Capitol Hill Prayer Partners "Daily Brief": 2013

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

CHPP Daily Brief Tuesday, December 31, 2013

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

The Daily Brief

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

"Be on the alert, then, for you do not know the day nor the hour." (Matthew 25:13)

Please note:

The Daily Brief will not be published tomorrow, Wednesday, January 1, 2014,
on New Year's Day. We will return on Thursday, January 2.

The Daily Brief

1. Second suicide bomber in Russia's Volgograd kills 14 on bus - Reuters

A bomb ripped a bus apart in Volgograd on Monday, killing 14 people in the second deadly attack blamed on suicide bombers in the southern Russian city in 24 hours and raising fears of Islamist attacks on the Winter Olympics.
- Father, we pray Your shield of protection around the Winter Olympics and the people of Russia. We declare no evil will befall them, no disaster shall come near them. In Jesus Name.

- my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. 4) I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. (2 Samuel 22:3-4)

2. New laws in 2014 cover much ground

Thousands of new laws and regulations are going into effect next year -- mostly on Wednesday. . . . residents might want to brush up on the changes -- state lawmakers approved nearly 40,000 bills and resolutions this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

(Read more)
- Lord, we pray guidance upon our lawmakers to bring forth laws that are for the general welfare of the nation. Give wisdom, we pray, as some of these new laws are quite bizarre.

- "Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?" God answered Solomon, "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked long life, but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like."(2 Chronicles 1:10-12)

3. Obamacare Vending Machine Mandate Expected to Cost Millions

Not even vending machines are outside the scope of Obamacare mandates. Around 457 pages into Obamcare, section 4205 stipulates: the vending machine operator shall provide a sign in close proximity to each article of food or the selection button that includes a clear and conspicuous statement disclosing the number of calories contained in the article." This new mandate will cost the vending machine industry an estimated $25.8 million initially and an additional $24 million for every subsequent year. The rules will apply to about 10,800 companies that operate 20 or more machines. Nearly three quarters of those companies have three or fewer employees, and their profit margin is extremely low, according to the National Automatic Merchandising Association. An initial investment of $2,400 plus $2,200 in annual costs is a lot of money for a small company that only clears a few thousand dollars a year, said Eric Dell, the group's vice president for government affairs. "The money that would be spent to comply with this - there's no return on the investment," he said.

Read more:
- Father, we pray a blessing on these vending machine companies. May they prosper like never before. Raise their profits to offset this cost of this new mandate. It seems more and more jobs are being damaged or destroyed by this law. Strike it down, Father, so that it cannot rise again. We ask in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.

- And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed; (2 Corinthians 9:8) "The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."(Psalm 9:9)

4. Bald eagles dying in Utah from mysterious illness SALT LAKE CITY - (KSL)

Just this month, 13 bald eagles have died in Utah, and no one knows why. "All the birds that have been brought in have varying degrees of paralysis, weakness in the wings and legs, and then very quickly moving in to having tremors then full blown seizures," said DaLyn Erickson, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah. "Once the seizures start, that's pretty much it." Eight bald eagles have been brought into her Ogden clinic in the past three weeks, and five of them have died.

Read more:
- Father, reveal the cause of this mysterious illness affecting the bald eagles. We speak protection over these creatures. These birds are a wonder of Your creation.

- Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high? On the rock he dwells and makes his home, on the rocky crag and stronghold. From there he spies out the prey; his eyes behold it from far away. (Job 39:27-30) Who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:5)

The Middle East in Focus

The Persecuted Church

Today's Focus: The Persecuted Church

"Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living." (Psalm 27:12,13)

A Real Cause for Christian Outrage

Christians Massacred Worldwide: Where is the Outrage?

Swiftly on the heels of Christmas comes the feast of the Holy Innocents. On December 28, churches around the world commemorate the first Christian martyrs-those who lost their lives when King Herod ordered the execution of all males two and under in the vicinity of Bethlehem.
We consider such atrocities relegated to the ancient past, a barbaric time of intemperate, megalomaniac rulers. In today's enlightened era of diplomacy, such evil would not go unchecked.
And yet, Christians today are massacred on a far greater scale than from any edict issued from Herod. According to Open Doors, which provides support for Christians around the world, Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world today, with 100 people martyred for their faith each month. The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life reports that Christians suffer persecution, discrimination, and harassment in 133 countries-a full two-thirds of all countries worldwide. . .
These martyrs were real, living, breathing human beings with hopes, dreams, and loved ones. Each and every one was, at one time, someone's baby. They could all be my babies. Or yours.
Whig politician and statesman Edmund Burke said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." Whatever the root cause of Western Christian silence on the matter of global Christian persecution-be it the silence of the media, the culture wars, economic concerns, busyness, lack of global awareness, a passive acceptance of persecution, or a diffusion of responsibility, as Christians we have an unavoidable obligation to defend the oppressed. We've shown ourselves to be proficient at rallying toward a cause; it's time to rally to this. (Christianity Today) Read full article here.

For more news about the Persecuted Church, and how you can be more involved in intercession for these precious saints, go here.

Update: Religious Freedom in the Military

Finally! New Military Defense Bill Will Protect Freedom of Religious Expression among Service Members

The bill states that the US Armed Forces must "accommodate individual expressions of beliefs" of each service member.

According to a CBN News report, freedom of religious expression in the military has been preserved within the latest defense bill, signed into law by the president this past Thursday.
Although the law restricted any religious belief that would hinder "military readiness, unit cohesion and good order and discipline," it reportedly states that the US Armed Forces must "accommodate individual expressions of beliefs" of each service member.
The Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty's Chaplain Ron Crews said that he believes the law will protect the freedom of troops that believe in traditional marriage, and would allow them to state their belief without fear of reprisal. (Breaking Christian News)

Update: Obamacare and Christian Colleges

New Court Ruling a "Powerful Blow" to Administration's Attempts to Impose HHS Mandate on Christian Colleges

The decision is part of a recent groundswell of cases decided against the government. In nine of the twelve cases decided thus far, federal district courts across the country have issued injunctions against the mandate.

(Washington, DC)-On December 27, a Houston federal court delivered a major blow to the controversial HHS mandate ruling in favor of East Texas Baptist University and Houston Baptist University.

In a 46-page opinion, the court ruled that the federal mandate requiring employers to provide employees with abortion-causing drugs and devices violates federal civil rights laws, and issued an injunction against the mandate. Religious plaintiffs have now won injunctions in 9 out of 12 such cases involving non-profit entities challenging the mandate.
"The government doesn't have the right to decide what religious beliefs are legitimate and which ones aren't," said Eric Rassbach, Deputy General Counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, and lead attorney for East Texas Baptist and Houston Baptist Universities. "In its careful opinion, the Court recognized that the government was trying to move across that forbidden line, and said "No further!"
In its opinion, the federal court specifically rejected the government's argument that it evaluate the Universities' beliefs: "The religious organization plaintiffs have shown a sincerely held religious belief that the court cannot second-guess."
The decision is part of a recent groundswell of cases decided against the government. In nine of the twelve cases decided thus far, federal district courts across the country have issued injunctions against the mandate.
"The government has enforced the health care reform law very unevenly, handing out exemptions to those it sees as its allies," stated Rassbach. "Perhaps the worst part of the government's approach is that it seems to have decided that religious institutions are the only ones not to get an exemption." (The Becket Fund) Read more.
Reported by: Breaking Christian News

The Good News Corner

The Good News Corner:

Thanks to a 95-Year-Old Christian, Every Resident in Austin
to Get the Gospel of John

"We want to get the word out about this in an effort to encourage people to join with us in prayer. There is nothing that needs to be done, as all the funding is in place and the project is going forward-but we do covet the prayers of God's people for the success of this project." -Sermonaudio.com

(Austin, TX)-An anonymous, 95-year-old Austinite has written a check for the Gospel of John Project by Sermonaudio.com to facilitate the distribution of the Gospel of John to every resident of the city.

According to World Net Daily, dozens of cities across America have already benefitted from similar distributions, but officials from Sermonaudio say theirs is different.
"In the 11th largest city in America [Austin] there stands a building that once dominated the skyline," notes the project's website. "It is now simply known as 'The Tower.' On its façade is an inscription carved [from the Gospel of John] in giant letters of stone that has, for 77 silent years, proclaimed to the city words first spoken over 2,000 years ago: 'Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.'"
"Austin will be the 22nd city to be targeted, but what makes the Austin campaign so unique is that every single home in the entire city will be reached due to the heart desire of a single generous donor. Having lived more than 50 years of his life in Austin, he would now like to introduce its citizens to those immortal words from John's Gospel and the One that spoke them."

"We are in the process of preparing the preparing the print run now and should have these in the mail destined for Austin hopefully by sometime in January." (Breaking Christian News) Read more.

Billy Graham's Prayer for the New Year

Billy Graham's Prayer for the New Year

Our Father and our God, as we stand at the beginning of this new year we confess our need of Your presence and Your guidance as we face the future.

We each have our hopes and expectations for the year that is ahead of us-but You alone know what it holds for us, and only You can give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to meet its challenges. So help us to humbly put our hands into Your hand, and to trust You and to seek Your will for our lives during this coming year.

In the midst of life's uncertainties in the days ahead, assure us of the certainty of Your unchanging love.
In the midst of life's inevitable disappointments and heartaches, help us to turn to You for the stability and comfort we will need.

In the midst of life's temptations and the pull of our stubborn self-will, help us not to lose our way but to have the courage to do what is right in Your sight, regardless of the cost.

And in the midst of our daily preoccupations and pursuits, open our eyes to the sorrows and injustices of our hurting world, and help us to respond with compassion and sacrifice to those who are friendless and in need. May our constant prayer be that of the ancient Psalmist: "Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end" (Psalm 119:33).
We pray for our nation and its leaders during these difficult times, and for all those who are seeking to bring peace and justice to our dangerous and troubled world. We pray especially for Your protection on all those who serve in our armed forces, and we thank You for their commitment to defend our freedoms, even at the cost of their own lives. Be with their families also, and assure them of Your love and concern for them.
Bring our divided nation together, and give us a greater vision of what You would have us to be. Your Word reminds us that "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12).

As we look back over this past year we thank You for Your goodness to us-far beyond what we have deserved. May we never presume on Your past goodness or forget all Your mercies to us, but may they instead lead us to repentance, and to a new commitment to make You the foundation and center of our lives this year.
And so, our Father, we thank You for the promise and hope of this new year, and we look forward to it with expectancy and faith. This I ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, who by His death and resurrection has given us hope both for this world and the world to come.

Amen
© 2008 Saturday Evening Post Society. Reprinted with permission.

Worship With Us Today!

Worship With Us Today

We Exalt Your Name
Kari Jobe
Worship Here

Pray for the Harvest!

Pray for the Harvest!

"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35)

Every day, in every nation on earth, tens of thousands of men and women are making decisions for Christ. Now, you can monitor this amazing fact online by literally "watching" as these souls are born again into the Kingdom.

Of course, the identities of those who are coming to the Lord are never revealed, but our God knows who they are! Join us as we monitor these "names" daily, praying over each one to be mentored and to grow in his or her faith . . . even in these perilous times. You may visit either or both of the sites below, to pray for fields that are ripe for harvest.

> > > OPTION ONE: AboutJesus.net

Go here!

> > > OPTION TWO: The Great Commission Map!

Go here!

Monday, December 30, 2013

CHPP Daily Brief Monday, December 30, 2013

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

The Daily Brief

Monday, December 30, 2013

"Be on the alert, then, for you do not know the day nor the hour."
(Matthew 25:13)

The Daily Brief

1. New ObamaCare fees coming in 2014 - New York Post

Here comes the ObamaCare tax bill. The cost of President Obama's massive health-care law will hit Americans in 2014 as new taxes pile up on their insurance premiums and on their income-tax bills. Most insurers aren't advertising the ObamaCare taxes that are added on to premiums, opting instead to discretely pass them on to customers while quietly lobbying lawmakers for a break. (Read more)
- Abba Father, here comes more costs from this so called healthcare bill. The premiums, out of pocket costs, and deductions are already way beyond many if not most families' ability to handle and now more costs are being added. The demands from this law appear to be ever expanding. We ask again that this vile law be shattered and of no effect, in the Name of Jesus, Amen and Amen.

- "Arise, O Lord, do not let man prevail; let the nations be judged in Your sight. Put them in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be but men."
(Psalm 9:19-20)

2. Unemployment benefits for 1.3 million expire Saturday - CNN

Michelle Marshall is one of the 1.3 million long-term unemployed Americans who will lose jobless benefits Saturday. Marshall, 56, has been out of work for a year, since she lost an administrative assistant job that paid her $44,000 per year. (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, we know that when these benefits run out, many people will be struggling just to make ends meet. We ask that You would move upon the hearts of pastors in this nation to begin outreach programs to meet these very real needs . . . needs for survival. Help our churches know how to be organized so that needs for food, shelter and even health care might be met by Your people. We ask that, in this specific situation, what Satan means for evil, You will turn to good; and may many find You as their Savior and Lord in these times.

- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

3. Be prepared: Wall Street advisor recommends guns, ammo for protection in collapse - Washington Examiner

A top financial advisor, worried that Obamacare, the NSA spying scandal and spiraling national debt is increasing the chances for a fiscal and social disaster, is recommending that Americans prepare a "bug-out bag" that includes food, a gun and ammo to help them stay alive. David John Marotta, a Wall Street expert and financial advisor.said. "Firearms are the last item on the list, but they are on the list . . ." (Read more)
- Father God, this is a pretty dramatic article from a Wall Street advisor. We have heard this kind of warning many times from 'preppers' but for this warning to come from this source gives us pause. Lord God, we thank You that if we ask for Your wisdom, You will grant this for Your people. Thank You for showing each one of us how to respond; how to prepare; and what to do when the economy collapses. Help us to not be frightened into doing something that You would not advise. We ask in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.

- "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)

4. NSA slayer blasts new opinion on secrecy - WND

'Pauley rules that the American people have no rights regarding the government' The attorney whose case against the National Security Agency resulted in a judge's decision its massive data-collection scheme likely is unconstitutional says a new decision from a different judge - this time against the American people - pulls back the curtain on the Washington belief that people should be kept in the dark The newest decision came Friday in a case brought by the American Civil Liberties Union against the NSA over its bulk collection of millions of telephone and Internet records from Americans. District Judge William Pauley in Washington said he thinks that it's legal. But his opinion was in direct conflict with the determination in another case 10 days earlier, from U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, that the spy-on-Americans program likely is unconstitutional. The conflict sets up a probable U.S. Supreme Court visit to the issue. (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, it is frightening that we as a people have sunk so far down that judges are saying the government can do as it wishes; and that our citizens have no 'right' to question or challenge their actions. We repent mightily as we know we as a nation have earned this but we seek mercy Father. Protect and direct Your remnant Father through these challenging times. We pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen and Amen.

- "The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled; let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly." (Psalm 6:9-10)

5. Obama's NSA watchdog: 'Reasonable' to track cars - WND

It is "reasonable" for law enforcement officials to decide whether to place a tracking device on the car of a private citizen, one of the five members of President Obama's NSA review group charged with recommending surveillance policy has argued. University of Chicago law professor Geoffrey Stone addressed the tracking issue in a February 12, 2012, Stanford Law Review article entitled, "A Reasonableness Approach to Searches After the Jones GPS Tracking Case." The Jones case centered on a private citizen, Antoine Jones, who was suspected of drug trafficking. Police had received a warrant to attach a GPS device to Jones' car for a limited period of time, but then exceeded the warrant by tracking him for a month and beyond the geography limited in the warrant. The case went to the Supreme Court, which sided with Jones' attorneys, who had argued the police trespassed on private property - Jones' car - and had conducted an unreasonable search against the constraints of the Fourth Amendment. (Read more)
- Abba Father, we are sinking deeply into tyranny and we cry out for Your help. Not only has a judge determined that this surveillance by the NSA is legal, but Obama's own "watchdog" now supports this policy as well. We bow before You and ask that You keep us in Your care and direct our ways so that we can continue to serve You in this time in history. Have mercy, Father, in Jesus' Name we pray, Amen and amen.

- "The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore." (Psalm 121:7,8)

6. Huge Fireball Over Iowa Likely a Meteor - Guardian Express; AMS (American Meteorological Society)

A very huge fireball in the Iowa skies awed and amazed several witnesses in Des Moines and across the U.S. Midwest. There were hundreds of reports received by the American Meteor Society (AMS), of a bright ball of fire streaking across the night sky. Experts agree that is very likely a meteor entering and burning up in our atmosphere. (Read more)
- Father God, as we draw nearer daily to Your soon return, we rejoice at seeing these signs in the heavens . . . even beholding some that now fall to the ground! We lift up our eyes and hearts to You alone, Lord God, because it is only in You alone that we find our safety and our salvation. Hallelujah, we lift up praise to You alone, praying in the Name of Jesus, Amen and Amen!

- "And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides." (Luke 21:25)

7. Israel hits back after rockets fired from Lebanon - AFP

The Israeli military fired a barrage of shells into southern Lebanon in retaliation after five Katyusha-style rockets were launched against the Jewish state on Sunday, officials and reports said. (Read more)
- Abba Father, we ask You to continue to keep Your mighty angels all around the borders of Israel and around Your special ones. Guide and direct all that Israel's leaders need to do to protect Your special land and people. We know that violence and hatred continues to rise but we know that in You alone will Israel find its safety and its peace. We ask that You awaken them and drawn them to Yourself. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen and Amen.

- "The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." (Psalm 9:9)

8. Israel says it will release 26 Palestinian prisoners over next two days - CNN

Israel announced Saturday that it will release 26 Palestinian prisoners over the next two days in a step aimed at "resuming the diplomatic process," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement. (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, it is with heavy hearts that we come before You about these demands being made by the U.S. These 104 Palestinian prisoners are terrorists; their release will only increase the danger that Israeli citizens live with every day. Lord, we ask that You rise up and strike down these twisted requests because we know they will not bring the promised "peace" that Israel desires. True peace comes from You alone. We ask this prayer in the Name of Jesus, Amen and Amen.

- "Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may oppress no more." (Psalm 10:17-18)

9. New Bomber Can Nuke US Military Bases, Brags Chinese State Media - China Times

Chinese state media is once again bragging about Beijing's military prowess, touting the fact that China's new H-6K strategic bomber can attack U.S. military bases in South Korea as well as the Japanese mainland using long range nuclear cruise missiles. (Read more)
- Lord, it appears China is very busy rattling threats of war, along with North Korea. We ask that You abide in the midst of all of this, and guide our military leaders and US governmental leaders as they work to defuse some of this anger. We ask You to protect our service people who love and serve You, that they may remain safe in this dangerous region. In the Name of Jesus we pray, Amen and Amen.

- "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14a)

10. Mike Rogers, King Blast NYT Benghazi Report: 'Misleading' - Newsmax

Two of the House's top experts on terrorism blasted a New York Times report that says al-Qaida did not carry out the 2012 attack on the U.S diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.

The Times report, published Saturday and based on numerous interviews with Islamists in Benghazi, concludes that there was no evidence that al-Qaida or any other international terrorist groups had any role in the assault that killed four Americans on September 11, 2012. (Read more)
- Clearly, as long as this Congress is in session (returning next month), the tragedy at Benghazi will continue to be investigated. Offer praise for the courage of these two members of Congress, and continue in intercession until every hidden fact about the raid at Benghazi will be known, and justice is served, In Jesus' name, amen.

- "For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light." (Mark 4:22)

The Middle East in Focus

The Middle East in Focus

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

"Hear the Word of YHWH, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands afar off, saying, 'He who scattered Israel will gather him and keep/guard him, as a shepherd keeps his flock.'" (Jeremiah 31:10)

1. US deal will trade off 'Jewish' Israel for 1967 lines -- report - Times of Israel

US Secretary of State John Kerry will offer Israeli and Palestinian negotiators a political trade-off: Israeli recognition of the 1967 lines as a basis for the future Palestinian state, in return for Palestinian recognition of Israel as the state of the Jewish people, Palestinian sources told the Saudi daily Al-Watan on Sunday.

2. Obama Admin to IDF Generals: Stop Being So Concerned About Israel's Security - Washington Free Beacon

The Obama administration is pressuring Israeli generals to stop publicly voicing their concerns about the administration's security proposals in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and instead endorse the administration's plans, according to Israeli media reports.

3. Two Katyusha rockets land in northern Galilee - Times of Israel

Security officials said a total of four rockets were launched from southern Lebanon, but two failed to make it across the border, landing inside Lebanon.

4. IAF strikes Gaza following second rocket fired at Israel in 24 hours - Jerusalem Post

The Israel Air Force struck two targets in Gaza in response to rocket fire on southern Israel on Thursday. The targets struck were a weapons manufacturing site in central Gaza and a weapons storage site in the North of the Strip.

5. Kerry to return to Middle East this week - Times of Israel

Kerry will hold talks on the peace process with Palestinian and Israeli officials, the US State Department said Saturday. The top US diplomat is set to arrive on January 1st.

6. Ancient burial box claimed to have earliest reference to Jesus - UK Guardian

For 2,000 years, pilgrims and archaeologists have hunted for physical evidence of Jesus and his family, without success. But now an ancient burial box claiming to contain the earliest reference to the Christian saviour is about to go on public display in Israel after its owner was cleared of forgery. (Read more)

7. White House furious with Netanyahu over Jordan Valley vote - DEBKAfile

An Israeli ministerial panel Sunday voted for a bill to extend Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley. DEBKAfile reports that the White House and State Department claim angrily that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu could had he wished easily blocked the decision. They are furthermore put out by his issue of tenders for 1,400 new apartments in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, the day after a ministerial decision to release 26 Palestinian terrorist murderers. (Read more)
Prayer Request:

Father God, we thank You for the passage of this bill in a committee at the Knesset on Sunday. We offer praise to You, Most High God, that this bill will now go to the full Knesset (the plenum) for a vote by all members present. We ask You to FORGIVE Tzipi Livni for attempting to block passage of this bill in the Knesset, and we embrace and rejoice at the vision of FULL SOVEREIGNTY for the people of Judea and Samaria (the Jordan Valley) in the Nation of Israel. In Your Name we offer this prayer, amen.
"Therefore thus says the Lord God: 'Now I will bring back the captives of Jacob, and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name - after they have borne their shame, and all their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, when they dwelt safely in their own land and no one made them afraid. When I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and I am hallowed in them in the sight of many nations, then they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who sent them into captivity among the nations, but also brought them back to their land, and left none of them captive any longer. And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,' says the Lord God." (Ezek. 39: 25 - 29)
For more on this development, please read an article in Israel National News, "Ministers Approve Jordan Valley Annexation," by going here. Thank you.

The Persecuted Church

Today's Focus: The Persecuted Church

"Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living." (Psalm 27:12,13)

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani Reaches Out to Christians;

Leaders Reject 'Hollow Words'

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reached out to Christians over the Christmas holiday in three visible ways. But Christian leaders have denounced his "hollow words."

In a Christmas statement, Rouhani "wished a new year full of cooperation, peace, security and tranquility for the Christians," Fars News reported. He also reached out to Christians through his Twitter account, proclaiming, "May Jesus Christ, Prophet of love & peace, bless us all on this day. Wishing Merry #Christmas to those celebrating, esp Iranian Christians."
But some were wary of his seemingly friendly words especially as Christians, including Iranian American Christian pastor Saeed Abedini, continue to be persecuted.

"The words of President Hassan Rouhani ring very hollow in the light of the continuing arrest, sentencing and imprisonment of Christians in Iran," Jerry Dykstra, director of media relations for Open Doors USA, told The Christian Post on Thursday. . .
Jordan Sekulow, executive director of the American Center for Law and Justice, also denounced Rouhani's outreach as false. "Once again President Rouhani's words do not match his actions," Sekulow wrote in a statement to The Christian Post on Thursday. "His statement wishing Christians health, success and happiness in the new year is nothing more than his continued push to redefine his radical regime in an effort to make it appear more moderate on the world stage."

"By continuing to hold American Pastor Saeed Abedini in prison for more than a year simply because of his Christian faith, Iran continues to show its blatant disregard for religious freedom and human rights," Sekulow declared.
Abedini was detained on Sept. 26, 2012, on the grounds that his Christian activities threatened Iran's national security. A Facebook group calling Christians to "Pray for Pastor Saeed Abedini" has garnered over 21,000 "likes." (Christian Post) Read more.

For more news about the Persecuted Church, and how you can be more involved in intercession for these precious saints, go here.

The Daily Jot

Losing the culture war

A recent Economist/YouGov Poll is a clear indicator. Some 67% of Americans called 2013 a bad or very bad year. About 32% called it a good or very good year. 61% believe the country is on the wrong track. Of the 29% who believe the country is on the right track, 54% are Democrats and 88% are moderate to liberal. Roughly 56% say that health care coverage is worse now than a year ago. Of those describing themselves as moderate to liberal, however, 56% think health care coverage is better--51% of them are Democrats. It is self evident that those who support the policies that are destroying the nation, think they are good policies, enthusiastically so. But where is the logic in this?

According to this poll, the vast majority of Americans see that things are not going well. Yet the policies that are taking the country down are allowed to continue. We also see from the poll that those who believe everything is going well are far and away moderate to liberal. They are in the minority, yet the policies they support are those that are ruling over the majority. While there are clear distinctions between Democrats and Republicans among American citizens, it would appear that the vast majority of Americans are quite conservative. The party lines are blurred when it comes to policy--in other words, the conservative citizen base is not seeing conservative policy and government from those they elect.
This means that once people get into office, they are buying in to the very liberal policies that are causing social and economic harm to people. It also means that those who consider themselves moderates or liberal are not thinking well. This is indisputable. Trillions of dollars of debt are being incurred to bail out a failing economy; some 50 million people are on welfare; the jobless rate is higher than statistics say because millions have given up on finding a job; taxes are increasing through socialist healthcare; we have been at war for over a decade, and the list keeps growing. We are amidst the most enduring and savage culture war the US has seen since the Civil War.
If 80 percent of Americans claim to be Christian, how then can policies detrimental to family and country be so entrenched? Obviously, we are not living up to the standards of our professed belief system. Jesus told us in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." He tells us in Matthew 28 to make disciples. Just having people say they believe in Christ is not making a disciple. For our nation to be in such a state, there must be multitudes who say they are Christian, but have no idea what is required. There is no hope for this nation or the world apart from Christ, a relationship with Christ, and abiding in Him. If we say we are, we need to be.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!

Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com

Victory for Duck Dynasty!!!

Victory for Duck Dynasty!!!

Late Friday afternoon, A&E announced that it would resume filming its hit reality show Duck Dynasty with the family patriarch Phil Robertson back on the set. A&E's decision came five days after Cracker Barrel quickly reversed itself after facing an avalanche of customer complaints when it pulled Duck Dynasty merchandise off its shelves.

In a statement released to Fox News the Robertson family said, "We will continue to represent our faith and values in the most positive way through 'Duck Dynasty' and our many projects that we are currently working on. The outpouring of support and prayer has encouraged and emboldened us greatly."

This is a big victory, my friends. It shows what can still be done when men and women of faith speak up and make our voices heard!

But make no mistake about it -- this is just one battle and the war continues to rage. The intolerant homosexual rights movement and the secular left are not about to give up. And we won't either! (Gary Bauer)

Jihad In Russia

Jihad In Russia

Islamofascism's war against Western Civilization is alive and well.

Suicide bombers have struck the Russian city of Volgograd twice in the past two days, killing more than 30 people and wounding scores more. These attacks have gotten most of the headlines, but jihadist violence is on the rise in Russia.

Three days ago, a car bomb exploded in Pyatigorsk, killing three. In October, a female homicide bomber killed five people in a bus bombing, also in Volgograd.
Many security experts fear this is just the beginning. The Sochi Winter Olympics are set to begin in a matter of weeks, and radical Islamists have made no secret of their intentions to strike. One jihadist leader compared the Sochi Olympic games to "Satanic dancing on the bones of our ancestors."
Bruce Hoffman, director of Georgetown University's Center for Security Studies, warned, "Although fear of terrorist attack has been a staple of Olympics security for the past four decades, the back-to-back blasts yesterday and today, coupled with another attack in the same city in October, are likely intended to be the opening salvos in a sustained terrorist campaign." (Gary Bauer)

Secret peace talk contents revealed

Secret peace talk contents revealed by PA sources

The Palestinian Authority (PA) negotiating team has revealed some of contents of the secretive peace talks it has been holding with Israel, under American auspices.

Independent journalist Baruch Yedid, who has maintained ongoing contact with official and unofficial PA sources, described to Arutz Sheva the situation taking place behind the smoke screen.
According to Yedid, talks are advancing with the goal of a framework agreement in January, well before the 9-month period set for talks.

Yedid's sources reveal that the agreement includes long term Israeli withdrawals over the course of 5 to 10 years in a number of stages, including withdrawals from Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley.

Concerning Jerusalem, Yedid reveals that discussions revolve around proposals following the model of the Vatican, whereby the Old City and the Temple Mount would be a sort of autonomous region under joint international management, including Israeli and PA representatives. (Israel National News) Read more
Prayer Request from the JerUSAlem Connection:

The abject irrationality of any attempt to make peace with the Philistinian (I know it's the Palestinians, but they take their name from the Philistines) Jihadist defies any sensible explanation. The notion of normal negotiations with Islamists has been, and will continue to be a diabolical disaster. The only language these people understand is force. And until this is expended to the total demise of Palestinian capacity to make war, there will be no peace. Who today has the moral core values based on the Covenants of the Bible to tackle this mission? Grant us O YAHWEH, leaders whose world view has been shaped by Holy Scripture and protect your people from the demonic designs of the Destroyer, we pray in the authority of the name of Jesus.
God says: "I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run." "YAHWEH will fight for you, you need only to be still." "Once more a remnant of the house of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above. For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of YAHWEH Almighty will accomplish this. (Exodus 23:27, 14:14; Isaiah 37:31-32)
(Source for all above: The JerUSAlem Connection, P.O. Box 20295, Washington, DC 20041)

The Good News Corner

The Good News Corner:

Fanatic group leader terrified seeing heavenly ball of light
Introduction:

Dear praying friends Praise be to the Lord Jesus May this post find you in good health and prospering in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus. Once again thank you for your prayer supports on our ministries. Please read following story of "Fanatic group leader terrified seeing heavenly ball of light" completely; and pray for his family. Please share this story with your friends by email, facebook, twitter, website or weblog etc.. (please make a link to our site http://pciniraj.wordpress.com , when you share this story to your website).

Fanatic group leader terrified seeing heavenly ball of light

My name is Rashid. I was a commander of a fanatic movement of Islam, who were planning either convert back or wipe out Muslim converts to Christianity in India and other Asian countries. Some of our operations were great success.

We came to know about Pastor Paul Ciniraj, a former Muslim and the group of his ministries boldly evangelizing people, specially Muslims. So we wanted to give him a big shock by destroying his family and wanted to bring him back to Islam as a good weapon against Christianity. And I voluntarily took the leadership of a group for the operation . . .
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
P.S. We exhort you to take time TODAY to read this full story here . . . Rashid saw a HAND come down out of HEAVEN, with "a hole in the middle and Blood coming down out of it" . . . bringing healing to the daughter of Pastor Ciniraj. Praise God!

Worship With Us Today!

"Daddy Come Home"

Sung by the Yeshiva Boys' Choir

"Daddy Come Home" is a very touching song. This New Year may we all remember to pray for Israel and also for the IDF (army) and the IAF (air force). Amen.
[Repeated from our Hanukkah series last year . . .]

Pray for the Harvest!