CHPP Daily Brief: "Praying for All in Authority" Monday, December 5, 2016

Urgent Alert from ACLJ:

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp1994@gmail.com

The Daily Brief:
"Praying for All in Authority"
Monday, December 5, 2016


"Standing Together in the Kingdom of God . . .
Under the Cross of Christ"

"The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand." (Proverbs 12:7)

BREAKING NEWS!

Wednesday, December 7th, marks the 75th Anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and of America's entrance into World War II.

Join us at 12:30 p.m. EST that day as we host a special program to honor those who were lost on that tragic day, and to learn from its lesson together.
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners will join PrayerSurgeNow to bring you this program, and to welcome your prayers at the end of this call. Please join us by dialing our conference line: 712-770-4340; Access code: 350430#. Watch for more details about this historic call on tomorrow's edition of the Daily Brief. Thank you.

"The Lord's mercies. . . are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:23)

	Recount News

Recount News

Prayer Request:

As we continue to see the headlines that focus on the recounts now being done in several states, and the possible challenge at the Electoral College, we stand on the truth of God's Word:

IT IS WRITTEN:
"The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand." (Proverbs 12:7)
Amen!

1. Stein switches tactics in Pennsylvania recount drive - Yahoo News

Former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein switched tactics in her campaign to force a recount in Pennsylvania, one of three battleground states won by Donald Trump where she has challenged the results.

The party dropped a bid to pursue the recount in a state court, citing difficulties raising a million dollar bond demanded by the tribunal. It said it would instead press on in federal court and file suit Monday.

Stein plans to hold a rally on Monday across the street from Trump Tower in New York "vowing to fight tooth and nail to verify the accuracy, security and fairness of the vote," a statement read. (Read more)

2. Stein sues after Wisconsin refuses to order hand recounts - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Wisconsin Elections Commission agreed Monday {Nov. 28) to begin a recount of the presidential election on Thursday but was sued by Green Party candidate Jill Stein after the agency declined to require county officials to recount the votes by hand.

It will be a race to finish the recount in time to meet a daunting federal deadline, and the lawsuit could delay the process. Under state law, the recount must begin this week as long as Stein or another candidate pays the $3.5 million estimated cost of the recount by Tuesday, election officials said. (Read more)

3. First Returns From Wisconsin's Recount Net Hillary Clinton . . . One Vote - TownHall.com

Remember how Wisconsin's Democratic elections chief explicitly warned that a statewide recount likely wouldn't move the needle much, citing the 2011 recount that shifted a whopping total of 300 tallies? That was a sage admonition, it seems. Hillary needs to overcome a deficit of more than 22,000 votes. How's that going so far?

. . . When putting all the results together, that means the first day of the recount narrowed the gap between Clinton and Trump by just a single vote. At her current pace, Clinton will overtake Trump in Wisconsin in approximately 74 and a half years. Unfortunately, the recount is expected to last just two weeks. (Read more)

4. Trump, backers ask courts to halt or block 3 state recounts - ABC News

President-elect Donald Trump and his supporters went to court Friday to prevent or halt election recounts in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, less than two weeks before the states would have to complete the tasks to meet a federal deadline to certify their election results.

The legal actions seeking to block or halt the recounts in three states Trump narrowly won could cause delays that would make them extremely difficult or impossible to complete on time. Even if the recounts happen, though, none would be expected to give Democrat Hillary Clinton enough votes to emerge as the winner.

The recounts were requested by Green Party candidate Jill Stein, who says they're necessary to ensure that voting machines weren't hacked, even though there's no evidence that they were. Critics say Stein is simply trying to raise money and her political profile while building a donor database. (Read more)

	The Middle East in Focus

1. Obama Vetoes Jerusalem Embassy for Last Time - Breaking Israel News

Citing security concerns, . . . Obama vetoed for final time the law to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (Read more)
- Almighty God, we plead for an absolute miracle that will cancel out Obama's veto to move the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. We look to God in heaven to shatter, rebuke, annul, and make Obama's veto cancelled through the Holy Spirit. Overshadow this action and rebuke the powers of evil and count them defeated by the sacrifice of the life of Jesus on the Cross, where He shed His Blood and defeated satan and everything concerning him. In the Name of Jesus we pray and count it done.

- "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

2. Netanyahu and Bennett reach compromise on bill legalizing Jewish communities - World Israel News

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister and Bayit Yehudi Chairman Naftali Bennett reached an agreement late Sunday evening on the comprehensive "Regulations Package," including the Regulations Bill, which legalizes Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria that were established with state involvement and possibly built on private land or land not owned by the state.

It does not include Clause 7, which would retroactively apply the law to cases on which the High Court has already ruled and, therefore, would have prevented the destruction of the town of Amona. Netanyahu requested from the High Court a one-month delay in order to find accommodation for the residents. (Read more)

3. Kerry: 'Israel heading to a place of danger' over settlements - Jerusalem Post

WASHINGTON - After four years as secretary of state that featured 375 public conversations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 40 in-person visits, John Kerry appeared frustrated Sunday that more than 130 hours of conversation have failed to slow Israel's settlement construction in the West Bank.

Israel is "heading to a place of danger," Kerry told the Saban Forum in Washington, warning of "an erosion over a period of time" of the chances for a real and lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace "by virtue of this continued settlement process."

He spoke two hours after the prime minister told the same forum that settlement activity is not the reason for the absence of peace. Kerry pushed back. (Read more)

4. Netanyahu Says Israel will Prevent Iran from Becoming Nuclear Power, Praises Trump - United With Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the annual Saban Forum via video link, said he plans to discuss the "bad nuclear deal" with incoming President Donald Trump. The deal not only prevents Iran from getting nukes, but actually helps the Islamic Republic to reach its goal, Netanyahu stressed.

The Israeli leader praised Trump for having a clear vision about America's role on the global stage.

This year's event - titled "Challenges for the Trump Administration in the Middle East - took place in Washington, D.C., at the Brooking Institution headquarters. (Read more)

5. Israel, Greece, Cyprus to hold second trilateral summit - Jerusalem Post

Energy issues and emergency rescue cooperation will top the agenda when leaders of Israel, Greece and Cyprus meet this week in Jerusalem for their second trilateral summit in less than a year.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades will hold a one-day summit on Thursday. The three first met together in January in Nicosia in what was hailed as the formation of a new "strategic alliance" in the eastern Mediterranean.

Tsipras and Anastasiades will be accompanied by a number of their senior ministers. The three leaders are expected to issue a joint declaration after their meeting. (Read more)

6. Hezbollah vs ISIS vs Israel - Jerusalem Post

Two incidents this week showcase the complexity of the challenges facing Israel on its northern front.

In the first, an air strike killed four members of the Islamic State-affiliated Khalid Ibn al-Walid Brigade after a patrol of the Golani reconnaissance unit in the southern Golan Heights was targeted by the organization. Israeli aircraft then targeted a facility used by the group in the Wadi Sirhan area.

In the second incident, according to regional media reports, Israeli aircraft operating from Lebanese airspace fired Popeye missiles at targets in the Sabboura area, 8 km. northwest of Damascus. (Read more)

7. Bridges for Peace: Weekly Prayer Update

To read this report, please go here.

8. Hebrew Nation News: Weekly Report

To view this report, please go here.

	The Daily Brief

Please note:
Every prayer below is presented to our Lord in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.

1. Trump's 'Mad Dog' to make U.S. military great again - WND

Delta Force hero: Mattis to 'restore warrior ethos' to U.S. military

Retired American Delta Force hero Lt. Gen. William "Jerry" Boykin is applauding President-elect Donald Trump's selection of retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis to be the next Secretary of Defense, and believes Mattis will do an excellent job of restoring the military to its original purpose and moving it away from the giant social experiment its become under the Obama administration.

Boykin, who served for 36 years, many of them in special operations, sees Trump and Mattis as kindred spirits in that they both despise political correctness. Mattis, affectionately known as "Mad Dog" and "Chaos" during his years in uniform comes to the confirmation process with a sterling reputation as a military scholar and leader and for speaking his mind bluntly.

"I think what Donald Trump was looking for was somebody who would send a very strong message to our military, to the people in the ranks of our military that we are going to get back to a focus on what the military's mission is. And this is plain and simple to win the nation's wars. I think Mattis sends that signal. It's a very good choice. I'm excited about it," Boykin told WND. (Read more)
- Our Father, we thank you President-Elect's choice of Gen. James N. Mattis. As defense secretary who better understands the defense needs of our nation than a general. Gen. Mattis has close ties to other military personnel giving him access as needed in decision making for our nation's defense. May our nation praise Your name throughout the world.

- "For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide Even to death." (Psalm 48:14)

2. Neutered Dems are all bark, no bite - PreserveFreedom.org

Senate Democrats are as furious with President-elect Trump's Cabinet picks as they are powerless to stop them. Thanks to a change to Senate rules that Democrats forced on Republicans in 2013, it only takes 51 votes to confirm a nominee, except for Supreme Court nominees, which will still require 60 votes. Republicans will have 51 or 52 seats in the Senate next year, which means the GOP can approve anyone they want to Trump's team as long as they all agree. (Read more)
- Father, we thank our God that President-elect Trump is now working under a new set of rules that will give him freedom from control by his enemies. We pray for protection for him and all those working with him from all interference by anyone who desires his fall. May he preserve freedom and implement the very best that can be gleaned from history that made America the strong nation it has always been. In the Name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

- "No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me, says the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17)

3. House Quietly Passes Bill Targeting "Russian Propaganda" Websites - ZeroHedge.com

H.R.6393, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, passed in the House of Representatives on November 30. The legislation deals with a number of intelligence-related issues, including Russian propaganda, or what the government calls propaganda.

Section 501 calls for the government to counter "measures by Russia to exert covert influence . . . carried out in coordination with, or at the behest of, political leaders or the security services of the Russian Federation and the role of the Russian Federation has been hidden or not acknowledged publicly."

Definitions include media manipulation, covert broadcasting, disinformation and forgeries, and "funding agents of influence."

It's easy to see how this law, if passed by the Senate and signed by the president, could be used against "fake news" websites. . . At this point it is unknown if the bill will work its way through the Senate and become law and if it will be used to shut down or curtail websites anonymously characterized as useful idiots or willing participants in disseminating supposed Russian propaganda. (Read more.)
- Lord God, we ask that You would move upon the hearts of our senators to block and to veto this legislation when it reaches their chamber. Father, this is a clear violation of our constitutional right to freedom of speech, and we declare this bill to be null and void under the Blood of the Lamb. Amen and amen.

- "Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us." (Isaiah 8:10)

4. Religious Liberty Provision Shelved - NRB

As Congress seeks to close out its 2016 business, one set of end-game negotiations has left a contested religious freedom provision on the shelf. The "Russell Amendment," which had been successfully attached to the House-passed FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by Rep. Steve Russell (R-Okla.), was jettisoned by congressional negotiators wishing to avoid a possible filibuster or veto of the underlying bill.

The Russell Amendment provided clarification that faith-based organizations partnering with the government maintain longstanding religious employment rights already delineated in the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

However, a left-wing alliance that included Planned Parenthood, Human Rights Campaign, American Civil Liberties Union, and others vigorously assaulted and mischaracterized the provision, and, seemingly in lockstep with them, the White House and all but two Senate Democrats appeared willing to bring down the entire military funding bill over it. (Read more)
- Father, we ask that the Russell Amendment be restored in the new administration and, if time is needed to bring this forth, that President Trump would restore this Amendment by Executive Order so that our military chaplains might be free to preach the Word, unhindered. In Your name, amen.

- "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you . . ." (Matthew 7:7)

5. Trust in Press at Record Lows - NRB

Earlier this week, Ari Fleischer, who served as White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush, published an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal titled "Trump vs. the White House Press Corps." In it he offered insight into the privileged status of the White House press corps, but warned that "a clash is coming."

"The press hasn't been kind to Donald Trump-and that isn't its job. That job is to cover the news in a fair manner," said Fleischer. However, in addition to evidence of journalists' lopsided support for Democrats, Fleischer noted, "A casual glance at most front pages and network news lends credence to the president-elect when he complains about his coverage."(Read more)
- Lord God, let the war begin! The elite White House Press Corps has, for far too long, been used to suppress much truth from our citizens, thereby impeding our ability to function as we should in this "free" society. We give You the media and ask that You have Your way with them. For those who must be humbled, we pray they would let go of pride and find Christ, in Your name, amen.

- "I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him." (Ezekiel 21:27)

6. China hopes Trump call with Taiwan leader won't damage ties - Yahoo News

BEIJING (AP) -- China's foreign minister said Saturday he hopes Beijing's relations with the U.S. would not be "interfered with or damaged" after President-elect Donald Trump broke with decades long diplomatic tradition and spoke directly with Taiwan's leader. It is highly unusual, probably unprecedented, for a U.S. president or president-elect to speak directly with a leader of Taiwan, a self-governing island the U.S. broke diplomatic ties with in 1979.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the call between Taiwan's president and Trump was "just a small trick by Taiwan" that he believed would not change U.S. policy toward China, according to Hong Kong's Phoenix TV.

"The one-China policy is the cornerstone of the healthy development of China-U.S. relations and we hope this political foundation will not be interfered with or damaged," Wang was quoted as saying. (Read more)
- Father, in Jesus' Name, we pray that the results of this meeting be according to the perfect will of God. We trust that You may have a new plan in place between Taiwan, China and the United States that will serve each country by instigating improved policies. We bind all deception under the power of the Blood of Jesus and pray all the hidden agendas be made manifest. Guide President-elect Trump by giving him clear understanding and a new creative conception of how the best strategy will be followed in his administration. In the Name of Jesus we pray.

- "With them is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles." ( II Chr. 32:8)

7. Saudi Central Bank Systems Said to Be Struck by Iran Malware - Bloomberg

State-sponsored hackers who unleashed a digital bomb in key parts of Saudi Arabia's computer networks over the last two weeks damaged systems at the country's central bank, known as the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, according to two people briefed on an ongoing investigation of the breach. The central bank said in a statement late Friday that its systems hadn't been breached and that it has continuous surveillance to protect against cyberthreats.

The attacks, which afflicted at least eight government entities, used a computer-killing malware known as Shamoon that is linked to Iran, the two people said. They had the potential to inflict damage on targets across several critical sectors, including finance and transportation.

The investigation is still in its early stages and the determination of responsibility could change, the two people said. The number of entities where damage occurred is likely to grow as the probe continues, a third said. (Read more)
- Father, only You know the extent of damage done by the digital bomb in parts of Saudi Arabia's computer networks. Reveal to the investigators all things hidden. Put Your words into the report of their findings when it is presented to their authorities. Let the authorities deal quickly with those who committed these crimes to ensure that this will never happen again. Thank you, Lord.

- "The evil will bow before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous." (Proverbs 14:19)

8. Europol warns of new IS terror threats to Europe - Times of Israel

Europol warned Friday that the Islamic State group could launch fresh attacks in Europe in the near future, and the agency's director said police forces across the continent are investigating more than 50 terrorism cases. Europol - the European Union's police agency - said in a grim analysis of IS tactics published Friday that EU countries participating in the US-led coalition fighting the extremist group in Syria and Iraq are most at risk.

France and Belgium are among the European nations that have joined the US-led coalition. Others include Britain, the Netherlands and Denmark. Germany's military also is involved, but not in combat operations.

Europol director Rob Wainwright said in an interview that counterterrorism agencies are tackling the threat from IS in cooperation with his Hague-based agency. Europol currently is assisting more than 50 terror investigations by national agencies across the continent, he said. (Read more)

- Father God, we ask that Your angel armies defend all nations participating in the coalition fighting the IS extremist group in Syria and Iraq. We call on Your authority to defeat these evil IS groups and bring them to You for judgement to do with as You will. Thank You for hearing our prayers. We love You, Lord.

- "God is jealous, and the Lord avenges; The Lord Avenges and is furious. The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, And he reserves wrath for His enemies:" (Nahum1:2) (/font)

9. Russian forces kill ISIS affiliate cell leader in Dagestan - CNN

The leader of a North Caucasus ISIS branch was killed in a special operation conducted by Russian Federal Security Service forces in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, the security service said in a statement Sunday.

Rustam Magomedovich Aselderov, known as Abu Muhammad, and four militants close to him were killed in an exchange of fire with government forces Saturday near Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, the statement from the FSB said.

Security forces surrounded a residence where the militants were hiding. During negotiations to surrender, the militants fired automatic weapons and government forces fired back. Officials seized automatic weapons, large quantities of ammunition and explosives from the site, the FSB said. (Read more)

- Lord God, we do thank you for this victory, although we cannot rejoice when an unrepentant soul goes into eternity. Please help those who remain to find You as their own Savior, and Lord. Amen.

- "Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live." (Ezekiel 33:11)

10. Tennessee wildfires: Death toll rises to 11 - BBC

The death toll from wildfires across the US state of Tennessee has risen to 11 as search and rescue continues. The cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have suffered the worst damage.

On Thursday, country music legend Dolly Parton said her charity would donate $1,000 (£797) a month to families affected by the fires.

Rain on Wednesday helped quell the blaze, but officials said fires could rekindle as months of drought had left the ground extremely dry. (Read more)
- Father, we extend our deep condolences to the eleven families who lost their loved ones. Comfort the hearts of all the families affected by the fires, Lord. Break this extended drought and open the heavens with a downpour of rain that will prevent any further fires from being rekindled. Heal the land in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. In Jesus' Name we pray.

- "The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." (Exodus 14:14)

	Special Report (Israel)

Obama, Bennett agree: Keep Netanyahu guessing

The PM has two swords dangling above his head: Bennett's bill to retroactively legalize settlement outposts, and the possibility Obama might let an anti-Israel resolution go through the UNSC. ...Obama and Bennett view the Mideast in starkly different terms. The last few days have shown...they do have one thing in common: an interest...in keeping Netanyahu both squirming and guessing

For Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the following sequence of events would be nothing less than a scenario from hell.

On December 25, the first day of Hanukka and the day by which the High Court of Justice ordered that the settlement outpost of Amona must be dismantled, IDF soldiers might very well be called upon to trudge up to that Jewish community in Samaria and forcibly drag away its residents.

Passions will flare, the images will be gut-wrenching, and the country - with flashbacks to the withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 and the first evacuation of Amona in 2006 - will be torn.

And then, a couple of days later and thousands of miles away in the UN Security Council, an anti-settlement resolution calling the settlements illegal and demanding their immediate dismantlement could very well pass, with outgoing US President Barack Obama possibly allowing it to do so by abstaining on the measure, and not using the US veto.
Talk about losing on all fronts.
In such a case, Netanyahu would face considerable domestic political fallout from giving the order to tear down Amona. And this fallout would only be compounded by pictures from the world body not praising him for the move, but rather going further and slamming Israel for all settlements.

For Netanyahu, it would be an excruciating double whammy: Forcibly evicting Jews from their homes, and getting pummeled by the international community at the same time. (Jerusalem Post) Read more
- Almighty God, we come before Your presence and plead the cause of the State of Israel, the Land of Israel, and Prime Minister Netanyahu, all these who are so close to the heart of God. We ask that Amona not be another Gush Katif or Gaza, where the IDF were ordered to remove its people from their homes. Many today are still homeless. Father, by Your ultimate power, bind and break all the power of the international community and the UN Security Council, and all political leaders, from attempting to control the citizens of Israel from living normal lives. The Blood of Yeshua be upon Amona, all its residents, PM Netanyahu, and all of Israel that they not be vulnerable to international power. The Lord rebuke all the powers of darkness and bring them to nought who are coming against Israel. In Jesus' Name we pray.

- "And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the Lord fought against the enemies of Israel." (2 Chr. 20:29)

	Pray for Electoral College

"Shields Up Now!

Pray For America and the Electoral College Process"

by Cindy Jacobs, Red Oak, TX

We are encouraging the intercessors of the nation to pray to keep the nation stabilized through December 19th.

There are two issues that need our ongoing prayer:

1. A possible recount of the electoral college. You are probably aware that Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate for president, is raising money for a recount in three states, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate, is now joining in on the demand for a recall. Money is being raised to pay for these recalls and millions have been raised. Recounts have changed state election results, but never a federal one.

2. The Electoral Count proceedings. It is possible, but not likely, that a recount could affect the landscape of the Electoral College. However, this has been an usual election cycle. While we must pray for these two issues, it is critical that the eyes of the intercessors must focus, in a large way, on the following for the Electoral College.
God gave warnings, as early as 2008 by Chuck Pierce, concerning the need to watch this electoral college. He recently prophesied that we must watch for the next ten days. In fact, these are tumultuous times where we cannot relax in our fervent intercession for the nation.
Many are not aware of the mechanics of the way the electoral college functions. It is designed to give each state a voice in the election.

Here is a quick rundown:

December 13th:

- States must make final decisions known, over the appointment of their Electors, at least six days before the meeting of the Electors. This is so their electoral votes will be presumed valid when presented to Congress.

December 19th:

- The Electors meet in their states and vote for President and Vice President on separate ballots. The Electors record their votes in six "Certificates of Vote," which are paired with the same Certificates of Ascertainment. The Electorals sign, seal, and certify six sets of electoral votes. These are sent to Congress.

December 28th:

- Electoral votes (the Certificate of Vote) must be received by the President of the Senate and the Archivist no later than nine days after the meeting of the Electorals.

January 6th:

- The Congress meets in joint session to count the electoral votes.
. . . If no Presidential candidate wins 270 or more electoral votes, a majority, the 12th Amendment of the Constitution provides for the House of Representatives to decide the Presidential election. If necessary, the House would elect the President by majority vote.
It is important to understand the workings of the governmental process and that we pray for order to keep the ship of state steady in these times.

We must pray for the Electoral College and Electors. We must cry out to God to unify our nation, as well.
Standing in the gap with you!

Cindy Jacobs
Generals International
Website: www.generals.org
[Source: Generals International] Read more here.

	More Daily Features

The Persecuted Church

"Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body." (Hebrews 13:3)

Please visit the website for International Christian Concern to lift up prayers for the persecuted around the world, every day. Their link is: www.persecution.org -- or go here to connect. Thank you for interceding for our brothers and sisters who are suffering in Asia, the Islamic World, and the Far East.

Classic Hymns:


JOYFUL, JOYFUL, WE ADORE THEE!

"My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You." (Psalm 71:23)

Lyrics

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o'er us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life.

Melody

Join along with the congregation of the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church
in singing this awesome hymn!

About the Author:

Words: Hen­ry J. van Dyke, 1907

Music: Hymn to Joy, from the 9th Sym­pho­ny of Lud­wig van Beet­ho­ven; 1824

About the hymn:

This hymn . . . ap­peared in the Po­ems of Hen­ry van Dyke, 1911. Van Dyke wrote:

These vers­es are sim­ple ex­press­ions of com­mon Christ­ian feel­ings and de­sires in this pre­sent time-hymns of to­day that may be sung to­ge­ther by peo­ple who know the thought of the age, and are not afraid that any truth of sci­ence will de­stroy re­li­gion, or any re­vo­lu­tion on earth over­throw the king­dom of hea­ven. There­fore this is a hymn of trust and joy and hope.

Signs and Wonders

Tornado Cluster Sizes Skyrocket, and No One Knows Why

Tornados are behaving strangely: The number of tornado outbreaks per year is fairly constant, but the number of tornados per outbreak has skyrocketed. And scientists aren't entirely sure why.

In an effort to learn more, researchers looked at meteorological factors related to tornado outbreaks, and then dug into the data to see whether these factors had changed over time, said study lead researcher Michael Tippett, an associate professor of applied physics and applied mathematics at Columbia University.

The analyses did yield a result, but an unexpected one, Tippett said.

"The meteorological factors that are related with tornado outbreaks have also become more extreme," Tippett told Live Science in an email. "The surprising finding was that the change in meteorological factors did not have the expected signature of climate change." (Live Science) Read more here.

"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea." (Luke 21:25)

The Good News Corner

Police hail parents who found, disarmed son at Utah school

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Utah mother and father who followed their son to school and pulled a shotgun from his hand after he fired a round into a classroom ceiling likely prevented bloodshed by acting quickly on their intuition and conversations with the boy after they noticed guns were missing from their home, police said Friday.

The parents arrived shortly after the boy entered the classroom. No one was injured but the blast left a hole the size of a small plate, Bountiful Police Chief Tom Ross said.

The boy also pointed the shotgun at his own neck, Ross said.

The boy didn't say a word as a teacher and one of 26 students tried to talk him out of firing again, giving his parents a few extra seconds to arrive. The mother took the gun out of his hand and the father pulled the boy out of the room and into a hallway, police said.
Police Lt. Dave Edwards said the father's talk with his son before he left for school and the mother's instinct that something was wrong motivated them to head to the campus after they discovered the handgun and shotgun were missing.

"Thank goodness they did not wait and went to the school to find him," Edwards said.

Police believe the teen hid the weapons and two boxes of ammunition under his long jacket as he walked to Mueller Park Junior High. He did not point the shotgun at any other students.

Students returning to classes Friday at the school found hearts printed with messages such as "You are brave" and "Stand tall" on their lockers. The school pep band played in the lobby and counselor s were available to talk, said Chris Williams, a spokesman for the school district.

The student who talked to the boy during the shooting is his friend, Williams said. (ABC News) Go here.

Today's Worship:

It's that time of year again!
Enjoy this flash mob of the Air Force Band performing a Christmas medley, suddenly, at the Smithsonian!
Merry Christmas!

	The Bible Readathon

Our Bible Readathon Continues

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)

We are now reading the Word of God every night from midnight to 6:00 a.m. EST. We are reading through the whole Word, from Genesis to Revelation, and beginning again in Genesis when finished.

Our numbers of readers continues to grow over time. All are welcome to join!

Our conference number is: 712-770-4340.

The access code is: 350430#. Please call at any time from midnight to 6:00 a.m. EST. WELCOME!
[Note: we are reading from these versions of the Scripture: King James, New King James, New American Standard, and NIV.]

	PrayerSurgeNow and 24/7 Prayer

PrayerSurgeNow and 24/7 Prayer:

Two other prayer ministries to note --

24/7 Prayer Continues!

You are welcome to join the 24/7 National Strategic Prayer Call!

> > > The 24/7 National Strategic Prayer Call is taking place for 70 Days leading up to the Jan 20, 2017 Presidential Inauguration in DC.

Numerous ministries are participating. Join in any time, day or night in this continuous stream of intercession:

712-770-4340

543555#

WELCOME!

PrayerSurgeNow: Updates
Our good friend, Dai Sup Han, raised up PrayerSurgeNow at the leading of our Lord, nine years ago. Ever since then, "PSN" has hosted weekly conference calls every Saturday morning from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. EST, with speakers who provide briefings to the Body of Christ of different topics needing prayer.
PSN also offers other opportunities now, throughout the week each week, to join with other seasoned intercessors in releasing targeted prayers for our nation.
For news of PSN's weekly agendas, please visit their website by going to: prayersurgenow.blogspot.com, or by going here.