CHPP Daily Brief - December 30, 2009

In This Issue
• Today's Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• Good News Corner: Part One
• Good News Corner: Part Two

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

The Daily Brief - Wednesday, December 30, 2009

"And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age . . ."
(Matthew 28:20)

We will now "stand down" for this holiday weekend, and will resume publishing on Monday, January 4, 2010!

All of us at CHPP want to wish each and every one of you a tremendous New Year, filled with the absolute knowledge of His presence in our lives, which IS our victory. Amen!

Today's Daily Brief

1. Obama Says 'Catastrophic Breach' Led to Bomb Plot - Wall Street Journal

President Barack Obama on Tuesday said a "potential catastrophic breach" of security led to the Christmas Day attempted bombing on a Detroit-bound airplane.

- Father, we thank you for preventing this attempted bombing. You are the omniscient omnipresent God who has infinite awareness, understanding and insight of all the evil forces that were bent on massive destruction. You held up Your hand and stripped and disarmed the enemy. Where all security failed, You stepped in. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus Name.

- God says, "I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord." (Psalm 101:8)

2. Stocks close slightly lower, break 6-day winning streak - USA Today

The stock market edged lower Tuesday, breaking a six- day advance as reports on home prices and consumer confidence did little to excite buyers.

- Father, we decree that the stock market is in Your hands. Hold it steady for the benefit of the investments of the righteous. We ask that Your hand be upon all that affects the fluctuation of the market. In Jesus Name.

- "The Lord has prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:19)

3. US eyeing more targeted sanctions against Iran - Ynet News

The United States and its allies are weighing focused sanctions against Iran's leadership rather than broad- based penalties that they fear could harm the protest movement, officials and diplomats said.

- Father, give our leaders and our allies godly wisdom regarding imposing any and all sanctions against Iran. Strengthen, protect and deliver those involved in this protest movement. Bind all works of darkness which are ruling over the people of Iran by their tyrannous leaders. We call forth Your perfect will, God. In Jesus Name.

- "By this I know that God favors me, because mine enemy does not triumph over me." (Psalm 41:11)

4. Vt. judge: Birth mom must give child to ex- partner - AP

The birth mother of a 7-year-old Virginia girl must transfer custody of the child to the woman's former lesbian partner, a Vermont judge ruled, adding that it seems the woman has "disappeared" with her daughter.

- Father, just as the mother was awarded custody of her child in Solomon's court (I Kings 3:16-28), so reverse the judgment of this judge and rule from heaven that the mother keep her own child. Otherwise, the judge in Vermont will bring extensive confusion on the land. Hide this mother and her child from her enemies and cover them with the protective blood of Jesus. In Jesus Name.

- "Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof." (I Kings 3:27)

The Middle East in Focus

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

"[Yeshua], being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took on Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men . . ." (Philippians 2:6-7)

1. Israel Says Iran Close to Nuclear Capability - VOA

Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak says Iran is moving quickly toward the "point of no return." Speaking behind closed doors to the parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Barak said Iran will have the technology to build a nuclear bomb by early next year and could produce one in 2011.

2. Israel can't launch strike against Iran on its own - Ha'aretz

The year 2010 will be the year of Iran. Granted, we have said the same thing every year since 2005. But stopping the Iranian nuclear program will continue to top Israel's priorities during the year that begins in two days' time. The major powers are expected to announce soon that diplomacy has failed to persuade Tehran to freeze its nuclear project. And Western intelligence services believe the Iranians have already accumulated enough enriched uranium to build a nuclear bomb or two.

3. Egypt to open Gaza border if Shalit deal succeeds - Ha'aretz

Zaki, who was quoted in the Egyptian newspaper Al Masry al Youm, did not make it clear whether this Egyptian position was coordinated with Israel. Nor was he clear on whether the emerging deal for Gilad Shalit is indeed a comprehensive one that would not only bring the abducted soldier home, but would also grant a normal life to Gaza's inhabitants. Perhaps this was one of the things Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak discussed at their meeting Tuesday.

4. Hamas denies rejecting Shalit deal - Ynet News

Hamas' political bureau has rejected Israel's latest offer for a prisoner exchange deal, quoting "knowledgeable sources". The sources said the decision was made following a 12-hour meeting. Hamas sources in Damascus and Gaza denied the report and said that a decision had yet to be made.

Good News Corner: Part One

'Hand of God' Seen in Christmas Eve Revival of Mother, Baby
Colorado Mom, Baby Revived After Christmas Birth- AP

DENVER -- Mike Hermanstorfer was clutching his pregnant wife's hand in a Colorado hospital on Christmas Eve when she stopped breathing, her life apparently slipping away. Then he cradled his newborn son's limp body seconds after a medical team delivered the baby by Cesarean section.
Minutes later he saw his son show signs of life in his arms under the feverish attention of doctors, and soon he learned his wife had inexplicably started breathing again.

"My legs went out from underneath me," Hermanstorfer said Tuesday. "I had everything in the world taken from me, and in an hour and a half I had everything given to me."

Hermanstorfer's wife, Tracy, went into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing during labor on Thursday, said Dr. Stephanie Martin, a maternal fetal medicine specialist at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, where the Hermanstorfers had gone for the birth of their son.

"She had no signs of life. No heartbeat, no blood pressure, she wasn't breathing," said Martin, who had rushed to Hermanstorfer's room to help. "The baby was, it was basically limp, with a very slow heart rate."

After their miraculous recovery, both mother and the baby, named Coltyn, appear healthy with no signs of problems, Martin said.

She said she cannot explain the mother's cardiac arrest or the recovery.

"We did a thorough evaluation and can't find anything that explains why this happened," she said.

Mike Hermanstorfer credits "the hand of God."

- We are rejoicing with all of you at this GOOD NEWS report tonight . . . from DEATH to LIFE -- twice over! What a tremendous way to end this year, and to welcome in 2010 . . .one day at a time. Praise God!

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

Good News Corner: Part Two

"How Great Thou Art!"

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM CAPITOL HILL PRAYER PARTNERS . .

"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof." (Psalm 24:1)

At the end of this tumultuous year, let's praise Him for His Lordship over all things. Go here. THANK YOU, LORD. Amen!

CHPP Daily Brief - December 29, 2009

In This Issue
• Today's Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• Whose Fault?
• The Daily Jot
• The Daily Jot (Part Two)
• The Good News Corner

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

The Daily Brief - Tuesday, December 29, 2009

"And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age . . ." (Matthew 28:20)

Today's Daily Brief

1. House Backers of Public Insurance Option May Yield - AP

Two House Democrats who favor a government insurance plan, a central element of health care legislation passed in their chamber, acknowledged Sunday it might have to be sacrificed as negotiators work out a final agreement with the Senate.

Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, the No. 3 Democrat in the House and one who had appealed to Hussein Obama not to yield on the public plan, set out conditions for yielding himself.

Representative Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said, "Before the House was to give up the public option, we would want to be persuaded that there are other mechanisms in whatever bill comes out that will keep down premiums.''

- Lord we ask that You will begin to press hard on the hearts of members of Congress as they finalize the bill from both House and Senate. We ask that Your will be accomplished over what has been a horrendously divisive battle. We place our trust in You, not in our government, and ask Your healing mercy over America.

- "'Those who plunder you shall become plunder, and all who prey upon you I will make a prey. For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,' says the Lord." (Jeremiah 30:16b-17a)

2. A) U.S. quietly takes terror war to Yemen - NY Times

In the midst of two unfinished major wars, the United States has quietly opened a third, largely covert front against Al Qaeda in Yemen.

B) Yemen: Hundreds of Militants Planning Attacks -- Fox News

Up to 300 Al Qaeda members plotting strikes from Yemen similar to failed Christmas Day bombing, official says.

- Lord we thank You that our leaders have seen the dangers in Yemen. But we also pray that those who fight will not be stretched too thin, whether covert special forces or regular troops. Lord may You be the leader and rear guard of our warriors in all areas of this battle against terror.

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

3. Critical Security Agencies Lack Permanent Leaders -- AP

Two federal agencies charged with keeping potential terrorists off airplanes and out of the country have been without their top leaders for nearly a year. It took the Obama administration more than eight months to nominate anyone to lead the Transportation Security Administration and the Customs and Border Protection agency.

- Lord as this administration has constantly failed to wisely vet their choices for positions, we ask that You choose the men and/or women for our critical security agencies and place them quickly. Lord, be the protector of our nation in the breaches.

- "Remember me, O Lord, with the favor You have toward Your people. Oh, visit me with Your salvation, that I might see the benefit of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation." (Psalm 106:5)

4. Putin: Russia to develop offensive weapons to keep balance with U.S. - CNN

Russia needs to develop "offensive strike systems" to preserve strategic balance with the United States, without producing its own missile defense, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Tuesday. Putin's comment, made at a press briefing in the far eastern Russian city of Vladivostok, echoed a similar call from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev last week.

- Lord we thank You for this heads up from the mouths of the Russian leaders. We pray that our leadership will take this seriously, pay attention, and act wisely toward any subterfuge by the government of Russia.

- "But I will sing of Your power; yes I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of trouble." (Psalm 59:16)

5. Iran Accuses West of Instigating Violent Protests - AP

Iran on Tuesday accused Western countries of fomenting deadly anti-government protests in the capital this week and said it was summoning Britain's ambassador to file a complaint.

- Lord we ask that You grant victory to the anti- government groups in Iran until the dictators are removed and a moderate, democratic government takes its place. We pray for the souls of the people of Iran, and the protection of the underground church.

- "I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible." (Jeremiah 15:21)

6. North Korea Says it has Detained American - AP

North Korea announced Tuesday that it has custody of an American who entered the country illegally on Christmas Eve - first possible word from Pyongyang about a 28-year-old Arizona man who activists say sneaked into the reclusive country to raise international attention to its dire human rights situation.

- Ask the Lord for protection over this young man. Whether or not this was a wise decision, may it bring light into darkness for the suffering people of North Korea.

- "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

The Middle East in Focus

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

"[Yeshua], being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took on Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men . . ." (Philippians 2:6-7)

1. Netanyahu: No more excuses - time is ripe for Mideast peace - Ha'aretz

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the "conditions are ripe" for renewing peace negotiations with the Palestinians, adding that he planned to raise the issue with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during his visit to Cairo this week.

2. Fatah warns of intifada against PA - Jerusalem Post

The killing of the three Fatah operatives in Nablus by the IDF over the weekend could trigger a third intifada, Fatah officials warned on Sunday.

3. PM: Livni is 'serial unity refuser' - Jerusalem Post

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday evening called Kadima party leader Tzipi Livni "a serial unity refuser," after her party unanimously rejected his offer to join a national unity government.

4. Shin Bet chief: Shalit deal won't topple Abbas - Ynet News

In a conference held at the Foreign Ministry on Monday, which was attended by Israeli ambassadors, Diskin said that while a deal with Hamas for the release of captive soldier Gilad Shalit would serve as a slap in the face to the Palestinian president, he does not believe it would topple his regime.

5. Barak: Qom immune to regular strike - Jerusalem Post

Iran's recently-revealed uranium enrichment site at Qom "has been under construction for years, and is hidden in bunkers which are immune to a regular strike," Defense Minister Ehud Barak told the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday.

- Father, there is nothing hidden from You, nor is anything invulnerable to Your power. We pray that You will intervene to destroy any and all nuclear weapons created by Iran.

- "But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions." ( Obadiah 17)

Whose Fault?

ABC is reporting that two of the jihadist leaders behind the Northwest Airlines bomb plot were formerly Guantanamo prisoners who were released in November 2007. Before the day is over, Obama operatives and their media allies will be blaming George Bush for the Christmas Day plot.

Nice try - but no sale. During Bush's second term, every liberal senator including [Hussein] Obama was demanding that Guantanamo prisoners be put on trial or released. Liberal courts sniped at every step the Bush Administration took to deal with the "GITMO" prisoners. The ACLU and big media complained that the prisoners were being denied their rights. Steps taken to get information from the prisoners were condemned as torture. There were more negative stories about the U.S. soldiers guarding these thugs than about the thugs themselves. Liberal Illinois Senator Dick Durbin compared GITMO and our military prisons to a Nazi facility.

In that atmosphere, the Bush Administration started allowing limited releases from GITMO of prisoners they felt were least dangerous. At the same time, President Bush warned that some released prisoners had already gone back to the battlefield against the U.S. We were critical of the releases but also understood that it was a response to liberal pressure.

Now let's fast forward to today. Obama took office and his first official act was to sign an order to close GITMO, releasing as many prisoners as possible and bringing the rest to the U.S., where they would be granted all the rights of our Constitution. For the last year, Obama has fought to implement his plan in spite of all the evidence that he will make us less safe by doing so.

Now read this and weep. ABC is reporting that just this weekend the number of prisoners at GITMO dropped to fewer than 200 because Hussein Obama transferred a dozen jihadist suspects to the governments of Yemen, Afghanistan and Somali. Meanwhile, other GITMO prisoners are getting their attorneys for the circus trials that will be held in New York as the result of another Obama decision. Finally it was Hussein Obama's administration that failed to keep an obviously high-risk individual from boarding the Northwest Christmas flight. That failure almost cost hundreds of lives.

The Hussein Obama Administration has one tune in its repertoire. It's called "Blame Bush." But it won't fly this time, as we become less safe with each passing day.

The Daily Jot

Christmas Day Terrorist Plot Exposes Need For Change in US Policy

The UK Sun is reporting that there are at least five groups of five British-born terrorists that have been training in Yemen similar to the recent terrorist who tried to blow up a Christmas day Northwest airlines flight using explosives in his underwear. This report indicates that the al Qaeda cells in Britain are alive and well and are patiently training for multiple attacks. The article also claimed that these 25 terrorists were educated at universities, studying engineering and computer science. But the most interesting revelation is that the Sun reports these terrorists were "radicalized" in British mosques.

This is a clear indication that mosques, under the cover of religious freedom in nations that are traditionally comprised of Christians, are being used as centers teaching radical Islamic views and encouraging terrorism. It is a basic tenet of the Christian faith that man has free will to choose Christ as his personal savior. Derived from that principle is freedom of religion. Christians are called to evangelize, but Christianity does not force its belief system upon others. They are free to choose. Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Freedom to choose, freedom from sin, freedom to worship are hallmarks of Christianity.

This is not lost on the false religion of Islam. In fact, Islam is using the religious freedom clause in free societies to colonize them and to spread within them its network of tyranny and terror. The Muslim Brotherhood put forth a strategy document in May 1991 for settlement of North America. The document states that "In order for Islam and its Movement to become "a part of the homeland" in which it lives...the Movement must plan and struggle to obtain "the keys" and the tools of this process in carrying out this grand mission as a "Civilization Jihadist" responsibility which lies on the shoulders of Muslims and - on top of them - the Muslim Brotherhood in this country."

The plan later identifies building Islamic Centers in every city as a means to put words into action. Islamic centers, according to the plan, are the center of all activity in a community from sports to battalion to education to political resolution. The mosque would serve as the holy motivator. This strategy is playing out in both the UK and America. For example, Investors Business Daily reported December 17 the results of an investigative story entitled "The Pentagon: Muslim Spies Setting Muslim Policy." The story documents extremist Muslims in high level Pentagon positions who are undermining military policy. The US must identify Islam as a political system rather than a religion otherwise there will be dire consequences.

Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

Recommended Reading from CHPP: To learn more about the methods that jihadists and the Muslim Brotherhood are using to infiltrate America, and to impose Shariah law upon our people, we recommend the book, The Muslim Mafia, by David Gaubatz and Paul Sperry.

ISBN Number is: 978-1-935071-10-5.
Avaialble at most bookstores . . .

The Daily Jot (Part Two)

The Prophecy of Ishmael and The Christmas Terrorist Attempt

Hats off to the brave and decisive passengers of the Northwest flight 253 who subdued and thwarted the terrorist attack of al Qaeda trained Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab who tried to blow up the plane 20 minutes before it landed in Detroit. Their quick action and the terrorist's incompetence saved 278 lives. The incident served as a stern reminder of the specter of Islamic terrorism despite the man who occupies the Oval Office declaring a "new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect.. and share common principles - principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings."

Moreover, the attempted attack shows that Islam continues to probe ways to kill Americans and wreck terrorism even though it is more difficult under current security efforts. Even more important there are glaring questions as to why terrorists like Abdulmutallab slip through security. According to news reports, Abdulmutallab's father reported him to authorities because of radical religious beliefs. Abdulmutallab was on the Department of Homeland Security's "terror watch" list, but not on the "no fly" list. Security officials in other countries are wondering why Abdulmutallab even has a current visa. This terrorist nearly pulled off a massacre on one of the most holy of Christian holidays.
Another terrorist, Nidal Malik Hasan, who killed 13 US soldiers at Ft Hood in November, also slipped through the Homeland Security cracks. Hasan was openly radical. On Wednesday, Al-Jazeera's Arabic-language website published an interview with Yemeni cleric Anwar al-Aulaqi, who said he and Hasan communicated by email for over a year about the permissibility of killing US soldiers and Israeli civilians. According to AFP, the interview offered "insight into how early Hasan was thinking about the possibility of attacking fellow service members." Aulaqi is a US-born cleric who had met Hasan nine years ago at the Dar al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Washington, DC.

That an American president might offer peaceful dialogue with Islam is no guarantee that terrorism against American Christians and Jews will stop. It is more likely that the overtures toward Islam are seen as signs of weakness and are incentives for increased terrorism and accelerated colonization of America through such strategies as Islamic centers. Islam is an enemy to what is good and right--a sworn enemy of Jews and Christians. Genesis 16:12 reveals the prophecy of Ishmael, the father of Islam--"And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren." We have over 5,000 years of history proving this as true.

Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

MORE RECOMMENDED READING FROM CHPP:

To learn more about the centuries-old history of Islam's influence on America and the West, we recommend WHAT EVERY AMERICAN NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THE QUR'AN - A HISTORY OF ISLAM & THE UNITED STATES, by William J. Federer (also the author of "The American Minute."

This volume is available both as an ebook for $10.00 or in hard copy for $20.00. To order this book, go here.

The Good News Corner

15,000 Youth Gather in Kansas City IHOP

Cry Out to God for REVIVAL in our Nation!

Just when it looks like we are without hope, here comes God . . .

We are delighted to share this GOOD NEWS with you tonight that, as we write this report to you, 15,000 of our nation's youth are now gathered at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, MO for a four-day conference: the "ONE THING CONFERENCE."

One Thing '09, 12/28-31/09, is based upon the verse in Luke 10:38 - 42:
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
"Father, we REPENT that we so often allow the distractions of the world to hinder our own worship of YOU -- keeping our gaze fixed firmly upon the ONE THING -- the Author and the Finisher of our Faith."

"We rejoice, Lord, that You are raising up a generation that has been graced with this deep hunger to know YOU, and You only, the One Thing. We ask for that same move of divine grace to invade our own lives, as adults! In Your Name we ask this prayer, amen."

To watch live video streaming of this event, go to the website for IHOP here.

RECOMMENDED READING:

While on the IHOP website, please go to the riveting article titled "The Need of this Great Hour of History." WE AGREE!

CHPP Daily Brief - December 28, 2009

In This Issue
• Today's Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Good News Corner

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

The Daily Brief - Monday, December 28, 2009

"And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age . . ." (Matthew 28:20)

SPECIAL NOTE TO OUR READERS
NEW PUBLISHING POLICY!

Whenever Congress is in recess, we will publish the Daily Brief on Mondays, instead of
"On Capitol Hill This Week."

Accordingly, today we are publishing our Daily Brief, as Congress continues in recess.

Next year, the House returns on Tuesday, January 12th, and the Senate resumes its business on Wednesday, January 20th.

Today's Daily Brief

1. Napolitano Acknowledges Security Failed - Fox News

Al-Qaeda Says: "We're Behind Attempted Bombing"

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano conceded Monday that airline security failed in allowing a Nigerian on a terror watch list and allegedly armed with explosives onto a Detroit-bound flight, a turnaround from her declaration a day day earlier that "the system worked."

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula on Monday claimed responsibility for the attack on a U.S. airliner bound for Detroit on Christmas Day, saying it was retaliation for a U.S. operation against the group in Yemen.

Federal authorities met Monday to reassess the U.S. system of terror watchlists to determine how to avoid the type of lapse that allowed a man with explosives to board the flight in Amsterdam even though he was flagged as a possible terrorist.

- Offer praise that DHS Secretary Napolitano now admits that their security systems failed, miserably and dangerously, on Christmas Day on that Delta flight. Lift up all security personnel who are now actively engaged in upgrading these procedures, even as they investigate what went wrong in Amsterdam, and ask that they be granted wisdom as they pursue their tasks.

- Meanwhile, begin now to pray about the Al Qaeda cell (s) located in Yemen. May every hidden thing be revealed in this new "nest of vipers" that they can be discovered, brought to justice, and, in the end, brought to salvation through our own intercession for those who are lost. Amen.

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

2. 25 British Terrorists Plot Jet Bomb Attacks - UK Sun

Cops fear that 25 British-born Muslims are plotting to bomb Western airliners. The fanatics, in five groups, are now training at secret terror camps in Yemen. The British extremists in Yemen are in their early 20s and from Bradford, Luton and Leytonstone, East London. They are due to return to the UK early in 2010 and will then await internet instructions from al-Qaeda on when to strike.

• If the British can monitor these terrorists, why cannot the USA? Pray for salvation in Jesus Christ for each of these young men, the would-be terrorists. Pray that each one will realize the truth: that their imans are lying to them and are placing their lives in danger, both now and in eternity. Pray!

- "Everyone will deceive his neighbor, And will not speak the truth; They have taught their tongue to speak lies; They weary themselves to commit iniquity." ( Jeremiah 9:5)

3. Christmas bomb bid complicates Gitmo plan - Politico

Growing evidence that the Nigerian man charged with trying to blow up a commercial airliner as it landed in Detroit Friday spent time in Yemen and may have been fitted with customized, explosive-laden clothing there could complicate the U.S. government's efforts to send home more than 80 Yemeni prisoners currently at Guantanamo Bay.

• Ask the Lord if the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay should continue as the place to keep terrorists. Those opposed to Gitmo need to be praying for the salvation of the prisoners, not their release nor their being placed in prisons on land inside the USA. Praise the Lord that He has brought this matter to consideration at this moment.

- ". . .and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." (2 Timothy 2:26)

4. More than 15 killed in Tehran clashes: state TV - AFP

Iranian state television said on Monday that more than 15 people were killed in riots which rocked Tehran, of whom more than 10 were members of "anti-revolutionary terrorist" groups.

• The cry for freedom will always arise in men's hearts because the Lord placed that desire there. Pray for the safety and protection of the dissidents against a regime that seeks total dominance. Ask the Lord if there are measures that the USA can take to help the dissidents.

- " . . .then hear from heaven, and act, and judge Your servants, bringing retribution on the wicked by bringing his way on his own head, and justifying the righteous by giving him according to his righteousness." (2 Chronicles 6:23)

5. UN Security Council may impose new sanctions on Iran in Feb. - UK - RIA Novosti

The UN Security Council could introduce new sanctions against Iran by late February unless Tehran accepts the Iran Six's offer on its controversial nuclear dossier, Britain's UN envoy said on Saturday.

• Since so many threats have been made by the UN against Iran, what new thoughts have the British about imposing sanctions? Ahmadinejad is certain that his brand of Islam is the ONLY way. Pray that our Lord will fight against this oppressive regime so that it is silenced forever!

- "You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you." (2 Chronicles 20:17)

6. Senate Democrats to White House: Drop cap- and-trade - Politico

Bruised by the health care debate and worried about what 2010 will bring, moderate Senate Democrats are urging the White House to give up now on any effort to pass a cap-and-trade bill next year.

• Moderate Democrats are right to be concerned about the cap-and-trade bill, for it will impose more hidden taxes and fees upon the American citizenry. Pray for the determination of David when he came against Goliath for these senators. They must do what is right rather than cower under political pressure.

. "Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight." (2 Samuel 10:12)

7. First Case of Highly Resistant TB Seen in U.S. - Fox News

It started with a cough, a cool-season hack that refused to go away. Now first case of the drug resistant form of tuberculosis has come to the U.S.

• Has political correctness moved immigration to such a point that the sick are not screened nor quarantined when arriving in the USA? Or did an American citizen bring in this deadly disease? Pray for the sufferer of this form of tuberculosis and for the medical world as it tries to bring healing.

- "Then Jesus went about all the cities a nd villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." (Matthew 9:35)

The Middle East in Focus

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

"[Yeshua], being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took on Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men . . ." (Philippians 2:6-7)

1. Barak Admits Terror Wave in Judea and Samaria - (Israel National News)

Defense Minister Ehud Barak admitted Monday that a terror wave has hit Judea and Samaria in recent days. Speaking to his faction in the presence of reporters, Barak said: Last Thursday Rabbi Meir Chai was murdered, may Hashem (His Name) avenge his blood, on the road to Shavei Shomron. He left behind seven orphans. A severe and painful terror attack. In swift action by the Shin Bet and the IDF, the three murderers responsible for the attack were eliminated. |

- Never cease to pray for peace and safety in Israel. Now those related to the three murderers are crying for revenge on the IDF, and the bloodshed may continue. Cries are coming forth for a third intifada!

- "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord." (Romans 12:19)

2. Fatah warns of third intifada - this time directed against PA - Jerusalem Post

The killing of the three Fatah operatives in Nablus by the IDF over the weekend could trigger a third intifada, Fatah officials warned on Sunday.

3. Two policemen injured in haredim protest - Ynet News

Some 1000 ultra-Orthodox protestors gathered Sunday evening near the industrial area in Jerusalem under heavy security. They prayed against Shabbat desecration, which according to them is caused by the operation of the Intel plant on weekends.

4. 'There may not be a [Schalit] deal' - Jerusalem Post

There is no deal with Hamas to free captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit at the moment, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told Likud ministers on Sunday morning.

5. Israel's Prime Minister Traveling to Egypt for Peace Talks - Fox News

Israel's prime minister says he is traveling to Egypt this week to meet with President Hosni Mubarak.

6. Model Altar of Unhewn Stones Completed at Temple Institute - Israel National News

The Temple Institute in Jerusalem announced Friday the completion of a model of the biblical altar.

The Good News Corner

A Truly Inspiring Story:

Patrick Henry Hughes

To see this story and to bless your holiday, go here.

CHPP Daily Brief - December 23, 2009

In This Issue

Today in History
Christmas Day is a Federal Holiday
One Solitary Life
Our Christmas Wish for Each of You
Let Alll the World PRAISE HIM!
Merry Christmas!

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

Merry Christmas from CHPP! - December 23, 2009

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

Today in History

"These are the times that try men's souls . . ."

American Minute with Bill Federer

December 23

After the Continental Army was driven out of New Jersey, an article titled "The American Crisis" was published in the Pennsylvania Journal, DECEMBER 23, 1776.

Written by an aide-de-camp to General Nathanael Greene named Thomas Paine, General Washington ordered it read to the troops:

"These are the times that try men's souls.

The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country . . .

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."

Thomas Paine continued:

"What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly . . .

Heaven knows how to put a price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated . . .

God Almighty will not give up a people to military destruction . . . who have so earnestly . . . sought to avoid the calamities of war."

Paine concluded:

"The whole English army, after ravaging the kingdom of France, was driven back . . by a few broken forces headed by a woman, Joan of Arc.

Would that heaven might inspire some Jersey maid to spirit up her countrymen . . .

'Show your faith by your works,' that God may bless you . . .

I thank God, that I fear not."

www.AmericanMinute.com, P.O. Box 20163, St. Louis, MO 63123, 1-888-USA-WORD, 314-487-4395

Christmas Day is a Federal Holiday

[Special note to our readers: One of our dear prayer partners has taken the time to transcribe a recent interview with Chrstian Attorney Kelly Coghlan on a broadcast that was sponsored by Wallbuilders.

You can learn more about the work of Kelly Coghlan by visiting his website at: www.christianattorney.com]

Kelly: A couple of years ago, I mean, I knew that there was a federal statute about the holidays and I had never heard it talked about before but I decided I am going to research this and I am going to get to the bottom of this about.... Does the federal government actually have a name for holidays that occur in December. All federal holidays, and there are 10 of them are created by federal law under the united states code and I am going to give you the citation to it...5 usc section 6103. The usc stands for United States code. All of the Federal Statues and Laws are in the United States code. You can go to a law library and ask the librarian where is the section that contains the United States code. You can go pick the book out that is "5" fifth volume, usc and turn in it to section 6103 and there is the law. Each of the 10 Federal Holidays is listed and named in this Statute. The official federal holiday that occurs on December 25th is, and I am going to read it to you as it is stated in federal law, "Christmas Day".

It is the only federal holiday in all of the month of December. Therefore all of us in America, and as Americans should not hesitate, no mater what religion we are, to wish every one Merry Christmas. By doing so we are all merely using the official and correct name of the federal holiday as provided by federal law.

Rick (Interviewer): So even to the teacher, or administrator, that is scared to death that if they say Merry Christmas, or if their program mentions Christmas, and somebody is going to sue them, we need to remind them.

Kelly: Absolutely! One is operating on a very sound legal basis when proclaiming Merry Christmas in our greetings, in our cards, and asking schools and companies to call the holiday by its correct federal name because that's what we are doing. We are calling the holiday, and the only federal holiday in all of the month of December by its correct federal name, Christmas, and lets put Christmas back into Christmas. There is no reason to have ever taken Christmas out of Christmas. That federal law has been there since the late 1800's.

Rick: And for anyone that wants to look at it and you do not have time to go to the library. Just type in and google exactly what Kelly just gave you, 5 usc section 6103 and google will pull it up. Cornell and several other schools have it posted right there on line and you can look at it.

Note: Cornell University has it posted at this link.

One Solitary Life

Our Annual Christmas Message: One Solitary Life

He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant. He grew up in another village, where he worked in a carpenter shop until he was 30. Then, for three years, he was an itinerant preacher.

He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a home. He didn't go to college. He never lived in a big city. He never traveled 200 miles from the place where he was born.

He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but himself.

He was only 33 when the tide of public opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied him.

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

Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human race. I am well within the mark when I say that:

all the armies that ever marched,

all the navies that ever sailed,

all the parliaments that ever sat,

all the kings that ever reigned

--put together--

have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one, solitary life.

Our Christmas Wish for Each of You

"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." (Ephesians 3:16-19)

Let All the World PRAISE HIM!

Handel's Hallelujah Chorus

"For the Lord God omnipotent REIGNETH!"

Let Alll the Nations PRAISE HIM!

In Japan:

(Go here)

In England:

(Go here)

In America:

(Go here)

Psalm 150

Let All Things Praise the LORD!

1 Praise the LORD!

Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

2 Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!

4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!

5 Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD!

Merry Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF OUR PRAYER PARTNERS AND FRIENDS

FROM ALL OF US AT CAPITOL HILL PRAYER PARTNERS

May God grant each one of you a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

CHPP Daily Brief - December 22, 2009

In This Issue
• Today's Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Nightmare before Christmas
• Health Care: Fighting Back
• The Daily Jot: Health Care
• What Should We Do?
• DC Same-Sex Marriage Battle Continues
• Good News!
• More Good News!

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

The Daily Brief - Tuesday, December 22, 2009

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulder. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end." (Isaiah 9:6,7a)

Today's Daily Brief

1. A) Ahmadinejad on Nuke Deadline: "We Don't Care" - AP

Iran's president on Tuesday dismissed a year-end deadline set by the Obama administration and the West for Tehran to accept a U.N.-drafted deal to swap enriched uranium for nuclear fuel, and claimed his government is now "10 times stronger" than a year ago.

B). On Iran - A Bipartisan Message - Act Now - DC Examiner

Is there anything that could bring our deeply divided Congress together in an act of overwhelming bipartisanship? Is there any issue that could unite more than 400 members of the House of Representatives, Democrats and Republicans, in common cause? Is it even possible to have broad bipartisan agreement on a major problem facing the country today?

The answer is yes. You might not have noticed - it didn't get much coverage - but on Dec. 15 the House voted, by the unheard-of margin of 412 to 12, to pass a bill called the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act. With one loud, united voice, lawmakers told President Obama to stop messing around and impose real sanctions in response to the Iranian nuclear weapons program.

- Lord, as Iran drags its feet in order to finish building their nuclear weapons, we pray that You will reveal all secrets in their nuclear program. We ask that our leadership receive Your wisdom in dealing with Iran, and that decisive, wise actions will be the only course for them.

- "They encourage themselves in an evil matter; they talk of laying snares secretly . . . But God shall shoot at them with an arrow. . ." (Psalm 64: 5,7a)

2. Nelson Says More Senators Seeking Special Treatment in Light of Nebraska Deal - Fox News

Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson, who has faced a heap of criticism for appearing to trade his vote on health care for millions in federal Medicaid money, said he's considering asking that the Nebraska deal be stripped from the bill. But he said other senators are looking for special treatment in light of his success.

- Father we ask forgiveness for our leaders who have created a system of corruption rather than statesmanship in the voting process. We ask that You move on the hearts of these Senators, to include Senator Nelson, to repent and change their ways.

- "Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have dealt with you for My name's sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O house of Israel," says the Lord." (Ezekiel 20:44)

3. Abortion Battle May Spoil Democrats' Healthcare 'Victory' - Newsmax

Twice now, abortion was almost a dealbreaker. This time, it was a dealmaker. But of hundreds of deals cut so healthcare legislation can stay alive, the hardest to keep may be the Senate's abortion compromise - achieved after 13 hours of negotiation. The volatile issue remains the biggest threat to getting a history-making bill to President Barack Obama.

- As the blood of the innocent children cries out across the land, we ask for Your intervention to stop the healthcare bill from subsidizing death.

- "And He said, "What have you done" The voice of your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground." (Genesis 4:10)

4. FBI Probes Hacks at Citibank and Gov't Agency - The Wall Street Journal

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is probing a computer-security breach targeting Citigroup Inc. that resulted in a theft of tens of millions of dollars by computer hackers who appear linked to a Russian cyber gang, according to government officials.

- Father we pray that You will reveal the perpetrators of this hacking to the authorities so that they may be brought to justice. We also pray that You will bring knowledge to the programmers of American businesses and government agencies that will prevent such large scale attacks.

"The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth." (Psalm 34:16)

5. White House Picks New Cyber Coordinator - AP

Senior official says Obama has tapped Howard A. Schmidt, longtime computer security executive who worked in the Bush administration and has extensive ties to the corporate world.

- Lord may this man be a better choice for a government position than most have been thus far. We ask that You visit Mr. Schmidt with the knowledge of You and grant him wisdom.

- "Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people. . ." (2 Chronicles 1:10)

6. Economic Growth Not as Strong as Thought in Third Quarter - AP

The economy grew at a 2.2 percent pace in the third quarter, as the recovery got off to a weaker start than previously thought. However, all signs suggest the economy will end the year on stronger footing. The Commerce Department's new reading on gross domestic product for the July-to-September quarter was slower than the 2.8 percent growth rate estimated just a month ago. Economists were predicting that figure wouldn't be revised in the government's final estimate on third-quarter GDP.

- Lord we continue to pray for Your mercy over America's economy, and the people who must live within it. We ask for a true recovery, one not based upon statistics, but upon Your love and truth.

- "He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps." (Psalm 40:2)

The Middle East in Focus

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

"I will call upon LORD [YHWH], who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from my enemies." (Psalm 18:3)

1. Amid Gaza calm, Israel and Hamas prepare for battle - AFP

A year after Israel's war in the Gaza Strip, an unprecedented calm has held around the Hamas-run enclave, but both sides are busily preparing for the inevitable next round, analysts say.

2. Source: Israel hands Shalit deal response to mediator - Ha'aretz

Israel has given a German mediator its response to Hamas demands involving the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the return of captive Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, a source close to the negotiations said on Monday.

3. Israel Finds Remains of Jesus-Era Home in Nazareth - VOA

Israel's antiquities authority says archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a home in Nazareth that dates back more than 2,000 years - to the time of Jesus.

4. US ups funds for Israeli missile defense - Jerusalem Post

US President Barack Obama has signed a defense spending bill that includes $202 million in funds for Israel's missile defense programs, the White House announced Monday.

5. Jimmy Carter Asks Israel for Forgiveness - The Jerusalem Post

Jimmy Carter asked the Jewish community for forgiveness for any stigma he may have caused Israel. In a letter released exclusively to JTA, the former US president sent a seasonal message wishing for peace between Israel and its neighbors, and concluded: "We must recognize Israel's achievements under difficult circumstances, even as we strive in a positive way to help Israel continue to improve its relations with its Arab populations, but we must not permit criticisms for improvement to stigmatize Israel."

"As I would have noted at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but which is appropriate at any time of the year, I offer an Al Het for any words or deeds of mine that may have done so."

- Father, we rejoice at this overture from Jimmy Carter, and ask that You continue to show him the truth about the Divine plans and purpose of Israel.

- "For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You." (Psalm 86:5)

The Nightmare before Christmas

It's going to be tough sledding for Senate Democrats over Christmas--and not because of the snow. America's rage over the leadership's bill is exploding on all sides. With today's early morning vote for cloture (the second of three), the Democrats are one step closer to their flights home, where rallies are already taking place at local offices. The biggest bulls-eye seems to be squarely on Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), who sold out his pro-life soul faster than you can say "Medicare exemption."

Surprisingly, most of the fury over Nelson is homegrown. His state colleague, Sen. Mike Johanns (R) couldn't distance himself from the Cornhusker fast enough, calling Nelson's betrayal of his pro-life principles "reprehensible." On the floor, Sen. Johanns said, "Nebraskans are frustrated and angry that our beloved state has been thrust into the same pot with all of the other special deals that get cut here. In fact... they're outraged that a backroom deal for our state might have been what puts this deal across the finish line." Even Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman, whose budget stands to profit from the deal, said he wants no part of these special favors and made it quite clear that "the responsibility for this special deal lies solely on the shoulders of Senator Ben Nelson."

If the beleaguered Senator hoped to find solace in the arms of the pro-abortion crowd, he was mistaken. They are just as irate. Some are even suggesting that the President sacrifice health care reform to squash the Nelson "compromise." Yesterday, the pro-abortion caucus in Congress met with insurance providers and lawyers to find ways to understand it and defeat it.

But they needn't have worried. In a new video uncovered today, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius praises Nelson's language, because, according to the woman in charge of these reforms, it ensures that everyone will pay for abortion--no matter how the funds are divided up. Surely that news won't sit well with voters, who are breaking on the pro-life side of this debate by a massive margin. According to a new Quinnipiac poll, Americans--by a huge three to one margin--are overwhelmingly opposed to using taxpayer dollars to fund abortion. Seventy-two percent of the country is now firmly on the side of Rep. Bart Stupak's (D-Mich.) solution to ban the government's financial involvement in the procedure. House and Senate conferees would do well to heed that warning when they come together to iron out their differences with the final bill, else this bill could collapse because of it.

While ObamaCare may seem inevitable, it is not! Disagreement over abortion is one of the many reasons this fight is far from over. Over at The Cloakroom Blog, you can check out at least seven more obstacles that could kill the bill for good. Why not take part in Number One: Public Revulsion? Ring in the New Year by ringing up your leaders! Join us in spending the next couple weeks calling, emailing, and visiting your House and Senate leaders. If you've run out of things to say, you could always sing. FRC's Chris Curry put together some new lyrics to "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" that are sure to get you noticed! Also, don't miss the first (and potentially last) appearance of the FRC Singers as they stumble through a satirical version of "Let It Snow!" (Family Research Council)

Health Care: Fighting Back

Conservative Group Ponders Constitutional Challenge to Health Care

Democrats are using every trick in the book to push health care reform legislation through before the end of the year. In the face of such pressure, conservatives are looking for ways to slow down the process.

The Conservative Action Project (CAP) is considering a constitutional challenge to the health care legislation. A statement from the group reads:

"Mandating that individuals must obtain health insurance, and imposing any penalty -- civil or criminal -- on any private citizen for not purchasing health insurance is not authorized by any provision of the U.S. Constitution."

Democrats have claimed that the individual mandate is authorized under the Commerce Clause, the General Welfare Clause or the Taxing and Spending Clause, according to CAP.

CAP argues that the federal government has limited jurisdiction, "unless a specific provision of the Constitution empowers a particular law, then that law is unconstitutional."

"Government can only regulate economic action; it cannot coerce action on the part of private citizens who do not wish to participate in commerce," the group said.

Meanwhile, individual states may also end up challenging the bill if it becomes law. After a series of negotiations Friday night, Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., allegedly agreed to a compromise that would have the federal government paying for Medicaid expansion in his home state, in exchange for his vote.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told Fox & Friends on Tuesday, he thinks "it's incredibly inappropriate."

"Legally, I think other states can make a constitutional challenge," he said for a deal, "that was not shared with the rest of the country."

TAKE ACTION:

Ask your senators to vote "No" on the health care reform bill. (Focus on the Family; CitizenLink)


The Daily Jot: Health Care

The Christian Duty of Holding the US Government Accountable

Jesus said in Matthew 22:21, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." In Romans 13:1, the Apostle Paul says, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." These two verses are the ones that Christians use as justification to stand by and do nothing when an authority, such as the United States government, attempts to take away their God given freedoms and force them to pay for and to participate in evil deeds--such as the elevation of homosexuality, the counseling of the elderly to end their lives, and the paying for abortion on demand.

Interpreters of the Word as such be forewarned. The accounts in Matthew and Mark indicate that the Pharisees were trying to entrap Jesus. So they asked him if the Jews should pay taxes to Caesar--that's how the word "tribute" is interpreted. Jesus asked for the coin, noting that Caesar's image was on it, and responded accordingly. In Luke 23:2, the accusers took Jesus to Pilate and told him "We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King." You see, "Render unto Caesar", which has become a cliche of Christians, has nothing to do with submitting to an evil government. The Pharisees were trying to get Jesus executed.

The last verse of Romans 12, verse 21 says, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." The very next verse is Romans 13:1 about being subject to the higher powers. The entirety of Romans 13 speaks on how to be a lawful and orderly citizen, under the power of the law which is given by God. In the end, however, it is Peter and the apostles in Acts 5:29 that deal with the abuse of the power given by God. Peter said, "We ought to obey God rather than men." Rome was a dictatorship to a conquered Jewish people. Christianity was illegal in Rome after Christ was crucified. If Christians submitted to this authority, Christianity may well have died. Civil disobedience is exemplified in the Bible.

The argument of Romans 13 applies very well to America, but the power is Constitutionally vested in the people, not a dictator or magistrate, requiring the government to serve the people. We have a civic duty as Christians and as citizens of this Constitutional Republic to hold our government accountable. Will we bow to the evil that has usurped the Constitution and the will of the people or will we serve God and His commandments? If we know what is evil and do nothing of what is in our power to stop it (like allowing abortion in our land), then the blood is on our hands. The time has come to act strongly. Such action is justified, not prohibited, by God's word.

Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

What Should We Do?

I know how many of you are feeling despair today. Even with his falling poll numbers, Barack Obama remains firmly in control of Congress and has three long years left to take us down the road of European socialism before his first (and I hope only) term ends. The healthcare fiasco battle has been lost . . .

Or has it?

No it hasn't been lost, my friends. Even today more is being discovered in the bill that will outrage the public and could still derail this big government locomotive. Conservative warrior Senator DeMint just found on page 1020 of the bill a provision that says, " . . . it shall not be in order in the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any bill, resolution, amendment, or conference report that would repeal or otherwise change" the Independent Medicare Advisory Board.
That is the Board whose purpose is to ration our healthcare - the infamous "death panel" as Sarah Palin so wisely labeled it. The Reid/ Pelosi gang are trying to prevent any future Senate - even one with 100 conservative senators - from getting rid of it. They won't succeed!

What will we do? We will continue to fight. We will expose their outrages. We will use the courts. We will insist that the Constitution become relevant again. We will demonstrate, register voters and educate our friends and neighbors. We will beat the Left at the polls in November 2010 and send Obama packing in 2012.

The gang running Washington thinks we will ultimately surrender to their power and cynical political maneuverings. They are wrong. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; 12/22/09)

ADDED NOTE FROM CAPITOL HILL PRAYER PARTNERS

What else can we do? As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ -- our King of Kings who resides in the hearts of each of us -- we can wage this war the way our Father taught us to do: on our knees. We have come to the end of ourselves . . . and we have found Him.

God is using the battle over this health care bill to help us understand who WE are: Kingdom people with Kingdom "weapons" of our warfare. Offer praise that, in the end, God WILL get the victory, and He WILL get Himself Glory in and through all of this. He only asks us to trust Him, and to obey. Amen.

- After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:

"Give thanks to the LORD,
for his love endures forever."

As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. (2 Chronicles 20: 21,22)

- "Send Judah first, and the battle will be won." SING IT!!

DC Same-Sex Marriage Battle Continues

Last week, D.C. Council members drank champagne with homosexual activists to celebrate their 11-2 vote to legalize same-sex marriage. Mayor Adrian Fenty's bill signing was staged in a Unitarian facility on Friday. The law will take effect only after Congress has 30 legislative days to review it. Few believe the Democrat- led Congress or President Obama will prevent its enactment. Bishop Harry Jackson and the Stand4MarriageDC coalition are suing the DC Board of Elections and Ethics, which has denied DC citizens' their right to petition for a marriage initiative to define marriage as between a man and a woman. Jackson and supporters will also file to conduct a referendum to overturn the same sex marriage measure passed last week. Our focus now turns to the courts, which may be more faithful to the law than the DC Boards, which used skewed legal reasoning to justify their rulings. Nearby Maryland officials, including the Attorney General and a former GOP Congressman, are pushing for legalized homosexual marriage there. (FRC Prayer Targets)

• May God strengthen the faith of DC believers. May He grant God-fearing Americans victory in their quest to preserve the sanctity of marriage. May the courts overturn the wrongful rulings of DC's officials and may District citizens have an opportunity to vote, just as voters in 31 states already have had.

Good News!

"Silent Night" Scratched at School Program - Audience Sings it Anyway!

Audience did not remain 'Silent'

LEBANON, OREGON - "Silent Night" was not on the program at Pioneer School's concert Tuesday, but it was sung anyway - by the audience after the kids were done.

Shortly after the children started rehearsals this fall, Principal Mark Finch had scratched the number after a parent complained that the carol's emphasis was "too single-religion."

Superintendent Rob Hess, in attendance Tuesday, said he didn't see who started the carol but thought approximately 100 of the more than 700 people in the audience joined in.

Sam Long, a Pioneer volunteer and the grandmother of a Pioneer student, said the only reaction following the song was applause and cheers. "I'm very proud they stood up for what they believe," she said. "I am so proud, because have a godson fighting (in Baghdad) for our rights and to keep us free, and if we can't sing just a little song, what's he over there for?" (Albany Democrat) Read more.

More Good News!

"HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING"

Sung by the choir at King's College Cambridge
Sing with the angels! Go here.