Thursday, August 14, 2014

CHPP Daily Brief - Thursday, August 14, 2014





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


The Daily Brief:

"Praying for All in Authority"

Thursday, August 14, 2014

CORRECTED COPY



"All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And shall glorify Your name. For You are great, and do wondrous things;
You alone are God."
(Psalm 86:9,10)


"And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse . . ." (Rev. 19:1)

The Daily Brief

1. Caliphate? What an Islamic state means to British Muslims - BBC

When the extremist group Isis (now know as Islamic State or IS) declared a caliphate taking in parts of Syria and Iraq it reignited a debate over the role of an Islamic state. For many a caliphate is a political leadership, others a spiritual figurehead, and for some a combination of the two. "What we're seeing being carried out against helpless civilians like the Yazidis and other groups isn't what an Islamic state is about," says Yasmin Khatun, a journalist from London. The 26-year-old is a Sunni Muslim - they make up the vast majority of UK Muslims. (Important article! Read more here.)

- Father, we feel that Britain may be lost to the Moslems unless You intervene. We ask for Your touch upon the people of the UK to cause them to rise up and see the truth.

- "for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14)


2. Dems: Obama 'Should Come to Congress' If Iraq Situation Escalates - CNSNews.com

Two liberal Democrats on Tuesday said they support President Obama's limited air strikes in Iraq, but if things escalate, they agreed that Obama "should come to Congress." "I supported the president's position and his -- his policy of limited and targeted assistance," Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said. "Beyond that, I said, and I continue to say, that this could lead into a broader regional conflict, and...I hope the administration is very careful and not allow that to happen. "And if they change their policy or decide differently -- other than limited, targeted strikes to protect civilians and prevent a genocide and protect our embassy personnel -- they should come to Congress. We should have a debate. And we should cast a vote."

(Read more)

- Father, this constant threat and intimidation by liberals must cease. We take authority over the fuming of this goliath and command them to be silent. We pray that Your will and Your will alone be done with the airstrikes, and that Your mercy will prevail.

-"You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the Name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied." (1 Samuel 17:45)


3. First such prohibition to withstand a constitutional challenge since June 2013 -Time

Tennessee's same-sex marriage ban has survived a constitutional challenge in court, the first prohibition to withstand such a challenge in almost 14 months.

Roane County Circuit Judge Russell Simmons ruled that "neither the Federal Government nor another state should be allowed to dictate to Tennessee what has traditionally been a state's responsibility," in ruling from last Tuesday, SCOTUSblog reports.

- Lord, we pray that this law will stand and the tide will begin to turn toward true marriage.

- "But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and transgressors shall be rooted out of it." (Proverbs 2:22)


4. 1.000 National Guard Troops head to Texas Border- KHOU News

One thousand Texas National Guard members are about to assume their duties on the border but critics question whether their role is either too limited or broad.

Texas Governor Rick Perry called up 1000 troops to work with the Texas Department of Public Safety as a "force multiplier" after the Border Patrol struggled to cope with an influx of unaccompanied children from Central America.

- Lord, we hope that the combined actions of Texas and the others who have gone to the border will stop the influx of illegals. We pray for border protection from Your angelic host, and we draw the Blood line of Jesus Christ around our nation, declaring that we belong to You in spite of what we see.

- "Nevertheless He saved them for His Name's sake, that He might make His mighty power to be known." (Psalm 106:8)


5. Humanity Could Run out of Water by 2040 - Natural News

In approximately 25 years, fresh water may be hard to come by. Two new reports based on three years of research show that the entire world's population may go thirsty by 2040.

Learn more:

- Lord, Your word promises the You are the Living Water and that we may ask for rain in the time of the end days.

-"Ask of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to everyone, grass in the field." (Zechariah 10:1)


6. Atheists Accuse High School Football Coaches of 'Unconstitutional Activity' Over Team Prayer and Scripture-TheBlaze

A high school football team is under fire from atheists who say that prayer and Bible scriptures reportedly being shared with players and plastered on official team stationary violate the separation of church and state.

Chestatee High School, a public institution in Gainesville, Georgia, caught the ire of the American Humanist Association's Appignani Humanist Legal Center, a secular legal firm, after activists said they learned of specific religious activities being undertaken by officials.

- Father, as the gross darkness of the world continues to rise against Christian practices, we pray for Your covering and protection for the students and their coach.

-"For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon you and His glory shall be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:2)


7. Pentagon defines the mission: Airstrikes are for U.S. self defense, not taking out ISIL- World Tribune

The United States has defined its military mission in northern Iraq.

Officials said the U.S. air campaign against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant was limited to protecting American troops in northern Iraq. They said the air campaign did not envision the destruction of ISIL's presence in the autonomous region of Kurdistan.

- Lord, our brothers and sisters in Christ are being slaughtered, and having to run for their lives in Iraq, which has one of the oldest populations of Christians in the world. We ask Your mercy, Your power , and a move of Your Spirit for wisdom, knowledge, and discernment. For ISIS, we ask You to accomplish Your promises regarding the violent and wicked of the earth.

- "Behold, you among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which you will not believe, though it be told you." (Habakkuk 1:5)


8. Martial Law in St. Louis -New York Times. . . 1861

The Following is a historical piece from 1861 regarding St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, Mo., Wednesday, Aug. 14, 1861

The following proclamation has just been issued:

HEAD-QUARTERS, WESTERN DEPARTMENT, ST. LOUIS, Aug. 14, 1861.

I hereby declare and establish martial law in the City and County of St. Louis. Major J. MCKINSTRY, United States Army, is appointed Provost-Marshal. All orders and regulations issued by him will be respected and obeyed accordingly.
(Signed) J.C. FREMONT,

Major-General Commanding.

ARREST OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS OF ST. LOUIS.

ST. LOUIS. Mo., Wednesday, August 14, 1861

M[???] MCKINSTRY, the Provost-Marshal appointed by Maj.-Gen. FREMONT, has arrested JOHN A. BROWN LEE, President of the Board of Police Commissioners of this city, and appointed in his place BASIL DUKE. The laws of the City and State will be executed without change.

- Father, this historical piece from 1861 show the possibility of an uprising of the citizens. We pray that You will stay any martial law actions of our government over the riots and lootings currently happening in Missouri.

-"And He saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy." (Psalm 106:10)


The Middle East in Focus











The Middle East in Focus

OPERATION PROTECTIVE EDGE


"For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways." (Psalm 91:11)

1. Hamas and PA Reportedly Refuse to Return Soldiers' Bodies - Israel National News

As truce talks head into their final day Wednesday ahead of the end of the ceasefire at midnight, reports reveal that the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas delegation in Cairo is refusing to return the bodies of two IDF soldiers killed in Operation Protective Edge. Israel is refusing to any truce agreement that would not include the return of the bodies of Second Lt.Hadar Goldin and First Sgt. Oron Shaul, reports Channel 10 according to sources in the London-based Asharq Al-Aswat. (Read more)


2. Hamas Terror Attack Foiled South of Hevron - Israel National News

Duvdevan Special forces arrested 12 terrorists overnight Tuesday/Wednesday in Judea and Samaria, with several arrests near Hevron. Among them, the IDF arrested a Hamas terrorist actively planning a terror attack against the IDF and Israeli civilians in Kafr Samoa, south of Hevron.

Four arrests were also made in Deir Ista, near Qalqilya; two in El Arub, near Bethlehem; Bayt El Pavar, south of Hevron; and two in Uja, north of Yeriho (Jericho). All of the suspects were brought in for interrogation by security forces.

On Sunday night, security forces killed a Fatah terrorist during a joint operation of the IDF and Border Police undercover unit, south of Shechem (Nablus). Beforehand, the IDF had isolated the terrorist in his home, where he had barricaded himself; security forces called for him to surrender. IDF attempts to extract the terrorist from his home were unsuccessful, and the IDF was forced to attack after he began opening fire at Border Police and security forces at the scene.

The terrorist was shot dead; a search later revealed that the home had been hiding a weapons cache. Two IDF soldiers were injured in the exchange. (Read more)


3. Golani Troops Leave Gaza to Say Gomel Blessing at Kotel - Israel National News

Soldiers of Golani's 51 Battalion arrived on Tuesday afternoon to the Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem to say the gomel blessing, a blessing recited after safely emerging from a situation of danger.

The combat soldiers left the field of battle for the first time since Operation Protective Edge began over a month ago, and went directly to the Kotel where they were led in the prayer by their regiment commander Yisrael Friedler and the division rabbi.

The Golani Brigade has borne a heavy cost of the fighting in the Hamas terror enclave of Gaza, which has left a total of 67 Israeli soldiers and civilians dead. (Read more)


4. New York Governor Underscores Support for Israel - Israel National News

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo visited Israel on Wednesday, where he met with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin, among others.

Cuomo, who was accompanied by a delegation of American lawmakers, underscored Washington's commitment to Israel. (Read more)


5. Yazidi Child in Israel for Surgery - Israel21c

While Wisam recovers from heart surgery in Israel, his father worries about the rest of the family on the run from Islamic State in northern Iraq.

Wisam was born in northern Iraq 17 months ago with life-threatening congenital heart disease. His family is one of 200,000 adherents of the Yazidi faith who have escaped to the mountains near their hometown of Sinjar under persecution by the Islamic State, the al-Qaeda terrorist group offshoot formerly known as ISIS.

Despite the tragedy playing out at home, Wisam's father accepted an invitation to bring the toddler to Israel for free life-saving treatment at the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon through the Israeli humanitarian organization Save a Child's Heart (SACH). The father and son arrived in June, and Wisam's surgery was performed on July 10 by Dr. Lior Sasson. (Read more)


6. Palestinian official says temporary Gaza cease-fire to be extended for 5 days - Fox News

A Palestinian official says a temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas will be extended for another five days, as the Israeli military says it has struck sites in Gaza following rocket fire from the militant group.

Azzam al-Ahmad, the Palestinian delegation chief in the ongoing peace negotiations in Egypt, said in a press conference Wednesday that the militant group was willing to extend the cease-fire for five days rather than three. Israel had no immediate comment.

The announcement comes as Egyptian mediators race to pin down a long-term cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to prevent more violence in the Gaza. (Read more)


Tracking ISIS

Tracking ISIS:

"Flash forth lightning and scatter them; Send out Your arrows
and confuse them."
(Psalm 144:6)

1. Coptic Bishop: We're Seeing 'Heinous Cleansing of Entire Christian Population in Middle East' - CNSNews.com

Bishop Anba Suriel, who was born in Egypt and leads the Coptic Orthodox Church in the diocese of Melbourne, Australia, denounced the "merciless and barbaric acts of genocide" against Christians in Mosul, Iraq, asked why most world leaders and the media were nearly silent about the killings, and stressed that if "we do not take a strong stance against these crimes against humanity, it is only a matter of time before such fundamentalism infects the entire world."

"Mosul, the cradle of Christianity in Iraq since the first centuries, is now purged of its entire Christian population," said Bishop Suriel in a statement issued last week. "The ruthless and purposeful savagery of the attacks by the fundamentalist Muslim terrorist organization The Islamic State (IS), formerly known as Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), is truly inconceivable." (Read more)

2. U.S. Military Adviser: Air Strikes 'Unlikely to Affect ISIL's Overall Capabilities' - CNSNews.com

With at least 15 targeted airstrikes so far, the U.S. military has "helped check the advance of ISIL forces" near Erbil - but the gains are just temporary, said Lt. General William Mayville, the director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"We assess that U.S. airstrikes in northern Iraq have slowed ISIL's operational tempo and temporarily disrupted their advances toward the province of Erbil. However, these strikes are unlikely to affect ISIL's overall capabilities or its operations in other areas of Iraq and Syria," Mayville told a news conference on Monday. (Read more)


3. Why is Turkey supporting Islamic State fighters in Iraq? - CNBC

Now that U.S. forces are engaged in combat operations against Islamic State fighters in Iraq, the Obama administration must press ISIS on all fronts, targeting its financing, logistics, and weapons providers. Turkey - America's ally and NATO member - is allegedly involved. Clarifying Turkey's role would serve U.S.-Turkey relations. (Read more)


4. Iraq crisis: US says Mount Sinjar evacuation unlikely - BBC

The US says it is unlikely to launch a mission to save Iraqis trapped by Islamist fighters on Mt Sinjar as there are fewer people there than expected. (Read more)


5. EU countries give France green light to arm Iraqi Kurds - EU Observer

EU countries have moved a step closer to sending arms to Iraqi Kurds to help them fight the Islamic State (IS). Ambassadors at a meeting of the bloc's Political and Security Committee in Brussels on Tuesday (12 August) agreed that individual member states are free to send weapons, but stopped short of launching an EU-level effort to support the Kurdish militia, the Peshmerga. (Read more)


6. EU calls emergency meeting on Iraq and Ukraine - EU Observer

An EU spokesman has said foreign relations chief Catherine Ashton has called an emergency foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on Friday (15 August) on the crises in Iraq and Ukraine. The meeting could signal more Russia sanctions or EU military aid to Iraqi Kurds. (Read more)


The Daily Jot

Of vacations, ashes and sackcloth


Around the world and in the United States, the "president" has created chaos, pitted the races against one another, embroiled the Middle East in war and destruction, and allowed an invasion of malfeasants, disease carriers, criminals, gangs and terrorists. Millions of Americans cannot find a job and tens of millions more have given up on finding a job. The economy is in a shambles. The government is violating citizens rights on a daily basis. The "president" has accomplished much in the name of his socialist Islamic agenda. It's long and tedious work destroying a nation. It's time for vacation. Not just any vacation--15 days at a $12 million estate in the exclusive spot of millionaires--Martha's Vineyard.

Christian children are being beheaded in front of their parents in Iraq by Islamists that his administration helped create by releasing their leader from prison and secretly training his comrades with US military tactics in Jordan. Christian families are being tortured, starved and slaughtered by an organization enacting the strategies of the caliphate building Muslim Brotherhood--the "president's" declared foreign policy partner. It is so obvious that the world is in a terrible mess it has caught the attention of one part of the Twiddle-Dee, Twiddle-Dumb duo of Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. The Weekly Standard Reports that Hagel told marines, "The world is exploding all over."
Even the French socialists, who take a guaranteed five weeks vacation a year (almost as much as the "president's 31 days in Martha's Vineyard and Hawaii, plus weekends), think the "president" gives socialism a bad name. The UK Daily Mail reports that French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told a radio interviewer, "I know it is the holiday period in our Western countries, but when people are dying, you must come back from vacation." The left-leaning Washington Post has taken notice. Liberal columnist Dana Milbank wrote: "...his decision to proceed with his getaway just 36 hours after announcing the military action in Iraq risks fueling the impression that he is detached as the world burns."

Detached? Or Purposeful? The Washington Times reports that the "president" will likely log at least a round of golf per day on vacation. That will bring him to about 210 rounds of golf during his presidency. The Times points out that since January 2009 (when the "president" took office), Tiger Woods has played 269 rounds of golf. Woods being injured will mean that the "president" by next spring will likely surpass the man whose job it is to play golf. Nero had his fiddle. This guy has his nine iron. Certainly, the comparison has many similarities. Proverbs 29:2 says, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bears rule, the people mourn." Ashes and sackcloth anyone?

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com


ISIS Threatens Pastor Saeed in Prison

ACLJ: ISIS Militants Issue Death Threats against Pastor Saeed from Within Rajai Shahr Prison

The ISIS threats against Pastor Saeed are extremely dangerous. ISIS is a brutally violent offshoot of al Qaeda in Iraq, proving themselves far more violent than even al Qaeda itself. ISIS is terrorizing and massacring Christians throughout Iraq and Syria. Killing Pastor Saeed within Iran, which has publicly opposed ISIS, would provide a monumental victory for these murderous terrorists.

The same barbaric jihadists that are perpetrating mass genocide against Christians in Iraq are now targeting Pastor Saeed because he is a Christian and an American.

ISIS militants imprisoned in the same ward of Rajai Shahr prison as Pastor Saeed have communicated through other prisoners that they will kill him because of his Christian faith.

Pastor Saeed told family members this week that he fears for his life after these terrorists said they would murder him.

Though the ISIS terrorists are held in a separate section of the prison ward, they have on several occasions made their way by Pastor Saeed's section on their way back from the prison yard, forcing Pastor Saeed to hide.

Pastor Saeed could also come face-to-face with these violent terrorists in the prison yard during the prisoners' one-hour exercise period outdoors. Pastor Saeed has been forced to remain in his cell and refuse to use his allotted time in the prison yard.

Not only have ISIS militants from Iraq made these new death threats against Pastor Saeed, al Qaeda terrorists imprisoned there have also threatened his life.

On past occasions, al Qaeda members have attempted to attack Pastor Saeed in the prison yard, saved only by other prisoners from his section who placed themselves between Pastor Saeed and the extremists.

Read More


- Father God in heaven, we CRY OUT to You for angelic protection of this precious brother in Christ. Abba Father, as the world is watching this situation, and the Body of Christ worldwide beseeches You for his protection, we ask that You would answer our prayers with a mighty move of Your Spirit. We ask that You place a hedge of protection over Pastor Saeed, both for his own safekeeping and as a witness to the world. And finally, Lord, we ask for the immediate release of this brother in Christ and the removal of all charges that have been set against him. In Your Name, amen.

- "They gather together against the life of the righteous,
And condemn innocent blood.
But the Lord has been my defense,
And my God the rock of my refuge.
He has brought on them their own iniquity,
And shall cut them off in their own wickedness;
The Lord our God shall cut them off."
(Psalm 94:21-23)


Signs and Wonders

Signs and Wonders

PERSEID METEOR SHOWER--PEAKING NOW


According to the International Meteor Organization, the Perseid Meteor Shower is peaking now with as many as 50 meteors per hour. These rates are sharply reduced, compared to a normal year, because of the glare from the waning supermoon. It is still, however, a significant shower. If it is dark where you live, go outside and look up. Otherwise, try listening to Perseid radar echoes on Space Weather Radio.

(SpaceWeather.com)

"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
(Luke 21:25-28)


Worship With Us Today!

Worship With Us Today!
"You Are" - Colton Dixon

You are the song,
You are the song I'm singing.
You are the air,
You are the air I'm breathing
You are the hope,
You are the hope I needed.


Today's Birthdays

Today's Birthdays on the Hill

Almost every day of the year, a member of Congress or a Senator is celebrating a birthday. Let's lift up these men and women, day by day in prayer on their special day, that God might bless them and show them His love for each one. Indeed, let's move together in obedience to the Lord's mandate in I Timothy 2:1-4. It is written:
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

Today's Birthday Greetings go to:

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (NY)

Rep. Mark Pocan (WI)


(Source: Bible Pathways Ministries. www.biblepathway.org)


The Good News Corner

Texas Judge Puts 'Bathroom Ordinance' on Hold


A Texas judge temporarily halted an ordinance that would force Houston business owners to allow men to use the women's restroom - and vice versa. It will be on hold until Aug. 15, pending a hearing on the matter.

City-council members passed the ordinance in May. Last month, a coalition of pastors and other concerned people submitted more than 50,000 petition signatures from Houstonians who want the ordinance to be repealed or placed on the ballot. Last week, the mayor and the city attorney threw out more than 30,000 of those.

Jonathan Saenz, president of Texas Values Action, said people should get to vote.

"We will vigorously defend the right of Houstonians to take a timely vote on this dangerous ordinance," he said. "The oppressive actions of Mayor Parker and City Attorney David Feldman to throw out at least 30,000 petition signatures - and then delay and distract in court - only shows the desperate lengths they will go to prevent the people of Houston from having their say."

On Aug. 1, just three days before Parker and Feldman made the claims, City Secretary Anna Russell confirmed that there were enough valid signatures. In fact, her report found 17,846 validated signatures, after only looking through the first 19,177 petition signatures. This number - 17,846 - would meet the requirement to place the ordinance on the November ballot.

According to the NoUnequalRight.com campaign, which spearheaded the signature drive, the ordinance would place women and children in danger in business restrooms and community-pool changing rooms and locker rooms.

"This is about more than those who are dealing with gender identity issues," the group of pastors wrote on the campaign website. "This is about making it easier for a predator to gain access to a place where women and children should have every protection possible, not more exposure, because that predator can use a city ordinance to his advantage."

The ordinance would also force businesses to celebrate same-sex ceremonies.

Saenz said it's clear Parker and gay activists want to use "Washington-style executive power."

They want to "shut the people of Houston out of this process and force residents to accept this highly divisive new law against their will. Houstonians should be the ones to decide this issue, and we will fight for their right to do so." (By Bethany Monk for CitizenLink) Read more here.

- Please pray that the judge's verdict, banning this bill in the State of Texas, will hold.

- "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:22)