Wednesday, February 28, 2018

CHPP Daily Brief "Praying for All in Authority" Wednesday, February 28, 2018 SPECIAL EDITION



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

The Daily Brief
"Praying for All in Authority"
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
SPECIAL EDITION


"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." (Psalm 116:15)


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





"Standing United Together . . . Under the Cross of Christ"

Honoring Rev. Billy Graham

Honoring Rev. Billy Graham:

Senate Chaplain Black's Vision


Over the years, Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black has openly shared a vision our Lord gave him, just after he stepped into his new role as Chaplain on July 7, 2003. Our prayer team, too, was privileged to hear and to pray over this vision with the Chaplain, shortly he came into office.

Today, as the U.S. Congress honors the life of the Rev. Billy Graham, and as his body lies in state in the Capitol Rotunda, it seems a fitting time to share Chaplain Black's vision with all of you . . . so here goes:
"The Lord showed the Chaplain a vision of the Capitol Building, and he had a strong witness that the Spirit of our Lord was saying that, at the set time, he would witness a "mighty move of God" in the Capitol Building, that would then literally sweep across the nation, ushering in a great revival."
Chaplain Black has held onto that vision -- and that promise -- to this day.
And we wonder:

COULD TODAY BE THE RELEASE OF THAT VISION FOR AMERICA?

Let it be so, O Lord . . . let it be so!

Focus on Israel

1. US embassy in Israel issues warning over 'Day of Rage' - Israel National News

The US mission to Israel has issued a warning to American citizens in the Jewish state after Palestinian Authority groups called for "Day of Rage" demonstrations this week in protest of President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, and to move America's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

On Monday, the Palestinian National and Islamic Forces, a coalition of various terrorist groups, including the Palestinian Authority's ruling Fatah party, called protests following reports that the US embassy in Israel will be relocated to Jerusalem by May of this year, as opposed to late 2019.

(Read more)

2. Days After Church of Holy Sepulchre Shuttered, Israel Backtracks on Steps That Spurred Crisis - HAARETZ

Israel opted on Tuesday to take steps to resolve its ongoing crisis with church leaders and the Christian community that led to their indefinite shuttering of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Sunday. The Israeli government will freeze a controversial bill that recently spurred the crisis, while the Jerusalem municipality will postpone the collection of taxes from church-owned properties.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat have established a team headed by Regional Cooperation Minister Tzachi Hanegbi to try and formulate a solution concerning the issue of tax collection from the churches, according to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office.

Further, Netanyahu has asked Hanegbi to look into the matter of land sales in Jerusalem, following a request by the heads of major churches. All pending legislation on the matter will be shelved while Hanegbi reviews the issue.

(Read more)

3. Ophel excavation director discusses biblical discoveries, Temple Mount - Jerusalem Post

Days after announcing the discovery of what may be a seal impression from Prophet Isaiah unearthed at the foot of the Temple Mount, the archeologist in charge of the Ophel excavations discussed her find, as well as the politics that surround her field in Jerusalem.

Dr. Eilat Mazar, a senior researcher from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's department of archeology, has been involved in the Ophel excavations since 1981, where she initially worked under the supervision of her grandfather, former Hebrew University president Dr. Benjamin Mazar.

"Ophel" means to "rise above," and refers to a higher element of the natural landscape.

The excavations take place some 50 meters between the City of David and the Temple Mount's southern wall.

"The Ophel was built by King Solomon in the 10th century, and it was the biblical equivalent of an acropolis in Jerusalem where royalty ruled from," said Mazar.

Since the 1980s, the researcher has led the discoveries of such unprecedented finds as the "Ophel Treasure," a collection of 36 gold coins and a large gold medallion believed to date back to the year 614, as well as an impression of the royal seal of King Hezekiah from the First Temple period.

(Read more)

4. Judge in texting scandal to face disciplinary hearing, not criminal charges - Times of Israel

Suspects in the Bezeq corruption probe were dealt a double blow Tuesday afternoon when the state ombudsman ruled there would be no criminal proceedings against a judge who was found to have coordinated rulings in the case before hearings were even held, and here replacement judge rejected their appeal to be released from custody amid claims of "obstruction of justice."

Judge Eliezer Rivlin, the ombudsman handling complaints against judges, recommended, however, that Judge Ronit Poznansky-Katz face a disciplinary hearing over coordination with a prosecutor in the case.

(Read more)

5. Three Israeli-Arab Men Indicted for Plotting Temple Mount Terror Attack - Algemeiner

JNS.org - Three Israeli Arabs were indicated for a plot to carry out a terror attack on the Temple Mount or other religious targets, said Israel's Shin Bet security agency.

The men were identified as Mohammed Masoud Jabarin and Amad Lutfi Mohammed Jabarin, both 20; the third suspect is a juvenile. All hail from the Israeli Arab city of Umm al-Fahm. They were arrested over the past two months, with their indictments filed on Monday.

According to the Shin Bet, the Arab cell planned to carry out a shooting attack on the Temple Mount similar to the attack on July 14, which killed two Israeli police officers. That attack was also carried out by three Israeli Arabs from Umm al-Fahm, and led to weeks of tensions between Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians.
(Read more)

The Daily Brief

1. Heritage Foundation: 64% of Trump's agenda already done, faster than Reagan - Washington Examiner

With unprecedented speed, the Trump administration has already implemented nearly two-thirds of the 334 agenda items called for by the Heritage Foundation, a pace faster than former President Reagan who embraced the conservative think tank's legendary "Mandate for Leadership" blueprint. Thomas Binion, director of congressional and executive branch relations at Heritage, said that Trump has implemented 64 percent of the "unique policy recommendations" from the group. At this stage of his presidency, Reagan had completed 49 percent of the Heritage policy recommendations.

"We're blown away," Binion said in an interview. Trump, he said, "is very active, very conservative, and very effective." What's more, he said, Trump hasn't just focused on one agenda area, but he and his team has pushed through administrative moves on foreign policy, deregulation, immigration, tax reform and health care, moves often ignored by the media. "It is a huge volume that his administration has worked on and it is a huge spectrum of issues," said Binion. His report card jibes with one from the West Wing which showed at the end of the year that the administration has scored 81 major achievements slashed at least 11 major legacy items of former President Barack Obama.

Read more

Father, thank You for the wisdom President Trump has implemented to improve our government, economy, and society. Help him continue to hear Your voice above all and do what is best for our nation.

Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. (Psalm 119:34)


2. Marines treated after unknown substance found in envelope - The Hill

Several Marines are receiving treatment after being affected by an unknown substance found in an envelope. The envelope was received at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, next to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The building where the envelope was opened was evacuated immediately.

The Marines later tweeted that "several Marines" were receiving medical care. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire Department said 3 people are being treated, according to ABC News. The Arlington, Va., fire department tweeted that 11 people began feeling sick after the letter was opened. Three of the patients the fire department transported are in stable condition, but an investigation is ongoing.

Read more

Father, we pray complete healing for these soldiers and we ask You to aid our law enforcement to discover who is sending these powder-mail attacks.

O Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me. (Psalm 30:2)


3. Sessions: DOJ inspector general to probe FISA abuse allegations - FoxNews

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday the inspector general of the Department of Justice will probe allegations of government surveillance abuse, in light of the memos released on Capitol Hill about FBI and DOJ efforts to obtain FISA warrants to surveil a Trump campaign adviser. Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee released a memo in February detailing the DOJ and FBI's surveillance of Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, saying an infamous, unverified dossier funded by Democrats "formed an essential part" of the application to spy on him. Democrats released a rebuttal memo on Sunday.

The White House responded to the GOP memo by saying it "raises serious concerns about the integrity of decisions made at the highest levels of the Department of Justice and the FBI to use the government's most intrusive surveillance tools against American citizens." In an earlier interview on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," Sessions told host Maria Bartiromo that there would be an investigation into how the FBI used the dossier to secure a wiretap. "Let me tell you, every FISA warrant based on facts submitted to that court have to be accurate," he said. "That will be investigated and looked at, and we are not going to participate at the Department of Justice in providing anything less than the proper disclosure to the court before they issue a FISA warrant."

Read more

Father, we pray Inspector General Horowitz will truly get to the bottom of all wrongdoing at the DOJ and FBI, and issue his report soon. We pray for Your protection over his life, his family, and all his staff as they move forward with their findings.

You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues. (Psalm 31:20)


4. 20 states sue to kill Obamacare, citing Trump's mandate repeal - Washington Times

Twenty states filed a lawsuit Monday arguing the new law President Trump signed last year revoking Obamacare's individual mandate actually makes the rest of the 2010 health law unconstitutional as well. Led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel, the lawsuit says the individual mandate - upheld by the Supreme Court in 2012 - was the crux of the Affordable Care Act's legality. Chief Justice John G. Roberts ruled that the mandate - and thus most of the ACA - was constitutional under Congress's taxing powers. But the attorneys general say if the government isn't collection money under the mandate, it's not using the taxing power, so the law no longer has legal underpinnings.

The lawsuit says Congress deemed the mandate to be "essential" to the law, since healthier people would be goaded into the market to balance out sick people who could no longer be denied or charged higher premiums. The AGs are suing the Trump administration, a politically ally that loathes the law, but it could put Mr. Trump's Justice Department in an awkward position. The administration had pushed to have a suitable replacement on hand before gutting the law, but it's efforts failed last year. Nearly 12 million people recently selected coverage up on its linchpin exchanges, and millions more gained coverage through its expansion of Medicaid in dozens of states.

Read more

Father, we pray the court will use sound legal reasoning as it decides this important case.

Be perfectly fair in your decisions and impartial in your judgments. (Deuteronomy 1:16b-17a)


5. High Court Hears Forced Unionism Case - FreeBeacon

Public sector workers seeking to break ties with organized labor appeared before the Supreme Court on Monday seeking to overturn a 40-year-old rule mandating union fees. "Collective bargaining is the core political activity, which we submit individuals cannot be compelled to support," Messenger said. The case received the backing of the Trump administration in December. Solicitor General Noel Francisco said forced union participation differs from constitutional restrictions that the federal government places on employee speech, such as the Hatch Act, which prohibits workers from politicking on taxpayer time. "The government is allowed to prohibit core political speech when it interferes with the employee's ability to do their job," Francisco said. "There's no corresponding interest when it comes to compelling employees to subsidize third-party advocacy."

Some labor watchdogs were optimistic about opening arguments. Freedom Partners chairman Mark Holden said the case could expand political freedom for millions of workers at the state and local level who have been forced to direct portions of their salaries to labor organizations. "The Court has an opportunity to empower millions of public employees across the country to decide for themselves whether they want to fund their union's political agenda," Holden said in a statement. "Forcing people to finance views and opinions they may disagree with is as much a violation of the First Amendment as silencing them." The case will be decided before the end of the Court's session in June.

Read more

Father, we pray the court will end this practice of forced dues, especially since these dues are used to advocate political speech. We also pray for an end to public sector unions altogether.

Ransom me from the oppression of evil people; then I can obey your commandments. (Psalm 119:134)


6. Court rules Trump can build border wall - Washington Times

A federal court cleared the way Tuesday for President Trump to build his border wall, ruling the administration has the power to waive a series of environmental laws to speed up construction. The state of California and environmental groups had been counting on the lawsuit to derail the border wall, and the judge's ruling to the contrary is a major boost to Mr. Trump. The ruling is all the more striking because if comes Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel, who Mr. Trump famously called biased during the 2016 campaign because of his Mexican heritage.

Judge Curiel said he wasn't opining on whether a wall was good or bad policy - but had to conclude the government has the power to build it. "It is not our job to protect the people from the consequences of their political choices," he wrote in a 101-page ruling.

Read more

Father, we thank You for this ruling and pray our nation will have the physical barrier it needs soon.

The wall was finished-just fifty-two days after we had begun. (Nehemiah 6:15b) Let it be, Lord!


7. Supreme Court OKs Broad Immigrant Detention Powers - Daily Caller

Immigrants detained for removal proceedings may be held indefinitely and are not entitled to a bail hearing, the Supreme Court ruled Tuesday. The ruling means that immigrant detainees, who are sometimes held for months and years on end, have no recourse to challenge their confinement. Justice Samuel Alito delivered the opinion for the court, joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Anthony Kennedy. Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch joined most of Alito's opinion, though they also wrote to say they do not believe the court had jurisdiction to hear the case.

In a rare move, Justice Stephen Breyer read part of his dissent in the courtroom during Tuesday's proceedings. The justices only read their dissents from the bench when they mean to emphasize their disagreement with the majority. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor joined his opinion. Justice Elena Kagan was recused because she briefly participated in the case while serving in former President Barack Obama's administration.

Read more

Father, we pray this legal reasoning that non-citizens are not eligible for the same due process rights as citizens will filter down through our legal system, effectively removing and keeping illegals off our streets.

We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels (1 Timothy 1:9a)


8. Lawsuit: 100,000 noncitizens registered to vote in Pennsylvania - Washington Times

More than 100,000 noncitizens are registered to vote in Pennsylvania alone, according to testimony submitted Monday in a lawsuit demanding the state come clean about the extent of its problems. The Public Interest Legal Foundation, which has identified similar noncitizen voting problems in studies of Virginia and New Jersey, said Pennsylvania officials have admitted noncitizens have been registering and voting in the state "for decades." But state officials have stonewalled PILF requests for access to the data that could expose the problem, the group says in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Harrisburg. "For months, Pennsylvania bureaucrats have concealed facts about noncitizens registering and voting - that ends today," PILF President and General Counsel J. Christian Adams said.

He said Pennsylvania had already admitted to a "glitch" dating back to the 1990s that had allowed noncitizens applying to renew driver's licenses to be offered the chance to register to vote. Mr. Adams said he now wants to find out how bad the problem is overall. Pennsylvania officials wouldn't respond to the lawsuit, nor to the 100,000 noncitizen number. The group has released reports in the past detailing more than 1,000 noncitizens registered to vote in New Jersey and more than 5,500 registered in Virginia. Roughly a third of those from Virginia actually cast ballots.

Read more

Father, we pray for integrity throughout our electoral system. Help election commissions and concerned citizens remove ineligible voters and we pray those who are ineligible to vote will not go to the polls.

The Lord hates both these things: dishonest weights and dishonest measures. (Proverbs 20:10)


9. New Justice Department Task Force Will Target Opioid Manufacturers, Distributors - Daily Caller

The Department of Justice is launching a new unit to target pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors that flooded America with opioid painkillers, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday. The Prescription Interdiction and Litigation Unit will investigate pharmaceutical companies for their role in the opioid epidemic and will examine legislative and regulatory approaches that could decrease the flow of prescription painkillers, Sessions said with seven state attorneys general beside him. "We will use criminal penalties, we will use civil penalties, we will use whatever laws and tools we have to hold people accountable if they break our laws," Sessions said at a press briefing. "We will continue to attack the opioid crisis from every angle and we continue to work tirelessly to bring down the number of opioid prescriptions. We think they are just too many."

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro added: "When four out of every five heroin users start with a legal prescription drug, the supply chain runs directly to these opioid manufacturers, it runs directly to the opioid distributors." A congressional committee investigation, for example, found that pharmaceutical distributors flooded one West Virginia town with a population of less than 3,000 with nearly 21 million prescription painkillers over the past decade. The state is among the hardest hit by the opioid epidemic. Additionally, critics widely blame Purdue Pharma - the drug manufacturer that produces OxyContin - for being the primary initiator of the nation's epidemic for downplaying opioids' addictiveness and convincing doctors to prescribe painkillers to patients facing chronic pain, a previous Daily Caller News Foundation investigation found. Purdue's OxyContin sales have helped make the company's sole owners - the Sackler family - one of America's richest clans with a $13 billion net worth in 2016, according to Forbes.

Read more

Father, we pray these new enforcement measures will curb access to these powerful, addictive drugs. We ask You to bring salvation, deliverance and healing to the millions of men and women who struggle with substance abuse in our nation.

For "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13)


10. How China's New Lifelong Dictator Threatens The West - The Federalist

China is ushering in another life-long dictator, for the first time since the death of communist China's founder, Chairman Mao. China's current constitution states that the president and vice-president "shall serve no more than two consecutive terms." But China's Communist Party has announced a proposal to scrap the constitutional term limits of the president and vice-president, which in turn paves the way for China's current president Xi Jinping to stay on indefinitely.

The old constitutional term limit was instilled in 1982 by China's last paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, who fought alongside Mao during the revolution and suffered persecutions under Mao's destructive "Cultural Revolution" movement. Deng came to power after Mao's death and was determined to prevent another strong man from becoming China's sole ruler in the future. Since he became China's president in 2013, Xi has been aggressively consolidating power into his own hands by dismantling the power structures laid down by his predecessors. He used an anti-graft campaign to aggressively purge political opponents, while he himself became the chairman of everything. In addition to his title as the head of state and the general party secretary, he led numerous committees and leadership groups, including the newly formed National Security Commission.

In 2016, the Chinese Communist Party elevated Xi to the "core" leader, which puts Xi at the same political status as Mao and Deng. The "core" title signified that Xi broke away from the collective leadership model instilled by Deng and indicated that Xi has become the most powerful leader since Deng Xiaoping.

Read more

Father, we pray all the changes in China will ultimately benefit our brothers and sisters in Christ, and cause many to come to a knowledge of You.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)


The Daily Jot

The Daily Jot

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

No fear engagement


As we look at the headlines about school shootings, government corruption, visceral division with anyone who disagrees, and a lack of honest leadership in the political arena, it may be easy to get discouraged. There are so many things that need fixed. We need people to engage. Christians need to engage with our society-not just inside the four walls of church in their clubs-but with all of society. This is no time for the weak-hearted or for America's Christians to disengage and throw in the towel. It seems we have been doing that since the 1960s, and it hasn't worked. Christ is the answer to this dark and dying world, and you are his vessel. Think about that.

You have a calling. And much bad doctrine has been taught about this. The Holy Scriptures say in Romans 8:28 "that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." It's not your purpose, but "HIS" purpose. Romans 11:29 says that "the gifts and calling of God are unchangeable." So when people are saying that you have to find your calling, it is really understanding that you are called "not according to our works, but according to his own purpose (2 Timothy 1:9)." Christ is our example. He is the way the truth and the life. He showed us how to engage according to his purpose. It takes courage to conduct Christ's purpose in this world, in this country today.

Psalm 31:24 says, "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD." As Christians, our hope is in the Lord. We are to be ever watching for his return. As Galatians 6:9 says, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." And Jesus promises in Matthew 10:22, "And you shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved." We, as Christians, are not to stand by and allow evil to advance just because we have read the end of the book and we win. We are to not be overcome with evil, but to overcome evil with good. The Lord says to be of good courage and that his gifts will never change--you are equipped.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." We are reminded that it isn't easy in 2 Corinthians 4:8,9: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed..." Verse 6 tells us, "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." We should not fear man. Man cannot take our soul. So we need to take heart during these times. Have courage. Put on the full armor of God and speak boldly as we ought to speak. And having done all, stand.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com


Just As I Am . . .

Classic Hymns

In Honor of the Passing of Rev. Billy Graham:

JUST AS I AM, WITHOUT ONE PLEA

"Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)

Lyrics

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

About the Author:

Words: Char­lotte El­li­ott, 1835

Melody: Will­iam B. Brad­bu­ry, 1849

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.]

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

CHPP Daily Brief "Praying for All in Authority" Tuesday, February 27, 2018 SPECIAL EDITION



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

The Daily Brief
"Praying for All in Authority"
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
SPECIAL EDITION


"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." (Psalm 116:15)


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





"Standing United Together . . . Under the Cross of Christ"

Honoring Rev. Billy Graham

Honoring Rev. Billy Graham:

. . . A Plywood Coffin . . .


Billy Graham will lie in honor in the US Capitol Rotunda - ABCNews

(An excerpt)

The Rev. Billy Graham's body will lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda next week, the first time a private citizen has been accorded such recognition since civil rights hero Rosa Parks in 2005. The two-day viewing in Washington on Feb. 28 and March 1 will be part of nine days of mourning for postwar America's most famous evangelist, who died Wednesday at his home in North Carolina's mountains at age 99.

"America's Pastor" will be laid to rest March 2 at the foot of a cross-shaped walkway at the worldwide headquarters of his evangelical empire in Charlotte, buried in a simple prison-made plywood coffin next to his wife, Ruth, who died in 2007. His tombstone will read "Preacher of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ."

. . . His coffin was built by inmates at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana, who typically construct caskets for fellow prisoners who cannot afford one. Graham's son the Rev. Franklin Graham toured the prison in 2005 and said he was so moved by the simple boxes lined with a mattress pad with a wooden cross nailed to the top that he asked for ones for his mother and father.
The funeral at Graham's Charlotte headquarters will be held in a tent in the main parking lot of the library in tribute to the tent revivals in Los Angeles in 1949 that propelled him to international fame, family spokesman Mark Demoss said.

About 2,000 people are expected at the private, invitation-only funeral, and invitations are being sent to President Donald Trump and the five living ex-presidents, DeMoss said.

Father, perhaps Dr. Graham's last statement would be the most powerful . . . as he lays in state in the Capitol Rotunda . . . on that simply, plywood coffin . . . before kings, princes and common citizens . . . is he not saying:
"Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come."

May we ALL COME . . . ALL COME . . . amen.

Focus on Israel

1. IDF announces West Bank closure for duration of Purim holiday - Times of Israel

The IDF said crossings into the Gaza Strip will also be shut during the closure period, between Tuesday night and Saturday night.

During the closure, exceptions will be made for humanitarian and other outstanding cases.

The move follows a review of the security situation and is dependent on government approval.

Purim starts Wednesday evening in most of the country, and Thursday evening in Jerusalem.

(Read more)

2. Iran files UN grievance against Israel over PM's 'threats' in Munich speech - Israel Hayom

Iran has filed a grievance against Israel with the U.N. Security Council over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the Munich Security Conference last week, saying it constitutes a direct threat to the Islamic republic.

In his speech to the prestigious symposium, Netanyahu criticized Iran for its interference in Middle East affairs.

The speech came on the heels of an Iranian drone incursion into Israeli airspace. Israeli fighter jets struck Iranian assets in Syria in retaliation, and an Israeli F-16 was downed by Syrian anti-aircraft fire. Although both sides refrained from any subsequent escalation, the incident remains the most serious confrontation to date between Israel and the Iranian-backed forces in Syria.

(Read more)

3. EU, Arab League: Jerusalem must be a joint capital - Israel National News

European Union (EU) and Arab League countries on Monday called for Jerusalem to be the joint capital of Israel and a future Palestinian state, The Associated Press reported.

Speaking after talks between EU and Arab League foreign ministers, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said that the "special status and character of the city must be preserved."

She added the two blocs "see eye to eye" that there can only be a two-state solution to the conflict, with Israel and Palestinian Arabs living side by side in peace.

(Read more)

4. Palestinians call for clashes with IDF and settlers to protest US Jerusalem move - Times of Israel

Palestinian groups on Monday called on Palestinians to clash with IDF soldiers and settlers next Friday, as part of a "day of popular rage," to protest the US administration's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and relocate the US embassy to the city.

Representatives of the Palestinian National and Islamic Forces, a group made up of various factions, issued the appeal at the end of an emergency meeting in Ramallah.

Declaring Friday as a "day of popular rage," they called on Palestinians to initiate clashes "at all points of friction, including settlements and military checkpoints."

(Read more)

5. At disciplinary hearing, lawyer in collusion scandal defends messages to judge - Times of Israel

Eran Shacham-Shavit, the legal adviser to the Israel Securities Authority, on Monday faced the Civil Service Commission's disciplinary board after a series of leaked text messages appeared to show him colluding with the judge presiding over the Bezeq corruption case.

Shacham-Shavit told the board that he and Judge Ronit Poznansky-Katz were not previously acquainted, and said he was only in direct contact with her regarding the logistics of the case because he does not currently have an assistant.

In a WhatsApp chat obtained by Channel 10 news, Shacham-Shavit told Judge Ronit Poznansky-Katz on Sunday that the prosecution would seek the release of some suspects but not others.
(Read more)

The Daily Brief

1. Supreme Court rejects Trump appeal on DACA- Fox News

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal from the Trump administration to decide the legality of the president's plans to end the Obama-era DACA program affecting young illegal immigrants next month.

In recent months, lower court judges have moved to stop the administration from ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects about 800,000 young immigrants brought to country illegally as children from deportation.

In an unsigned comment released Monday, the Supreme Court denied the unusual request to take up the issue, saying the appeal should move through the normal appellate process. The move kicks the case back to the 9th Circuit in San Francisco.

The Supreme Court said the federal appeals court will "proceed expeditiously to decide this case."

Read more

_Lord, we pray that You would bring wisdom to bear on this issue, as the Supreme Court sent the DACA issue back to the liberal 9th Circuit Court for review. We ask for the court process to go full circle quickly so that a proper request for review will go through.

"He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." (2 Samuel 23:3c)


2. Trump to host Arab leaders for sensitive talks - Axios.com/Watch.org

President Trump has accelerated his diplomatic efforts to broker peace among quarreling Arab monarchies, starting with an upcoming series of White House visits by leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Axios has learned.

The impact: Sources with knowledge of the negotiations tell us they hope these separate meetings - hugely consequential in their own right - will lead to a peace deal over Qatar in late spring at a summit in Washington or Camp David. That could help end the longstanding dispute over its alleged support for terrorism and ties to Iran.

(Read more)

__ Father, we ask that You grant President Trump great wisdom along with spiritual protection for his mind and thoughts as he meets with Arab leaders.

"Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, and does not respect the proud, no such as turn aside to lies." (Psalm 40:4)


3. New Chicago ID card created for undocumented immigrants will be accepted for voter registration- Illinois News

A new municipal ID designed primarily for illegal immigrants will be accepted in Chicago as a valid form of identification to register to vote.

The CityKey will be a government-issued photo identification card available to all Chicago residents regardless of immigration status, criminal record, housing status, or gender identity, according to the city clerk's website.

State Board of Elections spokesman Matt Dietrich says the final call on what documents to accept rests with local officials.

"There are 109 local election authorities in Illinois," Dietrich said. "They're the ones who actually handle the registration, the checking of IDs, and keeping the documentation. We maintain an electronic database of voter registrations that we get from them."

Dietrich says there is no state requirement to prove citizenship while registering to vote. He's not expecting a surge in potential voter fraud cases because the process will remain the same.

Read more

__Father, this plan is fraught with potential problems, the main one being that illegal immigrants are not eligible to vote at all. We pray for a mighty move of Your Spirit in Chicago, changing the minds and hearts of all so that truth can be revealed.

"He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle which was against me." (Psalm 55:18a)


4. Ken Buck: Sanctuary city laws are putting heroin traffickers back on our streets - Washington Examiner

Overdose. Heroin. Opioids. More and more Americans find these words creeping into conversation at their own kitchen tables today. Our nation's families and communities are being ravaged by the opioid epidemic. With 115 people dying every day in this country from opioid overdoses, this new reality of suffering and death calls for our deepest focus and most passionate resolve. Unfortunately, sanctuary city policies often prevent local law enforcement from coordinating with federal law enforcement to deport illegal immigrant heroin traffickers. By depriving them of the ability to work together on the same team, these policies only make our communities more dangerous.

"In the past several years," stated David A. Thompson, special agent in charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Denver in 2016, "much of the heroin resurgence in the Denver area can be traced to criminal aliens smuggling, transporting, and distributing this illegal drug." In 2016, ICE worked with local law enforcement in Denver to arrest over 59 individuals contributing to heroin trafficking - many of whom were illegal immigrants. If local authorities cannot communicate with ICE to check immigration status and deport illegal aliens who play an important role in the heroin trade in Colorado and other sanctuary cities, then many of those individuals will end up back out on the streets. That's why I urge Denver and other sanctuary cities around the United States to revise their sanctuary policies, allowing local law enforcement to cooperate with federal authorities so that, as a team, we can all better fight the heroin epidemic in this country.

Read more

__Lord, we know that Sanctuary cities allow criminals to be put back on the street. We take authority over the rebellious spirit that dwells in the leaders of these cities, and bind it up in the Mighty Name of Jesus.

"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." (1 Samuel 15:23)


5. Court: US anti-discrimination law covers sexual orientation- One News Now

A federal appeals court in New York on Monday became the second one in the country to break with precedent and rule that U.S. anti-discrimination law protects employees from being fired because of their sexual orientation.

Ruling in the case of a skydiving instructor who said he was fired after telling a client he was gay, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said that while it and other courts around the U.S. had previously found that Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act didn't cover sexual orientation, "legal doctrine evolves."

"We now conclude that sexual orientation discrimination is motivated, at least in part, by sex and is thus a subset of sex discrimination," said the majority opinion, written by Chief Judge Robert A. Katzmann. Three 2nd Circuit judges dissented.

Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act bars employment discrimination on the basis of "race, color, religion, sex or national origin." The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago last year also concluded "discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is a form of sex discrimination."

Read more

Lord, we pray for Your Spirit to visit all of the judges in all courts around the nation, removing activism and bringing truth. Let them judge by Your standards and not the standards of men.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)


6. Gun control dominates conversation as Congress returns- The Hill

Congress returns this week amid intense debate over the best legislative approach to mass shootings.

Lawmakers and President Trump have proposed a number of controversial ideas, but so far only a handful of specifics.

Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), who is planning to resuscitate legislation with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) that would expand background checks to commercial sales, told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday that he is "skeptical" of proposals to increase the minimum age requirement to purchase certain guns like the AR-15.

"I'm very skeptical about that because the vast majority of 18-, 19-, 20-, 21-year-olds are law-abiding citizens who aren't a threat to anyone," Toomey told host Chuck Todd.

(Read more)

___Father, as this issue rages on both sides, please do not let the talking points of the socialists run away with the debate. We ask for true wisdom to be at the forefront of all speaking, and enraged parties be dampened by Your Holy Spirit.

"They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support." (Psalm 18:18)


7. Georgia's lieutenant gov blasts Delta for cutting ties with NRA; warns he will block legislation favoring airline - Fox News

Georgia's lieutenant governor warned Delta Monday that he will block any tax legislation that would benefit the airline unless it reverses its decision to sever ties with the National Rifle Association, warning that corporations cannot "attack conservatives" without consequences.

Delta, the Atlanta-based airline, and state lawmakers have weighed reinstating this year a once lucrative fuel tax break that has since expired.

But Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, who is a Republican gubernatorial candidate, blasted the airline's decision to end the relationship with the NRA in the wake of the Parkland, Fla. high school shooting earlier this month, and threatened to block the bill.

"I will kill any tax legislation that benefits @Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with the @NRA," Cagle, who heads the Georgia State Senate, tweeted Monday. "Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back.

Read more

__Lord, the battle is heating up on both sides, with liberals blaming everyone but the shooter for the Florida massacre. We ask that You cause Your people to stand up in truth and wisdom to bring sanity into these arguments.

"You have a mighty arm. Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand." (Psalm 89:13)


8. Bernie Sanders struggles to address Russian support after Mueller indictment - Fox News

Sen. Bernie Sanders has seemingly struggled to address recent allegations that Russia's campaign to interfere in the 2016 presidential election included a plan to boost his Democratic primary campaign.

For well over a year, it was alleged that Moscow's meddling mainly was meant to boost now-President Trump and harm then-Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

A bombshell Feb. 16 indictment filed against 13 Russian nationals in Robert Mueller's Russia probe bolstered those allegations, in stunning detail -- but also said the Russians sought to help Sanders.

Russian nationals, the indictment said, "engaged in operations primarily intended to communicate derogatory information about Hillary Clinton, to denigrate other candidates such as Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, and to support Bernie Sanders and then-candidate Donald Trump."

(Read more)

__Lord, we ask that truth continue to be revealed in all areas of anything to do with Russia. We pray for the soul of Bernie Sanders, whose socialist and Communist leanings are well known.

9. Alex Azar: 'I'm a big believer in state experimentation' - Washington Examiner

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar will consider various ways that states can make changes to Obamacare and Medicaid so they can offer more affordable health insurance to residents, a move that is likely to receive backlash from supporters of the law who have said the Trump administration is "sabotaging" the healthcare system. "There is no single one right answer. I'm a big believer in state experimentation here. I think ... one of the flaws of the Affordable Care Act was trying to do a one-size-fits-all approach," said Azar, using the formal name for Obamacare. Each state has different health insurance markets, networks of doctors and hospitals, and economic conditions, he said.

Azar, speaking in a wide-ranging interview with reporters at HHS headquarters Tuesday, said options to offer states' flexibility on healthcare were through waivers on Medicaid, the health insurance program for low-income people, as well as through a 1332 waiver, which allows states to make changes to Obamacare with federal approval. The Trump administration recently approved Medicaid waivers in Indiana and Kentucky that will require certain recipients work or train for work as a condition of staying enrolled in the program. Azar did not say which of the other proposals might get the green light from the administration, including the possibility of allowing states to implement limits on how long certain people could stay on Medicaid. His goals, he said, included making the Medicaid program sustainable over the long-run.

(Read more)

__Father, we ask that You grant wisdom to leadership that is involved in attempting to make healthcare more affordable for all. Let Obamacare be removed and a better system be put in its place.

"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)


10. Wheaton College Wins 5-Year Religious Freedom Battle Against Birth Control Mandate- Christian Post

Wheaton College has won a five-year battle to fulfil its Christian mission without having to provide services like the week-after pill and abortion-inducing drugs in its healthcare plans.

A district court judge has ruled that the government would violate federal civil rights laws if it forced the Illinois-based Christian liberal arts college to provide some services, which are required by the contraceptive mandate under the Obama administration's Affordable Care Act, against its religious beliefs.

(Read more)

__Lord, we thank You for this victory! We pray that more and more courts would begin side with Christians who are being forced to do things against the Faith.

"Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed." (Psalm 25:3a)


The Daily Jot

The Daily Jot

Monday, February 26, 2018

Common Sense not Political Sense


The Florida school shooting that left 17 dead has sparked once again a nationwide debate over whether the 2nd Amendment should be revisited and guns should be banned. This is a call for common sense. There are several issues at play. Extreme leftists want to ban guns because they see this as a key strategic kingpin in expanding powerful government and controlling people. Every time there is a mass shooting in this country, these people stir the pot with a willing media to ban guns. It's just like they did with homosexual marriage-keep pounding the drum until the people give in. But this is not a common sense approach to solving problems. It is a path toward tyranny.

At some point, the American people need to weigh what is the greater risk-tyrannical government such as the likes we have in countries like Argentina, China, Cuba, just to name a few-or solving the problem of mass shootings within the framework of the Constitution. Certainly, we are a nation of innovators and smart people. This is a problem, a danger, we can solve. But we have to solve it together, using common sense not political sense. All the politicians left and right and middle need to sit on the sidelines. The news media, because it is so biased toward a communistic agenda, needs to sit on the sidelines. American citizens, with their diverse and innovative approaches toward living life, need to speak up.

For far too long we have allowed these elected con artists called politicians try to solve our problems for us. They are hirelings who flee to their strongest loyalty at any sign of trouble-their political parties. They are more loyal to their political party than they are to this country and to the people that voted them into office. Last week, Jot subscribers had many good ideas. Some don't like arming teachers because many teachers are the very ones standing against guns. Some say we should highly train and arm some teachers. Others say we should build fences around our schools and have a single security check point going into the school (Israel does this and it works).

We have a responsibility to defend life. Christians are consistent on this issue. We have the 1st Amendment that protects our right to free speech and to worship as we see fit. We need to put our common sense solutions to the public forum. It is a witness of the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. I love how Paul writes in Ephesians 6:19, "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel." We know 2 Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Let us so instruct boldly as the world has no answer for the evil within it.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com




Classic Hymns

[All week this week]:

In Honor of the Passing of Rev. Billy Graham:

JUST AS I AM, WITHOUT ONE PLEA

"Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)

Lyrics


Lyrics

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

About the Author:

Words: Char­lotte El­li­ott, 1835

Melody: Will­iam B. Brad­bu­ry, 1849

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.]