CHPP Daily Brief: "Praying for All in Authority" Monday, December 7, 2015

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The Daily Brief:
"Praying for All in Authority"
Monday, December 7, 2015

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

". . . under his wings you will find refuge . . ." (Psalm 91:4)

	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)

1. If Iranian jets get close to Israel, security expert says 'anything can happen' - Jerusalem Post

Israeli remained officially silent on Sunday over reports from last week that Iran will send fighter jets to Syria to take part in Russian air strikes against rebel organizations.

According to an unconfirmed report in the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Rai, two Iranian squadrons of Sukhoi fighter jets will be based in the Western Syrian city of Homs.

Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror, former national security adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, didn't rule out the possibility that Iran would be carrying out air activity in Israel's immediate vicinity.

"Anything can happen," he told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday. Israel would "not have to respond so long as the Iranian jets don't interfere with us. We are free to dislike it, but if they don't interfere with us, they can bomb their targets. It doesn't require a change of course on our part," said Amidror, a senior fellow at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies. (Read more)

2. Iranian jets poised to join Russian bombing campaign in Syria - Israel Hayom

After Russia and the United Kingdom, Iran has now also decided to send its warplanes to bomb targets in Syria. The Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Rai reported on Thursday that Tehran will dispatch its jets to help defend the Syrian regime.

According to the report, Iran is preparing two Sukhoi fighter squadrons and will soon send them to Syria, where they will carry out airstrikes in coordination with Russia and the Syrian regime of President Bashar Assad. The squadrons, according to Al-Rai, will be based in Syria's Homs province and will operate alongside the Russian air force. With that, it is entirely unclear whether the thrust of Iranian airstrikes will focus on the Islamic State group. It is more likely that similar to the Russians, the Iranians will first seek to hit the rebel groups threatening the Syrian regime.

Meanwhile, early Thursday, the British air force began targeting Islamic State assets in Syria. Four Tornado jets took off from Cyprus just several hours after Britain's Parliament authorized military action in Syria, hitting oil fields controlled by the radical Islamist group. (Read more)

3. Kerry warns Israel of possible 'chaos' if Palestinian Authority collapses - Washington Post

Secretary of State John F. Kerry warned Israel on Saturday against allowing - or even promoting, as some have urged - the collapse of the Palestinian Authority, saying that it would leave the Israelis with unbearable financial and strategic costs and undermine the security of the Jewish state now and in the future.

In a strongly worded speech at the Brookings Institution's Saban Forum, Kerry asked whether Israelis were "ready to accept the heightened risk [of] chaos, lawlessness and desperation" that would result. Not only would Israel have to take over the provision of all basic services and welfare for the population, Kerry said, but the end of the current modicum of Palestinian self-rule also would cut off international assistance to the West Bank. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/kerry-warns-israel-of-possible-chaos-if-palestinian-authority-collapsed/2015/12/05/59576a62-9b91-11e5-8917-653b65c809eb_story.html

4. PLO: Jewish plans to add installations at Western Wall a 'flagrant assault' - Jerusalem Post

The PLO announced on Saturday its opposition to Israeli plans to build Jewish "installations" at the Western Wall plaza in the Old City of Jerusalem. Referring to the Western Wall by its Arabic name, Ha'it al-Buraq, the PLO Executive Committee warned that building Jewish "installations" at the plaza would constitute a "flagrant assault" on Islamic religious sites and its "status among Palestinians and Arab and Muslim peoples." The PLO 's announcement, which came following a meeting in Ramallah chaired by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, was made in response to a plan to build a center called Beit Haliba (House of Core Values) in the plaza. (Read more)

5. PA leaders meet to seek mechanisms that 'define' relations with Israel - Jerusalem Post

For the second time in less than 24 hours, a key decision-making Palestinian body met in Ramallah to discuss putting in place mechanisms to "define" the Palestinian Authority's relations with Israel. The discussions come amid increased demands from Palestinians to suspend relations in wake of Israel's "refusal to abide by signed agreements" with the Palestinians.

On Saturday, the PLO Executive Committee during a meeting chaired by PA President Mahmoud Abbas entrusted a special committee to discuss the issue. The Fatah Central Committee also met in Ramallah on Sunday to discuss "defining security, economic and political relations" between the PA and Israel. This meeting was also chaired by Abbas.

Both the PLO and Fatah accused Israel of turning its back on signed agreements with the Palestinians and "stepping up its dangerous assaults" on the Palestinians. (Read more)

6. Hamas Hosts ISIS Commander in Gaza to Expand Terror Cooperation - Algemeiner

Gaza-ruling terror group Hamas is currently hosting an ISIS bigwig, Israel's Channel 2 reported on Thursday. According to the report, Shadi Al-Mani'i (also known as Abu Mus'abi) - commander of Wilayat Sina, ISIS' Sinai branch - is meeting with heads of Hamas' military wing to discuss expanding cooperation between the two terror organizations.

Al-Mani'i has been wanted by Egyptian authorities for years and was even targeted in a failed assassination attempt last May. He has been accused of masterminding a number of terrorist attacks on Israelis, among them the 2011 attack on Route 12, in which nine Israelis were killed, and the firing of rockets at Eilat. (Read more)

7. UN approves Israeli resolution despite Arab opposition - Israel National News

The UN on Friday adopted an Israeli resolution on utilizing agricultural technology for sustainable development, with 124 votes in favor and 37 abstentions. The adoption of the resolution marks a diplomatic achievement for Israel, especially considering the Arab group's automatic opposition to any Israeli resolution.

The resolution was adopted after complex diplomatic efforts that took place over several months. Even though the resolution can make a difference in many countries, especially in the Middle East, the Arab group still attempted to prevent passage of the resolution simply because it was submitted by Israel.

"It is quite ironic that the group of nations blocking a consensus on this resolution is the same group who would benefit from it most- the Arab group. The need for agricultural technology in the Middle East is undeniable. Yet, as we are all painfully aware, these governments continuously put politics before people and pride before progress," said Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, who also declared, "The Israeli innovation beat the UN's hypocrisy." (Read more)

8. Swedish Foreign Minister: Israel is 'executing' Palestinians - Israel National News

Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom once again lashed out at Israel on Friday, accusing the Jewish state of "executing" without trial Palestinian Arabs who carried out stabbing attacks in Israel. Wallstrom's comments were made during a 45-minute debate in the Swedish parliament, in which she replied to questions from parliamentarians on Sweden's foreign policy.

One of the issues that came up for discussion was the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and three MPs asked Wallstrom why the Swedish government had adopted an unbalanced position which prefers the Palestinian position over the Israeli position.

Wallstrom was asked why she did not condemn terrorist attacks against Israelis, to which she replied that she does indeed condemn attacks against Israelis, but then went on to level harsh accusations at Israel. (Read more)

	The Daily Brief

1. Obama: Terror threat against US has entered 'new phase' - Times of Israel

In a rare Oval Office address, President Barack Obama vowed Sunday night the United States would overcome a terror threat that has entered a "new phase" as he sought to reassure Americans shaken by recent attacks in Paris and California.

"I know that after so much war, many Americans are asking whether we are confronted by a cancer that has no immediate cure," he said, speaking from a lectern in his West Wing office.

The president's speech followed Wednesday's shooting in San Bernardino, California, that killed 14 people and wounded 21. Authorities say a couple carried out the attack and the wife pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and its leader in a Facebook post.

"This was an act of terrorism designed to kill innocent people," he said in the 13-minute address. (Read more)
- Lord God, even though the president announced a "new phase" last night in the war on terror, we did not hear any specifics of what this may entail. We ask that You would guide this president and all of his advisors to make decisions that would indeed, as much as possible, protect us. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, amen and amen.

- " If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." (John 14:14)

2. State of Homeland Security: 'Highest Threat Environment Since 9/11' - CNSNews.com

House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R.-Texas) delivered an address at the National War College today on the "state of homeland security" in which he said the United States is in the "highest threat environment since 9/11."

McCaul specifically described ISIS as growing threat that now has a presence in 19 countries; and, if the San Bernardino attack is included, has now been connected to 19 terrorist plots or attacks inside the United States.

"In November," McCaul said, "the group managed to conduct three major terrorist attacks on three separate continents in just three weeks."

"Make no mistake: we are a nation at war," he said. "Fourteen years after 9/11, the fight against Islamist terror rages on, and our adversaries have opened up new battlegrounds across the world. Our own city streets are now the front lines. Indeed, San Bernardino was not an isolated event." (Read more)
- Father, we pray Psalm 91 now daily over our homes, our family members, and our own neighborhoods during this heightened state of alert. Thank You, Lord, for Your Hand of protection resting upon us, in Your name, amen.

- Psalm 91

3. Six Years Later: Obama Finally Calls Fort Hood a Terrorist Attack - CNSNews.com

More than six years after a Muslim army major shot dead 13 people at Fort Hood, President Obama on Sunday night - for what may be the first time - publicly identified it as a terrorist attack.

In his primetime Oval Office address on the threat of terrorism in the wake of last week's attack in San Bernardino, California, Obama said the threat had evolved in the years since 9/11.

"As we've become better at preventing complex attacks like 9/11, terrorists turn to less complicated acts of violence like the mass shootings that are all too common in our society," he said. "It is this type of attack that we saw at Fort Hood in 2009, in Chattanooga earlier this year and now in San Bernardino." (Read more)
- Thank You, Lord. May this administration continue to NAME OUR ENEMY in this war on terror. In Jesus' name, amen and amen.

- "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

4. Picture Captures the Moment Terror Came to America - Fox News

Investigators finding couple's jihadist origins 'all leading back to Pakistan'

What might have been an ordinary photo of a couple entering the U.S. at Chicago's O'Hare Airport now is evidence of deadly radical Islamic terror coming ashore as Tashfeen Malik and then-future husband Syed Rizwan Farook, in a photo obtained by ABC News, are shown going through customs on July 27, 2014 - as investigators focus on the couple's Pakistan connections in their massacre of 14 last week in San Bernardino, Calif. (Read more)

- Lord God, we thank You that Obama has announced new policies being set in place to screen or to vet all who enter our gates. May these visas be very carefully reviewed, and may You allow no one enter in who is coming here to do us harm. We ask this in Your name, amen and amen.

- "Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain." (Psalm 127:1)

5. DHS to roll out new terror alert system - Fox News

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson announced on Monday the rollout of a new national terror alert system that warns Americans of risks on U.S. soil.

Johnson said his department would unveil the new system in the coming days and that it would reflect the "new phase" of the terror threat. The new system will include an intermediate terror threat warning. (Read more)

- Father, we ask that this new, enhanced security alert system would work successfully, and that only the true terrorists in our midst be identified an apprehended. We ask this in Your name, amen and amen.

- "Do not drag me away with the wicked And with those who work iniquity, Who speak peace with their neighbors, While evil is in their hearts." (Psalm 28:3)

6. 72 DHS Employees on Terrorist Watch List - Washington Free Beacon

At least 72 employees at the Department of Homeland Security are listed on the U.S. terrorist watch list, according to a Democratic lawmaker.

Rep. Stephen Lynch (D., Mass.) disclosed that a congressional investigation recently found that at least 72 people working at DHS also "were on the terrorist watch list."

"Back in August, we did an investigation-the inspector general did-of the Department of Homeland Security, and they had 72 individuals that were on the terrorist watch list that were actually working at the Department of Homeland Security," Lynch told Boston Public Radio.

"The [former DHS] director had to resign because of that," he said. (Read more)

- Father God, we repent before Your Throne of Grace that we have voted into office elected officials who are not working for the well-being and the safety of our people. We ask that Secretary Jeh either be held accountable for this travesty, or be removed from office, as was his predecessor. We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen and amen.

- "The LORD says to my lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." (Psalm 110:1)

7. ISIS has targeted refugee program to enter US, Homeland Security chairman says - The Hill

Intelligence officials have determined that Islamic extremists have explored using the refugee program to enter the United States, the head of the House Homeland Security Committee said on Monday. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) declined to go into detail about the determination, which the Obama administration has not announced publicly.

Yet the disclosure could add ammunition to critics of the White House's refugee plans who have warned that the program is vulnerable to infiltration by adherents of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

"ISIS members in Syria have attempted to exploit it to get into the United States," McCaul said during a speech at the National Defense University. "The U.S. government has information to indicate that individuals tied to terrorist groups in Syria have already attempted to gain access to our country through the U.S. refugee program." (Read more)

- Lord God Almighty in Heaven, we ask that the Broom of Heaven would sweep through the Department of Homeland Security and sweep out any and all enemies that are embedded in our system. We ask that true, tightened security be set in place, even as we have seen the enemy announce his plans to use our refugee policy to infiltrate our borders. Rise up, O Lord, and rescue us, in Jesus' name we pray, amen and amen.

- "Blessed be the Lord, Because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him." (Psalm 28:6,7)

8. Franklin Graham Slams NY Daily's Claim: 'God Isn't Fixing This' in Wake of Mass Shooting - Christian Post

The Rev. Franklin Graham has slammed The New York Daily News' front cover declaring that "God isn't fixing this" "They have the audacity to criticize politicians who had publicly offered prayers and asked for God's comfort following the killings, calling them 'cowards who could truly end gun scourge.' Shame on them!" Graham posted on his Facebook page Thursday night. (Read more)

- Father God, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came in the flesh, we rebuke and bind the taunting spirit that mocked You in that headline last week. If those editors only knew of Your power, they would cringe at their wicked deed. Thank You, Father, that You are a God who forgives the wicked and Who shows them mercy, and that You are doing this even now, as we pray, in Jesus' name. Amen and amen.

- "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."
(2 Peter 3:9)

9. ISIS attack in Israel is just a matter of time - Israel National News

The number of Israeli Arabs involved in Islamic State's activities has risen the past year; IDF General Staff carried out a massive drill dealing with the challenge posed by ISIS. An IDF's General Staff drill was carried out last week, which drilled a scenario in which ISIS carried out a big attack in southern Israel, leading to the deployment of a battalion of paratroopers. The Islamic State recently published a series of videos which included threats to attack Israel, some of which were attributed to the events at al-Aqsa mosque. Some of the films sought to encourage terrorists to carry out attacks, while ISIS's Sinai branch directly threatened an attack on Eilat. (Read more)

- Abba Father God, only You can protect Your people from enemies that lurk right at her border. Rise up, O Lord, and confront ISIS, we pray in Jesus' name, amen.

- "Therefore the Lord, the LORD Almighty, the Mighty One of Israel, declares: "Ah! I will vent my wrath on my foes and avenge myself on my enemies." (Isaiah 1:24)

10. If Iranian jets get close to Israel, security expert says 'anything can happen' - Jerusalem Post

Israeli remained officially silent on Sunday over reports from last week that Iran will send fighter jets to Syria to take part in Russian air strikes against rebel organizations. According to an unconfirmed report in the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Rai, two Iranian squadrons of Sukhoi fighter jets will be based in the Western Syrian city of Homs.

Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror, former national security adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, didn't rule out the possibility that Iran would be carrying out air activity in Israel's immediate vicinity.

"Anything can happen," he told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday. Israel would "not have to respond so long as the Iranian jets don't interfere with us. We are free to dislike it, but if they don't interfere with us, they can bomb their targets. It doesn't require a change of course on our part," said Amidror, a senior fellow at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies. (Read more)
- Father God, Israel is so near to entering into war. We lift up this report, and we pray in the spirit over all details included here. Come, Lord Jesus, come we pray. Amen and amen.

- "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Romans 8:26)

11. U.N. council to meet next week on human rights in North Korea - Reuters

The United Nations Security Council will meet next week on human rights in North Korea, which has been accused by a U.N. inquiry of abuses comparable to Nazi-era atrocities, the United States said on Friday. The meeting will take place on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m. (1430 ET), the spokeswoman for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, Hagar Chemali, said in a statement. She added that senior U.N. officials would brief the council. The other eight council members who supported the U.S. decision to revive discussions on alleged rights abuses in North Korea are Chile, France, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain and Britain, Chemali said on Thursday. (Read more)
- Jesus, we ask You to direct the meeting and any votes resulting from the decisions forthcoming. One ambassador has said, "It would be a "bad idea" for the Security Council to hold such a meeting, adding that the council "is not about human rights." Lord, give the Council wisdom and guidance on this matter. Protect the people of North Korea. Let Your truth and light shine through all darkness in this meeting as human rights are recognized. We give You honor, glory and praise your name. Amen.

- "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness." (Romans 1:18)

" I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness." (John 12:46)

12. Jesus' Values Are in All Faiths, Obama Says at Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - Christian Post

During Thursday's White House National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, President Barack Obama suggested the teachings of Jesus Christ are reflected in all faiths.

Obama, who was accompanied by his family, called Americans and the world to share the "spirit of compassion," adding, "That's the message of the child whose birth families like mine celebrate on Christmas - a prince born in a stable who taught us that we should love our neighbors as ourselves; and that we are our brothers' keeper and our sisters' keepers; that we should feed the hungry, visit the sick, welcome the stranger.

"These are the lessons of Jesus Christ," Obama declared. "But they're also the bedrock values of all faiths - values to be cherished and embraced not only during the holidays, but to be practiced in our daily lives." (Read more)
- Father, as we enter into the Christmas season, we praise You for the birth of Your Son, Jesus. Jesus, You were born a king. We praise You as King Jesus forever. Thank You for Your unchanging values. I ask that the world be reminded during this Christmas season to love one another as You love us. God is love as shown by giving the world Your only son. We stand in the gap for this president, whose remarks only serve to "water down" the Gospel of the true and living Christ, and we cancel any spirit of confusion that was set in place last week at this ceremony. We do this in Your name, Amen.

- "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace". (Isaiah 9:6)

13. 79 Percent of Evangelicals See Violence in Middle East as Sign End Times Are Near - Christian Post

Nearly eight out of 10 Evangelicals say they believe the ongoing violence in the Middle East is an indication that the rapture is on the horizon, a new survey released Friday shows. Research conducted by the Brookings Institute's Center for Middle East Policy on Americans' attitudes toward the Middle East and Israel found that 79 percent of Evangelicals say they believe "that the unfolding violence across the Middle East is a sign that the end times are nearer."

"These numbers are very striking on the end of days theology that these respondents claim motivate them," Politico editor Susan Glasser said during a panel discussion after the release of the survey at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. (Read more)
- Father, the things happening in the world today are unlike anything we have ever seen. We thank You for this new move of the Spirit, which shows us clearly that MANY are now looking up, for our redemption draweth nigh. Thank You, Lord . . . You are our blessed hope in perilous times. In Jesus' name we offer this prayer, amen and amen.

- "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (Luke 21:28)

	The Daily Jot

Monday, December 7, 2015

The "president'" raises more questions than answers

The US "president" spent 13 minutes between a reception for movie stars and the Kennedy Center Honors performance to tell Americans that Muslims aren't the problem with terrorist attacks, that we are not at war with Islam, and that his Administration would continue doing the same things it is already doing to fight terrorism, but is expecting better results. He spent nearly 25% of his speech telling America that Muslims were not the problem, but rather the solution to defeat Islam. He said, "If we're to succeed in defeating terrorism we must enlist Muslim communities as some of our strongest allies, rather than push them away through suspicion and hate." But how does a Muslim fight against his own beliefs?

The "president" says Muslims are radicalized by "embracing a perverted interpretation of Islam that calls for war against America and the West." The Koran, however, Islam's holy book, instructs Muslims to kill, maim, and subdue infidels in some 109 verses such as Surah 2.191 "And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter," and Surah 8.012, "I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instill terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them." Why would this "president," born and raised a Muslim, deny that Islam instructs every Muslim to do such?

According to the Heritage Foundation, lethal terrorist attacks against Americans have increased fourfold during this "president's" term compared with the previous Administration. Except for gun control, the "president" proposed nothing new in his address. He said he would continue to partner with Muslims to defeat Muslims, continue to provide training and equipment to "tens of thousands of Iraqi and Syrian forces," and crack down on visa requirements in the US. But arming and training these Muslims is what strengthened the Islamic State with terrorists using our weapons. And why has this "president" reduced visa requirements, which allowed the very terrorist in the San Bernardino attack to come to the US?

Breitbart reports that since the "president" took office, "the number of visas issued per year to non-friendly, non-waiver residents has jumped by over 50 percent to 9,932,480 last year. The fastest-growing sector of the program is the "Fiancé Visa" program, known as "K-1," which jumped from 30,290 in 2013 to 41,488 in 2014. San Bernardino terrorist Tashfeen Malik was one of them." The "president's" partnering with Muslims also is extremely dangerous. For example, the Free Beacon reports that Rep. Stephen Lynch (D, Ma) announced that a recent congressional investigation found that at least 72 people working at DHS also "were on the terrorist watch list." Why are there potential terrorists working at DHS?

These are questions that must be asked. From listening to the "president's" address, one could conclude that this "president" is in collusion with Islamic forces that wish to conquer the US and he is just trying to keep Americans calm long enough for full blown war to occur on our soil. 2 Timothy 3:1 says that "in the last days perilous times will come" and in verse 13, "...evil men and seducers shall wax wore and worse, deceiving and being deceived." These are indeed perilous times.
Have A Blessed And Powerful Day,

Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com

	The Power of Prayer

In Case You Missed It . . .

The Power of Prayer

On Monday, November 30, the Washington Times published a 44-page supplement titled, "The Power of Prayer."
This amazing resource focuses on the topics of:

1. Prayer, What Is It?

2. How Prayer Changes Lives

3. America's Story of Prayer, Then and Now

4. Prayer in Nature, Culture and Art

Teachings on these topics are included by prayer leaders including: - Dr. Barry C. Black, Chaplain, U.S. Senate
- Mrs. Shirley Dobson, Chairman, National Day of Prayer Task Force
- Mrs. Vonette Bright, Founder, National Day of Prayer - Rabbi Daniel Lapin, Founder, American Alliance of Jews and Christians
- David Barton, Founder, Wallbuilders
- General Jerry Boykin (USA, Ret.), Executive Vice President, Family Research Council
. . . and many, many more
A number of political leaders have also written articles in this magazine, including:

- Senator James Lankford, Oklahoma, Republican
- Rep. J. Randy Forbes, VA, Founder of the Congressional Caucus Foundation
- Senator Orrin G. Hatch, Utah, Republican
- Senator Rand Paul, Kentucky Republican

You can download a free copy of this guide to prayer by visiting: http://twt-media.washtimes.com/media/misc/2015/12/01/PowerofPrayer_Final4.pdf or by going here.
> > > We encourage all of you to avail yourselves of this unique opportunity to strengthen your own prayer life by accessing this important document. Thank you!
- Father God, we thank You that the editors of the Washington Times have determined to publish this wonderful guide to understanding the role that prayer plays in our nation. We ask that You place Your Hand of protection over each one of the editors who worked on this project, and over all authors cited in this supplement, too.
We ask that millions of our citizens would learn about this resource, and use it to be encouraged to enter into their own prayer closets, Lord, to spend time with You, and to pray for the blessing of our people. Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayer, in Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance." (Psalm 33:12)

	Our Weekly Bible Study

Our Weekly Bible Study:

Week of Sunday, Dec. 6 - Saturday, Dec. 12

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

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

	Middle East Revivals

Middle East Revivals:

DAY TWO: IRAN

(Continued from last week . . .)

"Supernatural Dreams are Opening Doors for Jesus in Iran"

As ISIS conquered parts of northern Iraq and persecuted Christian minorities, the Gospel actually began to spread.

"So besides the darkness coming in, trying to get the salt and light out-killing lives and bringing so much pain and suffering-on the other hand, we're seeing the rise of the presence of God, worship, prayer, experiencing Jesus and people being open to the Gospel and being open to follow Him, even from Muslim background," one man named Fabian, who asked that his full name not be disclosed, told CBN News.
CBN News asked if others are coming to Jesus inside Iran.

"Yes, many people are coming to Christ through a dream. You cannot imagine how Jesus is appearing to them. I experienced with my own eyes that everybody is looking for a home; looking for the truth," Dennis said.
"You know the experience that the Iranian people are passing through right now is very difficult. The only one who can change that situation is Christ Himself," he said. "So please pray and ask the others to pray for the people of Iran to experience the power of the Resurrection," he said.
Iranian mullahs try to quench Christianity in their Islamic Republic. Despite those efforts, missionaries say Iran has one of the fastest growing churches in the world.

While politics and extremists rearrange the Middle East, Fabian and others say the Holy Spirit is working at a much higher level to change lives.
"The harvest is very ripe and people are desperate. They have lost everything. They are in pain. They need help and they are ready to listen and people need to know that," Fabian said.

"That, yes, there's many bad people that want to kill and destroy, but there's so much more people who are desperate for answers in life," Fabian said.

"And we, as the light and salt, we need to be here for such a time as this," he said. "To be His voice and be His Hand and bring the Gospel of the Kingdom to their lives." (CBN/Reported by Breaking Christian News) Read more here.

	Persecution Watch

Pakistan: Christian brick kiln workers arrested and beaten by police

A group of Christians who were beaten and then illegally detained by police in Pakistan say they are victims of rising persecution in the country.

On 21 November, seven brick kiln workers were travelling home when they were stopped by three officials for a routine inspection. However, the men say they were treated with suspicion when they gave their Christian names, and were accused of stealing the money they were carrying - about £100 between them, their weekly wage - and of dealing drugs. They say they were beaten, and arrested despite not being officially charged.
"We pleaded with them for mercy explaining we were just poor bricklayers returning to our homes... We explained that our employer could explain where we obtained our money, but they still beat us with their batons extremely severely," one of men who was beaten, 47-year-old Allah Rakha, told the Pakistan Christian Post.
"Even when we cried and lay on the floor they continued to beat us, filled with hatred that we were Christians with some money. When we were put in a cell despite our severe wounds they provided no medical aid and we sat in pain, bleeding and catching infections. I led everyone in prayer believing God would release us just as He did with Paul. God answered our prayers after a couple of hours and police staff allowed us to call our community leaders... who were able to act as guarantors for us enabling our release and return home."
The men have not yet been given their money back, and have as yet been unable to return to work. The local Christian community staged a protest outside the police station today, and a lawyer working on behalf of the men has submitted a complaint. (Christian Post) Read more.

	Our Grandmothers' Songs

Songs Our Grandmothers Sang:

WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS THIS?

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

Lyrics

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul! What wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul, To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.
When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down, When I was sinking down, sinking down, When I was sinking down beneath God's righteous frown, Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul, Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing; To God and to the Lamb, I will sing. To God and to the Lamb Who is the great "I Am"; While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing; While millions join the theme, I will sing.
And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on; And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on. And when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joyful be; And through eternity, I'll sing on, I'll sing on; And through eternity, I'll sing on.

Melody

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About the Author:

Words: Al­ex­an­der Means

Music: Will­iam Walk­er, 1835

	Signs and Wonders

Nicaragua:

Slumbering Volcano Erupts for First Time in a Century

A quiet giant sleeps no more. This week, the Momotomo volcano in Nicaragua is erupting for the first time since 1905, spitting lava and a huge plume of ash and smoke over nearby Lake Managua. Schools have been closed in the area as a safety measure.

According to local reports, people began feeling tremors about two weeks ago. Such seismic activity often presages eruptions as large quantities of magma shift beneath the surface. The visible eruption began in earnest on Monday, though it has since slowed.
Momotomo has shown some minor seismic activity over the past decade but has otherwise been quiet over the past century. In the early 1600s the volcano had a major eruption that caused the abandonment of the prominent city of Leon Viejo (Old Leon). The surviving residents moved about 30 miles (48 kilometers) west to establish the present-day city of Leon. (National Geographic) Read more.
- Father, we ask that all villagers in the path of this volcano find safety and be protected during the time of this eruption. We ask this in Your name, amen.

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

	Worship With Us Today!

Worship With Us Today!

Chanuka, Oh Chanukah!

Sung by Theodore Bikel


. . . Come light the menorah . . .