Eagle Scout rescued Amtrak passengers before 1st responders arrived! Prayed with victims trapped in horrific derailment over I-5. (For details, go here.)
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
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The Daily Brief
"Praying for All in Authority"
Tuesday, 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)
To help sustain our work, please go here. Thank you!
Week Three: Advent . . . JOY
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Christmas on Capitol Hill
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Speaker Paul Ryan Talks About the True Meaning of Christmas at U.S. Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony
Watch the Capitol Christmas Tree lighting Ceremony by clicking above.
"Waiting for us is that sense of wonder that the shepherd felt when the angels appeared in the night sky and heralded the birth of the Savior," Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, R-Wis. said at the Capitol Tree lighting ceremony.
"After hearing this news, the shepherds knew they had to go see for themselves what this was all about. 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that happened,' they said. That is the true spirit of Christmas and that is what we reflect upon here," Ryan also told those attending the event.
Ryan was the main speaker at the 53rd U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Capitol's West Front Lawn Wednesday.
Ryan spoke about the true meaning of Christmas with his remarks.
"Amid our cares and troubles, we gather to see for ourselves that the light overcomes the darkness," the speaker continued. "We seek the joy and good in the world. We give back to those who are in need. We give a hand to those who are in pain. We see the glory of God as it shines all around us and brings us closer to one another.
"These gifts may never dim our hearts. They are always there," Ryan said. "All we need is a little light of course. a little Christmas to guide our path."
Then with the assistance of 11-year-old Ridley Brandmayr of Bozeman, Montana, the speaker started a countdown and Brandmayr threw the switch to light up the tree.
This year's tree was chosen from the Kootenai National Forest located in the northwest corner of Montana. The Englemann Spruce is sponsored by the Montana Congressional Delegation led by U.S. Senator Jon Tester.
It was harvested near Yaak, Montana on November 8, 2017, and traveled cross-country to Washington, D.C. by truck, making stops at several communities along the way.
The tree will be lit from nightfall until 11 p.m. each evening through January 1, 2018.
Ever wonder how the Capitol Christmas Tree is selected? You can find out more about the tree selection process [and much more!] at the Architect of the Capitol website.
(Source: CBN; December 6, 2017) Read more
> > > More photos of this magnificent tree can be seen by visiting the website of House Speaker Paul Ryan, by going here.
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Focus on Israel
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1. Pence delays trip to Israel, Egypt until mid-January - Jerusalem Post
WASHINGTON -- US Vice President Mike Pence has delayed his travel to the region until next month for a second time, citing an upcoming Senate vote on tax reform.
Pence is scheduled to visit Israel and Egypt to meet with their political, religious and civic leadership. He plans to focus his meetings on issues such as the nuclear deal brokered with Iran in 2015, Arab-Israeli peace and the persecution of religious minorities, including local Christians.
The vice president was supposed to arrive early this week, but delayed his trip initially in hopes of a crucial final Senate vote on sweeping legislation that will rewrite America's tax code for the first time in three decades.
"The largest tax cut in American history is a landmark accomplishment for President Trump and a relief to millions of hardworking Americans," Pence's press secretary, Alyssa Farah, said in a statement. "The vice president is committed to seeing the tax cut through to the finish line."
A White House official told The Jerusalem Post that the tax reform vote "could possibly take place shortly before midnight on Wednesday, and it was not practically possible for the vice president to travel this week."
"He would have arrived in Egypt late on Thursday night, and then would have run up against Shabbat and Christmas for his visit to Israel," the official said. "Therefore, to get the most out of the trip, [Pence] will now be traveling in mid-January."
(Read more)
2. Knesset speaker asks dozens of countries to recognize Jerusalem - Times of Israel
Knesset Speak Yuli Edelstein has sent letters to his opposite numbers in more than 50 countries, calling on them to follow the initiative of US President Donald Trump and recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
In addition he sent the letter to 30 Israeli lawmakers who have connections with parliamentarians around the world asking them to encourage others to recognize Israel's capital.
(Read more)
3. Abbas heading to Saudi Arabia to discuss Trump's Jerusalem decision - Times of Israel
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will meet with Saudi leaders in Riyadh on Tuesday in order to discuss US President Donald Trump's recent decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Palestinian Authority Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Bassam al-Agha said the visit, in which Abbas will meet with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, comes in the context of constant coordination between Riyadh and Ramallah, according to the PA's official news site Wafa.
(Read more)
4. IAF strikes Gaza after terrorist rocket fire hits Israeli home - Israel Hayom
The Israeli Air Force hit several terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip overnight Monday after rockets fired from the coastal enclave hit a home in the border-adjacent Ashkelon Coast Regional Council.
The military said six targets in a Hamas training compound, including terrorist infrastructure, were destroyed in the strikes.
The IDF takes terrorist fire at Israeli communities very seriously," The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said in a statement. "We will not tolerate any attempt to harm Israeli citizens."
"Israel holds the Hamas terrorist organization solely responsible for what transpires in Gaza," the statement said.
(Read more)
5. US veto of UN Jerusalem resolution 'unacceptable,' Palestinians fume - Times of Israel
The Palestinian Authority slammed as "unacceptable" Monday a US veto of a draft UN resolution against President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and vowed to take actions toward gaining statehood.
A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the veto was "unacceptable and threatens the stability of the international community because it disrespects it."
The 14 other countries on the Security Council voted in favor, but US Ambassador Nikki Haley exercised the American veto.
(Read more)
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The Daily Brief
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1. US Vetoes UN Resolution Against Jerusalem - Liberty Counsel
The U.S. vetoed a U.N. resolution seeking to challenge President Trump's announcement recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. President Trump affirmed this month that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, and promised to begin the process of relocating the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem.
This was the first time the United States exercised its veto power at the U.N. Security Council since Trump took office. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked the U.S. for vetoing the resolution. "Thank God we have a president who will not be bullied by the United Nations and who supports Israel," said Mat Staver.
Following the vote, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nicki Haley called the Security Council vote "an insult" and said that it will not be forgotten. She further said about the U.S. veto: "We do it with no joy, but we do it with no reluctance," and that "the United States will not be told by any country where we can put our embassy. The fact that this veto is being done in defense of America's role in the Middle East peace process is not a source of embarrassment for us; it should be an embarrassment to the remainder of the Security Council." (Read more)
To view the video of Nikki Haley's speech, go here.
- We shout HALLELUJAH, Lord, for the courage of the Trump administration to stand against the U.N. as it has stood against Israel . . . and we shout HALLELUJAH for the boldness of our U.N. Ambassador, Nikki Haley in taking this stand. May their work be rewarded, amen.
- Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 117)
2. Netanyahu praises, Abbas fumes, at US veto - Israel National News
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu praised US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley for vetoing a Security Council resolution that sought to reverse President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to relocate the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
"Thank you, Ambassador Haley," Netanyahu wrote on his Twitter account. "On Hanukkah, you spoke like a Maccabi. You lit a candle of truth. You dispel the darkness [as they did]. One defeated the many (a play on a phrase in a Hanukkah prayer, ed.).Truth defeated lies. Thank you, President Trump. Thank you, Nikki Haley."
The Palestinian Authority slammed the veto. A spokesperson for PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas slammed the veto as "unacceptable" and said that it "threatens the stability of the international community because it disrespects it." (Read more)
- Lord God, we have now emerged out of eight years of White House policies that did not support Israel . . . to this day - a true new era of respect between our nations. We thank You that P.M. Netanyahu, himself, is delighted with our action at the U.N., and we thank You for this new day. In Your name, amen.
- "I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place." (Psalm 118:5)
3. Trump says he is not considering firing Mueller - NY Post
President Trump Sunday said he will not fire special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating the Trump campaign's possible collusion with Russia during the 2016 presidential election.
"No, I'm not," Trump said when asked if he would fire Mueller, according to a review of pool video. Trump was returning to the White House from Camp David when he made the comments after stepping off helicopter Marine One.
Members of Trump's post-election transition team are feuding with Mueller's office over e-mails Trump officials say were illegally obtained as part of the probe. (Read more)
- Father, we pray for wisdom for our President. We trust You to know what can be done to stop the Mueller investigation from making up lies or overreaching their authority. Let the discrediting of this Mueller team continue, that all may see the truth.
- "The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil." (Proverbs 19:23)
4. Trump national security strategy restores reference to 'jihadist' terror threat - Fox News
President Trump's national security strategy, set to be unveiled in a major address Monday afternoon, restores references to the "jihadist" terror threat - in a tacit rebuke to the Obama-era decision to avoid such language. The president is expected to detail his administration's strategy at 2 p.m. ET in Washington, D.C. Trump is expected to discuss threats he'll deem as "rogue regimes," like North Korea, and "revisionist powers," like Russia and China, who aim to change the status quo. But notably, the document repeatedly refers to "jihadist" terror groups, in a break from the Obama administration. (Read more)
- Lord, we thank You that finally acknowledgement of the real threats is being revealed. He also removed "Climate Change" as the "top priority" of the Obama Administration. We rejoice in Your wisdom!
- "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name, for the Lord is good." (Psalm 100:4, 5a)
5. Sen. McCain returning to Arizona, will miss tax bill vote - Fox61
Sen. John McCain is heading home to Arizona to continue recovering from the side effects of chemotherapy for a brain tumor and will not be in Washington for the tax vote this week, two sources close to McCain confirmed to CNN.
McCain is unlikely to return to Washington this year, one of the sources said. But his ability to get on a plane to Arizona was a "good sign," a source said.
McCain left Walter Reed Medical Center "exhausted, but ok," a Republican close to him said.
McCain's daughter, Meghan McCain, confirmed that the senator would be in Arizona for Christmas. "Thank you to everyone for their kind words. My father is doing well and we are all looking forward to spending Christmas together in Arizona," she tweeted Sunday afternoon. (Read more)
- Father, we pray for this Senator and ask Your healing touch, and an awakening in his mind and heart. We also ask that he be able to attend Tuesday's vote on the tax bill if at all possible.
- "For Your mercy is great above the heavens, and Your truth reaches to the clouds." (Psalm 108:4)
6. Federal judge blocks Trump rollback of ObamaCare birth control mandate - The Hill
A federal judge in Pennsylvania temporarily blocked the Trump administration's recent rules allowing moral and religious exceptions for ObamaCare's birth control requirement.
The injunction comes after state Attorney General Josh Shapiro filed a lawsuit against the administration, arguing the changes to the mandate undermine women's health. Judge Wendy Beetlestone ruled that the state is "likely to suffer serious and irreparable harm in the absence of a preliminary injunction."
ObamaCare requires that most companies cover birth control as preventive care for women at no additional cost. The Trump administration rolled back the requirement earlier this year, arguing that it infringed on the religious and moral rights of some businesses. (Read more)
- Father, we pray once again that these unrighteous Obamacare mandates will be removed so that Freedom of Religion will once again be a reality in America.
- "The righteous shall surround me, for You shall deal bountifully with me."
(Psalm 142:7b)
7. Pornographic Books for Kids Spark School Board War - The Freedom Project
A series of wildly inappropriate books forced on school children in California turned into a war between concerned parents who want to be notified, on one side, and tax-funded proponents of sexualizing children without parental consent on the other. While outraged parents won a minor (and temporary) victory in this particular case, similar battles are being fought across America - and, eventually, parents are going to lose.
Last month, Conejo Valley Unified School District Board meeting became a battlefield. Parents and certain school board members realized that, without so much as parental notification, children were being exposed to unimaginable perversion and pornographic filth under the guise of teaching "literature." They were able to get a policy adopted requiring parental notification for books with pornographic content. (Read more)
- Lord, we take authority over this filth that is coming against our children across the nation, and bind tightly the work of the enemy. We declare the Blood of Jesus against it and ask for Your Holy Spirit to convict the world of their evil works.
- "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." (John 16:8)
8. Bring in the U.N. to solve Chicago 'genocide,' Boykin says - Chicago Tribune
President Donald Trump's implicit threat to put the National Guard on the streets of Chicago to tackle the city's violence problem attracted widespread ridicule earlier this year.
But if the soldiers were instead wearing the sky blue helmets of United Nations peacekeepers there might not be such a problem, according to Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, who flew to New York on Thursday to discuss what he described as a "quiet genocide" in Chicago's black community with the U.N.'s assistant secretary-general for peacebuilding support, Oscar Fernandez-Taranco. (Read more)
- Lord, this commissioner apparently does not realize that the UN does not have jurisdiction in the US, and has no concept of what is really needed to stop the massive violence in Chicago. We pray that Your Spirit of truth will move in that City and State, bringing wisdom and light into the darkness.
- "Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength." (Proverbs 8:14)
9. Putin thanks Trump by phone for info that thwarted terror attack, WH confirms - Fox News4.
Russian President Vladimir Putin called President Trump on Sunday to thank him for providing intelligence that helped thwart a planned terror attack in St. Petersburg, the White House says.
The call was confirmed to Fox News and other news outlets early Saturday afternoon by White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, who later said the intelligence was a CIA tip related to a series of planned bombings. Sanders later released a "readout" of the call that stated the leaders agreed while talking that the sharing of the tip "serves as an example of the positive things that can occur when our countries work together."
She also said Putin thanked Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo and the entire department. The Kremlin said Putin told Trump during the call that the information provided by the CIA also was sufficient to track down and detain a group of suspects that was planning to bomb the Kazan Cathedral and other sites in the city.
(Read more)
- Lord, let this situation no bring more problems for the President, but let it bring some measure of reconciliation to the constant tensions between the US and Russia.
- "When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)
10. US fighter jets 'head-butt' Russian jets in Syria, US official says - Fox News
A pair of U.S. Air Force stealth fighter jets intercepted two Russian attack jets in Syria, an area off-limits to Russian jets based on a long-standing mutual agreement, a U.S. defense official told Fox News on Thursday.
During the incident, both American F-22 jets fired flares after cutting across the front of the Russian jets, a tactic known as 'head-butting,' meant to send a strong warning to an opposing warplane.
Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon confirmed the 40-minute long incident to Fox News, adding that at one point a Russian attack jet flew close enough to an F-22 that it had to aggressively maneuver to avoid a midair collision.
The incident took place Wednesday, east of the Euphrates River, the official said. (Read more)
- Lord, as tensions rise around the world, we pray for the safety of all of our pilots and troops who stand in protection of the United States and our interests.
- "You have covered my head in the day of battle. Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked." (Psalm 140:7b,8a)
11. Islam Thrives in Former US Church - Voice of America
The first amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees equal rights to all places of worship, be it a church or a mosque. In the U.S. city of Syracuse, New York, a church is as important to Muslims as it has been to Christians. Saba Shah Khan takes us to this house of God. (video)
- Lord, the Koran specifically asks Muslims to "conquer" the lands in which they live, and this is a prime example. We pray that You will stop this false religion from further intrusion into the United States.
- "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19)
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The Daily Jot
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Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Turkey's Erdogan claims Jerusalem as Palestinian capital
Turkey's "president" Tayyip Erdogan called for an Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit in the wake of President Donald Trump's announcement recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and his intentions to move the US Embassy to the holy city. After the summit held last Wednesday some 50 Arab nations issued a declaration that Washington was withdrawing from its role "as sponsor of peace" in the Middle East. On Sunday, Erdogan announced that he intended to move Turkey's Embassy to East Jerusalem and recognize the city the capital of Palestine. He said, "Allah willing, the day is close when officially, with Allah's permission, we will open our embassy there."
Jerusalem was designated by Mohammad as Islam's third holiest site behind Mecca and Medina. Jerusalem, however, had ben the spiritual center of God's people thousands of years before Mohammad. Jewish tradition recalls that the dust of Moriah (the mountain range on which Jerusalem sits) was used to create Adam; it was on Mt Moriah that Adam is said to have first offered sacrifice to God. After the flood, Jewish tradition also tells us that Noah's son Shem established a school to study Torah, calling it Shelem. Later, in Genesis 22:14a, "Abraham called the name of that place Yehovah Yireh." This was the mountain Zion, referred to in Genesis 22:14b as "the mount of the Lord." The two names were combined to form Jerusalem. This is also the site of the future Jewish temple and the city of the crucifixion of Christ.
Just as Islam usurps the story of Isaac by replacing him with Ishmael, Islam is usurping Jerusalem from the Jewish people. In fact, nearly every Jewish and Christian holy site in Israel is contested by Islam. In most instances, there is an attempt by Islam to erase any trace of Jewish or Christian history and replace it with some sort of Islamic tale of possession. Islam's goal is one state, one religion, one law-Islam and Sharia Law. That is the only peace of Islam. Psalm 122:6 says, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love you." The peace of Jerusalem is a decidedly different peace than the peace of Islam.
Erdogan's interest in Jerusalem and the "Palestinian cause" are linked to prophecy. Noah's grandsons from Japheth-Gomer, Magog, Meshech, Tubal are specifically mentioned in the end time prophecy of Ezekiel 38 as part of a coalition led by Gog of Magog against Israel. All these nations are located in what is now modern Turkey. As the path to the Ezekiel 38 prophecy unfolds, Turkey will become a leader of Arab nations, even so much that Iran will submit and join up to come against Israel in the end of days. It appears that President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has been a catalyst to the movement of prophecy. Erdogan is playing his part as well.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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Update: Repealing Johnson Amendment
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Tough Sledding for GOP's Johnson Repeal
Published by: Family Research Council
December 15, 2017
It's no ordinary Friday on Capitol Hill, where a flurry of last-minute tax talk is making Congress's fly-out day much busier than usual. And while Republicans are closer to closing the deal than ever, not all of the developments in conference have been positive ones.
After two years of hammering away at the issue, President Trump got the news late last night that most conservatives feared: the Senate parliamentarian was striking the language that repealed the Johnson Amendment, insisting it was too "policy-oriented" to comply with the chamber's strict budget rules. Although the blow to one of the White House's top priorities was tough, it wasn't completely unexpected. Under the reconciliation process, GOP senators have to prove that everything in their bill is fiscal in nature. And while stripping churches of their tax-exempt status clearly qualifies, Democrats argued long and hard to the contrary.
Of course, the Left has had plenty of practice misrepresenting the debate, since they've been at it long before Donald Trump. They understand, as we do, that a politically-engaged Christian is an influential one. And they'll do everything they can to keep evangelicals from flexing their muscle like they did in 2016. That includes keeping tight control over what religious leaders can and can't say. For years, they've used the IRS to scare off faith groups and pastors from talking openly about the political issues of the day (which is not only antithetical to America's roots, but outright unconstitutional). . .
. . . It's an injustice that conservatives have been trying to correct for decades. We're deeply grateful for Lankford's efforts, as well as House Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Ways and Means Chair Kevin Brady (R-Texas), Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.) and Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) for doing everything they could to give men and women of faith the freedom they deserve. And although they didn't win this time around, the days of the Johnson Amendment are numbered. Thanks to President Trump, this will be an election issue from this day forward. As for FRC, we'll continue the work we began with Pulpit Freedom initiatives until we've legislatively corrected this problem or found a remedy in court. (Read full article here.)
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Focus on the Derailment
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Focus on the Derailment:
Two Headlines for Prayer
1. Amtrak train derails in Washington state onto Interstate 5; at least 3 dead - Fox News
An inaugural ride on a new line meant to speed train service in Washington state turned deadly Monday after an Amtrak train carrying more than 80 people derailed outside of Tacoma - causing several train cars to tumble from a highway overpass and killing at least three people, officials said.
At least 100 people were taken to nearby hospitals, officials said. At least two people are in critical condition, while 11 other people are seriously injured, hospital officials told The Associated Press. At least one person was taken into surgery.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency after Amtrak train 501 derailed around 7:30 a.m. along Interstate 5 as it was leaving the new Tacoma station. A U.S. official told The Associated Press the death toll is expected to rise and track obstruction is being investigated as a possible cause of the derailment. (Read more)
- Father, we pray Your healing touch for the 77 people injured in this derailment, and your comfort for the families of the six who were killed. We pray that the cause of this derailment would be quickly found, and that the truth would be revealed.
- "Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven."
(Psalm 85:11)
2. FLASHBACK: ANTIFA TERRORISTS Sabotaged Train in Olympia 3 WEEKS AGO - Today Train Wreck Kills 6 -- Gateway Pundit
In Late November far left Antifa terrorists sabotaged a train in Olympia, Washington - They were against fracking.
Police have raided an Antifa encampment in Olympia, Washington, following a train being sabotaged by anti-fracking activists - but the anarchists claiming credit for the act have vowed to continue until "every officer is down."
The train was reportedly shorted using jumper cables, causing the train to stop. Since November 17, dozens of anarchists have been camping on the tracks to prevent trains from transporting fracking supplies from the Port of Olympia - however, railroad companies have stated that there were no such shipments scheduled.
On Wednesday, Union Pacific Railroad officers were met by 20 to 30 masked protesters as they cleared out the encampment and swept it for bombs. Four of the people who were camping on the tracks refused to leave and were subsequently arrested, as were eight others on suspicion of obstructing a law enforcement officer. (Read more)
- Lord, we pray that You would break this group apart and remove the danger for these trains and the workers on them. If there is ANY connection between these anarchists, and today's accident, we ask that this would be made known to the public. Father, we ask for justice in this matter, in Your name, amen.
- "For look! The wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow on the string, that they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart." (Psalm 11:2)
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More Daily Features
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More Daily Features
(See below . . .)
- The Persecuted Church
- Classic Hymns
- Signs and Wonders
- The Good News Corner
- Worship with Us Today!
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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.
> > > India Police Arrest 30 Christian Seminary Students, Priests Singing Christmas Carols- Christian Post
Police in India's central state of Madhya Pradesh arrested 30 seminary students and two priests as they were singing Christmas carols in a village. The Christians were also roughed up by Hindu nationalists, who also burned down a car belonging to the priests while police allegedly looked on.
The carol singers, who are from St. Ephrem's Theological College in Satna district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, were arrested from Dara Kalan village Thursday night "as they were conducting a routine Christmas carol singing programme which has been the practice during the Christmas season for the last 30 years," according to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India. (Read more)
- Lord, we pray for these students and priests to have a deep faith in You. May You touch their hearts and bring deliverance to their lives. We pray for a move of Your Spirit across India.
- "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." (Acts 16:31)
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Classic Hymns
HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING
"A great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.'" (Luke 2:13-14)
HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING
"A great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.'" (Luke 2:13-14)
Lyrics
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!" Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th'angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Refrain
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Christ, by highest Heav'n adored; Christ the everlasting Lord; Late in time, behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin's womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th'incarnate Deity, Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.
Refrain
Hail the heav'nly Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris'n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.
Refrain
Come, Desire of nations, come, Fix in us Thy humble home; Rise, the woman's conqu'ring Seed, Bruise in us the serpent's head. Now display Thy saving power, Ruined nature now restore; Now in mystic union join Thine to ours, and ours to Thine.
Refrain
Adam's likeness, Lord, efface, Stamp Thine image in its place: Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in Thy love. Let us Thee, though lost, regain, Thee, the Life, the inner man: O, to all Thyself impart, Formed in each believing heart.
Refrain
Melody
To listen to this magnificent, classic hymn, sung at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, please go here.
About the Author:
Words: Charles Wesley, 1739
Melody: Felix Mendelssohn, 1840
About the Hymn:
We have published the traditional lyrics of this great hymn. To view the original lyrics, written by Charles Wesley, please go here.
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Signs and Wonders
Thomas Fire:
More evacuations ordered as deadly California blaze threatens Montecito
SANTA BARBARA - The deadly wildfire that has ravaged Southern California for nearly two weeks gained fury overnight and now threatens swaths of coastal Santa Barbara County, authorities said Saturday.
Heavy winds, dry brush and low humidity keep fueling the Thomas Fire, said Jude Olivas, a public information officer and Newport Beach firefighter who was monitoring the destruction. Smoke clouded the sky, forcing water-dumping helicopters to stay grounded through the afternoon.
"There's very, very poor visibility in those areas," Olivas said of Montecito and Summerland, where emergency vehicles were parked at the ready outside churches and public schools. "We've got over 400 firetrucks out there."
Aerial photos showed the blaze to be about 40 percent contained Saturday, he said. But the risk remains high for people living near the foothills of Montecito - home to a number of celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres.
Joe Rosa, another firefighter in the area, said erratic winds kicked up the flames and pushed crews to temporarily retreat.
"It wasn't a safe spot," Rosa said of the front lines. "They pulled them out. Our number one goal is life safety."
The mandatory evacuation zone Saturday afternoon stretched 17 miles long and about 5 miles wide, running from the mountains northwest of Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean. Rain isn't expected to quench the area for another 10 days. Winds in the foothills reached 30 mph, with gusts hitting twice that speed. (Washington Post) Read more.
"I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke." (Acts 2:19)
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The Good News Corner
Eagle Scout rescued Amtrak passengers before 1st responders arrived
Prayed with victims trapped in horrific derailment over I-5
Dan Konzelman was driving with his girlfriend southbound on Interstate 5, south of Tacoma, Washington, Monday morning when, to his astonishment, he saw an Amtrak train go off an overpass ahead of him and crash onto the busy freeway. While most of the stunned onlookers in nearby automobiles stayed in place, no doubt making 9-1-1 calls for help, Konzelman - an Eagle Scout - took a nearby exit and ran to the scene.
He and his girlfriend, Alicia Hoverson, found that first-responders had not yet arrived.
The two climbed into one of the train cars, noting only a few of the train cars were still on the track and the other eight or so had derailed, with one lodged on top of automobiles on the interstate.
"We went through the trains one at a time, made sure people were stable. If they could move, we got them out. Some of them couldn't move. They had back or neck injuries, so we assigned people to stay with them and keep them calm. And then we worked our way down to the more serious injuries, where people were pinned underneath the trains that had flipped upside-down. And, unfortunately, there were some deceased."
. . . Konzelman . . . explained that in his Boy Scout training, he was taught "how to respond in these situations." "They teach you to stay calm and to talk to people, to calm them down and to be a peacemaker," he said. "I did my best, I did what they taught me in Boy Scouts, and I think I was able to help a lot of people."
One of the two KING-TV anchors asked Konzelman during the live interview what made him "run toward the scene."
"Most people don't do that," she observed.
"I knew I could help," Konzelman replied, "and I knew nobody else would; and I knew that if I was in that position, pinned underneath a train car, I would want somebody to come help me. I couldn't not help."
He said he and his girlfriend prayed with many of the injured and trapped passengers to comfort them and "let them know that God is with them."
"In a situation like this, you feel pretty small, but when you realize God is in control, it's really calming, and there's a lot of peace in knowing that," he said.
The anchor asked him what he specifically prayed, then, before Konzelman could respond, added that the question may be "too personal."
"No," he said, indicating he was comfortable answering her. "I prayed for God to just be in the situation. Some of the cars were suspended, and as the firefighters and police officers were working to remove people, I was fearful that they might shift and injure more people. So I was praying that God would stabilize the train cars and prevent any further injury."
He said he also prayed "that God would give the people involved peace and comfort, and would just help us get these people out."
"A lot of people were so thankful that we could be there to keep them calm and be with them and pray with them and give them God's peace," Konzelman said.
"That's all I could do, and that's what I was doing." (WND) Read more.
[Editor's comment: AWESOME!]
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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]
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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!
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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
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.
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