CHPP Daily Brief: "Praying for All in Authority" Tuesday, November 10, 2015

In honor of Veterans' Day tomorrow,
we honor those who have served our
nation now, and in years past.
And because this is a federal holiday,
the Brief will not be published tomorrow.
We will return on Thursday . . .

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"
Tuesday, November 10, 2015

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.
To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (2 Tim. 4:18)

A Special Tribute to those who have served
in the Nay. Go here.


Father God, as we release this edition of The Daily Brief, we recognize that Your Hand is now moving mightily, in many realms at once, bringing us Good News Reports from the north and the south and the east and the west.

Lord God, we witness this amazing SHIFT in the many news reports below, and we give You all the praise, all the honor, and all the GLORY for how You are now moving in the hearts of men. Praise the Lord!

Honoring Our Veterans . . .

	The Middle East in Focus

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10)

GOD SENDS A SIGN OF LIFE IN THE SKIES OVER ISRAEL

Amazing. Above Israel, "Chai" shines -- the Hebrew symbol of life!

1. WATCH: Flash floods wreak havoc in Ashkelon - Times of Israel

Residents of the southern coastal city of Ashkelon faced a heavy downpour Tuesday as a brief but intense winter storm swept the area, closing major roads and flooding whole neighborhoods.

Hundreds of people were left stranded as emergency services struggled to deal with the damage caused by the unexpected deluge. Fire and police crews were working to rescue stranded drivers as high water levels trapped people in their cars.

Read more

2. Israel strikes Hamas site in Gaza after rocket attack - Times of Israel

Israel carried out an air strike in the Gaza Strip Sunday night in response to a rocket attack earlier in the day, targeting a Hamas installation.

The military said it struck Hamas infrastructure in the south of the Strip. There were no immediate reports of Palestinian casualties.

The rocket had landed in an open field in southern Israel on Sunday night, causing no injuries or damage. Rocket sirens were triggered in the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council for the first time in two weeks.

Read more

3. 4 hurt in Samaria ramming attack; terrorist stabs guard in Beitar Illit - Israel Hayom

Four Israelis were injured on Sunday as a Palestinian terrorist rammed a vehicle into a crowd at the Tapuach junction, one of the busiest junctions in Samaria.

Two young men were seriously hurt and a pregnant woman was lightly hurt after being run over, and a fourth young man was grazed by a ricocheting bullet fired by security forces at the terrorist.

Read more

4. Fatah welcomes shooting attacks in Hevron - Israel National News

The Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade, the so-called "military wing" of Fatah headed by Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas, is welcoming Friday's shooting attacks against Israelis in the Hevron area.

In the two attacks, two teens were wounded by terrorist gunfire near the Cave of the Patriarchs, and a soldier was wounded in a separate shooting attack at Beit Anun.

The movement said in a statement on Sunday, "We, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade-Palestine, welcome the heroic operation in Hevron and praise the heroism of its perpetrators."

"The Brigades consider this action a natural response to the occupation's recurring crimes against our unarmed Palestinian people and its violation of the sanctity of our holy places," the statement continued.

Read more

5. Palestinian woman brandishing knife is shot dead at checkpoint - Times of Israel

Defense Ministry guards shot dead a Palestinian woman who approached them with a knife Monday morning near the West Bank settlement of Alfei Menashe, the Defense Ministry said.

The incident came a day after a stabbing attack in the same area.

Brandishing the blade, the woman advanced toward the guards at the Eliyahu checkpoint. She was shot after she refused to halt, despite being urged to several times by the guards, the Defense Ministry said.

A note written by the woman to her family was later found on her person. Palestinian sources identified her as Rasha Awissi, 23, of Qalqilya.

Read more

6. Abbas and Sisi discuss peace process - Israel National News

Palestinian Authority (PA) chairman Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, the Ma'an news agency reported.

Among other things, Sisi's spokesman Alaa Yousef said, the two discussed peace talks between the PA and Israel as well as the situation in Gaza.

Yousef said Abbas and Sisi had agreed that all practices that "create more tension" should be halted, including the construction of "Israeli settlements", according to Ma'an.

They agreed that an end to these practices could pave the way for the resumption of peace talks between Israel and the PA.

Read more

7. Zionist group: State's demolition policy is biased against Jews - Israel Hayom

A ruling by the High Court of Justice that the Ayelet Hashachar Synagogue in Givat Ze'ev must be demolished by next Tuesday is a clear case of "selective enforcement," says Meir Deutsch, who heads the policy department of Regavim, a group that advocates for Zionist land policy.

"There is no precedent for the State of Israel razing a religious structure, except in the Jewish sector. ... There are hundreds of mosques that were built illegally, some on land privately owned by Jews. Not only does the State of Israel not enforce the law when it comes to them, this past year some 50 mosques and other religious buildings that were constructed illegally have been deemed legitimate," Deutsch said.

Read more

	The Daily Brief

1. Netanyahu calls meeting with Obama 'one of best' they've had - Times of Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his sit-down on Monday with US President Barack Obama was "one of the best meetings I've had with him."

Speaking to reporters moments after his two-and-half hour powwow with Obama, Netanyahu said the discussion focused mainly on Israel's security needs and American military aid to Israel, and steps on the ground Jerusalem intends to take to stabilize relations with the Palestinians. Netanyahu is to meet with Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday to discuss such steps.

The president did not ask Netanyahu to freeze settlements, Netanyahu said. His controversial appointment of Ran Baratz as his new communications director did not come up during the meeting, the prime minister added, reiterating that he will "deal with the matter" upon his return to Israel. (Read more)
- We rejoice that the tone of this meeting was so much better than the last one between the leaders of these two countries. We pray that this tone continues throughout Mr. Netanyahu's visit in the US, especially when he talks with the Secretary of State John Kerry. Lord, we ask You to keep a watch over this visit and that our government will honor Israel as the only democracy in the whole Middle East. We bless Israel ourselves today!

-- "The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace." (Psalms 29:11)

2. Netanyahu, Obama agree to expedite talks on new military aid package - Ynet News

US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed on Monday to expedite talks on a new 10-year American military aid package for Israel, in an effort to finish negotiations before the end of Obama's term. "You cannot compare the security needs we had in the previous decade to those we will face in the next," Netanyahu said following a meeting with Obama at the White House.

An American team will touch down in Israel at the beginning of December to start talks that are expected to last for several months. Talks were supposed to end in 2017, the deadline of the current military aid package, but the US president is interested in bringing them to completion before he leaves office in 14 months.

"A lot of our time will be spent on a memorandum of understanding that we can potentially negotiate. It will be expiring in a couple of years, but we want to get a head start on that to make sure that both the United States and Israel can plan effectively for our defense needs going forward," the US president said in public comments ahead of the meeting. "This is an important process that was supposed to end in 2017, and I greatly appreciate Obama's willingness to complete the process before the end of his term," Netanyahu said following the meeting.

The current military aid to Israel, the prime minister noted, was half of American military aid to South Korea.

Netanyahu said there was a "good, constructive and very businesslike atmosphere" in his meeting with Obama - which lasted 45 minutes longer than planned. "What you saw publicly was evident behind closed doors as well," he said. "The first and most important issue we discussed was the memorandum of understanding on American security aid to Israel. We didn't focus on the amount, but I presented our security and technological needs with regards to regional threats. We have ISIS in Sinai and spillover in the Golan Heights. President Obama is aware of these challenges, including the likelihood that the Russian plane was downed." (Read more)
- Oh, Lord, we rejoice that a military package for Israel will be discussed. We place these negotiations in Your hands and pray that Israel will be treated with the respect and favor it deserves. We pray for a timely completion of this task and that appropriate equipment will be delivered for them to use in defense against all the threats of their regional enemies. Bless You, Father, for a change in heart of the administration. We honor You as the Protector of Israel and we bless them to live and thrive in peace.

-"But the one who redeems them is strong. His name is the Lord of Heaven's Armies. He will defend them and give them rest again in Israel. But for the people of Babylon there will be no rest." (Jeremiah 50:34)

3. Netanyahu to Obama: Israel has not given up hope for a two-state solution - Jerusalem Post

While Obama and Netanyahu conveyed messages of friendship, the two leaders barely smiled and their body language appeared stiff and tense, The Times of Israel's Raphael Ahren reports from the Oval Office.

Obama appears unconvinced that Netanyahu's remarks are sincere, he reports. The president says Israel has the right to defend itself, but wants to get the peace process back on track.

Netanyahu says he's committed to the two-state solution. "I want to make it clear. We haven't given up our hope for peace. We remain committed to the two-state solution," he says. (Read more)
- Lord, we see Prime Minister Netanyahu speaking goodwill concerning the "Palestinians," yet we hear death and destruction to Israel voiced by their leaders. We do indeed pray for there to be peace between the two people groups, but know that You will have to give Israel divine wisdom and supernatural protection for their defense from those who live within their borders. Lord, we see that giving them more land has only caused a desire for the entirety of Israel. In the name of Jesus, we push back against the plans of God's enemies to destroy this Land of Israel. Amen!

- "He found him in a desert land and in the howling wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of his eye." (Deuteronomy 32:10)

4. Report: US, Britain using Israeli intel to determine cause of Egyptian crash - Jerusalem Post

At least some of the intercepts being used in the ongoing investigation into what caused the Egyptian jetliner's crash comes from Israeli intelligence sources, CNN reported.

According to a US official briefed on the intelligence matters pertaining to the situation, Israeli intelligence sources intercepted communications between ISIS affiliates in Sinai, who have since claimed responsibility for the downing of the plane.

Egyptian officials, who are leading the investigation, have been hesitant to comment on the possibility of a bomb on board the plane, although officials told reporters that they still considering "all the scenarios." (Read more)
- Father, we ask you to be in the midst of the crash investigation. In addition to their normal complexity, this is also further complicated by the proximity of other interested parties, geopolitical implications and interests, and the originating terrorist nature of this crash in the first place. We ask you to be in all these details and all these relationships. May the truth and your will be known in the Middle East and this situation.

-"And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king." (Esther 2:23)

5. 'Russia, Iran have signed contract for S-300 missile system delivery' - Jerusalem Post

Russia and Iran have signed a contract for Moscow to supply Tehran with S-300 surface-to-air missile systems, Sergei Chemezov, the chief executive of Russian state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec, was quoted by the RIA news agency as saying on Monday. "S-300, the air defense system, the contract has already been signed," Chemezov was quoted as saying at the Dubai Airshow. A nuclear deal signed between Iran and world powers earlier this deal has put Israel and Sunni-ruled Gulf monarchies on edge: They fear Tehran's rapprochement with the West will allow it to pursue an expansionist agenda in the region. Chemezov said Gulf countries had no reason to feel threatened by the deal. "This is defence equipment. And we are ready to offer this defense equipment to any country," Chemezov later told Reuters in Dubai, speaking through interpreters. "So if the Gulf countries are not going to attack Iran . . . why should they be threatened? Because this is defense equipment." (Read more)
- Lord God, when we see the enemies of Israel moving to join forces for military strength, we cringe . . . but then we remember that You, O God Jehovah, will watch over Israel . . . the apple of Your eye. We continue to stand by Israel in prayer and to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, even as we ask that this connection between Russia and Iran be severed by Your mighty hand. Amen and amen.

- "The LORD is righteous; He has cut in two the cords of the wicked." (Psalm 129:4)

6. Senator Blasts TPP as "Global Governance," Says Stop Fast-Track - The New American

U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) has wasted no time in sounding the alarm over the massive Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which the Obama administration unveiled to the public and Congress on Thursday. The enormous agreement (over 5,500 pages), which had been negotiated over the past several years in strictest secrecy and kept tightly under wraps until now, "confirms our fears," said Sessions, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest.

"The text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership runs 5,554 pages," declared Sessions, in a statement issued Thursday, soon after the release of the text. "This is, by definition, anti-democratic," he charged. "No individual American has the resources to ensure his or her economic and political interests are safeguarded within this vast global regulatory structure."

According to Sessions: "The predictable and surely desired result of the TPP is to put greater distance between the governed and those who govern. It puts those who make the rules out of reach of those who live under them, empowering unelected regulators who cannot be recalled or voted out of office. In turn, it diminishes the power of the people's bulwark: their constitutionally-formed Congress."(Read more)
- Oh, Precious Lord, we are distressed by this "treaty" negotiated as trade deal, but what is actually a disguised way to extend control over American commerce. We speak death to this agreement, as it is not in American interests and is unconstitutional. If it had to be negotiated in secret, we know we cannot trust it. Father, we ask for You make arrangements so that this is never part of the American experience in trade, commerce, and regulations. We submit our country to You alone. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen and amen.

- "The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death." (Proverbs 21:6)

7. Congress Moves to Label Muslim Brotherhood a Terrorist Group - Washington Free Beacon

Lawmakers in both houses of Congress filed legislation on Tuesday that would formally designate the Muslim Brotherhood a sanctioned terrorist organization, according to an advance copy of the legislation obtained by the Washington Free Beacon. The legislation outlines the Brotherhood's long history of sponsoring terrorism and outlines congressional support for it to be designated a global terrorist outfit.

The bill also would force Secretary of State John Kerry to explain why the Obama administration has been hesitant to label the Brotherhood a terrorist group.

The Brotherhood's political wing has been banned in Egypt, where affiliates of the organization overthrew the government and then violently cracked down on its opposition, the United States has avoided labeling the organization a sponsor of terrorism. Should the State Department refuse to move forward with the designation, the bill would require it to provide a justification for this policy, according to the bill. (Read more)
- Father, we thank you for leadership in Congress to name the evil, and we ask that this would help confront and conquer that evil.

-"But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." (Isaiah 49:25)

8. US role in Syria brings push for Congress vote on new war powers - Fox News

The U.S. military intervention in Iraq and Syria is creeping forward, putting more pressure on Congress to vote on a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force. It would be the first war vote in Congress in 13 years.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a leading force in the Senate for a new authorization, said the reluctance to vote runs deep and that many in Congress prefer to criticize President Barack Obama's policy in Iraq and Syria without either authorizing or stopping the fight. "There is sort of this belief that if we do not vote, we cannot be held politically accountable. We can just blame the president," Kaine said.

"We are forcing people to be deployed far from home in a theater of war, and risking their lives and losing their lives and members of Congress are like `I'm afraid of this vote because somebody might try to hold me accountable for it.' (Read more)
- Father, we thank you for your wisdom of separation of powers in the Scriptures, its manifestation in our Constitution, and for Members of Congress willing to stand up and call for Congress to end its underreach of power and to exercise its rightful role in our nation's activities in war. We ask for swift debate, a clear understanding of your will, and decisive action accordingly.

- "And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat." (2 Chronicles 17:10)

9. Congress makes bipartisan calls for Obama to step up ISIS attacks, in wake of downed Russian airliner - Fox News

Top congressional lawmakers expressed little doubt Sunday that ISIS is responsible for the recently downed Russian jetliner and called for heightened security and a revamped U.S. foreign policy to prevent a similar attack on an American passenger jet. The calls for a more aggressive response were made by Capitol Hill Democrats and Republicans, including leaders in intelligence, foreign policy and homeland security.

Texas GOP Rep. Mike McCaul, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, told "Fox News Sunday" that he has a "high degree of confidence" that ISIS planted a bomb on the Russia-bound plane that exploded in midair on Oct. 31 in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, killing all 224 people on board.

He also said that the Transportation Security Administration has been "proactive" in ordering additional screenings and other measures but suggested the Obama administration's tepid efforts to destroy the Islamic State terror group in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East is in large part to blame for the tragedy. "The sad fact is, because we've had a failed policy and failed leadership, now we're having to rely on Russians and the Iranians to go into Syria to fight and destroy ISIS," McCaul said. "And that's kind of where we are today. I think . . . it's this weakness invites aggression."

Reps. Peter King and Adam Schiff, members of the House Intelligence Committee, expressed similar conclusions that a bomb inside the aircraft likely caused the accident, based largely on intelligence reports and flight-recorder data. And they called for a more aggressive foreign policy. "This has to be an all-out effort," King, R-N.Y., told ABC's "This Week." "I don't think the president has done enough as far as having the forces on the ground (in Syria) that are necessary to make the air attacks more effective."

Schiff, a California Democrat, told ABC, "I agree that the president's approach basically has a battlefield that is pretty static and that more is going to have to be done." Schiff also suggested that eradicating ISIS could take 15 to 20 years without ground support from such countries as Turkey and Jordan. (Read more)
- Father, after Congress has clarified its will and made it known to the President, we ask that you would move in the heart of the President to fully implement the will of Congress and the American people, as to our place for action in the Middle East, and our relationship with Israel.

-"Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident." (Psalm 27:3)

10. Update: New pictures show spectacular launch of nuclear-capable Trident missile over Golden Gate Bridge that sparked UFO scare - Daily Mail UK

The US Navy fired a nuclear-capable Trident II (D5) missile off coast of California on Saturday as part of a top secret test. Photographer Abe Blair happened to be taking pictures of San Francisco when the mysterious streak appeared. He captured the dazzling blue light shooting across the sky after the ballistic missile was fired from USS Kentucky. The mystery light sparked a flurry of calls to police and posts on social media speculating that it might be a UFO. (You can view these stunning photoshere.)
- Lord God, as we view these photos, we can easily see why the residents of California were so "upset" last Saturday night at what they beheld in the sky. We do ask, Abba, for Your hand to rest upon our people, as we stand in repentance for our national sins, before Your Throne of Grace. We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen and amen.

- "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their vindication is from Me," declares the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17)

	The Daily Jot

Monday, November 9, 2015

When Common Sense is Biblical Sense

Did you ever have that feeling that something just isn't right, but you can't quite put your finger on it or get your mind around it? Or how about a pending decision of importance and you have that sense of doubt about it? Some would say that is a check in your gut caused by the Holy Spirit. Others may say it is discernment. Still others may claim that your common sense is kicking in. We sure seemed to see Americans demonstrating the Holy Spirit, discernment and/or common sense during the off year elections. The same sex bathrooms in Houston were repealed; Kentucky came up conservative as did Virginia; San Francisco's pro-sanctuary sheriff is gone; and Ohio voted down marijuana. What's up?
You sure didn't hear much about the election. It was last Tuesday, wasn't it? Mainstream Media isn't crowing about much of their progressive (sic communist) agenda moving ahead. I did see a couple of stories expressing horror that Houston residents voted down what the writers called "anti-discriminatory" measures by the mayor. The stories appeared to imply that the voters in Houston were bigots. The stories never really mentioned that the voters rejected unisex bathrooms where sexual deviants could share the same restroom with your seven year old grandchild. The media is once again not giving the facts, or the truth, but rather a political position by providing a progressive slant.
I know there is a lot of discussion out there about whether Christians should be concerned about politics. The anti-politics crowd says that Christians are of God's kingdom and, therefore, should not be involved in politics. The pro-politics side says that Christians have a duty to improve society and politics should reflect Christian values. I do not think it is an "either/or" argument, but rather a "both/and" argument. It's common sense. If you are a Christian, you should know that you must be a Christian first and foremost. But your job as a Christian is to shine the light of Christ for others to see, to make disciples, and to be an example of overcoming evil with good--to occupy till Jesus returns. You are to impact society.
Common sense would say that means you must use what you can to influence others with the gospel. In America, Christians can do that by voting. In other countries, they might get their heads lopped off or sold as sex slaves if they dare shine that light of Christ in public. We live in a great country where freedom has been highly regarded. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:20, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." In a sense, your common sense, your discernment, is Biblical Sense as provided by the Holy Spirit. Don't let the progressive media, the communists, or the misguided graduates of seminaries in the pulpit tell you otherwise.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!

Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com

	5th Circuit Overrules Obama on Immigration Policy

Fifth Circuit rules against Obama's executive action (on immigration)

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a district court judge's injunction against President Obama's executive action. That all but officially finishes President Obama's executive actions on immigration. Though this isn't surprising to anyone with a basic understanding of the US Constitution, it's still major setback for illegal immigration activists.
It isn't surprising that the Obama administration lost this appeal. They essentially argued that the states didn't have standing to file the lawsuit. That tactic was flimsy at best. Locus standi is defined as "the party is directly subject to an adverse effect by the statute or action in question, and the harm suffered will continue unless the court grants relief in the form of damages or a finding that the law either does not apply to the party or that the law is void or can be nullified. This is called the "something to lose" doctrine, in which the party has standing because they directly will be harmed by the conditions for which they are asking the court for relief."
The 26 states that filed the lawsuit argued that President Obama's executive action would have a direct negative impact on their states' budgets, especially their education, health care and welfare budgets. Technically, the administration has the option of appealing this to the Supreme Court. It's highly unlikely that the Supreme Court would hear the case before next November's election, much less rule on it before the presidential election.
If the Supreme Court accepted the case and heard it, it isn't likely that the Supreme Court would rule in President Obama's favor because Congress, not the President, sets immigration policy. (The Examiner) Read more here.

DOJ appealing to Supreme Court on immigration plan after latest legal setback

Court rules against President's immigration plan

The Justice Department plans to appeal to the Supreme Court in a bid to preserve President Obama's immigration executive actions, after a federal court delivered another blow to the administration's plan. In a 2-1 decision, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans upheld a federal judge's injunction blocking the measure.
On Tuesday, the DOJ issued a brief statement saying it would go to the Supreme Court.

"The Department of Justice remains committed to taking steps that will resolve the immigration litigation as quickly as possible in order to allow DHS to bring greater accountability to our immigration system by prioritizing the removal of the worst offenders, not people who have long ties to the United States and who are raising American children," DOJ spokesman Patrick Rodenbush said.

"The Department disagrees with the Fifth Circuit's adverse ruling and intends to seek further review from the Supreme Court of the United States." (Fox News) Read more.


- Oh, glory, glory, glory LORD! We praise You for this decision rendered by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals -- one which is based solidly upon the law of our land: the U.S. Constitution. We have witnessed the literal overwhelming flood of illegal migrants now overtaking the nations of Europe, and we are alarmed. We are alarmed, too, as many of these "migrants" are actually ISIS operatives. So Lord God, we thank You for rescuing our nation from the jaws of disaster, should this "wave" of "refugees" begin to hit our own shoreline.

Father God, if this case is appealed to the Supreme Court, we ask that this High Court would uphold the finding of the Appellate Court, that our nation might be kept safe from disaster. We ask this in Your name, amen and amen.

- "For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us." (Is. 33:23 NIV)

	Kurdish Army Stands Strong

Kurdish Army Holding the Line against ISIS "for the sake of the whole free world"

"The only people-that are successfully fighting ISIS-is the Kurdish Peshmerga. You've got a country here with 4.5 million people that are totally pro-American, more so than we're pro-American." - Retired U.S. General Jay Garner.

For more than a year, the Peshmerga, the Kurdish military force in Iraq, has consistently stood up to ISIS.

Peshmerga Gen. Karzan escorted CBN News to the front lines for a rare look at the territory these fighters took back from ISIS. We crossed the fabled Euphrates River and passed the Mosul Dam.
One year ago, ISIS captured the dam and threatened Iraq with an ecological catastrophe. Destroying the dam would have sent a 60-foot wall of water all the way to Baghdad, killing as many as half a million people. The Peshmerga took back the dam with the help of U.S. airstrikes.

On the way, Karzan talked about ISIS.
"They are like a fire," he said. "They're not against a specific ethnic people or religion. They're against everything."

CBN News passed villagers showing support for the military. Without the Peshmerga, their village would be overrun by ISIS.

"They are very glad to live with the Kurds and under the control of the Kurds," the general explained as we went through several checkpoints in territory once contested by the Islamic State and the Peshmerga.

"This is the most dangerous place for all of us and ISIS," he continued. "These places that you see weren't captured easily." (CBN) Read more.

	News from the Supreme Court

U.S. Supreme Court Agrees to Hear These Important Religious Freedom Cases Again

The issue of the contraceptive mandate... led to a variety of lawsuits from Christian groups, as well as from several privately held firms whose owners said they objected to providing some contraceptives they believe could induce abortion.

Diving back into a controversy it has heard three times in the past three years, the Supreme Court of the United States, Friday, agreed to hear appeals brought by Christian groups requesting exemptions from the requirement to provide insurance covering contraception under President Barack Obama's 2010 healthcare law. The new case, expected to be heard in March 2016, will be the fourth time the high court has considered the issue.

According to Reuters, "The nine justices will consider seven related cases on whether nonprofit groups that oppose the requirement on religious grounds can object under the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act to a compromise measure offered by the Obama administration."

The administration's compromise would involve sending a letter to either an insurance carrier or a federal agency certifying their objection to providing contraceptives, something to which the groups object.
Chief among the plaintiffs are likely to be the Little Sisters of the Poor, a Roman Catholic ministry which has had a challenge before the 10th Federal Circuit Court of Appeals denied, setting up the Supreme Court case. The Little Sisters, a religious order that serves the elderly, contend they would be "complicit in evil" by doing anything to facilitate the dispensing of contraception, even filing a letter of objection.
Mark Rienzi, senior counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a public interest law firm, and lead counsel for the Little Sisters of the Poor, noting the Obama administration's efforts to force compliance by the nuns, said last month President Obama told Pope Francis "he would 'stand with' the Pope 'in defense of religious freedom.' Forcing nuns to violate their faith for no good reason is a very strange way to do that."
The issue of the contraceptive mandate-a rule drafted by the federal Department of Health and Human Services and not specified in the Affordable Care Act as passed by Congress-led to a variety of lawsuits from Christian groups, as well as from several privately held firms whose owners said they objected to providing some contraceptives they believe could induce abortion. (Charisma News) Read more here.
(Also reported by: Breaking Christian News)

See also: this article from The Becket Fund, with a focus on the Little Sisters of the Poor as one of the plaintiffs before the Supreme Court.

	Remembering Kristallnacht

Remembering Kristallnacht:

A preview of coming events

Kristallnacht was a pogrom (a series of coordinated deadly attacks) against Jews throughout Nazi Germany and Austria on 9-10 November 1938, carried out by SA paramilitary forces with the help of civilians. German authorities looked on without intervening. The name Kristallnacht comes from the shards of broken glass that littered the streets after Jewish-owned stores, buildings, and synagogues had their windows smashed.
Estimates of the number of fatalities caused by the pogrom have varied. Early reporting estimated that 91 Jewish people were murdered during the attacks . . .

Additionally, 30,000 were arrested and incarcerated in Nazi concentration camps. Jewish homes, hospitals, and schools were ransacked, as the attackers demolished buildings with sledgehammers.
Over 1,000 synagogues were burned (95 in Vienna alone) and over 7,000 Jewish businesses destroyed or damaged. . . . Kristallnacht was followed by additional economic and political persecution of Jews, and is viewed by historians as part of Nazi Germany's broader racial policy, and the beginning of the Final Solution and The Holocaust. (Source: Wikipedia) Read more here.
> > > To learn more about this tragic event, and to gain perspective for our time, please go here to view a report by Rev. Jim Hutchens, Founder, the JerUSAlem Connection.
- O Lord, God Jehovah, let us never forget this time of demonic persecution of the Jews at the hands of the Nazis in Hitler's Germany. Let us be quick to stand up for our dear friends when they are persecuted now, and let us be a voice for their victory. We ask this in Your name, our Messiah, amen.
- "Yahweh will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem . . . Yahweh my God will come, and all his holy ones with him." (Zechariah 14:2-5)

	A Special Invitation from the CPCF

A Special Invitation from the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation:

Strategic Briefing With Members Of The Congressional Prayer Caucus

Thursday, November 12, 1:00 p.m.EST

Today, the United States faces a dire crisis and one of her darkest hours, as the alarming attacks on religious freedom continue to mount. Our national leaders are responding with bold courage and calling God's people to stand in the gap for America!

It's time to say, "Enough!" Join this significant National Telebriefing--with Congressional Prayer Caucus Co-chairs, Senator James Lankford and Congressman Randy Forbes, along with hundreds of other leaders, as we develop strategic plans to protect our religious freedom and promote God's enduring place in our nation.

A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake the true intent of our founding forefathers and break all bonds of unity, but it is not this day. Together, we must be united . . . like-minded--to be engaged, equipped and mobilized . . . and with one voice, to make a difference!
To learn more about this call, including the number for this conference call and how to RSVP to reserve your place, please go here.
Highly recommended!!

	Billy Graham Celebrates His 97th Birthday

Franklin Graham Shares Touching Tribute To Father Billy Graham On 97th Birthday: 'His Mind And Desire to Share The Gospel Are Strong As Ever'

In honor of Billy Graham's 97th birthday, evangelist Franklin Graham shared a touching tribute highlighting his father's dedication to spreading the Gospel - even in his final days.

On Saturday, November 9th, Graham, who is the president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, took to Facebook to wish his legendary father a happy birthday.
"Today is my father Billy Graham's 97th birthday!" Graham, 63, wrote. "He came to faith in Christ just a week before his 16th birthday and went home and told his mother what he had done. He knew for sure that his heart had changed."
. . . In continuing his post, Franklin Graham explained that while his father is no longer able to preach due to physical complications related to Parkinson's disease, his mind is clear and his passion for sharing the Gospel is as strong as ever.

"His desire is still there to tell the world about God's love for them and how God sent His Son, Jesus Christ from heaven to earth to take the sins of all mankind to the cross, die, and arise on the third day," Graham wrote. "My father's desire is that all men and women everywhere would come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and trust Him and follow Him as their Lord."
"Heaven seems a mystery to many people," Graham writes. "They wonder if Heaven is above the lofty clouds, or if Heaven will come down to earth. When I am asked, 'Where is Heaven?' I simply answer: Heaven is where Jesus is." (The Gospel Herald) Read more.

	A Wonderful Testimony!

Denzel Washington Opens Up About His Christian Faith, Importance of Raising Children In The Fear Of The Lord In Powerful Speech

Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington delivered the keynote address at the Church Of God In Christ's (COGIC) annual "We Care" Charities Banquet, where he opened up about his deep Christian faith and emphasized the importance of raising children in the fear of the Lord.

According to a report from The St. Louis American, the 60-year-old actor recited the Lord's Prayer before highlighting his family's connection with the Church of Christ in God and sharing his personal testimony. . .
"Forty years ago, March 27, 1975 I was in my mother's beauty shop. I had flunked out of college. I had a 1.7-grade point average. I had no future," Washington said. "I was sitting looking in the mirror, and I see a woman behind me sitting under the dryer. Of course, the voice of God always comes from under a dryer."

The woman, one of the oldest members of his family church, began asking for a pen and paper so that she could write down the prophecy she had for Washington's life, the actor recalled.
"She said, 'Young man, you are going to travel the world and speak to people," Washington said. "Now mind you I was 20 years old, with a 1.7-grade point average and had flunked out of school. She said, 'You are going to preach.'"

"In this 40 year journey, I guess she was right," he continued. "Through my work I have spoken to millions of people. In 2015, I said I'm no longer just going to speak through my work. I'm going to make a conscious effort to get up and speak about what God has done for me."

Washington also credited his massive success to the prayers of his mother: "I remember saying to my mother at a time when I was feeling myself, 'Ma did you ever think that I was going to become this...' She said 'boy, do you know all the people who have been praying for your behind...all the prayer cloths, and prayer meetings...' And she made me clean the windows." (Gospel Herald) Read more here.

	Our Weekly Bible Study

Our Weekly Bible Study

Sunday, November 8 - Saturday, November 14

> > > To read the "One Year Bible" weekly letter, go here.

> > > To read the Shabbat Torah readings, go here.

	Persecution Watch

Tanzania: Arson Destroys 7 Churches

Arsonists used gasoline as an accelerant to ensure that seven churches in northwestern Tanzania were destroyed in attacks on Sept. 22 and Sept. 27. Muslim extremists have repeatedly threatened Christians in the Bukoba district and want to "reduce" the number of churches in the area, says one pastor.

Attackers set fire to three churches over two-hours on Sept. 22 in Kashfa village. Four mainline churches were also set alight just five days later on Sunday, Sept. 27.
. . . At least seven suspects in the Sept. 22 attacks are being held by authorities in Tanzania, who stated that a reward would be offered to anyone who gave information leading to the arrests of suspects. . . . (Voice of the Martyrs) Read more here.

	Our Grandmothers' Songs

Songs Our Grandmothers Sang:

A GREAT AND MIGHTY WONDER

"Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great." (1 Timothy 3:13)

> > > Note: This Hymn was written in 734 A.D.!!

Lyrics

A great and mighty wonder, a full and holy cure: The virgin bears the Infant with virgin honor pure! Repeat the hymn again: "To God on high be glory And peace on earth to men!"

The Word becomes incarnate and yet remains on high, And cherubim sing anthems to shepherds from the sky. Repeat the hymn again: "To God on high be glory And peace on earth to men!"
While thus they sing your Monarch, those bright angelic bands, Rejoice, ye vales and mountains, ye oceans, clap your hands. Repeat the hymn again: "To God on high be glory And peace on earth to men!"

Since all He comes to ransom, by all be He adored, The Infant born in Bethl'em, the Savior and the Lord. Repeat the hymn again: "To God on high be glory And peace on earth to men!"
And idol forms shall perish, and error shall decay, And Christ shall wield His scepter, our Lord and God for aye. Repeat the hymn again: "To God on high be glory And peace on earth to men!"

Melody

Please go here.

About the Author:

Words: St. Germanus, 734
(Translated from Greek to English by John M. Neale, 1862)

Music: Mic­hael Prae­tor­i­us, 1609

	Signs and Wonders

Giant cave-in swallows cars in IHOP parking lot

A cave-in of a restaurant parking lot in Mississippi swallowed 12 cars and now experts are expected to begin work Monday to determine the cause of the weekend collapse, authorities said.
A huge cave-in has swallowed more than a dozen cars in an IHOP parking lot in Meridian, Miss., according to local media.

Local TV station KSLA quoted witnesses as hearing a series of booms before power went out and the cave-in, which is about 50 feet wide and 600 feet long, opened up.

Another station, WTOK, said emergency responders were called out to the scene about 7:15 p.m. CT Saturday. Officials told the station that about 15 vehicles were submerged in mud and paving but that no one appeared to have been hurt.
"We received a call earlier this evening of a sinkhole opening up at the new IHOP restaurant," Meridian Fire Department Chief Battalion Wayne Cook told the station. "Upon arrival, we found multiple vehicles in the ditch. At this time, we are trying to stabilize this and keep everyone away." (USA Today) Read more and view the photo here.

	The Good News Corner

ISIS Releases Seven Elderly Assyrian Christian Hostages; Negotiations Continuing to Secure Release of Remaining 124

Islamic State has released 37 elderly Assyrian Christians who were among about 200 seized by the militants in February in northeastern Syria, two human rights monitoring groups said on Saturday.

Elders from Arab tribes had mediated with the jihadists for their release, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
The Assyrian Human Rights Network said the captives had been returned to the town of Tel Tamer and that they were in good health. It posted a picture showing several people including one woman, who was weeping.

The hardline Sunni Muslim militants have now released 88 from the original group, it said in a statement on its Facebook page, and negotiations were continuing to secure the freedom of the remaining 124. (The Gospel Herald) Read more.

- Father God, we thank You for the release of these elderly captives, and for the report that they are apparently in good health. We ask for the release of all Assyrian Christians, who are still being held prisoners by ISIS. Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayer, in Jesus name, amen and amen.

- "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed." (Luke 4:18)

	Worship With Us Today!

Worship With Us Today!

Kari Jobe - "I Am Not Alone"

Worship Here

Two Daily Conference Calls


Capitol Hill Prayer Partners encourages you to participate, any day of the week, on these calls which are each ongoing, day and night! To learn more about how you can join these calls, please go here.