CHPP Daily Brief "Praying for All in Authority" Wednesday, December 19, 2017

MERRY CHRISTMAS, SAINTS OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD!

CHPP will now stand down to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. In the meantime, please enjoy this excerpt from Handel's Messiah!

The Daily Brief will return
on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
Hallelujah!

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

The Daily Brief
"Praying for All in Authority"
Wednesday, December 19, 2017

"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you." (Psalm 5:11)
You are all welcome to join us on Saturday, December 30th at 9:00 a.m. EST, when we will spend one hour with Dai Sup Han, thanking God for His blessings in the year just past, and praying together for His will to be done in 2018.

Conference number is: 712-432-0075
Access Code: 6149782#
Date: Saturday morning, December 30th
Time: 9:00 a.m. EST

> > > Please mark your calendars now and plan on joining us as, together,
we worship Him in Spirit and in Truth! AMEN.

> > > To help sustain our work, please go here. Thank you!

Week Three: Advent . . . JOY

	Christmas at the White House

Christmas at the White House 2017

Posted on December 12, 2017

[Photo: Christmas trees in the Grand Foyer of the White House.]

In the East Wing, visitors find a tribute to our service members and their families with the Gold Star Family Tree, which has been decorated with gold stars and patriotic ribbon. Visitors are encouraged to write a message to their loved ones who are on duty or abroad on the digital tablets provided.
After passing through the East colonnade, visitors will see the China Room, which honors the holiday traditions of dining and hospitality. The room is set up for a family Christmas dinner, with the table displaying the china from President Ronald Reagan. Then, visitors will see the Library, which features President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1866 edition of "A Christmas Carol," as they recall the time-honored custom of reading Christmas stories to loved ones.
On the State Floor of the White House, the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall celebrate the first themed White House Christmas, which was the "Nutcracker Suite" in 1961. The Green Room honors the festivities of crafts, paper, and classic design. The Blue Room holds the official White House Christmas tree, which is decorated with glass ornaments depicting the seal of each State and territory. The Red Room hosts delightful holiday treats, and has been decorated with peppermints, candy, and cookies. The State Dining Room holds a traditional gingerbread house, which depicts the South facade of the White House and features Mrs. Trump's signature Christmas wreaths.
"The President, Barron, and I are very excited for our first Christmas in the White House," said First Lady Melania Trump. "As with many families across the country, holiday traditions are very important to us. I hope when visiting the People's House this year, visitors will get a sense of being home for the holidays. On behalf of my husband and Barron, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and joyous holiday season."
Throughout the month of December, the White House will host more than 100 open houses and many receptions. More than 25,000 visitors will walk the halls taking part in public tours. (Read more)

	Focus on Israel

1. 'There'll be recommendations, so what?'- Israel National News

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke Tuesday at the lighting of the eighth Hanukkah candle together with Likud activists in Kfar Maccabiah.

He referred to the investigations into his case and to publications according to which the police may recommend that he be tried. "There'll be recommendations, so what? Most police recommendations end with nothing. More than 60 percent end up in the trash," Netanyahu said.
(Read more)

2. Israeli diplomats gird for UN General Assembly vote on Jerusalem
-Times of Israel

The Foreign Ministry on Tuesday instructed its embassies to lobby against an upcoming United Nations General Assembly resolution that aims to annul the US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The Palestinians raised the non-binding resolution for a vote on Thursday in the 193-member main body of the UN after the US vetoed a similar - but binding - resolution at the UN Security Council on Monday. In a memo to its missions around the world, the Foreign Ministry advised diplomats to encourage their host countries to oppose the new resolution at the General Assembly. In the case of countries that are planning to back the resolution, diplomats were urged to encourage their local counterparts to at least refrain from expressing public support for the Palestinian proposal.
(Read more)

3. Israeli-Arab mayor, MK burn Trump poster in protest - Jerusalem Online

Mayor of Israeli-Arab town Tamra Suheil Diab and former MK Muhamad Kanan took part in last week's protests against the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. During the protests, the two set fire to a poster of US President Donald Trump.

As seen in the video that was first published by Panet, a picture of Trump is going around with the words 'Down with USA' sprayed on it. In the footage, Diab can be seen lighting the picture on fire while chanting the word 'burn' in Arabic. The mayor has not commented on the incident.
(Read more)

4. Israel denies targeting Gazan amputee in riots amid UN outcry - YNET News

A senior UN official said on Tuesday that Israel's killing of a disabled Palestinian man protesting against US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital was "incomprehensible", but Israel said he had not been targeted.

A statement issued by Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said wheelchair-bound Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh was shot in the head by Israeli security forces close to the border fence with Israel on Friday.

Abu Thuraya, killed in the "day of rage" protests on Friday, was one of the regular protesters on the Gaza border. The Palestinians claim he was killed when a "sniper shot him in the head," while IDF officials said soldiers are instructed, according to the rules of engagement, to shoot main instigators only in the lower body area.
(Read more)

5. Abbas Says Palestinians To Seek Full United Nations Membership - Jerusalem Post

The Palestinians will seek full membership in the United Nations and join 22 international organizations in response to US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said in remarks at the start of a meeting with senior Palestinian leaders in Ramallah on Monday night.

Abbas elaborated on his theme from last week's Islamic Conference Organization emergency meeting in Istanbul to the effect that Israel is unworthy of international recognition.

"There are no borders to Israel, and international law is against any recognition of it," he said. "But they deceived the General Assembly by saying they would implement resolutions 181 and 194," the former providing for the partition of Palestine and the latter the return of Palestinian refugees. "Until today they have not implemented them."
(Read more)

6. After 5-Year Drought, a Creative Solution to Refill the Sea of Galilee - Breaking Israel News

After five years in a row of severe drought, Israeli water authority Mekorot is beginning an ambitious project to refill the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). The plan involves pumping water from the Eshkol water filtration plant and two huge reservoirs in the Bet Netofa valley to the Kinneret, a distance of 14 miles. The project is estimated to cost over $85 million.

The lack of water in Israel has been exacerbated in recent years, becoming a major concern. Rainfall has fallen to half its 1948 average, while the population has grown ten-fold. The situation is indeed dire and experts say that if this year's rainfall continues to fall short of expectations, there will be a lack of drinking water next year in many areas in the Galilee.

The lack of rain is so extreme that two weeks ago, the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Lau released a proclamation calling on the public to offer special prayers for rain in Israel.
(Read more)

	The Daily Brief

1. Amtrak train was 50 mph over the speed limit, NTSB confirms - USA Today

An Amtrak train was travelling 50 mph over the speed limit when it careened off an overpass south of Seattle, killing at least three people, federal officials confirmed.

Bella Dinh-Zarr, a National Transportation Safety Board member, said at a Monday night news conference that information from the event data recorder in the rear locomotive showed the train was traveling at 80 mph in a 30 mph zone when it derailed.

The train's speed and the posted speed limit are likely to be key points for federal accident investigators, who are trying to determine why the train - on its inaugural run - flew off the track and caused several rail cars to plunge off a bridge overpass and onto a traffic-clogged interstate at 7:34 a.m Monday.

Mangled train cars ended up on top of each other - and one hung precariously over the freeway after the train derailed. (Read more)
- Father God, updated information from the NTSB also reports that "distraction" was another factor leading to this disaster. We continue to ask for a thorough investigation into this matter, for justice to be rendered, and for Your healing touch to rest upon all survivors. In Your Name, amen.

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

2. House expected to re-vote on tax bill Wednesday after rules violations - Washington Times

The House is expected to have to vote again Wednesday on congressional Republicans' $1.5 trillion tax-cut plan, after the Senate parliamentarian found that several items in the House-passed bill violate Senate rules. Sens. Bernard Sanders and Ron Wyden said the provisions in question deal with the title of the bill, the use of savings accounts for home-school expenses, and the criteria under which private universities could be subjected to a new excise tax. The senators said they plan to object to the provisions during Senate consideration of the bill Tuesday and make the House vote again.

The House passed the package earlier Tuesday, but the House and Senate must pass identical plans before President Trump can sign the final measure into law. (Read more)
- Father, we pray the final version of the tax bill, or a subsequent compromise, will give this long overdue tax break to homeschool families.

- Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
(Psalm 34:11)

3. Democrat wins Virginia House seat in recount by single vote - Fox News

Democrat Shelly Simonds reacts to the news that she won the 94th District precincts by one vote after previously trailing incumbent David Yancey by ten votes post-election, following a recount Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, in Hampton, Va.

The recount was one of four scheduled for House races that ended with extremely tight margins. The 94th District had by far the slimmest vote difference and the biggest chance of flipping.

Last week, Republican Del. Tim Hugo held onto his seat in Fairfax County after a recount had a marginal impact on his 100-plus vote lead. Two more recounts are set to take place on Wednesday and Thursday for districts in and around Richmond and in the Fredericksburg area.

If Democrats and Republicans ultimately find themselves evenly split, a messy dynamic could unfold. The parties may have to compromise just to elect a speaker and assign committee chairmanships.

The last time Virginia's House was evenly divided was 20 years ago, when the parties reached a power-sharing agreement. But if no agreement can be reached, prolonged chaos could ensue. (Read more)
- Father God, we do take note of this news today in the State of Virginia. We wonder if there has ever been a recount in any election, anywhere, in which the winner "took the prize" by only one vote?

Lord, it seems that this event is a prophetic sign of how narrowly we are now divided as a nation. As the remaining three districts carry out their own recounts today and tomorrow, we speak peace to the State of Virginia. We decree that there shall be NO CHAOS in the State Assembly when it convenes next month in Richmond, but only an orderly sequence of events as proscribed in our own state constitution. In Your Name, we pray, amen.

- You will also declare a thing,
And it will be established for you;
So light will shine on your ways.
(Job 22:28)

4. FBI Deputy Director 'Ought To Be Replaced,' Says Top Senate Republican - Daily Caller

Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Chuck Grassley is calling on Andrew McCabe to be replaced as the FBI's deputy director. But Grassley, a Republican, said that President Trump should steer clear of the matter. Instead, FBI Director Christopher Wray should remove McCabe, who has come under heavy fire from Republicans over his roles in the Clinton email and Russia collusion investigations.

The bureau's second highest-ranking official, McCabe will be interviewed by the House Intelligence Committee on Tuesday. He will be asked about his role in the Russia investigation and his knowledge about the infamous Trump dossier, the 35-page document written by former British spy Christopher Steele and funded by the Clinton campaign and DNC. Grassley and his Republican colleagues are also interested in McCabe's knowledge about FBI agent Peter Strzok's handling of the Russia investigation. Strzok was kicked off of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team after it was discovered that he sent anti-Trump and pro-Clinton text messages last year while working on both of the investigations. (Read more)
- Father, help our nation remove wicked and insubordinate men and women from their positions of influence and power, permanently.

- Remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness. (Proverbs 25:5)

5. Impeachment looms over Dem choice on Judiciary - The Hill

he Democratic battle to replace John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) atop the House Judiciary Committee will be settled this week, a contest hinging on factors of seniority and gender as much as policy. Both Reps. Jerrold Nadler (N.Y.) and Zoe Lofgren (Calif.), the leading candidates to replace Conyers as the committee's top Democrat, are veteran lawmakers from powerhouse states with long and consistent track records supporting liberal causes. The Democrats will decide the winner by a closed ballot on Wednesday.

Nadler, the sitting ranking member following Conyers's resignation over sexual misconduct allegations, is touting his seniority and decades-long focus on constitutional issues, which could prove a boon to the Democrats if a "constitutional crisis," in Nadler's description, emerges from the special counsel investigation into Russia's election meddling. Impeachment is among the host of consequential issues falling under Judiciary's domain.

Lofgren, meanwhile, is trumpeting her expertise in immigration law, a hot-button issue as Trump and the Democrats do battle over the fate of "Dreamers." She has also suggested that the recent wave of sexual harassment allegations makes the moment ripe for a woman to ascend on a committee that hasn't had a female chair or ranking member since its inception in 1813. It is, she said in a letter to colleagues, "a watershed moment in the nation's history." (Read more)
- Father, we pray for Your choice to fill this important vacancy on the Judiciary Committee.

- He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. (Daniel 2:21)

6. Trump nominates Liberty University professor to Justice Department post - Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said he plans to nominate Liberty University School of Law professor Caren Harp to oversee the Justice Department's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. If ultimately confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Harp would oversee the Justice Department office that trains and works with state and local communities to develop effective juvenile justice programs and prevent delinquency.

Harp previously was director of the National Juvenile Justice Prosecution Center at the American Prosecutors Research Institute. According to Harp's LinkedIn page, she is in her sixth year as a professor at Liberty, which is located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Harp, who holds a law degree from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, has also worked as both a prosecutor and a public defender, including as chief of the Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit in New York City, Family Court Division, and as a trial attorney for the Arkansas Public Defender Commission. In an article published in May, Harp raises questions about the role of adolescent neuroscience in the courtroom and writes that the best way to tackle juvenile justice is by teaching youth to accept responsibility and involve them in community-based diversion programs to prevent them from re-offending. (Read more)
- Father, we pray for Your blessing upon the nomination of Caren Harp. We pray she will bring leadership and a much needed perspective on crime and prevention to the Justice Department.

- Correct your children while there is still hope; do not let them destroy themselves. (Proverbs 19:18)

7. Trump accuser lobbied to be his makeup artist months before her sex assault allegations roiled campaign - The Hill

New York cosmetics executive who publicly alleged Donald Trump sexually assaulted her in the 1990s repeatedly solicited the future president to become his campaign makeup artist and to pitch her new product line in the months before her story roiled the 2016 presidential race, according to the woman and her contemporaneous emails.

"Hi Donald, you are doing a tremendous job of shaking things up in the United States. I am definitely on Team Trump as so many others are," Jill Harth wrote Trump in an Oct. 1, 2015, email sent to him through his New York company's headquarters. "I can't watch television without seeing you or hearing your name everywhere! It's a good thing for sure but PLEASE let me do your makeup for a television interview, a debate, a photo session, anything!" Harth wrote.

The emails use starkly different language than the words Harth used in both a withdrawn 1997 federal lawsuit and a series of late 2016 campaign interviews in which she accused Trump of sexually assaulting her more than two decades ago. Harth is one of 19 women who have reportedly accused Trump of sexual misconduct. (Read more)

- Father, we pray all the malicious slander of witnesses against President Trump will be completely exposed. We pray for your angelic protection to cover him and give him Your peace.

- May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against them. (Psalm 54:5a)

8. A collusion bombshell, but not on target - Washington Times

One ambitious reporter, Josh Meyer of Politico, the Capitol Hill political daily, has delivered with a remarkable story on the weekend of how Barack Obama, with connivance of John Kerry, the Obama secretary of State, and John Brennan, Mr. Obama's director of the CIA, scuttled an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of Hezbollah, one of the most lethal distributors of worldwide terror, because the investigation was getting too close to Iran. Mr. Obama's obsession was with cutting a deal with Iran, and he cut it by giving the Iranians everything they wanted. Then he set out to avoid upsetting the mullahs.

Called Project Cassandra, the investigation was opened in 2008 to track Hezbollah's trafficking of drugs and weapons, money laundering and other sordid crime. The faces of Project Cassandra were those of John ("Jack") Kelly, 51, and David Asher, 49, who, working out of a secret DEA safe house near Dulles International Airport, scoured wiretaps and patiently built a network of informants to map Hezbollah mischief with the help of U.S. and foreign intelligence and security agencies. (Read more)

- Father, we thank You for investigative reporters like Josh Meyer, who are truly doing their jobs by informing the public of wrongdoing by public officials. We pray this story, the cover-up of Hezbollah crimes by the Obama administration, will get the attention it deserves.

- Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent- the Lord detests them both. (Proverbs 17:15)

9. Food And Drug Administration Plans Crackdown On Risky Homeopathic Remedies - NPR

The Food and Drug Administration said it plans to crack down on the sale of some homeopathic products. The agency unveiled a new, risk-based approach to regulating homeopathic treatments Monday that aims to protect the public from dangerous products. "In recent years, we've seen a large uptick in products labeled as homeopathic that are being marketed for a wide array of diseases and conditions, from the common cold to cancer," FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in a statement announcing the new policy.

In response to the growth and continuing concerns, the FDA convened a public hearing to revisit a 1988 decision not to regulate homeopathic products like standard medical treatments. Under the new policy, the FDA will more carefully scrutinize these products, especially those sold to treat infants and children, those containing ingredients with significant safety concerns, such as belladonna, and those sold for serious conditions such as opioid addiction, heart disease and cancer.

Mark Land, president of the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists, said in an email that the group "shares the FDA's commitment to protecting public health," and noted the action "would not materially affect the vast majority of homeopathic drug products available in the United States. As always, AAHP is committed to ensuring that consumers have access to natural, safe, homeopathic medicines in the United States and throughout the world," Land said. (Read more)

- Father, we pray these new FDA regulations will not prevent people from purchasing safe homeopathic remedies. We pray the pharmaceutical industry will not be successful in preventing the sale of homeopathic items that compete with their products.

- Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14)

10. Fed Agency Committed 'Militaristic' Operation Against Nevada Rancher - Daily Caller

An investigation into the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) handling of the 2014 Nevada standoff with rancher Cliven Bundy revealed "incredible bias," widespread misconduct and likely illegal actions by the BLM. Prosecutors shared the report with the Bundys' defense attorneys, prompting a petition to Judge Gloria Navarro for a mistrial, or for the case to be dismissed altogether, The Oregonian reports. Navarro's judgement is expected to come down Wednesday.

Former Special Agent Dan Love, who was in charge of impounding Cliven Bundy's cattle in 2014, conducted "the most intrusive, oppressive, large scale and militaristic trespass cattle impound possible" against Bundy's ranch against the direction of the U.S. attorney's office, according to Wooten. The Bundys' defense strategy accuses the BLM of using overly-aggressive and threatening tactics. Navarro has ruled that Myhre's prosecution team has committed numerous Brady Act violations failing to turn over exculpatory evidence, evidence that may exonerate the Bundys. In light of the violations and Wooten's memo, Navarro sent the jury home last week as she considers ruling a mistrial or dismissing the case. (Read more)

- Father, we pray justice will come to the Bundy family along with the complete restitution of their property and rights. We pray those responsible in the federal government will be held accountable for abusing their authority.

- They must return what they have stolen or taken by extortion, or what was entrusted to them, or the lost property they found, or whatever it was they swore falsely about. They must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value to it and give it all to the owner. (Leviticus 6:4-5, excerpt)

11. Pennsylvania governor vetoes 20-week abortion ban - The Hill

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed a bill Monday that would have banned abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The bill, passed by the state's Republican-controlled legislature last week, is a "vile assault on women's ability to make their own decisions about their own health care," Wolf, a Democrat, said at a press conference. "We thank Governor Wolf for standing strong to protect women's health and rights," said Cecile Richards, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

"Tom Wolf is a puppet of Planned Parenthood, the nation's number one provider of abortions, and is going to gladly accept their special-interest money for more political favors," said Greg Manz, spokesman for the Pennsylvania Republican Party. At the national level, the U.S. House passed a similar bill earlier this year, with a vote in the Senate expected early next year. However, because Republicans only have a slim majority in the Senate, it's not expected to pass. (Read more)
- Father, we grieve with the people of Pennsylvania, as their desire to protect life was vetoed by Governor Wolf. We pray Governor Wolf would come to understand the realities of late term abortion and choose to protect the unborn.

- "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped." (Isaiah 35:5)

12. ISIS Threatens Attacks on Churches in Washington DC, New York on Christmas - Christian Post

Islamic State supporters have threatened to launch a terror attack in Washington, D.C. and New York on Christmas, according to the SITE intelligence group. A propaganda poster carries a picture that shows Washington's National Cathedral erupting in flames while indicating that New York could be their target.

"We meet at Christmas in New York soon," reads the caption of the poster, which otherwise carries an image of Washington's National Cathedral, reveals SITE, which monitors extremist communications online. The poster was found circulating through a pro-Islamic State encrypted channel, Telegram. (Read more)
- Father, we build a hedge around Your people, and pray for Your mighty protection against all plans of the enemy.

- "No weapon formed against you will prosper." (Isaiah 54:17a)

	The Daily Jot

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

End time churches and us

Yeshua Ha Mashiach, our beloved Jesus Christ, reviews the churches in Revelation 2 and 3. He speaks of those things he hates and those things he likes. For example, He says of the Church in Pergamos, "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and has not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells...but I have a few things against thee, because thou has there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam...also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate." Of each of the seven churches he speaks, ending with Laodicea. To these, what is our part? And what do they say about today's church?

He says of Ephesus that they should repent because they "left thy first love." Jesus encourages the poor church in Smyrna to overcome and be "faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." To Thyatira, Jesus says he knows their works of charity, service and faith, but that they suffer, or tolerate, the spirit of Jezebel, "which calls herself a prophetess" and teaches seduction, fornication and to eat things sacrificed to idols. To Sardis, he says, "that thou has a name that thou lives, and art dead." To Philadelphia, he writes, "I know thy works: behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name."

To Laodicea he said: "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor and blind, and naked. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent."

I believe we all "fit" in one or more of these end time churches. In fact, our church leaders are leading in the manner that Christ describes in one or more of these ways. If we wonder why our children, our families, our communities, our states, and our nation are in the condition they are in, they are likely a reflection of one or more of these churches. If we are honest, we can identify in ourselves some of the very things Jesus sees in his churches--both good and bad. In the cases of each church, the Lord says there is reward for "He that overcometh." He also tells most of them to repent. Let us honestly examine ourselves and determine what we have to overcome and how we are to repent. Then let's do it!

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!

Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com

	Senate passes tax bill

Senate passes tax bill, pushing it closer to Trump's desk

The Senate approved the Republican tax-cut bill in a 51-48 vote on Wednesday morning, inching closer to finishing off the first major legislative victory of President Trump.
The party-line Senate vote came hours after the House on Tuesday approved the sweeping legislation in a 227-203 vote.

The Senate vote was briefly interrupted by protesters, who were removed from the Senate chamber after yelling at senators from the gallery, including chants of "kill the bill don't kill us" and "you're fired."
But the House will have to vote again on Wednesday to get the bill to the White House because of a ruling by the Senate parliamentarian that two provisions in the House-passed bill didn't comply with budget rules that Republicans are using to prevent Democrats from mounting a filibuster.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday hailed the legislation as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity."

"[It will] deliver historic tax relief to American families. It will help put our country on a trajectory toward more innovation and better paying jobs. It will repeal an unfair tax at the center of ObamaCare and will help America achieve greater energy security," he said.
Final passage on Wednesday would amount to an early Christmas present for Trump after an often frustrating year for Republicans on Capitol Hill who repeatedly fell short in their goal of repealing ObamaCare. (Read more)

- Father God, we thank You for this victory, and we look forward to cheering, wherever we are later this week, when President Donald Trump signs the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" into law. Amen.

- "Praise the Lord!" (Psalm 149:1)

	Is Another Government Shutdown Looming?

Republicans fight Democrats - and themselves - as shutdown looms

Even as Republicans are poised to pass a $1.5 trillion tax-cut bill, a brewing fight over federal funding may lead to a government shutdown at week's end.

Speaker Paul Ryan plans to pass a continuing resolution later this week to fund the government until Jan. 19, but there are major disagreements within the House GOP over the move. There are also disputes between House and Senate Republicans, as well as the ever-present struggle with Democrats. (Read more)

	Congressional Recess Schedule

Congressional Recess Schedule

Congress will go into recess this week.

The House and the Senate will reconvene on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.

We pray that each member of the Senate and the House will be graced with a very special holiday season, and that their hearts would be turned to the One who really holds all power to govern: Jesus Christ, our Savior and our Lord. Amen.

"6 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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6,7)

	Operation Outcry Alert

Operation Outcry --

Women Traumatized by Past Abortions File Brief at U.S. Supreme Court

December 13, 2017

Operation Outcry and The Justice Foundation filed a Supreme Court Amicus brief including the testimony of Cynthia Collins and 10 women of Operation Outcry, in Case No. 17-689, Andrew March v. Janet T. Mills, as Attorney General of Maine, et al. The issue in this case is whether a preacher should be allowed freedom of speech to preach against abortion on a sidewalk outside the abortion facility.
Click here to read the brief. The Justice Foundation was represented pro bono by Erin Mersino and William Wagner of The Great Lakes Justice Center.
Operation Outcry, a ministry of The Justice Foundation, has collected approximately 4,500 written testimonies of women traumatized by abortion in their past, who are now bravely breaking silence. Here are some quotes from this Supreme Court Brief:

"Those who stand on the sidewalks have helped many women who did not know there was help to have their baby or that anyone cared. It might have saved me years of suffering depression, guilt, miscarriage, medical problems conceiving. I carried trauma into my marriage relationship." Cynthia Collins
Media Contact: Allan E. Parker
President, The Justice Foundation
Phone: (210) 614-7157
Email address: info@txjf.org
> > > A note from Allan Parker:

If you signed The Moral Outcry Petition by Oct 2, then you are in this brief. If after that, then you should be in next brief by Dec. 28, Lord willing.

Pray that our next brief will be apples of gold in settings of silver and accomplish God's perfect timing and purpose. Pray as the Lord leads.
Allan has published two press releases about this event.

To read the announcement dated December 16, go here.
To read the announcement dated December 18, go here.

Note: This release includes the petition you can sign and mail to Operation Outcry, as indicated. They must receive your response no later than next Thursday, December 28th. Thank you.

	Watchman Alert!

Watchman Alert!

Winter Solstice Is Tomorrow

Time to Pray Without Ceasing!

For those who are at all familiar with the occult calendar followed by witches, who practice their own satanic rituals on their own "high unholy days," the Winter Solstice each year is one to note.

The winter solstice marks the shortest "day" of the year, when darkness is at its peak. Witches around the world gather in their covens to carry out their wicked rituals, many of which cannot be cited here.
As Prayer Partners, our network is charged with praying daily for "all in authority" - no matter which political party, for Christ loves all and shed His blood for the salvation of each one. Accordingly, we ask that all who are reading this message please offer special prayers of protection this Thursday for the following in authority:
- President Donald J. Trump and the First Lady and Barron Trump
- Vice-President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen
- Every United States Senator and their spouses
- Every member of the House of Representatives and their spouses
- The nine justices of the United States Supreme Court and their spouses
- The Governor of your own state and his or her spouse
- The legislative body of your own state and their families
- The mayor, sheriff and all law enforcement officers in your city or town, and their families
Ask our Lord to FORGIVE all who are cursing our leaders, to CANCEL all their curses (etc.) by the Shed Blood of the Lamb, and to cause each one to hear the Good News of Salvation by Grace through the Cross of Christ. Amen.
"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
(I Timothy 2:1-4)

	More Daily Features

More Daily Features

(See below . . .)

- The Persecuted Church
- Classic Hymns
- Signs and Wonders
- The Good News Corner
- Worship with Us Today!

Prayers for 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.
> > > Suicide bombers kill nine at Christian church in Pakistan - The Guardian

Two suicide bombers have attacked a church in the Pakistani city of Quetta, killing nine people and wounding more than 50.

Sarfraz Bugti, the home minister for the south-western Baluchistan province, said hundreds of worshippers were attending services at the church before Christmas. He said the attackers clashed with security forces, with one assailant killed at the entrance while the other made it inside.

The Baluchistan police chief, Moazzam Ansari, praised the response of security forces guarding the church, saying the attacker who made it inside was wounded and unable to reach the main building. "Otherwise the loss of lives could have been much higher," he said. The Quetta police chief, Abdur Razzaq Cheema, said a search was under way for two suspected accomplices who escaped. (Read more)
- Father, we pray for hope in the midst of tragedy, for faith and strength for these people who are called by Your Name. We ask that You comfort them and grant them Your Presence at this difficult time.

- "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10)

	JOY TO THE WORLD!

Classic Hymns

JOY TO THE WORLD

"I bring you good tidings of great joy." (Luke 2:10)

Lyrics

oy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Melody

Go Here.

About the Author:

Lyrics: Isaac Watts, 1719

Melody: Low­ell Ma­son, 1836

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!

Signs and Wonders

12/17/2017 - Fresh lava rock washing ashore in Northwest California - HD Pictures

Over the past week a series of volcanic events has taken place off the Northwest coast of California.

First captured on visible satellite imagery, a series of volcanic plumes appeared to the West of Eureka, California , and San Francisco, CA. See the video recorded live as the plume was discovered on December 11, 2017:
After the volcanic plume appeared the video reached my viewers on the West coast who live in the immediate area near Eureka, CA. One family in particular (Deb Mazzone + family) went out to the beaches along the coast of Orick, California (near Eureka), and found many fresh deposits of lava rock washing ashore just East of the plume location.

The viewers who collected the specimens immediately shipped the rocks here to Missouri for an inspection to be done on our live stream.
Upon review of all the contents sent, there is no doubt the rocks are from recent undersea volcanism off the coast nearby Northwest California.

All of the pieces sent consist of black, red, gold, mahogany colored Trachylite / Obsidian mixed with Scoria (lava rock), and pumice. Each piece additionally has mixed in sand, and shells hardened into the volcanic glass, and scoria rock.

Several of the pieces are young enough to still have glass webbing inside the popped bubbles of obsidian (trachylite) , meaning they were not pounded by the ocean very long, or weathered very much , indicating a mainly young origin to the rocks in question.
Here are multiple high resolution pictures showing most of the specimens sent. (Go here)
(Source: Dutchsinse.com)

"I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke." (Acts 2:19)

The Good News Corner

"We Are Calling for a Great Reawakening in America": President Trump Champions "American Values without Apology" in National Security Speech

The president noted the first pillar of that strategy is to protect the homeland, the American people, and the American way of life-something he claimed previous administrations had failed to do.

"To seize the opportunities of the future we must understand the failures of the past," the president told those gathered at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. "Our leaders engaged in nation building abroad while they failed to build up and replenish our nation at home."
The president also emphasized the importance of promoting American prosperity.

"Economic security is national security," he said, noting that it's necessary for power and influence abroad.
The third leg of Trump's strategy involves preserving peace through strength.

"Weakness is the surest path to conflict," the president warned, noting the importance of preserving the integrity of the nation's borders and tackling Islamic extremism head-on.
Among other infractions, Trump accused previous U.S. leaders of neglecting a "nuclear menace" in North Korea, leaving the nation's borders "wide open" over the objections of American voters, and allowing ISIS to gain control of vast amounts of territory throughout the Middle East.

He noted that under his administration, "We have dealt ISIS one devastating defeat after another."

"We have a great military. We're chasing them (ISIS) wherever they flee. And we will not let them into the United States," he vowed.
In a national security document released ahead of Monday's speech, the president noted, "Some of our partners are working together to reject radical ideologies and key leaders are calling for a rejection of Islamist extremism and violence. Encouraging political stability and sustainable prosperity would contribute to dampening the conditions that fuel sectarian grievances."
. . . Finally, Trump stressed the importance of advancing American influence in the world. While promising not to impose our nation's way of life on other sovereign nations, he nevertheless vowed to "champion American values without apology."

"With this strategy, we are calling for a great reawakening of America," he said. "A resurgence of confidence in the rebirth of patriotism, prosperity and pride. We are returning to the wisdom of our founders." (Breaking Christian News) Read more.

Worship With Us Today!

Where Else Would a Lamb Be Born?

Performed by Steve Amerson

To worship with us today, please go here . . .
[Please note: Steve Amerson performed earlier this month in Statuary Hall inside the U.S. Capitol building, during a program called "Carols in the Capitol."

All of us who had the privilege of attending this wonderful event were truly blessed by his worship.

We note, too, that both of our congressional chaplains also took part in this grand event! Senate Chaplain Barry Black led all of us in a rousing rendition of "Go Tell It on the Mountain," while House Chaplain Fr. Patrick J. Conroy, S.J, led us in singing "Silent Night," while he accompanied us on his guitar!

A wonderful time of worship and celebration was enjoyed by all!

Many thanks go to Rev. Dan Cummins, whose Capitol Worship ministry hosted this grand event. Hallelujah!]
You can view this very special service, "Carols in the Capitol", by going here. Amen!

> > > Bonus!

Julie True - "O Come All Ye Faithful"

Enjoy this worship by going here.


And once again . . . Merry Christmas!

	About CHPP

About Capitol Hill Prayer Partners

Our Mission Statement

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP) is a ministry which is positioned on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., helping members of the Body of Christ to "pray for those in authority over us" in our federal government. Our primary purpose is to offer intercession on site for the members of Congress and their staffs each day that the Senate and the House of Representatives are in session; and our chief prayer focus is that "God's will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." [Matthew 6:10].
Because Jesus Christ has shed His blood for all, we, too, pray for ALL, in a nonpartisan manner. Also, because the scriptures indicate that "the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 4:17), we are confident that fervent prayer, offered in the halls of the highest chambers of government in our land, can avail much for America. Capitol Hill Prayer Partners welcomes those who feel called to join us, engaging in this strategic work of intercession for our nation: "For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God." [Romans 13:1]
Friends may participate by receiving our daily prayer alerts. You may contact us at chpp1994@gmail.com for more information. CHPP is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt ministry. Thank you and God bless you!

Note: You may also learn more about CHPP by going here to visit our blog. Thank you!

	We Welcome Your Gifts

We Welcome Your Gifts

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP) is a 501(c)(3), tax- exempt, faith-based, ministry, dedicated to praying for our leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-4). CHPP relies solely on the gifts of our readers to continue this work; thus we greatly appreciate your help in supporting this publication. Offerings may be sent to: Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, P.O. Box 5152, Herndon, VA 20172-1970. Please make checks payable to: CHPP. THANK YOU!

DONATE ONLINE!

Now you can also donate online by going here. Or . . . if you prefer, simply paste this link into your browser to access our secure online donor system:

https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift/gift.php?giftid=3B77E058-983E-4415-AA4E-2F82ED1A4DEA#

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." (Philippians 4:23)

	Join our 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. EDT. 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.]

	Pray for America!

New Feature!

Now you can join the Salt & Light Council, praying for our nation six days each week on a conference line!

Repentance and Restoration Prayer Line

Editor's note from CHPP:

For many years now, the Salt & Light Council has sponsored this outstanding half-hour of prayer, six days per week, with additional time available for Bible reading and fellowship.

We are delighted to make this "hidden treasure" available to all of you who make up our CHPP family.

You can also view their daily prayer calendar by going here.

The following press release was issued by the Salt and Light Council. Praise the Lord!

This is a 30 minute national conference prayer call offered Monday through Saturday. We pray daily for our President, Cabinet, Supreme Court, one or two state legislatures, preambles, plus a moral topic and Israel. All are welcome to participate in prayer for our nation. Fellowship and Bible reading is optional for those who would like to remain on the line. The call is hosted by The Salt & Light Council.
605-468-8015 / Access Code 338083#

Monday - Saturday
8:30 am PT 9:30 am MT
10:30 am CT 11:30 am ET