CHPP Daily Brief - November 26, 2008

In This Issue

· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· The White House in Transition
· Victory in Dallas
· First National Thanksgiving Proclamation

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

The Daily Brief Wednesday, November 26, 2008

"Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." (Revelation 7:10)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM CAPITOL HILL PRAYER PARTNERS . . .PRAISE THE LORD!

The next issue of the Daily Brief will be published on Tuesday, December 2.

The Daily Brief

1. Organization Calling Itself Deccan Mujahideen Claims Responsibility for Mumbai Attacks - Fox News

At least 40 people are reportedly being held hostage in Mumbai, India, by gunmen who targeted luxury hotels, a popular tourist attraction and a crowded train station in at least seven attacks that killed at least 80 in the nation's financial capital, police and witnesses said. Eyewitnesses said the terrorists appeared to be targeting Americans and the British. An organization calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen claimed it was behind attacks in India's financial capital Mumbai that have left at least 80 people dead, television channels reported, according to Reuters. The State Department condemned the attacks and said it couldn't confirm any U.S. casualties. "Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of those killed and injured, and to the people of Mumbai," said Robert A. Wood, a deputy spokesman at the State Department. "We are monitoring the situation very closely and stand ready to support the Indian authorities as they deal with this horrific series of attacks. At this point, we are unaware of any American casualties."

Sajjad Karim told Britain's Press Association news agency that he and several other lawmakers were barricaded inside the Taj Mahal Hotel.Karim was part of a delegation of European lawmakers visiting Mumbai ahead of an upcoming EU-India summit.

· Lord, we pray for calm within the government of and on the streets of India. We know that there are evil people who seek to attack the innocent in order to impose their will. Lord, we pray for Your shelter over those who are still in danger and for Your healing over those who have been injured. We also call out for peace and comfort for those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. May the perpetrators of this violence be rooted out and may they be held to account for the destruction and murder that they have wrought.

· Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:3,5)

2. Feds Warn of NYC Subway Terror Plot - Intercessors for America

Federal and local law enforcement authorities beefed up security in New York City today because of a "plausible but unsubstantiated" report that al-Qaida terrorists are plotting an attack against the city's subways and trains.

· Pray for NYC and U.S. cities over this holiday weekend.

· "He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success." (Job 5:12)

3. Runoff Election Scheduled for Tuesday in Georgia - CHPP

The run off election in Georgia on December 2nd is critical. This election could greatly determine major future decisions in the United States Senate. Whichever party wins will get 60 votes in the Senate and be able to control all legislation.Saxby Chambliss is bringing in Sarah Palin this weekend to stress the importance of conservative economic principles, upholding the sanctity of life, upholding traditional marriage and standing strong for the family. Meanwhile, (according to local sources) Barack Obama is bringing in "a flood" of speakers in support of the Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate in Georgia: Jim Martin.

· If you live in the State of Georgia, please be sure to vote in this critical election. May the man of God's choosing -- not man's choosing -- win this race.

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

4. Supreme court to rule on Obama's eligibility for presidency - Iowa Apostolic Prayer Network

U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter has agreed that a review of the federal lawsuit filed by attorney Phil Berg against Barack Hussein Obama II, et al., which was subsequently dismissed for lack of standing is warranted. SCOTUS Docket No. 08-570 contains the details.A review of that docket and the Rule 10 of the Supreme Court makes abundantly clear that Justice Souter's granting of a review on the Writ of Certiorari is not a right entitled to citizen Phil Berg, but rather is a matter of judicial discretion based upon a compelling reason. That compelling reason is the Constitutional requirement that "No person except a natural born citizen . shall be eligible to the office of President." What this means is that on or before 1 DECEMBER 2008 Barack Hussein Obama II must respond to the writ of certiorari, and since the Berg v Obama case hinged primarily on the question of Obama's place of birth, it is almost inconceivable that Barack Obama will ignore the Justices of the Supreme Court and he is absolutely compelled to provide a vault copy his original birth certificate. (Read more.)

· "Father God Almighty King we pray for our country. We pray that truth would be known and that we as believers would surrender to You in prayer. That we would trust You in all things. That our lives would radiate hope, peace and joy to a world that trusts in knowledge, beauty, sex, wealth, a world that has left You out of our thoughts and actions. Please forgive us Lord. We pray for truth Father and we pray for the United States of America that we could be once more a nation that can say "In God We Trust." We pray for our supreme court justices that You would give them discernment and integrity to do what is right, we know You put kings into place and remove kings. Father God help us to trust You in all things. To You be the glory, praise and honor. We pray for Your perfect will, nothing less than Your perfect will, for our country and our lives. In Jesus amen"

· "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men." (Daniel 4:17)

5. U.S. Automakers Told To Draft Viability Plan - The Washington Post

The Bush administration yesterday said Detroit's Big Three automakers must show they have a plan to ensure their financial viability if they are to win support for emergency loans to help them through the current financial crisis. In a letter addressed to Democratic leaders in Congress, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez and Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman said firms requesting bridge loans "must have a product mix and cost structure that is competitive in the U.S. marketplace. . . A satisfactory plan for viability, therefore, should address the factors that drive overall competitiveness" including labor, management and legacy costs; debt structure; dealership network costs; capacity; fuel efficiency; and plans for new and existing vehicles, the letter said.

· To show a plan for expenditure of monies is always a sound idea. Taxpayers have too much invested in this country for companies to foolishly use our money. Pray that the regulations for these "bridge" loans, proposed by Commerce Secretary Gutierrez, will be carefully followed in Congress.

· "In the day when I cried Thou answereth me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul." (Psalm 138:3)

6. Commerce Secretary Gutierrez Calls On Congress To Pass Free Trade Agreements - RTT News; White House Morning Update

A top member of the Bush Administration said Tuesday that the most recent data about the economy points out the "serious challenges" the country is facing, but he urged Americans to be patient with the government's recovery plans and encouraged Congress to pass several pending free trade agreements. U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez argued that in the face of economic weakness, the country must not move away from polices of lower taxes and open markets. Gutierrez called on Congress to pass pending trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea during its expected session next week. "In the 735 days since the Colombian agreement was signed, more than $1.3 billion in tariffs have been imposed on U.S. exports to Colombia. As exports continue to be the bright spot of our economy, this is one way Congress can quickly work to stimulate growth," Gutierrez argued."

· One of the missions of Capitol Hill Prayer Partners is to bring you key news items for prayer, that you may have missed in the mainstream news. This issue of the passage of the Colombian Free Trade Agreements is one that the White House has been urging for some time now, but we (frankly) have neglected to lift this up in prayer.Clearly, the passage of these agreements would be GOOD for our economy -- and right now, our economy needs all the help it can get. Let's lift this up for passage in the remaining days of the lame duck session of Congress . . . let's yet demonstrate the POWER of PRAYER!!

· "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)

7. US Imposes Sanctions On Zimbabwe "Cronies" - The Wall Street Journal

The Bush administration on Tuesday imposed financial sanctions on four people it called "cronies" of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe whose support allegedly allowed Mugabe to undermine democracy. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. Any bank accounts or other financial assets belonging to the four people that are found in the United States must be frozen. Americans also are forbidden from conducting business with them. "The Mugabe regime continues to resist the call of the Zimbabwean people to loosen its corrupt and violent hold on power," OFAC Director Adam Szubin said in a statement. "The United States supports the people of Zimbabwe in their struggle to achieve a political and economic system built on fairness and transparency rather than patronage and self-dealing."

· Praise the Lord that the USA is still actively stopping corruption in countries working to establish democracy. Mugabe has been a thug and a corrupter ever since he gained power in Zimbabwe. Pray for freedoms in that country for its citizens. Pray for the salvation of Mugabe and his removal from power.

· "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." (Psalm 118:8)

8. US foiled missile shipment to Iran - Worthy News.com

A few weeks before dropping North Korea from the United States' list of countries that sponsor terrorism, the Bush administration thwarted a shipment of missile parts, possibly including gyroscopes for guidance systems, from the far eastern country to Iran, the weekly news magazine Newsweek reported Sunday, quoting US officials. US officials said that clearance over Indian airspace was annulled following a request from Washington. Japanese and South Korean officials publicly proclaimed that North Korea had stopped the process of decommissioning its reactor and was not standing up to other sides of its agreement with the US.

· Again, let us give thanks to the Lord for the surveillance of our friendly nations in keeping supplies from reaching Iran to use on its nuclear missiles. Pass the word along to your friends and relatives, so that Americans know how effective the Bush administration and the Lord have been in keeping America and Israel safe.

· "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19b)

9. Iraq's Parliament to Vote on U.S. Pact Thursday - Intercessors for America

Iraq's Shiite-dominated parliament today delayed voting on a pact setting Dec. 31, 2011, as the deadline for U.S. forces to leave Iraq as Sunni Arab lawmakers pressed for more concessions in exchange for supporting it. The parliament speaker, Mahmoud Mashadani, indicated that most of the demands had been met during private talks among political leaders. "We have a generally positive atmosphere," he said. But he said the blocs needed more time to hammer out details, so the long-anticipated vote would be put off until Thursday.

The pact, which is to take effect Jan. 1, would replace the United Nations mandate now governing the U.S. troop presence, which expires that day. In addition to setting the end of 2011 as the date for all U.S. forces to be out of Iraq, the roughly 20-page document also sets June 30, 2009, as the date for U.S. combat troops to withdraw from Iraqi's cities, towns and villages and confine themselves to distant bases.

· Continue to pray for passage of this Iraq / U.S. Security Pact.

· "For the eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, and his ears attend to their prayer." (I Peter 3:12)

The Middle East in Focus

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

"Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1-2)

1. Hamas: After Nov. 4, 'we are stronger, and the Israelis and Americans are weaker' - World Tribune

The Hamas regime is not concerned that Israel will mount a major military invasion of the Gaza Strip, despite daily Palestinian missile strikes.

2. Olmert: U.S. never advised Israel to use restraint against Iran - Ha'aretz

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Tuesday the United States has not advised Israel to restrain itself from taking any action it deemed necessary against Iran's nuclear program.

3. Khamenei for Lebanese unity vs. Israel - Jerusalem Post

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Tuesday on Lebanon's disparate ethnic groups to unite against their common enemy - Israel - the Iranian IRNA news agency reported.

4. Olmert: No reason we can't agree on core issues soon - Ynet News

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made clear on Tuesday once again that he still has the mandate to make concessions on Israel's behalf, despite his lame duck government.

The White House in Transition

1. Gates Stays at Defense - Does He Know Something We Don't? - FOX News

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates stays - and that's good news for most Americans. First, it confirms President-elect Obama's pledge to include Republicans in his cabinet. And this is a special Republican indeed, the importance of whose portfolio is equaled only by the State Department. In accepting the appointment, does Mr. Gates know something we don't?

Nevertheless, this appointment coupled with the rather smart group of moderates Obama has selected for his economics team suggests that the bus that always seems to be following our next president still has some room underneath for yet one more group of ex-friends-the MoveOn.org crowd. And this raises another question: in accepting the appointment, does Mr. Gates know something we don't? (Of course, with the highest security clearance possible, he knows plenty that we don't, but that's not what I mean.)

· The choice of Gates as Secretary of Defense suggests that there will no immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq, allowing that country to establish its security. However, the reference to MoveOn.org may point to conflict within President-elect Obama's cabinet. Pray for security on all sides, so that Iraq is not abandoned, that our military has not served in vain, and that democracy is clearly established in Iraq.

· "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered." (Proverbs 28:26)

2. Obama to Remove FEMA from Dept. of Homeland Security - Washington Post

The Federal Emergency Management Administration . . . looks to be getting a facelift under the Obama administration, sources tell us. The likely plan is to break off the agency from the Department of Homeland Security, a move that would in itself help restore the pride FEMA folks felt when it was an independent agency. In so doing, FEMA officials will report directly to the new president, instead of through the chain of command of DHS.

· Thank our Lord that He promises to guide us in all decision-making every step of the way, one step at a time. May His divine wisdom guide the President - Elect now, in all matters that are before him. Praise God!

· "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go: I will guide you with my eye." (Psalm 32:8)

3. Cuomo Favored to Take Hillary Clinton's Senate Seat - Fox News

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is emerging as the leading contender to take over the Senate seat of Hillary Clinton, who is poised to head the State Department after Barack Obama takes offices as President. Blogs and polls are showing a preference for Cuomo. In a new Marist poll, 43 percent of New York voters said they would like to see Cuomo replace Clinton, 1 percentage point more than those who said they were not sure about their preference. Cuomo, son of former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, has strong ties to the Clintons. He was secretary of housing and urban development for four years under President Bill Clinton before being elected the state attorney general in 2006.Clinton's role in the Obama administration still isn't official, though sources have said she is expected to be announced as his secretary of state nominee after Thanksgiving. She then would have to be confirmed by the Senate.Democratic Gov. David Paterson would get to appoint Clinton's replacement upon her resignation, and her replacement would face a special election in two years.

· The changes at the White House are also creating changes on Capitol Hill in the United States Senate. Before January 20th, the Governor of Illinois must appoint the man or woman who will fill the remaining term of former Senator Barack Obama; and now the Governor of New York may need to appoint one to take the seat of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, as well. As we pray for "all in authority," asking wisdom to be granted to the new president, let us also lift up the governors of these two states as they, too, fulfill their own responsibilities during this season of transition.

· "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Matthew 21:22)

4. Opinion: "A Time For Thanksgiving" - The Weekly Standard

Boston Herald's Jules Crittenden Thanks President Bush, Saying He "Has Made The World A Better Place As the transition progresses and Barack Obama's inauguration draws closer, it's a good moment to mull the gifts George W. Bush has left for the incoming president. Bush has made the world a better place, and if Obama wants to do the same, he will take the good things Bush has done and move forward with them. . . First and foremost, Saddam Hussein - a state sponsor of terrorism, a producer of weapons of mass destruction, a warmonger, and a genocidal maniac - is gone. . . The nuclear arms race in the Middle East was checked after 2003 when Iraq was cut out of it, Libya surrendered, and Iran momentarily halted its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Iran is back in the game, and apparently Syria as well, but Europe and the U.N. have come into line with George Bush on Iran, recognizing that ultimately someone must be willing to use force when all else fails.

· Offer Thanksgiving to the Lord for His goodness to America. Let our national celebration this year be a time of recognizing what God has done in blessing our nation. This is not a time for whining nor for recriminations. Read God's Word at the dinner table so that children can see that praising lifts the spirit and focuses us on what is truly important.

· "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

5. President Bush Says "I Will Always Be Thankful For The Honor Of Having Served As The Commander In Chief." - The Tennessean

President George W. Bush spent the first Thanksgiving of his presidency at Fort Campbell, and that's where the commander in chief returned Tuesday for one final holiday meal with the soldiers. In a brief speech to the troops, Bush thanked them for their service, lauded their accomplishments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and promised "we're growing closer to the day when our troops will come home. And when they come home, they will come home in victory. . .""You know, this is going to be my last Thanksgiving as president," Bush said, as the crowd cheered and waved hundreds of small American flags. "Sometimes I'm asked what I will miss most about the job. Well, above all, I'm going to miss spending time with men and women who wear the uniform. We are blessed to have defenders of such character and courage. I will always be thankful for the honor of having served as the commander in chief."

· Praise the Lord for the blessings of having George W. Bush as president for the last eight years. While not perfect and certainly wrong about Israel, President Bush has been a man who has cared for America and its citizens. We have much to praise the Lord for. Pray for . President Bush's life beyond the White House.

· "The fear of Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil." (Proverbs 19:23

Victory in Dallas

Holy Land Convictions Reveal Tip Of Terrorist Organization Within US

After a long and arduous trial ending in a hung jury, the United States Department of Justice won its retrial against the Islamic terrorist front, the Holy Land Foundation, as the jury handed down guilty verdicts on all 105 counts against the foundation itself and four of its leaders and associates. The Holy Land Foundation, based in Richardson, Texas, was found to be an indirect arm of the Muslim Brotherhood terrorist organization and a fundraising arm in the United States for the Hamas terrorist organization- which endorsed President-elect Barack Hussein Obama in the waning days of the recent presidential election.

According to court documents, there was an October 1993 meeting of Palestinian activists in Philadelphia, a month after the Oslo Peace Accords were signed between PLO terrorist Yassir Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. These activists were determined to use US Constitutional protections of religious freedom to raise money for social activities and infrastructural support of the Hamas terrorist group. The money would be used to build the terrorist organization's social infrastructure, and to free it to conduct its terrorist activities. The documents indicated that humanitarian efforts associated with Hamas provided the perfect cover to raise money to fund the terrorist influence of Hamas.

President Bill Clinton issued an executive order prohibiting any kind of support, including charitable, to Hamas. The court document stated, "This broad prohibition recognized the vital role a terrorist group's social infrastructure plays in strengthening the movement by exploiting the needs of the civilian population and providing radical indoctrination through its schools and social programs... Between 1995 and December 2001, the defendant HLF delivered hundreds of thousands of dollars into the West Bank and Gaza to construct schools, medical clinics, libraries and other community-based facilities, in addition to supporting individuals and families of individuals arrested, detained or injured during violent confrontations with Israel."

The Holy Land Foundation worked closely with many other so-called Islamic charities to provide support for terrorist organizations. The government named an intricate web of Islamic organizations, including the Council on American Islamic Relations, that cooperate under the Muslim Brotherhood's plan to create a "civilization Jihad" in America with the intent to destroy the nation. The convictions in the Holy Land trial appear to be just the tip of a carefully orchestrated plan to use the freedoms America offers to destroy her from within. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 24:4, "Take heed that no man deceives you." There is deception from within this nation. It is found in using our Constitution as cover to destroy the nation.

Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

First National Thanksgiving Proclamation

American Minute - Nov. 26 George Washington, First National Thanksgiving Proclamation
In order to thank God for the First Amendment, which was passed a week earlier by Congress, President George Washington issued the first National Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1789: "Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me 'to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness;'"
Washington continued:

"Now, therefore, I do recommend...Thursday, the 26TH DAY of NOVEMBER . . . to be devoted by the People of these United States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be;"

Washington concluded: "That we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks . . .for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government . . . particularly the national one now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed . . . to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue."

(Source: American Minute with Bill Federer)

CHPP Daily Brief - November 25, 2008

In This Issue

· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· The White House in Transition
· The More Things Change
· More About Conscience Rules
· Bill Clinton's Third Term
· Better Health Linked to Church Attendance

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

The Daily Brief Tuesday, November 25, 2008

"Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." (Revelation 7:10)

"Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather together and express gratitude for all that we have been given, the freedoms we enjoy, and the loved ones who enrich our lives. We recognize that all of these blessings, and life itself, come not from the hand of man but from Almighty God. " - - President Bush, Thanksgiving Proclamation 2008

The Daily Brief

1. President Bush Meets With Israeli Prime Minister Olmert in Oval OfficeSays "We Strongly Believe That Israel Will Benefit By Having A Palestinian State" - Jerusalem Post

President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert praised each other's visions for peace between Israelis and Palestinians Monday as each leader prepares to leave office without seeing that dream fulfilled. "We strongly believe that Israel will benefit by having a Palestinian state, a democracy on her border that works for peace. And, Prime Minister, that vision is alive because of you. And I thank you for your steadfast support for peace," Bush told Olmert ahead of a meeting in the Oval Office Monday night, which was followed by a private dinner. In return, Olmert mentioned the Annapolis negotiating process, which Bush initiated a year ago, and stressed his commitment to it for as long as he remains in office.

· Lord we are dismayed at the continual efforts to break up and divide the land that You gave the Israeli people. So many years of war and suffering have produced a desperate lack of faith and knowledge of Your will for the land. We ask that Your Holy Spirit move over the region, bringing a fresh wind of the knowledge of You to every man, woman and child in Israel and the surrounding contested areas.

· "But I will reveal My name to My people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them." (Isaiah 52:6 NLT)

2. Russian Warships Arrive Off Venezuela's Coast - AP

Russian warships have arrived off Venezuela's coast for naval exercises meant to showcase deepening relations between President Hugo Chavez's government and Moscow. Two Russian ships appeared on the horizon Tuesday. Venezuelan sailors in the Caribbean port of La Guaira are waiting to greet them. The deployment of a Russian naval squadron including a destroyer and the nuclear-powered cruiser Peter the Great is the first of its kind in the Caribbean since the Cold War. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also is visiting Caracas this week.

· Father may our leaders be wise in the actions regarding this challenge, and may they recognize the danger of this move on Russia's part. May we be granted Your strength and power to avoid a disaster in the Western Hemisphere.

· "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles." (Psalm 34:17)

3. U.S. Pledges Top $7.7 Trillion to Ease Frozen Credit - BloombergThe U.S. government is prepared to provide more than $7.76 trillion on behalf of American taxpayers after guaranteeing $306 billion of Citigroup Inc. debt yesterday. The pledges, amounting to half the value of everything produced in the nation last year, are intended to rescue the financial system after the credit markets seized up 15 months ago.

· Father, how long can we sustain bailouts with money that does not exist? Lord we implore You to cover our leaders with wisdom and understanding rather than money printing and panic. We lay our economy before You, trusting in Your mercy and grace.

· "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7)

4. Muslim Charity, Leaders Convicted on Charges of Funding Terror - Fox News

A jury on Monday determined that the Holy Land Foundation and five men who worked with the Muslim charity were guilty of three dozen counts related to the illegal funneling of at least $12 million to the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. The unanimous verdicts are a complete victory for the government, which streamlined its case and worked hard to carefully educate jurors on the complex, massive evidence presented in the trial. The prosecution's victory is also a major one for the lame duck administration of President George W. Bush, whose efforts at fighting terrorism financing in court have been troubled, even though the flow of funds seems to be effectively shut down.

· Thank You, Lord, for this huge victory in the fight against terror funding. We ask that more victories come, and that You will stand guard over America to reveal all plans of the enemy to fund terrorist plots against American interests.

· "Arise for our help, and redeem us for Thy mercies' sake." (Psalm 44:26)

-- More Comments on This Case:

a) Intercessors, This is a MAJOR, MAJOR victory! Be sure to follow this up with appropriate prayers that the verdict will stick and that the government will be successful in shutting down other such fund-raising "tricks" to support terrorism and against our troops in Iraq. Pray also for the safety of all the jury. Praise God also for this vindication of President Bush and his leadership in the war on terror! (RaJean V., Texas)

b) Praise God for the victory in this trial! It is so significant that this jury did what many counter- terrorism experts doubted they would do and I have no doubt that it is the prayers of the saints that brought home this verdict of all guilty on all counts! (Donna D., on-site observer, Dallas, Texas)

5. Diplomats: U.S., IAEA Chief Clash Over Syria -- NewsMax

The chief nuclear inspector on Monday said Syria had a right to his agency's help in planning a power- producing atomic reactor, in what diplomats described as a forthright rejection of U.S.-led requests that Damascus be denied the aid.Father we pray that You will block any and all attempts by Syria to build a nuclear arms facility. We pray that You will reveal hidden secrets and agendas by their leadership to destroy Israel and build nuclear weapons under the guise of "peaceful power."

· While we recognize that the Middle East needs power to run their societies, we pray that changes of heart in their leaderships will make it possible to one day have power without threat of annihilation to Your people.

· "But Judah shall dwell forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation." (Joel 3:20)

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:

"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth." (Job 19:25)

1. Bush: Two-state vision still alive - Ynet News

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with United States President George Bush in what was likely the farewell meeting between the two leaders as their term in office draws to an end.

2. Hizbullah paying Palestinian groups to avenge Mughniyeh - Jerusalem Post

Fearing a harsh military response if it attacks Israel directly, Hizbullah has paid Palestinian terrorist cells to avenge the assassination of the group's military commander, The Jerusalem Post has learned.

3. Olmert to Rice: West talking to Hamas - Ynet News

During his meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and senior National Security Council officials, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed his concern over what he said were contacts between Western elements and Hamas.

4. Iran arrests 'Israel-linked spy network' - AFP

Iran announced on Monday it had broken up a spy network linked to arch-enemy Israel's intelligence service Mossad, accusing it of gathering information on Iranian nuclear and military programmes.

5. Hizbullah pays Palestinian terrorist to attack Israel - ICEJ News

Lebanese terror militia now has 42,000 missiles The Lebanese Shi'ite terror militia Hizbullah has reportedly paid tens of thousands of dollars to Palestinian militants, directing them to carry out attacks on the Jewish state in retaliation for the February assassination of the group's terrorist mastermind, Imad Mughniyeh

6. Hamas split over future strategy in Gaza - ICEJ News

Internal Hamas correspondence intercepted by the Palestinian Authority and reported by Ha'aretz on Monday reveals a significant fissure has developed between the Hamas leadership in the West Bank and abroad, on the one hand, and its Gaza-based leadership on the other. The document provides a rare glimpse into the inner-workings of the terrorist organization and discloses that a division has emerged over future dealings with the Palestinian Authority since the bloody Hamas takeover of Gaza in June 2007.

In the intercepted paper, the Hamas governance abroad, headed by Khaled Mashaal, says it does not want "to control Gaza completely while losing the West Bank." They would like to see a settlement with the PA and blame the Gazan leadership for the failure of reconciliation talks with Fatah that had been slated for Cairo earlier this month. "In short, we want to go to dialogue [with the PA] and we want this dialogue to succeed," the Mashaal camp tells Hamas-Gaza. Meanwhile, the regime headquartered in Gaza, overseen by Halil al-Haya, and is more rigid in its approach to Fatah. The Hamas command in Damascus has even proposed allowing PA President Mahmoud Abbas to continue in his post past the end of his term on January 9, but the leadership in Gaza insists that he step down.

7. US urges Israeli restraint from attacking Iran, Gaza raid - ICEJ News

The US has requested that Israel refrain from embarking on any large-scale operations against Iran or Hamas-ruled Gaza during the last weeks of the Bush administration, Time magazine reported Monday. The publication quotes an unnamed Israeli source at the Defense Ministry as saying, "We have been warned off."

The appeal comes at a time when tensions between Israel and lran are reaching new highs. Last week the UN released a report that confirmed Iran's refusal to heed Security Council demands to freeze uranium enrichment. Many experts estimate that the Iranian regime will have its first atomic bomb within a year.

The US also reportedly called for Jerusalem to hold off on any incursion into the Gaza Strip. Recently, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni have all said that a military thrust into Gaza may be needed to stop the constant barrage of Palestinian rocket fire emanating from the Strip, but Olmert and Barak held a secret meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II last week to reassure him a major Gaza incursion is not currently in the works. On Tuesday, Olmert also denied the reports of a US demand that Israel hold back on Iran for now.

The White House in Transition

1. Obama Signals Big Stimulus Plan - Wall Street Journal

President-elect Barack Obama suggested he would package much of his campaign spending proposals as economic stimulus and try to push them quickly through Congress to combat a deepening downturn.

· Lord, we humbly ask that You protect our nation from hastily conceived legislation that may not truly help with the current crisis. If the legislation be sound, let it pass; if it is not, then we ask that You block it.

· "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)

2. Likely National Security Advisor Suggested NATO Forces for West Bank - CNS News

The man tipped to become President-elect Obama's national security advisor has reportedly proposed putting NATO forces in the West Bank in place of Israeli security forces -- an idea that makes some Israelis uncomfortable.

· Father as we know how ineffective NATO forces have been in the Lebanese-Israeli conflict, we ask that this plan be thwarted if it is not Your will. May You rise up in power for the nation of Israel and guard her borders with Your heavenly host.

· "And I will encamp about Mine house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth; and no oppressor shall pass through them any more; for now I have seen with Mine eyes." (Zechariah 9:8)

3. 'Office of President-Elect' Holds No Authority - Fox News

President-elect Barack Obama is looking very presidential these days. When he makes an announcement, he is ringed by American flags and stands behind a lectern that has a very presidential- looking placard announcing "The Office of the President-Elect." But the props are merely that. Under the Constitution, there is no such thing as the Office of the President- elect. Technically, Obama will not even become the president-elect until the Electoral College convenes after the second Wednesday in December and elects him based on the results of the Nov. 4 general election, as stated in the Constitution. But the "Office of the President-Elect," while critical in building the future government, has no official power -- which Obama himself acknowledged during his victory speech in Chicago on Election Night.

In the 11 weeks between Election Day and Inauguration Day, the next president must ensure a smooth transition by selecting political appointees to manage key agencies and offices within the Executive Branch, and by creating the policies that will define the new administration -- all while respecting the authority held by the current president. As president-elect, Obama is also given the same highly classified intelligence briefings that President Bush receives on a daily basis. And Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden get full Secret Service protection, which Obama also received during the Democratic primaries and general election campaign. (Read more)

· Ask our Lord to continue to grant His wisdom, one day at a time, to both the President and the President- Elect, during this delicate time of transition, so that all will flow smoothly throughout this period. Pray that all secrets that are classified REMAIN classified, in Jesus' Name, amen.
· "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go: I will guide you with my eye." (Psalm 32:8)

The More Things Change

As things progress it is becoming clear the so- called "middle ground" on abortion that we were told Barack Obama was pursuing in his campaign might elude him now that he is President-elect. Obama continues to fill key positions with politicians and activists who have radical pro-abortion records. The latest is Ellen Moran, the executive director of EMILY's List, a pro-abortion political action committee, who will be the face and voice of the new administration as the President's spokesperson. As the Washington Post put it, "A candidate must meet three qualifications to be considered for an EMILY's List endorsement: back abortion rights, including the right to late-term (or 'partial-birth') abortions; be a Democrat; and, in primary elections, be a woman." . . . It comes as no surprise to those who followed President-elect Obama's record that he is forming such a strongly pro- abortion team, but what do the Obama apologists like Doug Kmiec and Jim Wallis have to say now that the emperor they helped elect is shown to have no clothes? (Family Research Council)

More About Conscience Rules
Conscience Rules Protect Those with No Stomach for Abortions

Yesterday's Washington Post Magazine had a feature about a "pro-choice" medical student, Lesley Wojick, deciding whether to become a professional abortionist. Even with Roe v. Wade giving legal protection for "abortion rights," the number of doctors willing to perform the procedure has been declining. And no wonder. The article describes in graphic terms how the young student was introduced to abortion techniques-beginning with practice abortions on a papaya, a fruit roughly the size and shape of a woman's uterus.

When Wojick observed an actual abortion, "[t]he patient was in obvious pain. Her screams gave Lesley the chills, and she thought she might throw up." When one woman sought an abortion at 20 weeks, Wojick realized that on her neonatal rotation "she had tried to keep similar-sized babies alive." In the end, Wojick decides, "Vacuuming out a uterus and counting the parts of the fetus did not seem like a desirable way to spend her work days."

Pro-abortion groups would like to force medical schools to teach abortion and ob-gyn students to learn how to perform them. Fortunately, regulations that will soon be issued by the Bush administration should reinforce the freedom of conscience of medical students and doctors, even the pro-choice ones, like Lesley Wojick, who simply can't stomach performing abortions. (Family Research Council)

Bill Clinton's Third Term

Throughout the campaign, Barack Obama rarely missed an opportunity to tie Senator McCain to President Bush. He repeatedly suggested that a McCain presidency would essentially be George Bush's "third term," offering "more of the same." The charge was effective and worked well for Senator Obama. . . .

But there is an old saying in Washington: "Personnel is policy." And it seems from President-elect Obama's appointments that we are getting Bill Clinton's third term. As I mentioned in a previous report, an overwhelming percentage of Obama appointments have ties to the Clinton Administration, and he has continued to tap the "Clinton well" in the past few days.

His choice for Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, served as under secretary for international affairs during the Clinton Administration. Larry Summers, a former Treasury Secretary under Bill Clinton, may be brought into the White House as President-elect Obama's senior economic advisor. Vice President- elect Joe Biden chose as his chief of staff, Ron Klain, who was Vice President Al Gore's chief of staff for four years during the Clinton Administration. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who was the Energy Secretary and UN ambassador under Bill Clinton, reportedly will be Secretary of Commerce. And we're still waiting for the formal announcement that Hillary will get the plum post of Secretary of State.

In one way, Obama has succeeded in bringing people together. Many conservatives and progressives are furious that so many "Clintonistas," including Hillary herself, have been appointed to key positions. Leftists who voted for Obama hoping for "change" are feeling cheated because it appears as though we are going "back to the future" and getting Bill Clinton's "third term."
Conservatives who lived through those scandal ridden years, and those, like me, who had their FBI files pulled by hyper-partisan bureaucrats, aren't looking forward to reliving them. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; Nov. 25, 2008)

Better Health Linked to Church Attendance
Good News: Better Health Linked to Church Attendance

A new study, which followed the health of more than 90,000 older women over an average of more than seven years, found that those who attended church were one-fifth less likely to die during the study than those who did not, The New York Times reported. The study, which appears in Psychology & Health, looked at women 50 to 79 at 40 locations across the U.S.
"All things being equal, religious people need and use fewer health care services," said Dr. Harold G. Koenig, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University Medical Center, who did not participate in the study of women. "They are healthier, more likely to have intact families to care for them and have greater social support." Koenig will speak at the Dec. 3 Heritage Foundation conference "Religious Practice and Health: What the Research Says," which will feature a roster of top academics.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit the conference Web site.
(Source: Focus on the Family; CitizenLink)

CHPP Daily Brief - November 21, 2008

In This Issue

· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· Pray for the Persecuted Church
· The White House in Transition

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

Friday, November 21, 2008

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and power . . . for everything in heaven and earth is Yours." (I Chronicles 29:11)

The Daily Brief

1. Legal Battle over Calif. Marriage Amendment Opens New Chapter - One News Now

California's Supreme Court has issued a temporary order upholding Proposition 8, which defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

- We rejoice in this victory and pray that there will continue to be judicial notice of the will of the people.

- Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4)

2. 'Gay' Activists Engage in 'Hate Crimes' Against Christians - One News Now

Homosexual militants have been conducting legal demonstrations in opposition to Proposition 8's victory in the election; however, one Christian believes the increased attacks and harassment of supporters of traditional marriage are illegal and should be treated as such.

- Please keep safe Christians from across the nation who are being attacked and give them strength so that their actions will bring glory to Your name. We pray that those who are breaking the law will be treated as criminals and will be restrained from violence.

- You adulterers! Don't you know that friendship with the world means hostility with God? So whoever wants to be a friend of this world is an enemy of God. (James 4:4)

3. Congress to Automakers: No Plan, No Money - Fox News

Congressional leaders told Detroit's Big Three automakers Thursday that they have until Dec. 2 to submit a plan to Congress on how they will use billions of taxpayer funds to bring their companies from the brink of destruction.

- The government has been overturning precedent for how it deals with companies in financial danger, and we pray that there will be a focus on thought and planning before rushing into action.

- I'm telling you to keep away from these men for now. Leave them alone, because if this plan or movement is of human origin, it will fail. (Acts 5:38)

4. Mexican Immigration to U.S. Cut Nearly in Half - NewsMax

Mexican emigration has dropped 42 percent over the last two years, a government study released Thursday showed, confirming that America has become less appealing amid an economic downturn and stepped up raids against illegal migrants.

- Lord, we praise You that the US government is starting to focus on the danger of widespread disobedience to the law. We also pray that we will have soft hearts for those in need regardless of their immigration status.

- 'Cursed is he who moves his neighbor's boundary mark.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen.' (Deuteronomy 27:17)

5. Nativity Scene Goes to U.S. Supreme Court - CBN News

A couple of Christian rights groups placed a nativity scene in front of the U.S. Supreme Court Thursday, as part of an effort to encourage Americans to do the same in front of public buildings all across the United States.

- We pray for reminders of both Your past and future coming as the Christmas season approaches. May our hearts be on You and not on the worldly celebrations of consumerism.

- And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)

6. Government Warns of "Catastrophic" U.S. Quake - Reuters

People in a vast seismic zone in the southern and mid-western United States would face catastrophic damage if a major earthquake struck there and should ensure that builders keep that risk in mind, a government report said on Thursday.

- We pray that governments and churches will both be ready as the incidences of natural disasters become more frequent in this time before Your return.

- And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. (1 Kings 19:11)

7. Iraqi Parliament Weighs Security Pact - Wall Street Journal

The Iraqi parliament began its debate on a security pact between the U.S. and Iraq Thursday, after a shoving match involving a legislator opposed to the pact had delayed the start the day before.

- As the US and Iraq reconsider their agreements, we pray that a spirit of peace will rise between the two nations. May the reductions in violence continue so that the Iraqi people can prosper and turn to You.

- So our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, 'Take provisions in your hand for the journey, and go to meet them and say to them, "We are your servants; now then, make a covenant with us." (Joshua 9:11)

8. Rice Meets with EU Foreign Policy Chief on Iranian Threat - Ynet News

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with EU foreign policy Chief Javier Solana on Thursday for talks on trans- Atlantic relations and the Middle East peace process.

- This time at the end of the Bush administration and the early days of the new administration will be a perilous time for the US if rogue nations decide to test the will of the US. Lord, we pray that You will continue to expose plots and that the safety of Israel will also be a consideration for those who will plan American diplomacy.

- One thousand will flee at the threat of one man; You will flee at the threat of five, Until you are left as a flag on a mountain top And as a signal on a hill. (Isaiah 30:17)

9. U.N. Security Council Approves Sanctions on Somali Pirates - USA Today

The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Thursday to impose sanctions on pirates, arms smugglers, and perpetrators of instability in Somalia in a fresh attempt to help end years of lawlessness in the Horn of Africa nation.

- We praise You that the UN is standing firm against violence. We pray that this is a harbinger of things to come so that the world will stand firm against those who kill innocents.

- He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells nothing. (Proverbs 29:27)

The Middle East in Focus

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

THIS DECREE:

1. 'Netanyahu will lead us into conflict with the world' If Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu wins the February 10, 2009 general election to become Israel's next prime minister, he will lead the Jewish state into a confrontation with the whole world.

2. Iran has enough material for first Allah-Bomb While the world has been vacillating over how best to respond to untempered Iranian belligerency and Tehran's defiant pursuit of nuclear weapons, the champion of Islamic states has already acquired enough material

3. TASE floor blood-letting halts trade Israel's Hebrew-language daily _Ha'aretz_ reported Thursday, that the country's economy was being battered by the global financial storms, with the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange plummeting to the point where trading was halted.

4. Livni blasts UN's Ban Ki-Moon Instead of issuing statements of "concern" for Gaza's Arabs and pressing Israel to alleviate their "plight," United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon should see to it that the UN's members condemn the Gazans'

5. Criminalizing circumcision may force out Denmark's Jews After Jews have lived in Denmark for hundreds of years, the 7000-strong community that resides there today may be forced to leave. The country's legislators are studying a proposed law that would make the practice illegal.

6. 'Peacenik' Peres - Another 'disengagement' could trigger civil war Efforts to uproot Judea's and Samaria's Jews could lead to civil war in Israel. So warned Israeli President Shimon Peres Wednesday, when he became the first Israeli leader to address members of both houses of Parliament.

Pray for the Persecuted Church

For all the needs listed below, let's pray THIS PROMISE this week for the persecuted church across the world:

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." (Matthew 25:40)

1. Iraq: Court Releases Christian Girl Sentenced for Murder In prison at the age of 14 for having fatally stabbed her uncle in northern Iraq, Asya Ahmad Muhammad's early release on Nov. 10, thanks to a juvenile court decision was overshadowed by fear of retaliation from her extended Muslim family.

2. Ami Ortiz: Where's the Justice? It has been nearly eight months since 15-year-old Ami Ortiz was almost killed by an explosion while opening an innocent looking Purim basket on March 20th, however no arrests have been made despite the fact that the Ariel police have months of surveillance tapes and a considerable amount of evidence in their possession.

The White House in Transition

1. Sources: Geithner 'on Track' for Treasury Post - CNN

President-elect Barack Obama's potential Cabinet is beginning to take shape, as transition team aides say he is closing in on nominations for some of the posts. New York Federal Reserve President Timothy Geithner is "on track" to be offered the treasury secretary post, two sources close to the transition team said Friday. Two sources also said Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico is a serious contender for commerce secretary, but that he could be tapped for another senior post.

- We continue to pray for wisdom for Barack Obama as he picks those who will form his administration. May men and women who follow You be put into positions of influence.

- With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding? And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge And informed Him of the way of understanding? (Isaiah 40:14)

2. Geithner Talk Gooses Stocks - CNN

Stocks rallied Friday, with the Dow industrials closing up 494 points after reports surfaced that President- elect Barack Obama will nominate New York Federal Bank President Timothy Geithner as his new Treasury secretary. The Dow lost 10.4% in Wednesday's and Thursday's sessions, its worst two-day percentage drop in over 20 years, according to Dow Jones. For the week, the Dow lost 5.3%, the Nasdaq lost around 8.5% and the S&P lost 8%.

- We continue to pray that the stock markets will calm and that Your people will rest in Your plan and not allow worry to cloud their judgment.

- And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time? (Luke 12:42)

3. New York Elementary School Renamed After Barack Obama - AP

At the behest of its students, an elementary school near New York City has been renamed after President- elect Barack Obama.

- Lord, may Your name be glorified and may the people be discerning and not run toward a false hope. Let their hope be placed in You.

- My dear friend, do not follow wrong examples, but right ones. He who habitually does what is right is a child of God: he who habitually does what is wrong has not seen God. (3 John 1:11)

Publishing Note . . .
The Daily Brief will be published next week on Tuesday, November 25, and on Wednesday, November 26. We will then stand down for the rest of next week, allowing our staff to enjoy their Thanksgiving Holiday with family and friends.

CHPP Daily Brief - November 20, 2008

· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· Pray for the Persecuted Church
· The White House in Transition
· Of Lawyers, Courts, A President and the Truth
· Obama's 'Alta' Ego on Stem Cells
· Challenges to Prop 8 Before CA Supreme Court

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

Thursday, November 20 , 2008

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and power. . . for everything in heaven and earth is Yours." (I Chronicles 29:11)

The Daily Brief

1. a) Israeli Air Force "Ready for Iran's Nuclear Sites" - Fox News

The Israeli Air Force is ready to attack Iran's suspected nuclear weapons project if diplomacy fails to persuade the Islamic Republic to halt uranium enrichment, said Commander Ido Nehushtan in an interview published Tuesday. b) Iran Said to have Fuel for One Nuclear Weapon - NY Times Iran has now produced roughly enough nuclear material to make, with added purification, a single atom bomb, according to nuclear experts analyzing the latest report from global atomic inspectors.

· Lord at this extremely volatile time for Israel, we ask that Your wisdom and protection cover them. Lord, set Your heavenly host around the borders, bring righteous and strong leadership that know You, and hedge them about with Your power.

· "And shall put My Spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land; then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord." (Ezekiel 37:14)

2. Peres - Iran Wants Mideast Religious Block - Ynet News

"The Iranian leadership's grand design is to convert the Middle East into one religious bloc," President Shimon Peres said Wednesday during his address to the British Parliament.

· Lord as this plan has been revealed, we pray that You will give truth and understanding to all leaders of the free world. May they move in wisdom to stop this plan from fruition, and may Your Holy Spirit rise up against the plans of the enemy.

· "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19b)

3. Economic Crisis Prompts Anti-Semitism in Europe - Ynet News

The global economic crisis, which is beginning to be clearly felt across Europe, has brought with it another concerning phenomenon -- a rise in anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic assaults throughout the continent.

· Lord we bind the spirit of jealousy and murder against Your people, and loose Your protection over them.

· "And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, the days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will slay my brother Jacob." (Genesis 27:41)

4. Senate Approves Extending Unemployment Benefits - AP

Jarred by new jobless alarms, Congress raced to approve legislation Thursday to keep unemployment checks flowing through the December holidays and into the new year for a million or more laid-off Americans whose benefits are running out. The Senate's vote followed Thursday's government report that laid-off workers' new claims for jobless aid had reached a 16-year high and the number of Americans searching for work had surged past 10 million.

· Offer praise for this act of mercy on the part of the United States Senate for the millions of Americans who find themselves unemployed during this holiday season. Lift up these citizens -- Father knows their names and their needs -- thanking Him for the plan He has yet in store for their lives. God is good.

· "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)

5. Recount Underway in Minnesota Senate Showdown - Washington Times

City and county workers across Minnesota began a laborious recount Wednesday of more than 2.9 million ballots in the tight U.S. Senate contest between incumbent Republican Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken.

· Father you know the importance of balance in all things political. We pray again that You will not allow a filibuster-proof Senate.

· "Deliver me from the oppression of man; so will I keep Thy precepts." (Psalm 119:134)

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 has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1-2)

1. Abdullah holds secret summit with Olmert, Barak - Ynet News

Jordan's King Abdullah summoned Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak to his palace in Amman on Tuesday night and implored them not to launch a military operation in Gaza, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Thursday.

2. Peres: Settlement evacuation may lead to civil war - Ha'aretz

President Shimon Peres told members of the British Parliament Wednesday that Israel would have difficulty dismantling West Bank settlements without causing a civil war in Israel.

3. Survey: Likud growing in strength, Labor collapsing - Ynet News

If the general elections were to be held today, the Likud would have won with 32 Knesset seats, whereas Kadima would have received only 26 mandates, a new survey published in Yedioth Ahronoth on Thursday revealed.

4. Hamas: We're prepared to end cease-fire and confront Israel - Ha'aretz

Hamas' military wing announced Tuesday it was "prepared for a confrontation with Israel" and for the end of the cease-fire with Israel. But political sources said the cease-fire was expected to go on.

Pray for the Persecuted Church

For all the needs listed below, let's pray THIS PROMISE this week for the persecuted church across the world:

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." (Matthew 25:40)

1. Iraq Releases Christian Girl From Prison

Authorities in northern Iraq have released a 16-year-old Christian girl who was serving a 3 1/2 years jail sentence for killing her uncle after he attacked her, observers of the case confirmed Wednesday, November 12.

2. Pastor Still Missing In Colombia; Christians Fear For His Life

Christians in Colombia were still searching for a Christian leader Wednesday, November 12, more than six weeks after he disappeared amid reports that several fellow pastors were killed by leftist rebels.

3. House Church Leader Zhu Baoguo Sentenced to 'Re-education Through Labor' China

Aid learned a house church leader in Henan province, Pastor Zhu Baoguo, was sentenced to one year of "re-education through labor," accused of being an "evil cult" leader

The White House in Transition

1. Election Officials May Audit Obama's Fundraising Machine - Newsmax.com

Despite efforts to sweep Barack Obama's questionable fundraising tactics under the rug, the Federal Election Commission still may investigate numerous suspicious campaign donations uncovered by Newsmax. Questionable transactions include donors with fake names and large wire transfers from places like the Gaza Strip.

· Lord let truth be revealed in this situation, so that all will understand what is false and what is fact. If fraud has been perpetuated, we ask that justice be served and laws be enforced which will stop this from occurring again.

· "To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." (Proverbs 21:3)

2. Keep the Change - Fox News

Obama promised change, but so far he's outdone Clinton and Bush in picking Washington insiders for his Cabinet.

· Continue to pray for the president-elect as he attempts to build a new cabinet "from scratch." He is moving quickly now into a huge new role; thank our Lord that, as kings seek His counsel, He will give it!

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

3. White House Pushes Through a Flurry of Rule Changes Sought by Business - Wall Street Journal

The Bush administration in the past week has adopted several hot-button regulatory changes long sought by business groups, drawing criticism from congressional Democrats.

· Father we know that Presidents have a history of pushing through last minute items prior to going out of office. We ask that President Bush be granted wisdom in the final days of his office, that any items that are wisdom from You be kept into the next administration.

· "That they may know that this is Thy hand; that Thou, Lord, hast done it." (Psalm 109:27)

Of Lawyers, Courts, A President and the Truth

Barack Hussein Obama has until December 1st to respond to the U.S. Supreme Court's Writ of Certiorari. The Writ was issued to Obama by Justice David Souter in concurrence with three additional Supreme Court Justices. The Writ of Certiorari is derived from the Latin word of the same, meaning "to be informed of, or to be made certain in regard to." This particular Writ of Certiorari, or "Cert" in shortened legalese, is in response to Philadelphia Attorney Phillip Berg's lawsuit demanding that Obama must prove his natural born citizenship which was denied by a Clinton-appointed Circuit Court judge, saying that mere citizens of the country had no right to challenge whether a candidate meets Constitutional eligibility requirements.

It is unclear whether Obama himself must respond to the Writ or whether the lower court must provide information for which the Supreme Court will use to review the case. Conservative website Atlas Shrugs and Berg's website both indicate that Obama must respond to the Supreme Court Writ. By not producing a "vault" copy of his birth certificate, these sources say Obama will have raised the suspicions of at least four US Supreme Court justices as to what is being hidden from the public, and more importantly, as to what it means to the US Constitution. If Obama cannot verify his natural born citizenship, he may not be able to be seated as President.

Article II Clause 5 of the Constitution says, "No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States." And the 25th Amendment outlines how a president that cannot fulfill his duties is succeeded. Most likely, the Vice President will step in and become president. In this case, however, the president has yet to take office or even be elected by the electoral college. A murky area of history if Obama cannot prove he is a natural born citizen.

Meantime, the American Independent Party has filed suit in California Superior Court seeking to bar California's Secretary of State from certifying the presidential election results until documentary proof of Obama's citizenship is presented. These suits at various levels of the court system are being undertaken because Obama has failed to respond with a legitimate copy of his Hawaiian birth certificate, and instead has relied on an electronic one posted on his website that forensic experts claim is a fake. Jesus said in John 8:32, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." Freedom in this case comes at the very expensive hands of lawyers and courts when straightforwardness from an elected official could provide the truth.

Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

Obama's 'Alta' Ego on Stem Cells

In the past few days, we've barely been able to keep up with the flood of articles about the progress with adult stem cells. The headlines read like medical miracles-"Doctors transplant windpipe with woman's own stem cells"; "Bone marrow stem cells restore hearing, vision in animals"; "Researchers to use patient's own stem cells to treat heart failure"; and "Mother-of-two becomes first transplant patient to receive a whole organ transplant grown from her own stem cells." And those were all articles published since Monday! The amazing flexibility of adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) has launched the scientific community into a new era of almost daily discoveries.

Although ethical alternatives are light years ahead of the research that destroys innocent human life, the incoming Obama administration insists on revisiting a failed and controversial technique -- embryonic stem cell (ESC) research. While iPS is already treating patients, the over-hyped and underperforming ESC will have a new champion in Obama's health care expert, R. Alta Charo, a staunchly abortion, cloning, and embryo research advocate. A professor and advisor to Planned Parenthood's Guttmacher Institute, Charo was appointed to the Obama transition team last week. Obviously, a policy change on stem cells is coming -- one that is unlikely to favor principle, progress, or patients. (Family Research Council)

Challenges to Prop 8 Before CA Supreme Court

In a suit that is as much about preserving representative democracy as it is marriage, the California Supreme Court has been asked to rule on the fate of Proposition 8, the marriage protection amendment that passed with 52% of the vote on November 4. Six legal challenges are now pending against the ban, making it even more likely that the same group of judges who imposed their liberal views on America will have another say in the future of marriage in California. On Monday, state Attorney General Jerry Brown filed briefs urging the court to move quickly. "The people have a right to know . . . the status of marriage under the California Constitution."
The people also had a right to decide the issue, but even that privilege is in danger. Every aspect of the ballot battle was in the homosexuals' favor, including the court's first ruling overturning the people's will, the millions of dollars raised by wealthy opponents of Prop 8, and even the unfavorable ballot language, which was written by Brown to invoke more sympathy for same-sex "marriage." Despite the obstacles, voters made their objection to homosexual "marriage" clear. Will the court respect four hundred years of democratic tradition or substitute its judgment for that of 6,358,610 Californians? (Family Research Council 11/18/08)

Update: Activist Judges v. The People of California

The state of marriage in California is officially back in the hands of the court that ignited the controversy. Yesterday, the state Supreme Court agreed to hear the challenges to Proposition 8 in a suit scheduled for argument next March. Although the court rarely overturns voter referendums (only twice since 1911), it will face intense pressure to do so.

The Left claims that voters stripped them of a fundamental "right to marry," when in fact those "rights" had never been granted by the people in the first place. As legal experts have explained, the reason California has such a simple amendment process is to empower the people -- not the court -- to decide the state's most important issues. That said, the ultimate question in March is not what constitutes marriage but rather what constitutes the California government - democracy or oligarchy? (Family Research Council; Nov. 20, 2008)

· [From: Intercessors for America] Let us join in prayer with multitudes of Christians in California and across the nation, asking that the Lord uphold His institution of biblical one man/one woman marriage. Pray that He will intervene, grant wisdom from above, cut off demonic wisdom from below (James 3:13-18) and convict the CA court to honor the will of the people and show restraint.

CHPP Daily Brief - November 19, 2008

· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· Pray for the Persecuted Church
· The White House in Transition
· Al-Qaida Insults Obama and U.S. in New Tape
· G-20 Financial Summit Follow-up
· Obama Daschles Hopes of Pro-Lifers
· Mrs. Bush Visits Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace

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

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and power. . . for everything in heaven and earth is Yours." (I Chronicles 29:11)

The Daily Brief

1. Updates: Two Undecided Senate Elections in Georgia and Minnesota - CHPA

[Note: The following report was written by Harry Valentine, Founder, Capitol Hill Prayer Alert. Past issues referenced below are from the archives of CHPA. Thank you.] As we reported to you in our most recent Alert (November 11 - see archives), two Senate races are still "too close to call." The results will determine whether or not the Democrats will have a filibuster proof majority. The Minnesota Senate race between Al Franken (D.) and Sen. Norm Coleman (R.) has Coleman still leading by approximately 206 votes. A recount will begin Wednesday (Nov. 19) and it will probably take about 2-3 weeks to determine the winner. In Georgia, the excerpt below from the Augusta Chronicle explains what's at stake in the December 2 runoff:

"So you thought the election was over? No way. One of the most important elections of the year is taking place right here in Georgia in the runoff between Republican U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss and challenger Jim Martin." "The stakes couldn't be higher . . . Democrats will have a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, giving Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, both . . . liberals, unbridled congressional power." (Augusta Chronicle)

· In the interest of maintaining a balance of power in the Senate, ask our Lord to grant victory to Senators Coleman and Chambliss, for these two votes will secure a filibuster-proof Senate for the next two years. Our system of government thrives on honest debate and forthright discussion, for we are not designed to be under the tyrannical rule of any one political party. Pray!

· "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men." (Daniel 4:17)

2. Dow Plummets Below 8,000 - FOXNews.com

Financial crisis has now wiped out 5 1/2 years of gains on Wall Street after Dow drops another 427 points. · No matter what man does to revive the economy, the Lord seems to be executing a heavy hand. Pray that Americans will connect the dots between the economy and our national sins, repent, and turn from our wicked ways so that the Lord can heal our land. Sometimes the punishment must be so strong that man cannot fail to see the connections. Intercessors, please pray!

· "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have spoken, I have nourished and brought up My children, and they have rebelled against Me." (Isaiah 1:2)

3. G-20 Drafts Blueprint for Economic Repair - ABCNews

After a working dinner at the White House, the group of 20 of the most industrialized nations worked through long morning meetings released a detailed list of actions to move economies forward: strengthen transparency and accountability; enhance sound regulation; promote the integrity of financial markets; reinforce international cooperation; reform international financial institutions. Evidently, some nations want to place blame for the financial meltdown on the USA. · Pray for public transparency of what has been determined at the summit so that Americans can see exactly what did transpire. Pray for the Lord's forgiveness for American arrogance and pride in what we have enjoyed financially for the last half century. Of course, Americans have given more monies to countries in need than any other nations. Perhaps our Lord would recall our actions of mercy, and then show us mercy, too. · "Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?" (Proverbs 27:4)

4. Americans feel religious values attacked - Jerusalem Post

Online A majority of the American people believes that religious values are "under attack," and that Hollywood does not share the religious and moral values of most Americans, according to a survey issued Sunday by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). But the majority of Americans disagreed with the notion that "the movie and television industries are pretty much run by the Jews." McCain voters were significantly more likely than Obama voters to agree with the claim that religious values are under attack in America.

· Pray for a renewal of Judeo/Christian values in this nation. Intercede for those young people who are attracted to the film-making industry so that they will fill our screens with values that inspire life. Surveys show that these films make more money than much of the violence and smut that now seems so popular. Americans, stand up for what is right for our nation.

· "Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man." (Psalm140:1)

5. Flight Paths Expand For Holidays - Bloomberg

President Bush will take new steps to reduce holiday air traffic congestion, opening military airspace over areas in the Midwest, Southwest, and West Coast after success with the East Coast last year. Citizens are nervous about travel, Bush said, citing long delays, lost bags, and overbooking. The government's job is to make flying as comfortable as possible, he said. "We innovated last year to ease the travel, and now we're expanding that innovation this year," Bush said. The Defense Department will free up airspace from the evening of Nov. 25 through the morning of Dec. 1, said White House spokesman Scott Stanzel. New regulations to be in place before Christmas will afford consumers additional protections, including greater compensation for lost bags and tougher penalties when airlines fail to notify passengers about hidden fees.

· Offer praise for this move by the Bush administration to help ease holiday travel for all Americans. May our holidays be a time of rest, enjoyment, and refreshment with family and friends, rather than one of stress, frustration, anger and fatigue. Praise God!

· "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!" (Psalm 150:6)

6. IAEA Chief: Uranium Found in Syria - FOXNews.com

The head of the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog said Monday the agency needs more transparency from Syria and other nations to determine whether traces of uranium found at a site bombed by Israeli planes indicate Damascus was building a nuclear reactor there. International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei confirmed that the radioactive material was found at the site, but said the source was inconclusive. Diplomats told the AP earlier this month that soil samples collected at the bombed site revealed minute traces of processed uranium. Syria's foreign minister, Walid al-Moallem, last week that the leaks to the media about the uranium were meant to put pressure on the country. But he also said Israel needs to provide more information to address Syrian allegations that the uranium may have come from Israeli bombs dropped on the site during the September 2007 raid.

· Pray for the truth to be revealed about these traces of processed uranium in Syria. Is Syria trying to deceive the rest of the world into thinking that Israel used nuclear weapons on Damascus? Syria is known to be very sly about its dealings with the USA. Pray that the IAEA is honest and open about its findings.

· "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy mercy, O Lord, endureth forever; forsake not the world of Thine own hands." (Psalm 139:8)

7. Maliki Defends U.S.-Iraq Deal To Public, Criticizes Opposition - The Washington Post

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki addressed the nation Tuesday to defend a security pact that would let U.S. troops stay in Iraq three more years and expressed concern that some lawmakers were trying to block it for political reasons. In his televised speech, Maliki lashed out at politicians who were taking 'double positions' on the accord - speaking one way in public and another in private meetings. Maliki said the agreement was 'a first step to regain Iraq's sovereignty completely within three years.

· Pray for unity within the new government in Iraq, and offer praise that sovereignty for the Iraqi people is now in sight. Praise God!

· "Let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no' be 'no.'" (Matthew 5:37)

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 has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1-2)

1. Peres sees 'fair chance' for peace deal - Ynet News

President Shimon Peres said on Tuesday that he felt confident about the prospects for a Middle East peace deal next year following the election of Barack Obama as leader of the United States.

2. Israel worried about possible German sub sale to Egypt - Jerusalem Post

Israel is increasingly concerned that Germany might sell Dolphin-class submarines to Egypt, top defense and political officials told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday.

3. Israeli Tanks Rumble Into Gaza, Palestinians Open Fire - Fox News

Israeli tanks forged into the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, drawing mortar fire from Palestinian militants and intensifying violence that has chipped away at a tenuous cease-fire.

4. Obama pledges state to Palestinian leader - World Net Daily

President-elect Barack Obama today phoned Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and pledged to work to establish a Palestinian state as soon as possible, a senior PA negotiator told WND.

Pray for the Persecuted Church

For all the needs listed below, let's pray THIS PROMISE this week for the persecuted church across the world:

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." (Matthew 25:40)

1. Iran: Son of Martyred Pastor Free on Bail, Awaiting Trial

Concerns about the health and safety of the son of martyred Iranian pastor Hossein Soodmand are swirling around Ramtin Soodmand as he awaits trial for "promoting anti-government propaganda."

2. China: Legal Wheels Turn Slowly for Uyghur

Christian Chinese officials have yet to declare a new court date for Alimjan Yimit, a Christian house church leader and ethnic Uyghur in China's northwest province of Xinjiang detained since his arrest on Jan. 12.

3. Pakistan Authorities Threaten To Bulldoze Dozens Of Christian Homes In Lahore

Dozens of Christian families in Pakistan's second largest city refused to vacate their homes Tuesday, November 11, despite the expiration of an order from authorities to leave immediately, Christian rights investigators said. (Source for all reports above: Worthy News)

The White House in Transition

1. Daschle Tapped for HHS - FOXNews.com

Former Senate majority leader accepts Obama offer to be next Health and Human Services secretary, Daschle was minority leader in the Senate for a number of terms before he lost his race to now Senator Coleman. Like a number of others being picked for Cabinet offices, Daschle worked closely with then President Clinton.

· No doubt that Daschle has been chosen for his knowledge of working with Congress. Pray that Daschle will be an honorable Secretary of Health and Human Services, being frugal and farsighted in programs, helping citizens to be responsible for their personal behavior.

· "Speak not evil of one of another, brethren: He that speaketh evil of his brother , and judgeth his brother; speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law; but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law but a judge." (James 4:11)

2. Clinton Said to Be 'Agonizing' Over Secretary of State Decision - FOXNews.com

An adviser to the former first lady says she is reluctant to accept the secretary of state position in President- elect Obama's administration. An adviser to Sen. Hillary Clinton reportedly said Tuesday the former first lady has reservations about accepting an appointment as secretary of state in President-elect Barack Obama's administration. The adviser told The New York Times that Clinton enjoys being her own boss and is agonizing over giving up the independence associated with her role as a New York senator. "If you are secretary of state you work for the president," the unnamed source told The Times via e-mail. "If you are a senator, you work for yourself and the people that elected you." It was unclear if Clinton's hesitation is a signal she may decline an appointment offer by Obama or if she was instead using it as a bargaining tactic, the paper said. Clinton had engaged a team of prominent lawyers to help Obama vet her candidacy for Secretary of State even as some insiders criticized the pick. Staffers with the Obama transition team are reviewing information about the Clintons' background and finances, including Bill Clinton's post-presidential business deals and relationships with foreign governments.

· Pray that the Lord will choose the person He wants to be Secretary of State for the USA. Is Sen. Hillary Clinton the person whom the Lord has chosen to be a voice for our people among the nations? What influence would former President Bill Clinton have on the work of Mrs. Clinton as Secretary of State? Ask that wisdom be granted to the team of staffers on Obaman's transition team as they vet this candidate for this key role.

· "I am the Lord your God; walk in My statutes, and keep My judgments , and do them." (Isaiah 20:19)

3. Obama pledges state to Palestinian leader - WorldNetDaily

President-elect Barack Obama today phoned Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and pledged to work to establish a Palestinian state as soon as possible, a senior PA negotiator told WND. "Obama expressed his full support for a Palestinian state. He told the president (Abbas) he will continue to promote the peace process, which will end with a two- state solution," said the PA's second most senior negotiator, Saeb Erekat. "Obama said he will keep working in collaboration with the Israeli government and PA to reach a final solution. He said he'll do everything in his power to help create a Palestinian state as soon as we can," Erekat told WND. Read more.

· URGENT! Raise up a MIGHTY WALL OF OPPOSITION in the SPIRIT against this pledge, and ask our Lord to tear down these words and to call them of no effect! May the presumed President-Elect learn quickly the TRUTH of the WORD OF GOD, for to divide Israel is to divide His land, grieve His heart, and bring a curse to our nation.

· "They pour forth words, they speak arrogantly; All who do wickedness vaunt themselves." (Psalm 94:4)

4. Former Obama opponent now suing to prove President-elect's citizenship - NBC Augusta

A former opponent of Barack Obama's has come back to haunt him over questions regarding Obama's citizenship. According to a press release from the American Independent Party, former presidential candidate Alan Keyes and other members of the party have filed suit in California Superior Court in Sacramento to stop the state from giving its electoral votes to President-elect Barack Obama until documentary evidence is provided to prove Obama is indeed a natural born citizen of the United States.

· Lord, may the truth of this matter come to light so that there will be no question as to the veracity of the evidence.

· "The judges shall investigate thoroughly. . ." (Deuteronomy 19:18)

Al-Qaida Insults Obama and U.S. in New Tape African American

U.S. officials called "house slaves"

Al-Qaida's top deputy, Ayman al-Zawahri, insulted President-elect Barack Obama and secretaries of state Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, U.S. officials of African American heritage, in a message appearing today, Wednesday, on militant Web sites. Speaking in Arabic, al-Zawahri used the term "abeed al-beit," which literally translates as "house slaves." But al-Qaida supplied English subtitles of his speech that declared the translation as "house negroes" -- a demeaning racial term implying that the president- elect and secretaries of state are black Americans who do the bidding of whites -- slaves in a master's household.

The message appeared chiefly aimed at persuading Muslims and Arabs that President-elect Obama does not represent a change in U.S. policies. Al-Zawahri said Obama's election has not changed American policies he said are aimed at oppressing Muslims and others. "America has put on a new face, but its heart full of hate, mind drowning in greed, and spirit which spreads evil, murder, repression and despotism continue to be the same as always," the deputy of al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden said.

Al-Zawahri did not threaten specific attacks, but said efforts in Afghanistan are doomed and warned Obama that he was "facing a Jihad (holy war) awakening and renaissance which is shaking the pillars of the entire Islamic world; and this is the fact which you and your government and country refuse to recognize and pretend not to see."

He said Obama's victory showed Americans acknowledged that President George W. Bush's policies were a failure and that the result was an "admission of defeat in Iraq." But Obama's professions of support for Israel during the election campaign "confirmed to the Ummah (Islamic world) that you have chosen a stance of hostility to Islam and Muslims," al-Zawahri said. (Source: AP Cairo, Egypt 11/19/08) (Reported by: Intercessors for America)

· Pray for the protection of all U.S. officials here and abroad. Pray for all working in intelligence and security agencies. Intercede that Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahri and other al-Qaida operatives are exposed, arrested and brought to justice and redemption. Pray for the protection of Iraqi and other Arab-speaking interpreters working with U.S. and Coalition forces; some 300 of those assisting in interrogation work have been slain since 2003. Pray that the Holy Spirit will confront, redeem and release the truth of Jesus of Nazareth through prominent and influential terrorist leaders.

· "They shall fall. . . . All of them slain . . . who caused terror in the land of the living." (Ez 20:20,23)

"For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known....what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops." (Lk 12:2-3)

G-20 Financial Summit Follow-up

President Bush and world leaders gathered Nov. 14- 15 for the first in a series of meetings to discuss efforts to strengthen economic growth, deal with the financial crisis, and to lay the foundation for reform to help to ensure that a similar crisis does not happen again. The White House (http://www.whitehouse.gov/) said that the Summit achieved "key objectives" and that the leaders present "reaffirmed their commitment to free market principles."

Leaders present pledged to:

1) Continue to take whatever further actions are necessary to stabilize the financial system;
2) Recognize the importance of monetary policy support and using fiscal measures, as appropriate;
3) Provide liquidity to help unfreeze credit markets;
4) Ensure that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and other multilateral development banks have sufficient resources to assist developing countries affected by the crisis, as well as provide trade and infrastructure financing;
5) Reform international financial institutions by modernizing their governance and membership so that emerging market economies and developing countries have greater voice and representation, by working together to better identify vulnerabilities and anticipate stresses, and by acting swiftly to play a key role in crisis response. [Reported by: Intercessors for America]

Obama Daschles Hopes of Pro-Lifers

Breaking news this afternoon suggests that President- elect Obama is unlikely to govern from the middle. By appointing former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D) as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, the 44th President provided a frightening glimpse of his new Cabinet. According to Politico, "Daschle was also considered for health care czar in the White House, but the transition team decided he could be more effective with Secretary in front of his name."

As Majority Leader, Daschle was a notorious opponent of every pro-life measure. He blocked the partial-birth abortion ban, voted for taxpayer-funded military abortions, and supported a measure that would have forced Americans to pay for the distribution of the morning-after pill to young school girls. Apart from his extreme political ideology, the selection of Daschle is even more troubling because the South Dakotan lacks any experience in the public health arena.

To most Americans, who thought this election was about "change," these appointments must seem incredibly ironic. So far, the new Obama administration has only managed to change the titles of the same old liberal leadership. (Tony Perkins; Family Research Council)

Mrs. Bush Visits Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace

Leads Fundraising Drive To Preserve Sites Associated With President Lincoln Lincoln Described as "An Ordinary Man Who Answered The Call To Greatness And Led America During A Great Civil War."

Speaking from the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, first lady Laura Bush kicked off an initiative to raise money for the continued preservation of six key sites associated with the 16th president. "The national parks have always relied on the contributions from individual citizens," Mrs. Bush said. Donations will also benefit the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Indiana; the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Illinois; the Lincoln Memorial, Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldier's Home, and Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, all in Washington, D.C. The last site is where the president was shot by an assassin in 1865.

"Both the Lincoln Memorial in Washington and this Kentucky cabin are fitting tributes to President Lincoln," Bush said. "Together, these monuments tell the story of an ordinary man who answered the call to greatness and led America during a great Civil War." . . . "The founders of our country had already written 'All men are created equal' into our Constitution, but we didn't live that way," the First Lady said. "And it took us a long time, through the Civil War, to abolish slavery, and then even longer than that, through the civil rights movement of the 1960s.'" (Lexington [KY] Herald-Leader, 11/19/08)

· Offer praise for this effort on behalf of our First Lady. May the legacies of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, and of the tremendous leader of the Civil Rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., continue to bear fruit in the days ahead, for both men desired the same goal: that "all men might be treated equally" as ordained in our U.S. Constitution.

· "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." (Proverbs 22:28)