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The Daily Brief
"Praying for All in Authority"
Thursday, January 11, 2018
"For the day of vengeance is in My heart, And the year of My redeemed has come. " (Isaiah 63:4)
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"Standing United Together . . . Under the Cross of Christ"
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Focus on the Russian Dossier Scandal
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Focus on the Russian Dossier Scandal
1. Fusion GPS: 'Somebody's already been killed' over Trump dossier - Washington Examiner
An attorney representing Fusion GPS said in a closed Senate hearing last year that "somebody's already been killed" as a result of the so-called Trump dossier. "He wants to be very careful to protect his sources," Josh Levy, an attorney for Fusion GPS co-founder Glenn Simpson said in the closed 10-hour hearing at the Senate Judiciary Committee on Aug. 22, 2017.
"Somebody's already been killed as a result of the publication of this dossier, and no harm should come to anybody related to this honest work."
Neither Levy nor Simpson elaborated on who was killed. However, it has been reported that Oleg Erovinkin, a former general in the KGB and its successor FSB, helped Steele compile the dossier. He was found dead in his car in Moscow in December 2016, and no cause of death has yet been confirmed. Erovinkin was an aide to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, who was repeatedly named in the dossier. In the dossier, Steele said he has a source close to Sechin.
Though Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, had objected to calls from Simpson and Democrats to release the testimony publicly, ranking member Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., unilaterally did so Tuesday afternoon. Fusion GPS helped fund the compilation of the dossier, a handful of memos put together by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele. The dossier contained salacious, mostly unverified allegations about President Trump's ties to Russia. (Read more)
- Father, we pray for the quick exposure of all wrongdoing regarding this salacious 'Trump dossier', and a conclusion to the many investigations involving it.
- You must not pass along false rumors. You must not cooperate with evil people by lying on the witness stand. (Exodus 23:1)
2. Fusion GPS Lawyer Was Just Speculating About Dossier-Related Deaths - Daily Caller
A Fusion GPS lawyer's stunning claim that a Russian source for the salacious Steele dossier has been murdered was based on widespread media speculation, according to a source close to the opposition research firm. It was revealed on Tuesday that Joshua Levy, a lawyer for Fusion GPS, told Senate Judiciary Committee investigators last August that a dossier source has been killed. Levy made that claim in order to block his client, Glenn Simpson, from having to answer questions about dossier sources.
"It's a voluntary interview, and in addition to that he wants to be very careful to protect his sources. Somebody's already been killed as a result of the publication of this dossier and no harm should come to anybody related to this honest work," Levy told a Senate Judiciary Committee investigator, according to a transcript of Simpson's testimony released by California Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Tuesday. Simpson was interviewed by the committee for 10 hours on Aug. 22. Feinstein bucked Judiciary committee Republicans by releasing the transcript. Levy's claim was one of the biggest bombshells from the Simpson interview. (Read more)
- Father, we lift up this cabal of people who know the truth about this dossier, its creation, purpose and use. We pray for a whistleblower to come forward and tell the whole truth and bring this matter to a close.
- Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, "I was only joking." (Proverbs 26:18-19)
3. House Chairman Asks Paul Ryan To Declassify All DOJ And FBI 'Trump Dossier' Docs - Daily Caller
Florida GOP Rep. Ron DeSantis asked Speaker of the House Paul Ryan on Tuesday to declassify all of the Department of Justice and FBI's Trump dossier files, The Caller News Foundation has learned. Under House rules, the speaker of the House acts as an ex-officio member of any select committee, which includes the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Under Rule X, the speaker along with a majority vote by the committee can allow for the disclosure of "any information in its possession after a determination by the select committee that the public interest would be served by such disclosure."
California GOP Rep. Devin Nunes, chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and other members of his committee gained full access to the documents Friday. "The American people deserve answers," DeSantis said in a statement. "I am asking Speaker Ryan to ask, pursuant to House rules, Chairman Nunes to declassify any documents his committee may have related to the Steele dossier, as maintaining integrity in our nation's law enforcement agencies is integral to our democracy. The more we learn about the production of the discredited Steele dossier, the more it appears that a select group of FBI and Justice Department officials utilized what was effectively Hillary Clinton's political opposition research document," the congressmen wrote. (Read more)
- Father, we pray for all these documents to be released as quickly as possible.
- My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
(Psalm 25:15)
4. Trump Rips Feinstein for Fusion GPS Transcript Release - Newsmax
President Donald Trump blasted Sen. Dianne Feinstein Wednesday, tweeting that the California Democrat's release of congressional testimony on a disputed dossier that alleges ties between the Trump campaign and Moscow was "underhanded" and "possibly illegal." He urged Republicans to "finally take control" regarding the Russia collusion investigation.
His remarks came after Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, released a 312-page transcript of testimony given by Fusion GPS co-founder Glenn Simpson, Politico noted.
The transcript disclosed Simpson had said the FBI found the dossier to be credible because of an undisclosed "human source," according to Politico.
The transcript's release left Republican members of the committee angry. But a spokesman for Fusion GPS applauded Feinstein "for her courage." (Read more)
- Father, we pray whoever pressured Diane Feinstein to release this information will be exposed. We also pray this action will set the precedent to release other information and testimony regarding this investigation.
- They have sown the wind, and they will reap the whirlwind. (Hosea 8:7a)
5. Trump refuses to commit to Mueller interview - The Hill
Trump repeatedly dodged whether he would submit to an interview with Mueller by citing his claim there was no collusion during the 2016 presidential election.
"We'll see what happens," the president said when pressed by a reporter on Wednesday. "When they have no collusion . . . it seems unlikely that you'd even have an interview." (Read more)
- We thank You, Lord, for leading our President through this maze of unfounded allegations. In the end, the truth about these supposed allegations will surely come to light.
- "Therefore judge nothing before the proper time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5)
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Focus on Israel
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1. Hundreds attend funeral of rabbi killed in West Bank terror attack - Times of Israel
Hundreds of mourners attend the funeral of Rabbi Raziel Shevach, who was shot dead in terror attack last night, near the West Bank outpost where he lived.
The funeral at Havat Gilad is also attended by Education Minister Naftali Bennett, Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel, former Shas leader Eli Yishai, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan. Shevach, a 36-year-old father of six, is the first person to be buried at the illegal outpost Havat Gilad at his own request.
Local settler leaders urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow more Israeli construction in the West Bank after Rabbi Raziel Shevach was shot dead in a terror attack last night. At his funeral in the Havat Gilad outpost, Samaria Rabbi Elyakim Levanon tells mourners it's time for Netanyahu to revise his settlement polices so that "not every meter of building will be a debate."
"Our dear Raziel, we are at a war and you are our sacrifice. A war of light against dark," Levanon says. "And if you want to see a crack of light in the darkness, you are that light. You brought so much happiness to this world. "We cannot continue in this way as if nothing happened. Mr prime minister, come here and look at this family in the eyes and you'll see what you have to do,"| he adds. (Read more)
- O, Abba! When we view the photo of this rabbi's precious family, we weep. Abba Father God, please comfort these dear ones as only You know to do. We ask by a miracle of Your grace that only good will come in time for the other settles who are living in these outposts, in Your name, amen.
- "Weep with those who weep; mourn with those who mourn." (Romans 12:15)
2. Netanyahu Praises US Ambassador for Blaming 'Pay To Slay' For Terror Attack - CBN
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman for pointing to the Palestinian Authority policy of paying salaries to terrorists, sometimes referred to as 'pay to slay.' "I want to congratulate Ambassador (David) Friedman, the American ambassador to Israel who tweeted the truth - unvarnished, straight forward and I think he said something important things," Netanyahu told journalists working for foreign agencies at an annual New Year's toast on Wednesday evening.
"The important thing is that Abbas' government is supporting the kind of murderers that murdered the father of six," Netanyahu said in reference to an attack on Tuesday evening.
(Read more)
3. Mossad chief: 'Israel has eyes and ears' in Iran - World Israel News
Speaking at a Ministry of Finance conference on Tuesday, Mossad chief Yossi Cohen weighed in on the ongoing protests in Iran, according to Kan Radio. Cohen commented, "Israel has eyes and ears [in Iran]," and would be "happy to see a social revolution" there.
In addition to commenting on the social unrest currently unfolding in the Islamic Republic, Cohen also struck a cautionary tone, warning that Iranian military ambitions are being realized in the Middle East through an "air and land corridor that pours fighters into the region in order to actualize the Iranian vision," reported the Jerusalem Post.
(Read more)
4. Calls to Chief of Staff: 'Bring back the checkpoints' - Israel National News During a visit by IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot this morning at the scene of last night's murder attack near Havat Gilad, Jewish activists arrived and shouted at him.
Among other things, the activists called out: "Eizenkot! Why do we deserve this?", "Bring back the checkpoints!" and "We warned you in advance - why didn't you blockade Shechem?"
Officers in the area removed the activists from the scene.
(Read more)
5. IDF deploys reinforcements fearing murderers could carry out another terror attack - Jerusalem Online
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday evening that he is committed to catching the terrorists who murdered the late Rabbi Raziel Shevach in Havat Gilad. Netanyahu said that the head of the Shin Bet updated him regarding its intense investigation into the terror attack. "I have no doubt that it's only a matter of time, I hope not a lot of time, until we get to the murderers," Netanyahu said during an annual event for foreign reporters. "We are committed to this." Meanwhile, the IDF is still searching for the armed terror cell that murdered Shevach, fearing that the terrorists could attempt to carry out another terror attack.
Therefore, the IDF has reinforced its troops in the area both in response to Shevach's funeral attendees, who called for revenge, in an attempt to prevent any further conflicts and in order to apprehend the terrorists.
(Read more)
6. Assad Offers Israel 25-Mile Buffer Zone on Syrian Border for promises that Israeli military will not overthrow Syrian government - JewsNews
During Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's surprise visit to Russia last week, Assad relayed a message to Israel via Moscow that Damascus would be willing to implement a 25-mile buffer zone along the Jewish state's border with Syria, the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida reported Sunday. The condition for the buffer zone's implementation, the outlet reported, was that Israel must not seek Assad's removal from power.
Assad also purportedly stated that he would be willing to explore establishing autonomy for Syria's Kurds and Druze as part of an agreement that would maintain the current Syrian administration. According to the report, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered the Syrian offer to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call. Netanyahu reportedly stated that he would be willing to discuss the deal with Israel's security establishment, but that Israel still seeks the complete ouster of Iran and the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah from Syria.
(Read more)
7. Norway, EU call meeting in bid to 'speed up' efforts for 2-state solution - Times of Israel
Norway and the European Union said Wednesday they would convene an "extraordinary session" of donor countries to the Palestinians, saying efforts to reach a peace deal needed to be hurried up.
The meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, to be held on January 31 in Brussels, is also meant to discuss the need to "enable the Palestinian Authority to execute full control over Gaza" based on the Fatah-Hamas reconciliation deal signed in Cairo on October 12, 2017.
"There is an urgent need to bring all parties together to discuss measures to speed up efforts that can underpin a negotiated two-state solution," the EU said in a statement. (Read more)
8. Netanyahu: Israel Stopped Airplane Terror Attacks in Europe - Breaking Israel News
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a group of ambassadors from several of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries that Israeli intelligence had prevented "several dozen major terrorist attacks" on European cities, including some 9-11 type plots that "involved civil aviation".
"When we talk about ISIS it's important to understand that Israel helps Europe in two fundamental ways," the prime minister said. "The first is that we have, through our intelligence services, provided information that has stopped several dozen major terrorist attacks, many of them in European countries. Some of these could have been mass attacks, of the worst kind that you have experienced on the soil of Europe and even worse, because they involve civil aviation. Israel has prevented that, and thereby helped save many European lives," the prime minister said, without providing details.
(Read more)
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The Daily Brief
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1. Congress barrels toward another shutdown crisis - The Hill
Lawmakers are scrambling to avoid a government shutdown as they barrel toward another funding deadline without a clear path forward.
GOP leadership is remaining tightlipped about their plan, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) declining to outline their next steps before a Jan. 19 deadline.
They are expected to offer a short-term stopgap measure given the fast-approaching deadline and a failure to lockdown a deal on raising spending ceilings for defense and nondefense.
"I think if we are able to reach an agreement, it will still take a little bit of time to prepare the omnibus," McConnell told reporters this week during a leadership press conference, in a sign that a stopgap could be coming. (Read more)
- Lord God, we ask that You go ahead of these members of Congress, on both sides of the Hill, so they can iron out their differences and move forward into this coming year. We ask in Your name, amen.
- "I will go before you and make the rough places smooth . . ." (Isaiah 45:2a)
2. Trump says he will not sign immigration deal without wall funding - The Hill
"It's gotta include the wall," Trump said at a press conference with Norway's prime minister. "Any solution has to include the wall. We need the wall for security, we need the wall for safety, we need the wall for stopping the drugs from pouring in."
Trump sought to clarify comments he made Wednesday, when he told lawmakers he would sign just about any immigration deal they put on his desk.
The president also signaled that he believes lawmakers on both sides of the aisle can work on a bipartisan solution to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Trump met with a bipartisan group of more than 20 lawmakers on Tuesday about finding a legal fix to the Obama-era program.
The talks come amid a federal judge's decision to temporarily block Trump's ending of DACA, which the White House called "outrageous." (Read more)
- Father, once again, we thank You that You have placed a man in the Oval Office who says what he means, and who means what he says. Hence, this is a leader whose word we can trust. Thank you, Lord, amen.
- "A man is known by his actions." (Proverbs 21:8 TLB)
> > To see what the Bible says about how to take care of foreigners in our land, please note today's Daily Jot, below.
3. Trump: Judge's move to protect DACA shows court system is 'broken and unfair' - Washington Examiner
President Trump on Wednesday said a decision by a federal judge in California to prevent the government from winding down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program shows exactly what's wrong with the U.S. court system. "It just shows everyone how broken and unfair our Court System is when the opposing side in a case (such as DACA) always runs to the 9th Circuit and almost always wins before being reversed by higher courts," Trump tweeted.
Trump was reacting to a decision from U.S. District Judge William Alsup, who is based in San Francisco, which said officials can't start unwinding DACA while Trump's decision to take that path is being challenged in court. The Trump administration has said it would challenge Alsup's ruling.
"We find this decision to be outrageous, especially in light of the president's successful bipartisan meeting with House and Senate members at the White House on the same day," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. "An issue of this magnitude must go through the normal legislative process," she added. "President Trump is committed to the rule of law, and will work with members of both parties to reach a permanent solution that corrects the unconstitutional actions taken by the last administration." (Read more)
- Father, we pray this case and the many others before it will be the catalyst to break up the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and reform our federal court system.
- Woe to those who enact evil statutes and to those who constantly record unjust decisions. (Isaiah 10:1)
4. 'An unconstitutional partisan gerrymander': Judges toss N.C. congressional map - Politico
A three-judge panel on Tuesday struck down North Carolina's congressional map as an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander, giving the state legislature only two weeks to adopt a new map and potentially throwing this year's elections into chaos. The last redraw was in 2016, after a previous version was ruled unconstitutional for illegally using race to draw two seats. But in this new decision, the panel ruled that the remedial map violated the equal protection clause when GOP legislative leaders drew the maps with an explicit conservative bias in an effort to favor Republican candidates.
The Raleigh News & Observer reported Tuesday night that Republican legislative leaders plan to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. If the districts do need to be redrawn, legislators and the court will have little time to do it. The candidate filing deadline is Feb. 28, with the primary election set for May 8. "If we end up with new districts and a new map for this year, along with the wave that's coming, then Democrats have ripe opportunities to pick up three, four or five seats here alone," said Morgan Jackson, a Democratic strategist in the state. (Read more)
- Father, we pray no matter how the final districting is laid out, North Carolina will be represented by Godly men and women of integrity.
- But select capable men from all the people-men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain-and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. (Exodus 18:21)
5. Lawmakers Working to Overhaul Pension Rules - Free Beacon
A pair of lawmakers is working to overhaul pension rules to bolster struggling union retirement plans. On Tuesday Rep. Phil Roe (R., Tenn.) and Rep. Donald Norcross (D., NJ) laid out the [Give Retirement Options to Workers (GROW) Act ] to allow companies and unions to transition multiemployer pension plans to a hybrid model combining existing defined benefit plans with 401(k)-style defined contribution plans. The bill would update rules governing traditional pension plans in which multiple employers pay into a system to sustain retirement benefits for a pool of workers not just their own employees-a popular model in the construction and shipping industry.
The current system puts employers solely on the hooks to pay out annualized benefits to workers, but when one company in a plan goes out of business, the remaining companies must cover those obligations. The model, Norcross said, could prove unsustainable if employers are not given another option. "Everyday that goes by that we don't do something [risks] a financial meltdown," Norcross said. "The hybrid takes the best of both systems, and allows plans to grow and flourish." Roe and Norcross expect to introduce the legislation in the next few weeks, though no date has been set. (Read more)
- Father, we pray for the quick implementation of this legislation to protect pensions and attract new investment. We also pray those who save these plans will be honored by Union leaders and members.
- You have many workers: stonecutters, masons and carpenters, as well as those skilled in every kind of work in gold and silver, bronze and iron-craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work, and the Lord be with you. (1 Chronicles 22:15-16)
6. FBI chief calls unbreakable encryption 'urgent public safety issue' - Reuters
The inability of law enforcement authorities to access data from electronic devices due to powerful encryption is an "urgent public safety issue," FBI Director Christopher Wray said on Tuesday as he sought to renew a contentious debate over privacy and security. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was unable to access data from nearly 7,800 devices in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30 with technical tools despite possessing proper legal authority to pry them open, a growing figure that impacts every area of the agency's work, Wray said during a speech at a cyber security conference in New York.
"This is an urgent public safety issue," Wray added, while saying that a solution is "not so clear cut." The FBI supports strong encryption and information security broadly, Wray said, but described the current status quo as untenable. "We face an enormous and increasing number of cases that rely heavily, if not exclusively, on electronic evidence," Wray told an audience of FBI agents, international law enforcement representatives and private sector cyber professionals. A solution requires "significant innovation," Wray said, "but I just do not buy the claim that it is impossible." (Read more)
- Father, we pray the FBI will have all the tools they need to produce evidence and complete their investigations. Help FBI Director Wray have all the wisdom he needs to lead the bureau.
- If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)
7. The biggest Hillary Clinton scandal no one's talking about - Washington Examiner
You've heard of Benghazi and Uranium One. But more than a year after Hillary Clinton's resounding loss to President Trump, she must now grapple with a new scandal: An ongoing Federal Election Commission investigation into an alleged $84 million money laundering scheme orchestrated by the Hillary Victory Fund - the $500 million joint fundraising committee between the Clinton campaign, the Democratic National Committee, and Democratic state parties.
[T]he Committee to Defend the President has filed an FEC complaint accusing the Democratic establishment of using state chapters as straw men to circumvent campaign donation limits and launder money to Clinton's campaign. The Hillary Victory Fund solicited six-figure donations from major donors, including Calvin Klein and "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane, "papered" them through state parties en route to DNC and then the Clinton campaign. The fund violated campaign finance laws in precisely the way the Supreme Court deemed illegal in its 2014 McCutcheon v. FEC ruling. And that's only the tip of allegations in this particular iceberg. (Read more)
- Father, deliver us from the Clinton family and their systemic corruption. We pray our law enforcement will complete their investigations and prosecute them and their associates to the fullest extent of the law.
- When Joram saw Jehu he asked, "Have you come in peace, Jehu?" "How can there be peace," Jehu replied, "as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound? (2 Kings 9:22)
8. South Korean President Says Trump Deserves Credit For Making Talks With North Korea Possible - Daily Caller
President Donald Trump's intense pressure campaign appears to have done the trick, the South Korean president suggested Tuesday. Trump "made a huge contribution to make inter-Korean talks happen," President Moon Jae-in explained to reporters Tuesday night, adding, "I'd like to express my gratitude." He reportedly said that talks "could be the effect of the sanctions and pressure led by the U.S."
North and South Korea met for the first time in two years at the Peace House in the Joint Security Area at the demilitarized zone (DMZ) Tuesday. Inter-Korean talks followed an overture by North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un during his New Year's address last Monday, when he said that the North is "open to dialogue" with the South Koreans. The two sides discussed North Korean participation in the Winter Olympics in South Korea and ways to improve inter-Korean relations. (Read more)
- Father, we pray these talks mark the beginning of the end of the North Korean nuclear crisis. We pray for Kim Jung Un and his people to be released from deception and accept Your Son as their Lord and Savior.
- For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation.
(2 Corinthians 6:2)
9. Exiled Iranian royal sees chance to end the Islamic Republic - Times of Israel
Reza Pahlavi concentrates intently on the little cellphone in his hand, scrolling through clips of chanting Iranians and explaining why the protests unsettling his homeland are different this time. Even as the latest reports suggest the unrest may be ebbing, the scion of Persia's 2,500-year-old monarchy believes Iran's people are writing a new future for themselves, and perhaps for their exiled son.
"We all know that regime change is the ultimate formula," said Pahlavi, the son of the last shah before the 1979 Islamic Revolution and a harsh critic of the clerical rulers that have dominated Iran ever since. "But that's what the Iranian people are asking. It's not going to be because the US says so, or the British say so, or the Saudis say so, or the Israelis say so. It's because it's what the Iranian people want."
More than want, he believes they may succeed. For Pahlavi, who advocates replacing Tehran's theocracy with a pluralist, parliamentary democracy, the demonstrations that have rocked cities across Iran the last two weeks aren't about egg prices, unemployment or economic opportunity. They're about the nation's greater grievance with its entire political system. (Read more)
- Father, we continue to pray for the freedom of the Iranian people. Shift this great nation away from destruction, in Your mercy, and grant them Shalom peace.
- For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
10. North Korea Tops List of 50 Most Dangerous Countries for Christians
- CBN News
For more than 60 years, Open Doors USA, one of the biggest persecution watchdog groups in the world, has documented the "most oppressive and restrictive countries for Christians" hoping to mobilize governments, human rights groups and other NGOs to take notice of the plight of those who suffer for their faith. Sadly, the levels of persecution against Christians are only rising around the world. "Nearly one of every 12 Christians in the world today lives in an area, or in a culture, in which Christianity is illegal, forbidden or punished. Open Doors monitors the intensity faced by Christians around the world, and the World Watch List quantifies what we see," Curry said. "This year, as incidents of violence related to persecution have increased - especially those related to women, it is imperative we continue to advocate and call leaders to prioritize issues of religious freedom."
North Korea is the most dangerous country in the world for Christians. According to Open Doors USA, some 50,000 Christians are languishing in prison or labor camps for their faith. "It is illegal to be a Christian in North Korea and Christians are often sent to labor camps or are killed if they are discovered," Open Doors said on its website. The findings are part of the 2018 Open Doors World Watch List, an annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most persecution. The group released the report in a press conference at the National Press Conference in Washington, DC, today. "As Christians, we are called to take a stand for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ," Open Doors USA says on its website. "The Bible calls us to be a voice for the voiceless." (Read more)
- Father, we lift up our brothers and sisters around the world who endure persecution for Your Name. We pray for Your beautiful Presence to bring joy to their hearts, even in the midst of great suffering and loss. May their lives and testimonies bring many into Your Kingdom, transforming the nations.
- But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. (Jude 20-21)
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The Daily Jot
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Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Immigration reform and the Bible
Center stage in the news now is what they are calling "immigration reform." After eight years of a "president" with an open border policy and encouraging illegal migration with dire consequences, the new administration is first attempting to enforce the law-something activist courts are resisting-and then trying to pass new laws to correct the policies of the former "president." This has been met with considerable debate over a small group of people called "Dreamers" who were brought to the country as children by the illegal entry of their parents. The lax or mostly non-enforcement of border security by the previous "president" has caused great problems in America. What does the Bible say about immigration?
The Bible is very clear about how to handle immigrants. Exodus 22:21 says, "You shall neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him." This is repeated in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. In context, Exodus 12:49 says, "One law shall be to him that is home-born, and unto the foreigner who sojourns among you." This is also repeated in Numbers and Leviticus. One law for all. In this context it is God's law, but these people neither want to submit to the laws of the nation or to God's laws. If they are here illegally, they have broken the law as their first act. Hard as it is, policymakers must address this, otherwise our country is in danger of becoming a lawless society.
The Center for Immigration Studies analyzed data released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. From 2010 to 2016, ICE released 124 aliens who have been charged with 135 new homicides--some have been released multiple times. In 2014, ICE released a total of 30,558 criminal aliens. These aliens had already been convicted of 92,347 crimes before they were released by ICE. As of July 25, 2015, a total of 1,607 aliens had been convicted of a crime after being freed by ICE. The total number of new crimes for which these aliens were convicted after ICE released them was 2,560, including: 298 dangerous drug offenses, 185 assaults, 40 weapons offenses, 28 sex offenses, 10 sex assaults, four kidnappings, two arsons, and one homicide. The numbers have escalated since the study.
There are many stories about murders, robberies and other terrible crimes, no less terrorism, that are the result of illegal entry into our country. A nation must have secure borders otherwise it really is not a nation. Politicians have created a terrible situation for many families who thought they could come to the US for a better life and are now caught in a web because they did it illegally. Others came to take advantage of what America offers. Still others came to destroy the country. This is why a nation must have laws to protect its citizens. It is a clear example of what happens when God's laws are not followed-consequences such as crime, terrorism and family devastation.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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50,000 Will March for Life on Jan. 27th!
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'Our only choice is life'-50k expected to attend Walk for Life West Coast; Here's Why YOU Should Consider Going
Renowned pro-life activists and a former abortionist turned pro-life obstetrician will speak to an expected 50,000 people at the 14th annual Walk for Life West Coast on Saturday, January 27.
The Walk for Life aims to send "a vocal and visual message that people of the West Coast stand for life" as they peacefully protest abortion. It is a rapidly-growing West Coast event around the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court case that legalized abortion on demand in 1973.
Veteran pro-life activist Joseph Scheidler will receive the Walk's St. Gianna Molla Award for pro-life heroism. Scheidler has been involved in pro-life activism since the dawn of the pro-life movement. Scheidler is the founder of the Pro-Life Action League.
Another of the speakers at this event, Dr. John Bruchalski, is the former abortionist turned pro-life activist who will appear next to Scheidler. He is the founder of Tepeyac OB/GYN, a massive pro-life medical practice in Fairfax, VA with an attached crisis pregnancy clinic and education arm called Divine Mercy Care. (LifeSiteNews) Read more here.
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Repentance in Malawi!
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Satan's Destruction ~ Repentance Lake of Fire
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire
(Revelation 20:10)
Dear Christian Warriors:
We would like to share this heartwarming testimony from our brethren in Malawi. As you may know from previous messages sent out by National Day of Repentance, "Malawi" means "Lake of Fire."
What an incredible privilege it has been to contribute to stoking up the Holy Spirit fire that will eventually utterly destroy Satan.
> > > To read this testimony, please go here.
Submitted by:
Pastor Jeff Daly, Founder
National Day of Repentance
jdalylaw@aol.com National Day of Repentance www.dayofrepentance.org
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News from David's Tent
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Holy Spirit - Real Estate Agent?
Dear Friends,
God is landing things well for David's Tent in 2018. The Father loves to glorify His Son and is helping us Lift up Jesus in DC! We've had significant real estate Breakthroughs in 2017 and we are confident He will be faithful to complete His good work in 2018, providing our every need according to His riches in glory.
> > > To read the rest of Jason Hershey's amazing testimony, please go here.
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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.
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Classic Hymns
Hail The Day That Sees Him Rise
"After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into Heaven, and He sat at the right hand of God." (Mark 16:19)
Hail The Day That Sees Him Rise
"After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into Heaven, and He sat at the right hand of God." (Mark 16:19)
Lyrics
Hail the day that sees him rise, Alleluia!
to his throne beyond the skies. Alleluia!
Christ, the Lamb for sinners given, Alleluia!
enters now the highest heaven. Alleluia!
There for him high triumph waits; Alleluia!
lift your heads, eternal gates. Alleluia!
He has conquered death and sin; Alleluia!
take the King of glory in. Alleluia!
Highest heaven its Lord receives; Alleluia!
yet he loves the earth he leaves. Alleluia!
Though returning to his throne, Alleluia!
still he calls us all his own. Alleluia!
Still for us he intercedes; Alleluia!
his atoning death he pleads, Alleluia!
near himself prepares our place, Alleluia!
he the firstfruits of our race. Alleluia!
There we shall with you remain, Alleluia!
partners of your endless reign, Alleluia!
see you with unclouded view, Alleluia!
find our heaven of heavens in you. Alleluia!
Melody
To enjoy this hymn, please go here.
About the Author:
Words: Charles Wesley, 1739
Melody: Robert Williams, 1817
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Signs and Wonders
Strong Quake in Caribbean Sea Shakes Honduras, Mexico and Belize
An earthquake of magnitude 7.6 that struck near remote islands belonging to Honduras on Tuesday was felt across northern Central America, prompting a tsunami warning for parts of the Caribbean.
The quake rattled windows in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa roughly 323 miles (519 km) to the east and was felt at least as far north as the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, but no damage was immediately reported.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a tsunami advisory was in effect for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after the earthquake and warned of possible waves up to 1 meter (3 feet) above tide level.
Rodrigo Anaya Rodriguez was in a hammock inside his house near popular tourist site Bacalar Lake on Mexico's Caribbean coast in Quintana Roo when he felt three tremors.
"It felt like a bulldozer was driving past," he said. "It didn't last long but was very violent."
He ran to his balcony and saw electricity posts and cables swaying. (Voice of America) Read more
SEE ALSO: Huge Earthquake Rocks the Caribbean: "Most Powerful to Ever Hit the Region"
(Source: Accuweather.com) Reported by Breaking Christian News. Go here for details.
"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
"From the Battlefield to the Home Front," President Trump's New Executive Order Takes Care of America's Veterans
"Currently, up until your Executive Order, only 40 percent of those service members had coverage in the VA to get mental health. Now, 100 percent will have that coverage." -VA Secretary David Shulkin
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy tweeted his appreciation for Trump's Executive Order on Tuesday, saying, "@POTUS is right, we owe it to our veterans to give them the best. This Executive Order will improve veterans' access to mental health care resources and ensure they get the help they need after serving and protecting our country."
(Source: WhiteHouse.gov)
To read this full story, reported by Breaking Christian News, go here.
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About CHPP
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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]
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!
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We Welcome Your Gifts
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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)
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Join our Bible Readathon!
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Our Bible Readathon Continues
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)
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.]
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Pray for America!
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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.
605-468-8015 / Access Code 338083#
Monday - Saturday
8:30 am PT 9:30 am MT
10:30 am CT 11:30 am ET
