Fox News

Al Gore called Wednesday, for "civil disobedience" to combat the construction of coal power plants without the ability to store carbon, Reuters reported.

C. Chinese Food Scare Spreads to Europe - AP

Food recalls expanded in Europe and Asia on Thursday, as an industrial chemical linked to the deaths of four babies turned up in candies and other Chinese-made products that were quickly pulled from store shelves in China and abroad.

· Lord, we rebuke the spirit of fear over us, and stand in the knowledge that You alone are our God and will deliver us.

· "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell." (Psalm 27:1,2)

6. EU Warns Iran Close to Nuclear Capacity - AP

Iran is nearing the ability to arm a nuclear warhead even if it insists its atomic activities are peaceful, the European Union warned Wednesday.

· Father, we declare that all plans of Iran be destroyed.

· "... their iniquities shall be upon their bones, though they were the terror of the mighty in the land of the living." (Ezekiel 32:27b)

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: "Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of LORD [YHWH] is risen upon you. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but LORD shall arise upon you, and His glory shall be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1-2)

1. President George W Bush 'turned down Israeli request to bomb Iran' - London Telegraph

Israel's then prime minister Ehud Olmert reportedly spoke to Mr Bush about the possibility of a strike on Iran during the American leader's visit to the Jewish state in May.

2. Palin: Don't 'second guess' Israel - Ynet News

The United States shouldn't second guess Israel if it decides to attack Iran, according to Gov. Sarah Palin, Republican presidential candidate John McCain's running mate, in an interview with Katie Couric on CBS.

3. Abbas, Bush stress need for peace push - Jerusalem Post

US President George W. Bush told Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday that the United States has not given up hope on an agreement to create a Palestinian state.

4. Barak orders filters for new secure rooms - Jerusalem Post

Worried about a non-conventional attack against Israel, Defense Minister Ehud Barak has approved a new plan under which all "secure rooms" built after 2009 will need to be fitted with chemical and biological filters.

Pray for the Persecuted Church

Prayers for the Persecuted Church This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE: "May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you." (Psalm 20:1)

1. Christian Aid Reaches Destroyed Indonesian Village

An international Christian aid group said Thursday, September 25, it has begun helping to rebuild a mainly Christian village in a remote area of Indonesia, which was destroyed by Muslim militants earlier this year.

2. Indonesia: Pastor Forced to Stop Worship Services in Home

Residents in North Jakarta have ordered the pastor of a small congregation to cease holding services in his home, despite a letter of permission issued by the Religious Affairs department.

3. Eritrea Evangelist May Die In Prison, Report

An Eritrean evangelist who has been imprisoned since 2006 has reportedly told friends he may die soon as he receives harsh prison treatment because of his evangelistic activities among fellow inmates, BosNewsLife monitored Thursday, September 25.

4. Belarus Bans Christian Festival, Group Says

Belarus has banned a Christian music festival, initiated by Catholics, minutes before it was due to begin, a religious rights group said Thursday, September 25.

5. Laos Threatens Expulsion Christian Villagers Widow Forgives Husband's Killers

Dozens of Christian villagers in Laos were reportedly facing uncertainty Thursday, September 25, after local authorities told them they will be expelled because several Christian families refuse to renounce their faith in Christ. It came as a widow said she had forgiven those who killed her husband because of his church activities, the latest in several violent incidents against Christian villagers in parts of the Communist nation.


Thursday, September 25, 2008

CHPP Daily Brief - September 25, 2008

In This Issue
·
The Daily Brief
·
The Middle East in Focus
·
Election News: First Debate Tomorrow
·
40 Days of Fasting Begins Tomorrow!!
· Where Do The Candidates Stand . . .?

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

The Daily Brief Thursday, September 25, 2008

"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work." (John 9:4)


The Daily Brief

1. China Asks Local Lenders Not to Lend to U.S. Banks - MarketWatch

Chinese regulators have asked domestic banks to stop lending to U.S. financial institutions in the interbank money markets to prevent possible losses during the financial crisis, the South China Morning Post reported Thursday. The China Banking Regulatory Commission's ban on interbank lending of all currencies applied to U.S. banks, but not to lenders from other countries, the report added, citing a source.

· Lord, we ask that Your will prevail against the onslaught of fallout from America's economic crisis.

· "The Lord knoweth the days of the upright; and their inheritance shall be forever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time; and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied." (Psalm 37:18,19)

2. Lawmakers Set Forth, Four Bailout Principles: - ABC News

Staff members of the Senate Banking Committee released the following agreement of principles to press at the White House, as the meeting with Bush, Congressional leaders, and the presidential candidates got under way. The first agreement deals with Taxpayer Protection; the second agreement deals with Oversight and Transparency; thirdly, Homeownership Preservation; fourthly, Funding Authority.

· Continually pray in humility and with repentance that God will relent concerning America's economy, and that wisdom and understanding will be granted to our leaders of all parties.

· "For the transgression of a land, many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged." (Proverbs 28:2)

3. Russia engages in 'gangland' diplomacy as it sends warship to the Caribbean - Times Online

Russia flexed its muscles in America's backyard yesterday, as it sent one of its largest warships to join military exercises in the Caribbean. The nuclear-powered flagship Peter the Great set off for Venezuela with the submarine destroyer Admiral Chabanenko and two support vessels in the first Russian naval mission in Latin America since the end of the Cold War. "The St Andrew flag, the flag of the Russian Navy, is confidently returning to the world oceans," Igor Dygalo, a spokesman for the Russian Navy, said.

· Lord, as we have known in the past, when Russia attempts to intimidate and threaten in close proximity to America, You have stood against them. We humbly pray that You align the Heavenly Host around our nation, to stop and dispel all threats against us. We pray that our leadership will have wisdom and uncompromising strength against this threat.

· "A fire goeth before Him, and burneth His enemies round about." (Psalm 97:3)

4. NATO Says Pakistani Troops Fired at Their Helicopters - AP

NATO says Pakistani troops fired at their helicopters patrolling eastern Afghanistan. No damage was reported.

· Lord, as anti-American sentiments seem to be reigning in Pakistan, we pray that its leadership would once again begin to show favor to America. Let the true enemy be seen for who it is in that country.

· "Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven." (Psalm 85:11)

The Middle East in Focus

The Middle East in Focus This w
eek, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE: "Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of LORD [YHWH] is risen upon you. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but LORD shall arise upon you, and His glory shall be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1-2)

1. Ahmadinejad in New York - ICEJ News

In some respects President Ahmadinejad's visit is a public relations mission. He told CNN that he would meet with Senators McCain and Obama. In the General Assembly, he played to the passions of the American left by railing about the "occupation of Iraq." On Israel he used Europe's oldest anti-Semitic language to blame "a small but deceitful number of people called Zionists" for "dominating an important portion of the financial and monetary centers." He told Los Angeles Times that Israel is an "airplane that had lost its engine," whose inevitable crash would "benefit everyone."

2. Israel contemplates stopping new 'Gaza boat' - ICEJ News

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak will again decide if a boat carrying pro-Palestinian activist sailing to Gaza from Cyprus should be stopped. The boat organizers said it will depart on Thursday from Cyprus in efforts to demonstrate against Israel's blockade on Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel allowed two protesting boats into Gaza from Cyprus last month. But Israel has not yet decided on the new boat and will not be made until the boat nears Israeli waters, said spokesman Yigal Palmor for Israel's Foreign Ministry. Although the boat organizers say they will bring medicine to Gaza, Palmer said there is not a lack of humanitarian aid in Gaza, nor a lack of means to deliver more aid and doctors via the border crossings. "They are simply looking for a confrontation, for the media and for their donors," Palmor said. Around 20 protestors will be on the boat, said the organizers, including Balad MK Jamal Zahalka, 1976 Irish Nobel peace prize winner Mairead Maguire, Palestinian Legislative Council member Mustafa Barghouti, civil rights lawyers, and five doctors, reported The Jerusalem Post.

3. Labor sources: Barak to demand lead role in Syria talks from Livni - Ha'aretz

Defense minister and Labor Party chairman Ehud Barak will demand from prime minister-designate Tzipi Livni that he conduct the negotiations with Syria if she forms a government. Labor sources also say Barak will demand to be fully involved in all aspects of the talks with the Palestinians.

Election News: First Debate Tomorrow

For all the headlines below, we thank God for the promise of His Word:It is written, And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Pray that the Lord would empower and enable His man and woman in any area of weakness.

FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE ON FRIDAY NIGHT

The upcoming presidential and vice presidential debates could top the record-breaking 40 million viewers who tuned in to watch the candidates' acceptance speeches at the political conventions. After months of caucuses, primaries and political attacks, the pivotal moments in one of the most historic presidential elections in U.S. history might play out on TV, starting this week. (three presidential and one vice presidential debate). (Seattle Pilot)

Debate Schedule:

September 26
Oxford, MS
Foreign Policy, National Security

October 2
St. Louis, MO
Vice Presidential DebateForeign and Domestic Policy

October 7
Nashville, TN
Foreign and Domestic Policy

October 15
Hempstead, NY
Domestic Policy
[Source:
Intercessors for America]

40 Days of Fasting Begins Tomorrow!!

40-DAY PRE-ELECTION REPENTANCE, PRAYER AND FASTING
September 26 - November 4, 2008
"Return, America, to the Lord your God." - Hosea 14:1

ELECTION PRAYER GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE
The following guide to prayer for the 40 DAYS leading up to our presidential election on Tuesday, November 4th, has been prepared by
Intercessors for America and is endorsed by the National Prayer Committee.

The repentance and prayer guide has been compiled as a courtesy by Intercessors for America for you and may be freely copied, posted, and distributed. Click
here for IFA's prayer guide and to find additional information on prayer and fasting.

Where Do The Candidates Stand . . .?

Intercessors for America has produced two guides for voters, showing where the candidates stand on 17 different issues, and also on one issue: LIFE. Please refer to the links cited below for details.
"Where do the Candidates Stand - 17 Issues" To view this survey, go
here.
"Where do the Candidates Stand on Life?" To view this survey, go
here.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

CHPP Daily Brief - September 24, 2008

In This Issue
·
The Daily Brief
·
The Middle East in Focus
·
Al-Qaeda Threatens 'October Surprise' Attack
·
The Value of Spending - Less
· We Are In This Together
· A CAUSE FOR REJOICING!!

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


The Daily Brief Wednesday, September 24, 2008

"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work." (John 9:4)


The Daily Brief

1. McCain Suspends Campaign - Star News Services

Saying he wanted set politics aside, Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain announced today that he is suspending his campaign to focus on the nation's financial crisis. McCain said he informed Democratic rival Barack Obama of his decision and urged him to follow in his footsteps. "If we do not act, every corner of our country will be affected. We cannot allow this to happen," McCain said in a statement. The republican presidential candidate plans to return to Washington on Thursday, also said he wanted to delay Friday's debate with Obama. [
Intercessors for America]

· This declaration by Senator John McCain bespeaks leadership, responding to the needs of the country rather than to his personal and political needs. May our Lord honor him for his humility and for his desire to place the nation's welfare above his own.

· "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Gal. 6:7)

2. Bush to Address U.S. Tonight on Financial Bailout - AP


President Bush will address the nation Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET about the need to prevent an economic crisis and his administration's controversial $700 proposed bailout plan, which his spokeswoman says will prevent a "calamity" on Wall Street.Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson accepted a major revision in the bailout plan that would limit the pay packages of executives whose companies benefit from the proposal, according to Republican officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because Paulson's decision had not been formally announced.· Pray for wisdom for President Bush as he searches for ways to help our country out of our financial mess. Pray also that he turns to the Lord for wisdom and strategies.

· "He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he." (Proverbs 16:20)

3. Democrats to let offshore drilling ban expire - AP

House Democrats will allow a quarter-century ban on drilling for oil off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to expire next week.· In probable response to public outcry, the House has yielded to the demands of the people and not stood fast with special interests like Al Gore's environmentalists nor those who think they will be staring at oil drills when they look at the ocean. Watch for the thinking of the House members as this issue moves - sometimes bills look perfect on the surface but the small print may be very restrictive.

· Pray for honesty and true concern for our nation's energy needs.

· "These are the things that you shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates." (Zechariah 8:16)

4. Deficit could top $1 trillion - Washington Times

Sen. Barack Obama said the economic crisis and $700 billion government bailout may force him to delay his campaign promises, but pledged nothing would stop him from offering a middle-class tax cut.

· The Lord blesses a nation with a strong stable economy, not the machinations of man. All the political talk confuses the situation, but God moves with clear, definite strokes. Let the church implore God's mercy to correct this financial crisis, confounding the wicked and bringing joy to the fervent intercessors.

· "Are there any among the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? Art Thou not He, O Lord our God? Therefore we will wait on Thee: for Thou hast made all things." (Jeremiah14:22)

5. Bush Exhorts U.N. to Fight Terrorism - Telegraph-UK

In his final speech to the UN, President Bush told UN members they needed to do more to fight terrorism. He noted that UN members too often decried terrorist outrages after the event instead of preventing them from happening in the first place. He pointed out that regimes "like Syria and Iran" continued to sponsor terror. "As the 21st century unfolds, some may be tempted to assume that the threat has receded. This would be comforting. It would be wrong," he said. "The terrorists believe time is on their side, so they've made waiting out civilized nations part of their strategy. We must not allow them to succeed." [Reported by: IFA]

· Offer praise to the LORD that He has given us a President who has never given up in the war on terror. May President George W. Bush be graced with the strength to finish STRONG in office, as he continues to wage the battles with the forces of evil that would attempt to undermine the freedoms of our people.

· "He who has begun a good work in you shall continue it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:6)

6. Iran's Ahmadinejad Addresses United Nations - Fox News

Declares 'American Empire' Reaching 'End of Road' Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad accused "a few bullying powers" of trying to thwart the country's nuclear programs and vowed to defend Iran's right to peaceful nuclear power, in an address Tuesday afternoon before the United Nations.

· Of course, we know who one of those so- called "bullying" powers is - the USA! And this accusation comes from a mouth that has mastered the art of bullying! Pray that this voice is silenced through loss of political power and platform for utterance. Pray for the uprising of the Iranian people against this despot who is the puppet of the ruling mullahs.

· "Fret not thyself because of evil men; neither be thou envious at the wicked." (Proverbs 24:19)

7. US ex-officials want good US relations with Islam - Jerusalem Post

The next US president should speak out for better relations with the Muslim world in his inaugural address and pursue an accord between Israel and the Palestinians within three months of taking office, a diverse coalition of 34 former US officials and civic leaders said in a report being issued Wednesday.

· This statement from Israel speaks the party line for the many Israelis who want peace, thinking that a two- state territory will achieve that desire. But the Scriptures tell us something altogether different. Plus, the land belongs to the Lord, not to man to divide. Pray for the Lord's wisdom to prevail in this matter. Can any officials have an honest discussion with a people whose goal is the destruction of both Israel and the USA?

· "Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves." (Psalm 140:8)

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: "Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of LORD [YHWH] is risen upon you. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but LORD shall arise upon you, and His glory shall be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1-2)

1. US report: Rise in violence against Messianic Jews and Christians - Jerusalem Post

Violence against Christian evangelical and Messianic Jewish communities in Israel increased significantly during the period between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008, according to the US State Department's Annual Report on International Religious Freedom.

2. Syria's Assad calls for Israel-Syria talks to continue - Ha'aretz

Syrian President Basher Assad on Tuesday expressed his desire for indirect talks with Israel, saying that they called for "more time and effort", adding that the talks had the potential to lead to direct negotiations between the two countries.

3. Fatah agrees to proposal for new Palestinian government - AFP

Ruling Palestinian faction Fatah has agreed to an Egyptian proposal to create a new government that would be acceptable to the international community, a senior Fatah official said on Tuesday.

4. Syrian troop build-up concerns Lebanon - Jerusalem Post

Beirut is concerned about Syria amassing its military forces on the northern Lebanese-Syrian border, alongside increased Syrian military activity. Damascus has deployed around 10,000 troops along Lebanon's northern border. The increased deployment...

5. Netanyahu Calls for Elections in Israel, Rejects Livni Offer - Bloomberg

Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the opposition Likud Party, called for early elections, rejecting Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's offer to join a unity cabinet as she seeks to cobble...

6. Iran and Israel 'are on collision course' - gulfnews.com

Iran's highest authority lashed out against Israel on Friday with some of his harshest comments in recent memory about the Jewish state. Supreme leader Ali Khamenei, the black-turbaned ayatollah who is Iran's top political and military figure, said his country's hostility to Israel extended beyond the government to the Israeli people as well. In doing so, he brushed aside recent overtures by top Iranian officials to ordinary people in the Jewish state. Khamenei said Iran and Israel were on a "collision course," a statement that could increase tensions in a Middle East already fearful of a conflict between the countries.

Al-Qaeda Threatens 'October Surprise' Attack

After two major terrorist attacks in Pakistan and Yemen, U.S. intelligence is worried about a massive "October surprise" attack geared to sway the U.S. elections.

America's military and intelligence agencies have been intercepting a series of messages from al- Qaeda's leadership that seemed designed to warn local cells to prepare for imminent attacks. One such operation may have been the attack that brought down a Marriott Hotel in Islamabad where the newly inaugurated president of Pakistan was scheduled to dine.

The attacks would likely be at American bases or allies abroad, since most experts think the group's ability to penetrate the U.S. homeland has deteriorated since 9-11. Still, al-Qaeda is aggressively recruiting both North African and European operatives who may have a greater ability to enter the United States and blend in before launching an attack. (Newsmax 9/22/08) [Reported by:
IFA]

· Pray fervently against any such attack. It is the Lord who protects us, not just our military technology, although the Lord expects us to be prepared. But God cannot protect us if we don't repent for our national sins.


· "For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it." (Ecclesiastes 7:12)

The Value of Spending - Less


Not surprisingly, a survey released at the end of last week by the University of Akron's National Survey of Religion and Politics found that pocketbook concerns are at the forefront of social conservative voters' concerns. As Congress and the White House scramble to put together an unprecedented $700 billion bailout for the banking industry, headlines continue to herald the nation's worst economic crisis since the crash of 1929 plunged the nation into the Great Depression.

While the nation is focused on the bailout, Congress is working on a several hundred billion dollar Pentagon budget (the details of which are still unknown); on top of this, there are emergency appropriations for disaster relief, loans for automakers, and other subsidies which are getting very little attention. Even the San Francisco Chronicle, a traditionally liberal paper, ran an Associated Press story that said, "The legislation is coming together in a remarkably secretive process in which decisions are concentrated in the hands of just a few lawmakers such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi [and] Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid." I would caution the pollsters and politicians to pause before they declare values issues of minor concern in this election. Our financial deficit is a reflection of our moral values deficit. Voters are going to be looking for candidates who don't just promise bigger bailouts that burden families with higher taxes, but statesmen who will given an honest assessment of how we got into this financial mess and what we must do individually and corporately to forestall yet another episode.

I am not suggesting we sit back and let the economy implode. But we must be willing to ask the tough questions and expect answers, just as any loan officer would do when a customer wanders into a bank seeking an unsecured loan. Whatever emerges from Capitol Hill as the "solution" should not forget American families who have seen their buying power erode and, in some cases, have lost jobs. Any moves by Congress should provide long-term economic stability by providing permanent tax cuts for families and greater transparency in government spending.
(Source: Tony Perkins, Family Research Council, 9/23/08)

We Are In This Together


American financial markets remain in turmoil, and the anxiety level is going up. In spite of what Big Media says, the turmoil is not an argument against free markets. It is a reminder that free markets are not God and that even they have to be tempered by virtue and reliable standards of right and wrong. It is clear that greed and recklessness are the causes of the painful adjustments we are now experiencing. Americans are divided about the $700 billion bailout package. A Rasmussen Reports poll released today found that 25% of those surveyed favor the bailout, 44% oppose it and 31% are not sure. Reasonable people can disagree.

But Big Media and the political Left in this country are engaged in pure demagoguery when they suggest that the $700 billion will bailout wealthy Wall Street executives while doing virtually nothing for the average guy. You would think that checks were being written directly to corporate officers at these major firms and that the recipients were laughing all the way to the bank. But today's New York Times reports that current or soon-to-be retirees with financial investments are among those hardest hit by the current crisis. In fact, what the Bush Administration is trying to do is to protect the savings accounts, money market accounts, insurance policies and retirement accounts of "Main Street" Americans, not to mention the ability of middle class households and small businesses to access loans and capital at reasonable interest rates. Without banks, investment firms and insurance companies, American prosperity would be impossible.

It is sad to see in the middle of a crisis so many people who ought to know better appearing more interested in accenting class warfare than in helping Americans understand that we are all in this together. We will either sink or swim together.
(Source: Gary Bauer; End-of-Day, 9/23/08)

A CAUSE FOR REJOICING!!

BROWNBACK, KENNEDY CELEBRATE PASSAGE OF PRE-NATALLY AND POST-NATALLY DIAGNOSED CONDITIONS AWARENESS ACT

U.S. Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) celebrated Senate passage of the Pre-natally and Post-natally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act, legislation which would require that families who receive a diagnosis of Down syndrome or any other condition, pre-natally or up until a year after birth, be given up-to-date information about the nature of the condition and connection with support services and networks that could offer assistance. "I am very pleased that the legislation co-sponsored by Sen. Kennedy and me passed the Senate," said Brownback. "This bill will greatly benefit expecting parents who receive the sometimes overwhelming news that their unborn child may be born with a disability. This legislation will provide parents with current and reliable information about the many options available for caring for children with disabilities."

The Pre-natally and Post-natally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act would provide for the expansion and further development of a national clearinghouse on information for parents of children with disabilities, so that the clearinghouse would be better equipped to assist parents whose children have recently been pre- or post-natally diagnosed. The bill also provides for the expansion and further development of national and local peer-support programs. The bill also calls for the creation of a national registry of families willing to adopt children with pre- or post-natally diagnosed conditions.

"One of the hardest moments in the life of an expectant mother is when she receives news that she is going to have a child with special needs," said Melissa Wagoner, spokeswoman for Senator Kennedy. "Access to the best support and information about the condition, and the quality of life for a child born with that condition, can make all the difference to a woman trying to make an informed and difficult decision. Senator Kennedy believes this kind of support is a vital element to strengthening a true culture of life in America." Currently, 90 percent of children pre-natally diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted. That percentage is similar for children pre-natally diagnosed with other conditions such as spina bifida, cystic fibrosis and dwarfism. (Source: Office of Senator Sam Brownback)

· We join with Senators Brownback and Kennedy in celebrating the passage of this very badly-needed bill. Praise God for legislators who value LIFE!

· "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19)


Part 2

In This Issue
·
President Bush Addresses the Nation
·
Please note: for prayer
·
Bills in Congress
·
A Prayer of Repentance for Greed

SPECIAL EDITION:

AMERICA'S FINANCIAL CRISIS "We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work." (John 9:4)

President Bush Addresses the Nation

President Bush Addresses the NationUrges Quick Passage of Bailout Plan to Avert Recession
President Bush, warning of the danger of a "long and painful recession," urged Congress to pass his administration's economic rescue package in a rare address to the nation Wednesday night. "We are in the midst of a serious financial crisis, and the federal government is responding with decisive action," he said.

Bush said the $700 billion rescue package is not aimed at saving any one financial institution, but rather at "preserving America's economy." He cast the need for the package in personal terms, warning American taxpayers that their home values, their retirement accounts and their personal businesses could be at risk if the economy continues to spiral.

The address came after Bush invited John McCain, Barack Obama and congressional leaders to the White House on Thursday to discuss his administration's proposed bailout of the financial industry and press them to back the plan. The invitation was extended Wednesday evening, and Bush called Obama personally to ask him to the Thursday afternoon meeting, which Obama accepted, his campaign said.

The proposed $700 billion bailout plan, in its original form, has faced strong opposition on Capitol Hill this week. By Wednesday, Congress seemed open to a less costly plan as Democrats won a key concession from the White House, which agreed to limit the pay packages of Wall Street executives.

Top House leaders issued an upbeat statement at day's end saying that they had made progress toward revised legislation. "We are committed to continuing to work cooperatively and on a bipartisan basis to safeguard the interests of the American taxpayers," said Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio. But they offered no timetable on a bailout that the administration said was needed more with each passing day.

· As we consider the words of President Bush, please help us to remember to rest in you. Lord, the meetings that will take place will bring together factions that are normally separate, and we praise You for that. The power contained in these meetings will be both physical and spiritual and we pray for victory of the true during negotiations. Help these men and women humble themselves so they will not overreach and take unnecessary powers which could be exploited in the future.

· "He will not fear bad news; his heart is confident, trusting in the LORD. His heart is assured; he will not fear. In the end he will look in triumph on his foes." (Psalm 112:7-8)
[To read the full text of the President's speech tonight, go
here.]

Please note: for prayer

Thirty-Two Words That None Dare Utter


[Editor's note: Ever since this bail-out bill was proposed by President Bush last Friday, concerns have been raised by several media sources over thirty-two words in Section 8 of the bill, that would grant unprecedented authority to the Secretary of the Treasury (now Henry Paulson). A related concern is that most of the mainstream media has either missed or ignored this danger. Details follow, from the sources noted.]

A critical - and radical - component of the bailout package proposed by the Bush administration has thus far failed to garner the serious attention of anyone in the press. Section 8 (which ironically reminds one of the popular name of the portion of the 1937 Housing Act that paved the way for subsidized affordable housing ) of this legislation is just a single sentence of thirty-two words, but it represents a significant consolidation of power and an abdication of oversight authority . . .. It reads, in its entirety:

Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency.
One cannot overstate this: Section 8 is a singularly transformative sentence of economic policy. It transfers a significant amount of power to the Executive Branch, while walling off any avenue for oversight, and offering no guarantees in return. And if the Democrats end up content with winning a few slight concessions, they risk not putting a stop- payment on the real "blank check" - the one in which they allow the erosion of their own powers.

Over in the Senate, Christopher Dodd has proposed a bailout legislation of his own, which critically calls for "an oversight board that not only includes the chairman of the Federal Reserve and the SEC, but congressionally appointed, non-governmental officials" and would require the President to appoint an "independent inspector general to investigate the Treasury asset program." In Dodd's legislation, Section 8 is effectively stripped from the bill.

Nevertheless, the fact that Section 8 of the Paulson plan seems to strike few as a de facto dealbreaker can and should astound. The failure of Congress to hold the line on this point would be truly embarrassing. But if we make it through this week with nobody in the press specifically informing the public about the implications of this single sentence - in the middle of a complicated bill, in the middle of a complicated time - then right there, you have the single largest media failure of this year. (Sources: NBC News, McClatchy Newspapers, The Huffington Post)

· We have seen in history that sections of law as small as one sentence can be used to consolidate power in the hands of a single person or a small group of people. God, the basis of our country is a balance of powers, the triangulated power that keeps despotism at bay. We cannot know the intentions of the drafters of this bill or the ways that this can be used in the future for ill or for good, but we pray Congress will carefully consider the ramifications of steps they are taking. We pray we will work within Your will, and not be moving at cross-purposes -- encouraging your rebuke. Help us, Lord, we pray. Amen.

· Many plans are in a man's heart, but the LORD's decree will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21)

Bills in Congress

CONGRESS HURRIES TO FINISH BUSINESS THIS WEEK

[We want to thank our good friends at
Intercessors forAmerica for allowing us permission to retransmit the research, below, for your prayerful consideration. The prayer point at the end has been added by one of our own CHPP editors.]Capitol Hill is abuzz this week as Congress races to finish its work by Friday so lawmakers can jet home to campaign.

Mortgage Recovery Package - Senate Banking Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT) and House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) are working to develop a bill to provide the Treasury Department with the authority to buy $700 billion worth of bad debt from the nation's banks. The bill will be based on a proposal from Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, and is an effort to turn around the troubled financial institutions.

Commodity Market Reform - In general the bill would force stronger positions by speculators on energy commodity investments and takes on potential loopholes allowed by foreign trade boards.(HR 6604)

Spending Bills - CR is short for "continuing resolution." It is a stopgap spending bill Congress always approves when it hasn't finished its appropriations work by Sept. 30, the end of the government's fiscal year. If the spending bills aren't in place, the government can't operate. A CR temporarily keeps the government running and if the sides don't agree to the spending bills, or a CR, the government shuts down.

Renewable Energy Tax Credits - One thing that the Senate is expected to accomplish quickly this week, before Congress recesses for some election campaigning, is pass an extension of tax credits for renewable energy, including residential and commercial solar projects. The Baucus-Grassley Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (H.R. 6049) would extend clean energy tax incentives and be fully offset by incoming revenues. Solar energy investment tax credits would be extended for eight years, for both commercial and residential, and the $2,000 cap would be completely eliminated for residential installations. (NREL)

Tax Bill - Among provisions providing tax incentives for renewable energy production and carbon sequestration the House bill aimed to pay for itself by closing various offshore tax loopholes. (HR 6049)(Frontpage, PRwatch, Center for American Progress, Environment News, Fox News)


· Lord, as Congress gets ready to consider important bills we pray they will put differences aside and consult with each other eschewing anger. You are the source of wisdom, and we pray that they will consult you before making decisions. We pray the congressmen and congresswomen will be sensitive to your will and your timing and that they will act in your time.

· Speak up and present your case-yes, let them take counsel together. Who predicted this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is no one except me. Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth. For I am God, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:21-22)

A Prayer of Repentance for Greed

[
Editor's note: On last Sunday's Call to Repentance, we offered a prayer of repentance for the spirit of greed that has held many bound on Wall Street and in the nation, for centuries. Please find below a prayer of intercession and repentance for this sin, offered by Intercessors for America. Thank you.]

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." - 1 Timothy 6:10 (NKJV)


OFFER PRAYERS OF REPENTANCE for the greed and moral failure which is at the root of the financial crisis and potential economic collapse we are facing. Pray for deliverance from the power of Mammon, for God's cleansing from corruption, for a breaking of "the near-incestuous relationship between politicians and big-time government-supported financial institutions."

INTERCEDE that God's correctives, not a man-made fix, come to our financial institutions. PLEAD for mercy, wisdom, guidance and provision for the multitudes of hard-working, ethical Americans already impacted by this crisis. Pray that "wisdom from above" be granted to the Executive Branch, Congress and all the leaders God has strategically placed to lead us out of this crisis.

Many on Wall Street and in NYC Turning to Prayer -- As noted in Christianity Today. Go
here for text.OFFER THANKSGIVING for the many Christians crying out to the Lord. Pray for lasting revival to come to Wall Street.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

CHPP Daily Brief - September 23, 2008

In This Issue
·
The Daily Brief - SPECIAL EDITION
·
The Middle East in Focus
·
Election News
·
Another Look at Wall Street . . .
· HURRICANE IKE: THE AFTERMATH
· One Prayer Strategy for Houston

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


The Daily Brief Tuesday, September 23, 2008

"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work." (John 9:4)


The Daily Brief - SPECIAL EDITION

For this SPECIAL EDITION of the Daily Brief, you will find many other critical prayer requests, below.

Today's regular Daily Brief will be published later today, including today's headlines for prayer.

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: "Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of LORD [YHWH] is risen upon you. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but LORD shall arise upon you, and His glory shall be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1-2)

1. Olmert hands in his official resignation - Jerusalem Post

Thirty-three months after dramatically filling in for a stroke-stricken Ariel Sharon, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert - facing a number of corruption allegations - formally tendered his resignation to President Shimon Peres on Sunday evening.

2. Livni offers Barak 'full partnership' in new gov't - Ha'aretz

Aides to newly elected Kadima chief Tzipi Livni said on Sunday that her late-night meeting with Labor chairman Ehud Barak was "good." The two met just hours after Prime Minister Ehud Olmert submitted his resignation to President Shimon Peres.

3. Bibi to Shas: Stay out of Livni gov't - Jerusalem Post

Opposition leader and Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu met Rabbi Ovadya Yosef, the spiritual leader of Shas and asked him not to join a coalition led by newly elected Kadima chairman Tzipi Livni, on Sunday.

4. Yisrael Beiteinu demands elections within 3 months - Ynet News

President Shimon Peres is expected to complete his round of consultations with representatives of all the Knesset factions before leaving for New York on Monday night to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

5. ALERT -- Attack in Jerusalem's Old City; 13 wounded - Jerusalem Post; AP

Ultra-orthodox Jewish men looked on as Israeli police and rescue forces work at the scene of an attack outside Jerusalem's Old City, late Monday, Sept. 22, 2008. Thirteen soldiers were hurt late Monday when a Palestinian plowed his car into their group at an intersection near Jerusalem's Old City, police and rescue services said. Jerusalem police commander Ilan Franco said the driver was shot and killed by an army officer who was in the group. Franco said the driver was a Palestinian resident of east Jerusalem, apparently acting alone.

Election News

For all the headlines below, we thank God for the promise of His Word: It is written, And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Pray that the Lord would empower and enable His man and woman in any area of weakness.

1. Presidential Race Tightens, Moves to Familiar Battlegrounds

This is how close the contest for the White House really is: It comes down to an Electoral College slugfest over 14 states, and in some of those key states the race is too close to call. The closeness of the race has apparently prompted Obama to abandon earlier plans to fight for votes in states that generally go Republican, and the 2008 presidential race has settled on the familiar battleground and swing states.

2. McCain pledges to "raise hell" in Washington

MEDIA, PA - "Sarah and I are going to get on that chopper and ride it right to Washington and raise hell when we get there," McCain told about 10,000 supporters in suburban Philadelphia today upon being presented with a customized bike by the crew from Orange County Choppers.

3. McCain wins crowd size battle . . . finally

In what could be a first, it appears the McCain campaign has finally won a head-to-head with the Obama campaign on crowd size and won. While a joint McCain-Palin rally at the Resch Center in Green Bay last Thursday night drew about 11,000 supporters, an Obama rally at the same venue this afternoon drew only 6,000

4. Obama, McCain Question Wall Street Bailout

Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain raised doubts Monday about the Bush administration's $700 billion bailout and demanded conditions that could snag its quick passage through the highly partisan Congress.

5. Obama Declares Himself Fiscal Conservative

Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama moved to claim the mantle of fiscal responsibility in a roiling economy, vowing on Monday to slash federal spending on contractors by 10 percent and saving $40 billion.Urging members of his own party to be just as fiscally tough as the most conservative Republicans, Obama said the $700 billion economic bailout plan proposed by the Bush administration and congressional leaders is forcing a renewed look at federal spending.

6. Biden Says Ad Mocking McCain Was 'Terrible'

Barack Obama's running mate says a campaign ad that mocked Republican presidential candidate John McCain as an out-of-touch, out-of-date computer illiterate was "terrible" and would not have been done had he known about it.

Another Look at Wall Street . . .

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

For another look at Wall Street, please go
here.

[TOP PHOTO ON THIS PAGE, PLEASE.]

1 week ago: Elizabeth Rose, a specialist with Lehman Brothers MarketMakers, works her post on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Monday, Sept. 15, 2008.

- We ask your continued prayers for the chaos that is in the financial markets this week, but especially for all of the individuals (including you and me) who are or who will be affected by this crisis.

- May our Lord grant His wisdom to President Bush, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board Ben Bernanke and all other business and congressional leaders who are now attempting to bring this situation under control.

· "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)

HURRICANE IKE: THE AFTERMATH

(Lam 3:21-24; KJV)
21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.


[Below please find three letters among the many that have been sent in from readers in the Houston/ Galveston area of Texas. We will let their words speak for themselves, and we continue to ask your intercession for the needs cited in the aftermath of Hurricane ike.]

Sara,

Death count is up to 26 and Galveston residents are allowed to go today to look and leave because of health concerns. Two of the people in my ministry still do not have power. There are still over 1 million people without power and without homes. We need miracle funds for Hurricane Relief. Thanks for your prayers.

Love In Him and In You
Pastor Regina



Dear Prayer Warriors,

Praying Friends and Family.Our hearts go out to all of you who have experienced such tremendous devastation due to the hurricane. We continue to pray for each and every one of you. We thank God for His mercy and grace toward us. Many lives have been spared and we are very grateful for our heavenly Father's protection and provision. At this point, there is no actual death count. We do know of several cases of loss of live, but it is likely that it will rise as the search for those missing continues.

When you view these
photos, you will understand the tremendous loss of property, animals and entire communities. Many are still in shock. They have no homes to return to. As you can well imagine, we need your prayers to get through the long process of sorting through, cleaning up and starting over again. It will take God's grace to sustain us as we continue to undertake the enormous task ahead. We will not get the job done overnight. Many P.OD.s are in need of more provisions and the volunteers are exhausted. Everyone needs rest and some time to recoup and re-group. We all need to remind ourselves to keep our eyes focused on the goodness of God rather than our current situations. We will survive. We will be even better through the testing as we continue to pray and love and trust God. Miracles begin to happen when we forget about ourselves and give aid to our neighbors

Please continue to pray with and for us as we pass through this time of loss, trial and uncertainty. Pray that we will walk humbly, in love, by faith and not by sight, that we will exercise patience and that as we bless the Lord at all times . . . His praise shall be continually in our mouths.


Blessings,
Bet Amante and the Glory Chain Prayer Ministries


[THIS IS THE HARDEST ONE TO READ, BUT I DO WANT TO SHARE THIS PRAYER BURDEN WITH ALL OF YOU.]


Dear Sara,

For starters, I was out of town . . . but got stuck due to the airport closure. I knew my family was fine but I was notified that my neighbor and FRIEND had been rushed to a hospital where lifeflight had been called. Since phones were not working, she was out of oxygen for too long. She went into a coma. I arrived Wednesday morning at 6am. Went to the hospital to pray for her. She had developed an enlarged heart during the pregnancy and she expressed concern over the effects of storm i.e the lack of power and her baby. Later she went into what appeared to be a convulsion . . . The two oldest kids witnessed the whole event. Paramedics worked for 90 minutes at the scene and lost her several times but we were praying even in the distance for LIFE. She came back alive but died on Wednesday at 3 am.

The kids are still in shock. . . they didn't even cry at the funeral. The 5 year old asked if there was a phone in heaven because she "still needs her mom".

The family is strong in the Lord. Her children:Benjamin - 5 months oldXiomara - 5 years oldSarai - 13 years oldPedro - 15 years old


Thank you for your prayers. The city is recovering and is STRONG.

Obeth in Houston


One Prayer Strategy for Houston


Our friend, Obeth, also sent over this
map of the power grid in Houston that remains out of service. Please notice the dates they expect to restore power and lay hands on this map, asking our LORD to bring His grace to bear upon this emergency.

Thank you.

"The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

Part 2

"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work." (John 9:4)


The Daily Brief

1. Early Voting Starts This Week In Some States - USA Today

Voters by the thousands will begin casting ballots for president this week in an early voting process that's expected to set records this year. Residents of Virginia, Kentucky and Georgia are among the first in the nation eligible to vote in person, as well as by mail. During the next few weeks, at least 34 states and the District of Columbia will allow early in-person voting for Nov. 4 elections.Experts such as Paul Gronke, of the Early Voting Information Center, predict nearly a third of the electorate will vote early this year, up from 15% in 2000 and 20% in 2004. In closely contested Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico, about half the voters are expected to cast ballots before Election Day. Florida could be 40%.

∙ Gracious Father, we ask that You will station Your mighty warring Angels around all election activities and that not one vote will be tampered with, be they early or "day of" votes. May nothing stop Your selection of the next President and Vice President of the United States and all other elected officials in America. May every American seek Your guidance on how to vote. May Godly men and women be elected. For Your Glory and Honor we pray these things. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

"But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; the Lord will hear when I call to him." (Psalm 4: 3 NKJV)

2. Doubts on Rescue Plan Spur Fall In Dollar, Leap for Oil - Wall Street

JournalVolatility spread across financial markets on Monday, undermining the dollar and contributing to the biggest-ever one-day surge in oil prices. The SEC in particular was trying to protect financial stocks from aggressive short sellers. (Short selling -- in which an investor sells borrowed shares, hoping to buy back shares later at a lower price, and pocket the difference -- can itself push prices lower.) Democratic leaders in Congress and the Bush administration moved closer to agreement on key details of the behemoth $700 Billion package, amid widening hostility from economists and lawmakers toward the plan. The administration agreed to allow tougher oversight of the program and to give more help to homeowners facing foreclosure, two Democratic priorities. But differences remain on major points, including a proposal to limit executive pay at firms participating in the bailout.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 372.75, or 3.3%, Monday to 11015.69. It marked the first time in the Dow's history that it has moved more than 350 points, four days in a row. The dollar posted its worst single-day percentage drop against the euro, 2.5%, since the European currency's inception nine years ago. Oil made its biggest single-day price jump ever, briefly spiking to $130. a barrel, shattering the record for the biggest one-day gain.

∙ We cry out for Help, Lord, with our nation's financial calamities. May our President, Treasury Secretary, Federal Reserve Chairman and other officials involved with America's economic well-being look to You for help. We pray that You will be honored and glorified in this situation, and that we, as believers, will not give up hope and prayer. You promise to help when we ask.

"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer." (Psalm 4: 1 NKJV)

3. Russian Navy Ships Head to Venezuela for Maneuvers - Fox News and Associated Press

A Russian navy squadron set off for Venezuela Monday, an official said, in a deployment of Russian military power to the Western Hemisphere unprecedented since the Cold War. Russian navy spokesman Igor Dygalo, said the nuclear-powered Peter the Great cruiser accompanied by three other ships sailed from the Northern Fleet's base of Severomorsk on Monday. The ships will cover about 15,000 nautical miles to conduct joint maneuvers with the Venezuelan navy.

The Kremlin recently has moved to intensify contacts with Venezuela, Cuba and other Latin American nations amid increasingly strained relations with Washington after last month's war between Russia and Georgia. During the Cold War, Latin America became an ideological battleground between the Soviet Union and the United States. The deployment follows a week long visit to Venezuela by a pair of Russian strategic bombers and comes as Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez - an unbridled critic of U.S. foreign policy who has close ties with Moscow - plans to visit Moscow this week. It will be Chavez's second trip to Russia in about two months.

∙ May these warships see and fear Your Power, and be sent home by You before they even reach the Venezuelan Coast! We humbly ask for protection for Israel, America and Israel's allies. May those who seek to harm innocent nations be brought to justice before their evil plans are achieved. We ask that those leaders and the nations that they represent be able to receive Salvation, too. In Jesus' Mighty Name we pray. Amen.

"The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil." (Proverbs 19: 23 NKJV)

4. South African President Thabo Mbeki Resigns - Times of Swaziland and The Sunday Times

South African President Thabo Mbeki, told South Africans yesterday in a live television broadcast, that he has tendered his resignation, effective from a date to be decided by South Africa's parliament. Mbeki, who has followed a pro-business line since taking over from Nelson Mandela as president in 1999, agreed on Saturday to accept the ruling African National Congress' (ANC) request that he resign before the end of his term next year. The move threatens to shatter the foundations of the country's post-apartheid political landscape, which has been dominated by the ANC since the end of white minority rule in 1994.Mbeki's downfall came about a week after a judge suggested there was high-level political meddling in the graft case of Mbeki's rival and ANC leader Jacob Zuma, the front runner to win the next presidential election. Although Mbeki's willingness to give up the reins without a fight suggests an orderly transition of power, a number of ministers including Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota, Deputy Defence Minister Mluleki George and other Mbeki loyalists have threatened to resign and start a new party rather than serve in a Zuma-controlled government.

∙ May the truth about what has really happened to this president and the election of a new South African President be revealed for Your Glory, Lord. May this turmoil help bring about the furtherance of Your Gospel throughout Africa and the world. May a Godly man or woman of Your choosing be the next South African president. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water, He turns it wherever He wishes. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts." (Proverbs 21: 1-2 NKJV)

5. Study Finds Major Shift in Abortion Demographics - Washington Post

The face of women who have abortions has shifted significantly in the past 30 years, with relatively fewer white childless teenagers and more mothers of color in their 20s and 30s opting to terminate their pregnancies, according to a report being released today. In the first comprehensive analysis by the Guttmacher Institute, analyzing annual data collected by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between 1974-2004, of demographic characteristics of women who have had abortions; researchers found that the overall drop in the abortion rate has been marked by a dramatic shift, declining more among white women and teenagers than among black and Hispanic and older women.The analysis confirmed previous reports that the abortion rate fell to the lowest level since 1974, dropping 33 percent from a peak of 29 abortions per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44 in 1980, to 20 per 1,000 in 2004. Although abortion rates have declined among all racial and ethnic groups, large disparities persist, with Hispanic and black women having the procedure at rates three to five times the rate of white women.

∙Thank You, Lord, for this Good News that men and women are beginning to see, through Your Holy Spirit, that life is sacred. May many more hearts be opened up for this truth to be known and many more lives be saved--those of the mother's, father's and children! For Your glory we pray this. Amen.

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." (Genesis 2: 7 NKJV)

6. Anglicans back Darwin over 'noisy' creationists - The Times of London

The Church of England expressed deep concerns last week about the spread of creationist views, as it prepared to unveil a website promoting the evolutionary views of Charles Darwin. Anglican leaders fear that "noisy" advocates of a literal interpretation of the Bible - especially in the United States, where even the Republican vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, is a vocal supporter - are infecting the perception of Christianity worldwide.

∙ Lord, Your truths are self-evident and we pray for the awakening of the leaders of churches that are leading their flock away from the inerrancy of Your scripture.

∙ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)