This week, we are celebrating 24 years
on Capitol Hill! Please see below for
details in section marked "Thank You!"
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp1994@gmail.com
The Daily Brief
"Praying for All in Authority"
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
"The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone."
(Psalm 118:22)
To help sustain our work, please go here. Thank you!
"Standing United Together . . . Under the Cross of Christ"
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Update: Syria
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Update: Syria
"He reveals mysteries from the darkness
And brings the deep darkness into light."
(Job 12:22)
1. Israel Strikes Syria While President Trump Threatens "Animal" Assad for Horrific Weekend Chemical Attack - CBN
Russia says two Israeli F-15 war planes flew through Lebanese airspace to carry out the strike on an airbase in central Syria today. The strike reportedly killed at least 14 people, including Iranians active in Syria.
The regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, backed by the Russians, denies using chemical weapons and claims video of victims was fabricated.
While the US said it did not attack the Syrian airbase today, the White House is not ruling out a future military response.
White House Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor Thomas Bossert said, "I wouldn't take anything off the table. These are horrible photos from the alleged attack. We're looking into the attack at this point." (Read more)
- Father, we pray for divine strategy and wisdom to rest upon the mind and the heart of our President in this perilous time. Amen.
- "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask in prayer." (Matthew 21:22)
2. U.N. Security Council holds emergency meeting on suspected Syria chemical attack - CBS News
The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting Monday to discuss the suspected chemical attack in Syria. The attack killed at least 40 people, including families found in their homes and shelters, opposition activists and local rescuers said. The attack on the besieged town of Douma came almost exactly a year after a chemical attack in the northern Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun killed dozens of people.
The U.S. is urging the council to adopt a new resolution that would condemn the continuing use of chemical weapons in Syria "in the strongest terms" and establish a new body to determine responsibility for chemical attacks. The draft resolution, obtained Monday by CBS News, singles out Saturday's attack on Douma in the Damascus suburbs, and expresses "outrage that individuals continue to be killed and injured by chemical weapons" in Syria and "determination that those responsible must be held accountable." (Read more)
- Lord, we thank You for the strength of Nikki Haley and ask that You stand beside her as she fights the good fight at the UN. We pray against the agendas of anti-Israeli influence and ask that this chemical attack have strong consequences.
- "But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked shall be cut off." (Psalm 37:38)
3. McCain: Trump Emboldened Assad to Use Chemical Weapons - Newsmax
President Donald Trump's recent talk of withdrawing American troops from Syria emboldened Syrian President Bashar Assad to apparently launch another chemical attack, Sen. John McCain said on Sunday.
The Arizona Republican, who is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released a statement that "President Trump last week signaled to the world that the United States would prematurely withdraw from Syria. Bashar Assad and his Russian and Iranian backers have heard him, and emboldened by American inaction, Assad has reportedly launched another chemical attack against innocent men, women and children."
McCain said that Trump should respond militarily, as he did last year following a report of a similar attack by Assad's forces. (Read more)
- Father God, Senator John McCain has his opinions, and You have Your truth. We cast down any words this man is speaking that would detract from, or challenge, the authority of the President of the United States, and we ask that he be judged accordingly by Your Throne of Grace, amen.
- "He frustrates the plotting of the shrewd,
So that their hands cannot attain success.
He captures the wise by their own shrewdness,
And the advice of the cunning is quickly thwarted." (Job 5:12,13)
4. [Second report] McCain: Assad 'emboldened' by Trump signaling Syria withdraw - The Hill
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on Sunday lamented that President Trump's recent talk of withdrawing U.S. troops from Syria appears to have "emboldened" Syrian President Bashar Assad following a reported chemical weapons attack on Saturday.
"President Trump last week signaled to the world that the United States would prematurely withdraw from Syria. Bashar Assad and his Russian and Iranian backers have heard him, and emboldened by American inaction, Assad has reportedly launched another chemical attack against innocent men, women and children, this time in Douma," McCain said in a statement.
He added that Trump should respond militarily, as he did following a similar report last year. "President Trump was quick to call out Assad today, along with the Russian and Iranian governments, on Twitter," McCain said. "The question now is whether he will do anything about it. The President responded decisively when Assad used chemical weapons last year. He should do so again, and demonstrate that Assad will pay a price for his war crimes." (Read more)
- Lord, we begin to wonder what John McCain's ultimate goal is with constant slamming the President and then urging him to act. We ask that any hidden thing in Sen. McCain's agenda be revealed for all to see.
- "Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known." (Matthew 10:26)
5. US said to confirm Israel hit Syria base, as Russia complains it was not warned - Times of Israel
Moscow expresses 'cause for concern' since Russian military advisers could have been present; US officials say Jerusalem updated Washington ahead of time US officials have reportedly confirmed that Israel carried out a predawn missile strike on an air base in central Syria that reportedly killed 14 people on Monday, while Russia protested that it had not been informed ahead of time.
NBC News quoted two US officials as saying that Israel had carried out the strike, adding that Washington had been informed in advance. Israel has refused to comment on the attack.
However, the Kremlin angrily protested that it had not been told. Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, told reporters that Israel had not spoken to Moscow ahead of the airstrike even though Russian military advisers could have been present at the base, which he described as "a cause for concern for us."(Read more)
- Father, we do thank You for the swift action by the Israeli government to respond to the horrors in Damascus with these air strikes. Thank You, too, that President Trump is supporting Israel 100% in this hour. Amen.
- " . . . I will bless those who bless you . . . " (Gen. 12:3a)
6. After Syria strike, Netanyahu says Israel will hit all those who seek to harm it - Times of Israel
Without directly addressing the predawn attack, PM says 'we have a simple rule: If someone tries to attack you - rise up and attack him'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel will hit anyone who intends to harm the country, appearing to indirectly refer to a predawn missile strike on an air base in central Syria that reportedly killed 14 people, which has been blamed on Israel.
Israel refused to comment directly on the attack, after Russia and Syria blamed the Jewish state. NBC News quoted two US officials as saying that Israel had carried out the strike, adding that Washington was informed in advance.
Netanyahu, was in the southern town of Sderot during the signing of am agreement on a housing project. Sderot is a frequent target of rockets from nearby Gaza. (Read more)
- Father God, we have always admired the wisdom of the Israelis. May their wisdom guide our wisdom, amen.
- "But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes ' or 'No, no'; anything beyond these is of evil." (Matthew 5:7)
7. Some Thoughts from CHPP, and a Prayer Request
Dear Friends,
As we watch this situation suddenly unfold in Syria and in the Middle East, we are as puzzled as you probably are. . .
Why would Assad gas people when the US was about to pull its troops? we ask . . . This entire scenario makes no sense, so we must go to the Father, who knows and understands it all, to ask for His divine help as the U.S. forges a response to this horrible turn of events. We humbly submit the following prayer request to you now, trusting that we can pray in agreement with its intent. Thank you.
- Lord God, as President Trump rests in his bed tonight, we ask that You would impart to him Your wisdom in this matter. We know that You will turn all of this to good, as we trust You to do this. Father, prevent our President from falling into any snares or traps that have been set before him, and cause him to find a new strategy that will be peace to this troubled region. We ask in Your name, amen.
- "In a dream, a vision of the night,
When sound sleep falls on men,
While they slumber in their beds,
Then He opens the ears of men,
And seals their instruction . . ."
(Job 33:15,16)
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Focus on Israel
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1. Residents of Jerusalem neighborhood petition High Court against US Embassy - Times of Israel
A group of residents whose homes overlook the American consulate in Jerusalem submitted a petition to the High Court on Sunday against plans to open the new US Embassy there on May 14.
Those living in the quiet Arnona neighborhood in south Jerusalem already have to put up with bright security lights around the compound and increased security patrols. But thanks to the finance minister's waiving last month of planning rules, the current fence around the compound that still allows residents to enjoy the sweeping views eastwards to the desert is to be replaced by a more than four meter (13 foot) high solid stone wall, according to a report by Hadashot television news.
(Read more)
2. IDF launches artillery barrage on Gaza terrorists - Israel National News
Terrorists operating from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip approached Israeli forces along the border with Gaza Sunday afternoon, prompting the IDF to launch an artillery barrage on terrorist positions in the Strip.
The incident occurred after several armed terrorists on the Israel-Gaza frontier crossed the Gaza security fence and entered Israeli territory. In response, IDF forces fired at least seven artillery shells at the terrorists who had fired upon the Israeli unit. It is unclear if there were any casualties as a result of the Israeli artillery fire.
Initial reports claimed that the terrorists had opened fire on an IDF engineering unit. The IDF confirmed reports by Gaza media outlets regarding the artillery fire, saying that the fire was directed at three terrorists, but denied claims that an IDF unit had come under fire.
(Read more)
3. Amid Gaza unrest, Jeremy Corbyn calls for UK to review arms sales to Israel -Times of Israel
UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called Saturday for Britain to review its arms sales to Israel amid a series of escalating events along the Gaza border in which some 27 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire during violent protests and attempts to breach the fence. In a statement read out at a demonstration supporting the Palestinians in the coastal enclave, Corbyn slammed the "silence from the international powers" and said the UK must investigate the latest "illegal and inhumane" incidents carried out by the Israel Defense Forces there.
"The UK government must support the UN Secretary-General's call for an independent international inquiry into the killing of protesters in Gaza and review the sale of arms that could be used in violation of international law," Corbyn said in his statement, which he also posted to Facebook.
(Read more)
4. Report: Israel Notified US Ahead of Syrian Airstrike - Algemeiner
Israel reportedly informed the United States in advance of its airstrike in Syria early Monday morning, two American officials told NBC News. While the Israel Defense Forces has not confirmed it was behind the airstrike, both Russia and Syria have blamed Israel for the military attack on the T-4 base in Homs province, which reportedly killed 14 people. Notably, the Kremlin said that Israel did not notify Russia ahead of the airstrike on the Syrian base.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said that Israel did not notify Russia of the attack, calling Israel's actions "a cause for concern." Following Russia's full-scale entry into the Syria civil war in 2015, both countries set up a mechanism to coordinate military actions in the country in order to avoid accidentally trading fire.
(Read more)
5. Israel's Chief Rabbi: Jews Have 'Moral Obligation' to End Syrian Genocide - Algemeiner
Israel's Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef declared that Israel has a "moral obligation" to intervene in what he called a genocide being committed against the people of Syria by President Bashar Assad.
Viral images of toddlers and young children receiving emergency medical aid, inhalers and oxygen treatments have raised an international outcry against the use of chemical weapons by Assad in his protracted war against insurgents who currently control the city of Douma northeast of Damascus. As many as 150 people were killed in the latest chemical weapons attack, with hundreds more injured. First responders have accused Assad of targeting the Douma hospital with a poisonous chlorine bomb and said that whole families were found dead with dilated pupils and foam at their mouths.
"I have said in the past and I will say it again, what's happening in Syria is genocide of women and children in its cruelest form, using weapons of mass destruction," Yosef said in a statement. "We have a moral obligation not to keep quiet and to try and stop this massacre."
(Read more)
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The Daily Brief
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1. Trump Tower fire: One dead, four New York City firefighters hurt - USA Today
Crews responded Saturday evening to a fire at Trump Tower in New York that killed one man and injured four firefighters, city officials said.
Todd Brassner, 67, who was in the apartment, was taken to a hospital and died a short time later, the New York Police Department said. An investigation is under way.
Four firefighters also were injured as they battled the blaze on the 50th floor, including two who were burned. Their injuries are not life threatening, according to New York City Fire Department officials.
The fire started in a large apartment on the 50th floor, and when firefighters responded about 5:30 p.m. ET, the entire unit was engulfed, said Daniel Nigro, commissioner of the New York City Fire Department. (Read more)
- Lord, we are thankful that this fire wasn't more deadly than it was, and ask that You touch the hearts of the family of Todd Blassner. We thank You also that the President was not at Trump Tower when the fire erupted. We pray for the firefighters who were injured, and ask that You grant wisdom to those who can prevent such a situation from occurring again.
- "The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge." (Proverbs 22:12a)
2. President Trump Wants to Send Up to 4,000 National Guard Members to the Mexican Border - Time
President Donald Trump said Thursday that he wants to send between 2,000 and 4,000 National Guard members to the U.S.-Mexico border to help federal officials fight illegal immigration and drug trafficking, but it wasn't clear who would be called up or if they would even be allowed to carry guns.
Trump's comments to reporters on Air Force One were his first estimate on guard levels he believes are needed for border protection. It is lower than the 6,400 National Guard members that former President George Bush sent to the border between 2006 and 2008.
Trump said his administration is looking into the cost of sending the troops to the border and added "we'll probably keep them or a large portion of them until the wall is built." (Read more)
- Father, we ask that our leadership have the wisdom and resources to stem the tide of illegal immigration. Let us be safe from those who would harm us or destroy our way of life.
- "Some remove the landmarks; They seize and devour flocks." (Job 24:2)
3. Man Arrested For Threatening To Murder Congressman Bob Goodlatte - Daily Wire
On Friday, the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Western District of Virginia announced the arrest of a Roanoke man accused of threatening to murder Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte (VA) over social media. The USAO charged 38-year-old Christopher Michael McGowan with "one count of making a threatening communication through interstate commerce," according to a statement from the Department of Justice.
"Federal law criminalizes threatening communications made through the internet or a telephone, and these types of threats are not protected by the First Amendment," U.S. Attorney Cullen said in the statement. "As this case indicates, our office will act swiftly to address threats of gun violence." (Read more)
- Father we pray for the safety of Congressman Goodlatte. We take authority over the spirit of murder that seeks to take out all of our Legislators to put in place the agenda of evil, and declare that their plans will be thwarted and no harm shall come to any.
- "No weapon formed against you shall prosper." (Isaiah 54:17)
4. Retiring GOP lawmakers cut loose on Trump - The Hill
Few Republicans in Washington are willing to go head-to-head with President Trump, but there is one band of GOP members willing to stand up to the leader of their own party: lawmakers who have announced their retirements.
While it's not uncommon for members to feel far more liberated on their way out the door, it has taken on a whole new meaning in the Trump era, where lawmakers are confronted daily by a never-ending stream of White House controversies.
The GOP's retirement caucus has provided some of the most biting commentary on the president in recent months, with Rep. Ryan Costello(Pa.) - the latest Republican to jump ship from Congress - even saying that his frustrations with the Trump administration helped drive him to the exit.
"I always thought I was freewheeling, but I think I've become a little bit more freewheeling," Costello told The Hill, discussing how his attitude has already shifted in the nearly two weeks since he announced his retirement. "It's a little bit less stressful."
There has been a wave of GOP retirements over the last several months, as Republican members are bracing for tough midterm elections this November. About two dozen House Republicans are retiring outright, while four GOP senators have decided to call it quits. (Read more)
- Father, we must have Godly, strong Republican members who understand truth. We pray that these retiring members will not destroy the GOP's chance of winning midterms. Once again, we ask Your intervention in our elections, moving the heart of the people to see past deception.
- "The Lord is known by the judgment He executes." (Psalm 9:16a)
5. Zuckerberg to meet with U.S. lawmakers today: sources - Reuters
Facebook Inc Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg will hold meetings with some U.S. lawmakers on Monday, a day before he is due to appear at Congressional hearings over a political consultancy's use of customer data, two congressional aides said on Sunday.
The planned meetings at Capitol Hill are expected to continue through Monday afternoon and include some lawmakers from committees before whom Zuckerberg is due to testify, said the aides, who asked not to be identified because the meetings have not been made public.
Facebook declined to comment.
Zuckerberg is scheduled to appear before a joint hearing of the U.S. Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees on Tuesday and the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday.
Facebook has come under fire in recent weeks after it said that the personal information of up to 87 million users, mostly in the United States, may have been improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. (Read more)
- Father, this 'database' is concerning to all of us, since it talks about the "sentiment" of journalists and bloggers, how they write, who they write for, etc. We pray against this plan, and ask that You protect our Constitution and the rights enumerated in it.
- "Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation. Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!" (Psalm 43:1)
6. Department Of Homeland Security Compiling Database Of Journalists And 'Media Influencers' - Forbes
In today's installment of "I'm Not Terrified, You Are," Bloomberg Government reports on a FedBizOpps.gov posting by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with the relatively benign-sounding subject "Media Monitoring Services."
The details of the attached Statement of Work, however, outline a plan to gather and monitor the public activities of media professionals and influencers and are enough to cause nightmares of constitutional proportions, particularly as the freedom of the press is under attack worldwide.
And "attack" is not hyperbolic. Every day, journalists face serious consequences including physical violence, imprisonment and death. A few days ago, the Committee to Protect Journalists launched its annual Free The Press campaign to raise awareness about imprisoned journalists throughout the world. On May 3, UNESCO will once again mark World Press Freedom Day "to inform citizens of violations of press freedom - a reminder that in dozens of countries around the world, publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered." (Read more)
- Father, we pray that Facebook would be reformed from its wickedness. Though the platform is good for some things, the constant censorship and "data collection" is deadly to Conservatives who love You.
- "Turn at My reproof; Surely I will pour out My Spirit on you; I will make My words known to you. Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out My hand and no one regarded." (Proverbs 1:23,24)
7. Has the California backlash against liberal craziness finally begun? - Fox News
In a state consumed by conservation and environmental issues, one highly endangered species has long gone unnoticed and unprotected - the California Conservative. Is it still possible to rescue them from the brink of extinction? Can their numbers be revived? And can they thrive here once again?
While the nation continues to view California as a homogeneous voting block of individuals in lock step with an increasingly progressive liberal agenda, for Common Sense Californians up and down the left coast state, there's a sense that a different tide is rising. The ripple began in Los Alamitos where the city council voted to opt out of California's sanctuary law. And it was followed by Orange County who voted to join the U.S. Department of Justice in challenging the state's sanctuary city laws. This decision was echoed by the city of Escondido and later this month San Diego County will also vote to join their ranks in this federal lawsuit. Other municipalities are lining up to consider doing the same. (Read more)
- Lord, we pray that more and more people in California will rise up and take their state back. Grant them truth and strength in their task.
- "Now I will arise, says the Lord; I will set him in the safety for which he yearns." (Psalm 12:5b,c)
8. Air Force: Colonel had religious right to refuse signing same-sex spouse appreciation letter - Stars and Stripes
The Air Force has affirmed the religious rights of a colonel who claimed he was wrongly disciplined for refusing to sign a certificate of appreciation for the same-sex spouse of one of his airmen last year.
The Air Force said that Col. Leland Bohannon "had the right to exercise his sincerely held religious beliefs and did not unlawfully discriminate when he declined to sign the certificate," according to a letter sent Monday by Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson to members of Congress who supported Bohannon.
"The Air Force has a duty to treat people fairly and without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, or sexual orientation and (Bohannon) met that duty by having a more senior officer sign the certificate," Wilson said.
First Liberty Institute, the religious liberties group representing Bohannon, announced the decision Monday on its website, posting the letter from Wilson to Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Mo. (Read more)
- Father, we are in a war for truth and Your ways. We ask that You move over America, to rid us of the sin that has flooded our society.
- "The cords of the wicked have bound me, but I have not forgotten Your law." (Psalm 119:61)
9. Advocacy group pushes Navy to remove Bible from Okinawa POW/MIA display - Stars and Stripes
A nonprofit group dedicated to safeguarding servicemembers' constitutional right to religious freedom has lodged a formal complaint with the Navy after a Bible was spotted in a POW/MIA "Missing Man" table display at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa.
The complaint was filed Thursday by the New York-based Law Office of Donald Rehkopf Jr. on behalf of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation and 26 families on Okinawa.
The complaint - addressed to Navy Medicine West commander Rear Adm. Paul Pearigen - demands the immediate removal of the Bible from the hospital galley display, the immediate removal of accompanying written materials that describe the United States as being "founded as one nation under God," a Japanese translation of these materials and an independent investigation into who put up the display, as well as "appropriate disciplinary measures" for those responsible.
The complainants include sailors, Marines and Department of Defense civilian employees stationed on the island, MRFF founder and president Mikey Weinstein said Friday. (Read more)
- Father, we repent on bended knee for the actions of people like Mikey Weinstein, who are exceedingly deceived about what "freedom of religion" really means. WE pray the power of the Holy Spirit against this action, and for You to return our military to a Godly institution.
- "May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks proud things, who have said, With our tongue we will prevail; our lips are our own; who is lord over us?" (Psalm 12:3,4)
10. Iran hit by global cyber attack that left U.S. flag on screens - Reuters
Hackers have attacked networks in a number of countries including data centers in Iran where they left the image of a U.S. flag on screens along with a warning: "Don't mess with our elections", the Iranian IT ministry said on Saturday.
"The attack apparently affected 200,000 router switches across the world in a widespread attack, including 3,500 switches in our country," the Communication and Information Technology Ministry said in a statement carried by Iran's official news agency IRNA.
The statement said the attack, which hit internet service providers and cut off web access for subscribers, was made possible by a vulnerability in routers from Cisco which had earlier issued a warning and provided a patch that some firms had failed to install over the Iranian new year holiday. (Read more)
- Lord, we pray for a mighty move of Your Spirit over those who conducted this cyberattack and over all those who were targeted in it. And may they get the message about leaving our elections alone.
- "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." (Ezekiel 36:27)
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The Daily Jot
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Monday, April 9, 2018
I can only imagine
I could count on one hand the number of movies I've paid to see over the last five years. I don't like what Hollywood produces and what the actors stand for. To me, many are un-American and their craft portrays a world of bad things on steroids. My movie watching is by extreme selection usually in the privacy of my home. I like the older works-like pre-1970. My favorite, though, is "Remember the Titans." Maybe "Gone with the Wind" is a close second. It's difficult for me to remember movies and I have a hard time recognizing actors. I guess it just doesn't matter enough to me. There was, however, a movie that we went to see over the weekend, and I actually paid to see it, that I can strongly recommend.
Many of you may remember the song "I Can Only Imagine." The lyrics are: "I can only imagine What it would be like When I walk by your side I can only imagine What my eyes would see When your face is before me I can only imagine I can only imagine Surrounded by your glory What will my heart feel Will I dance for you Jesus Or in awe of You be still Will I stand in your presence To my knees will I fall Will I sing hallelujah Will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine I can only imagine I can only imagine When that day comes When I find myself Standing in the Son I can only imagine When all I will do Is forever, forever worship you I can only imagine I can only imagine."
It's a MercyMe song written by Bart Millard. The Movie, "I Can Only Imagine," takes viewers on the journey of Bart Millard's life, of which the ingredients were mixed to bring him to a moment when he penned the words to the three time platinum song. Amy Grant played by Nicole DuPort was going to record the song and she was talking to Millard about how long it took to write it. Millard, played by J. Michael Finley, told her it only took about ten minutes and the music took about the same amount of time. She said that she believed a song like that took a lifetime to write. From there, we learn the story behind the song and Millard's life of abuse, abandonment, soul-searching, and reconciliation.
This is a compelling story. The acting is very good. The filmography is very good. It was produced on a $7 million budget and Variety.com reports that the movie grossed over $15 million the first weekend it was released. It has already grossed over $59 million, according to moviedguide.org. This means that a lot of people are seeing it. This is a story of how the relationship of a son and a father is restored through the redemptive powers of Jesus Christ. We can all relate to it in one way or another. It doesn't twist the gospel. It stays true to its intent. It's not preachy, it's real. Jesus said in Matthew 6:14, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." "I Can Only Imagine" addresses forgiveness in a way that can be an example to us all. You'll be blessed if you see it.
Have a blessed and powerful day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
> > > A note from the editor: WE AGREE!
If you have not yet seen "I Can Only Imagine," please do so soon, while this movie is still being shown in theatres across the nation. God is good!
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THANK YOU!
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This Week:
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners Celebrates 24 Years on Capitol Hill!
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT OVER THESE MANY, MANY YEARS!
Dear Friends,
24 years ago today (Tuesday, April 11, 1994), our Lord set in place a daily prayer watch in the Halls of Congress which, by His grace, still stands today!
Hidden in Christ on Capitol Hill, we are the Capitol Hill Prayer Partners.
Every day of every week, when Congress is in session, one of our Prayer Partners visits the Hill to pray over ALL in authority -- Democrats, Republicans and others who are "in between -- without reference to political persuasion.
Instead, because Christ died for all . . . we pray for all, according to 1 Timothy 2:1-4. It is written:
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
. . . the vision or the birth of this ministry was actually given to me (Sara Ballenger) on Thursday night, February 24, 1994, after I had gone to Congress to pray -- for ONE day -- for the passage of HR6: an amendment to a bill that, if passed, would have spared our homeschooling families the burden of needless new restrictions upon their right to "train up their children in the way they should go." A huge victory was won that day when, against overwhelming odds, HR6 was PASSED by a vote of 374 YEA; and 53 NAY.
After my time on the Hill, I continued with my "normal" schedule: feeding my family and then traveling to the home of an international student where I was giving lessons in English. And then the miracle happened:
As I drove home, our Lord caught me up in a vision! I was "back in the Visitor's Gallery in the House of Representatives" praying for the legislators who were working below. I "knew" then that Abba was calling there to be a presence for Him, whenever they were at work! I also "knew" that this was to be a team effort: one saint, each week and each day.
The rest of this amazing story is now history, and cannot be told here. However, if any of you would like to hear "the rest of the news" about the birth and the story of CHPP, I would be delighted to tell you more! Just send me an email at chpp1994@gmail.com and include your own name, address and phone number, and I'll get back to you.
SUMMARY
Step One: Praying on Capitol Hill, 2/24/94
Step Two: God gives the vision to begin this work (same day)
Step Three: We receive the blessing of Senate Chaplain Richard C. Halverson to begin this work on the Hill.
Step Four: We bring our "boots on the ground" when Congress returns from Easter recess: Tuesday, April 11th, 1994.
Step Five: In June that year, we begin faxing out our weekly prayer bulletin, "On Capitol Hill This Week." (There were no emails back then, and we prayed over our fax machine each week, that it would work!) The first edition was sent to 20 others.
Step Six: In the summer of 2008 (coincidentally when Barack Obama was running against Senator John McCain for the presidency), the burden of the Lord to offer prayer for our nation grew heavier. We then switched over to DAILY alerts: called "The Daily Brief." (We chose to ignore social media to promote this work, simply inviting friends to tell friends we are here.)
Step Seven: THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IS . . . YOU! Thank you ALL (now almost 5,000 intercessors) for your own support in prayer and in giving for all these many years.
Without you, we would not be here today!
And now . . . A GIFT FOR YOU!
Recently, "out of nowhere!", one of our prayer partners sent us a HUGE SURPRISE
- a compilation of the many verses we have referenced over the years on our alerts! THANK YOU, Richard, for doing this!
As our anniversary gift to you, we are making this prayer resource available to you today online. Just follow this link, and you will find this very valuable prayer resource. Amen!
> > > Please note that this PDF file is 39 pages long! WOW!
And finally . . . another gift . . . if requested
CHPP recently had a lovely celebration in honor of our 24 years of standing as watchmen on the wall. A member of our Board of Directors, Eric Teitelman, captured the occasion on a stunning video, which we would like to share with you.
If you are one who would like to view our video, please send me your email address and we will happily forward this to you!
Again, my email address is: chpp1994@gmail.com
And now . . . to GOD be the Glory!
Great things He has done!
Amen and amen and . . . shalom . . .
Sara C. Ballenger, Founder and President
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP) is a 501(c)(3), tax- exempt, faith-based, ministry, dedicated to praying for our leaders (1 Tim. 2:1,2). Contributions may be sent to: Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, P.O. Box 5152, Herndon, VA 20172- 1970.
Our tax ID number is: 54-1722343.
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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
THE LORD'S PRAYER
"Our Father Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." (Luke 11:2)
THE LORD'S PRAYER
"Our Father Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." (Luke 11:2)
Lyrics
Our Father, who art in Heaven,
Hallowèd be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil,
For Thine is the kingdom
And the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.
Melody
Go . . . here . . .
About the Author:
Words: Matthew 6:9-13
Melody:Lowell Mason, 1841
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Signs and Wonders
Mysterious sunstones in medieval Viking texts could really have worked
A new study says Vikings could have used these stones to navigate to Greenland.
When the Vikings first sailed to Greenland in the late 10th century, they didn't have compasses to guide them; that technology wouldn't reach Europe until the late 16th century. So how did they do it? A new computer simulation says an unusual method mentioned in an eight- or nine-hundred-year-old Icelandic saga would have been precise enough to get Viking ships safely to Greenland.
"The Viking legends (so-called sagas) refer to mysterious tools, sunstones, with which they could determine the position of the invisible Sun in cloudy or foggy weather," archaeologist Gabor Horvath told Ars Technica.
In The Saga of King Olaf, the titular king-who ruled Norway from 955-1030, around the time the Vikings settled Greenland-visits a chieftain in a remote part of the country to investigate some cattle thefts. There, he spends the night in a strange rotating house and has a strange dream, which the chieftain's sons interpret as a vision of the kings who would succeed Olaf as rulers of Norway. One part of the text describes a stone that allows the king to peer through dense clouds and snow to determine the position of the Sun:
"The weather was thick and snowy as Sigurður had predicted. Then the king summoned Sigurður and Dagur (Rauðúlfur's sons) to him. The king made people look out and they could nowhere see a clear sky. Then he asked Sigurður to tell where the Sun was at that time. He gave a clear assertion. Then the king made them fetch the solar stone and held it up and saw where light radiated from the stone and thus directly verified Sigurður's prediction."
That sounds a bit like a magic trick, but objects called solar stones or sunstones also show up in church inventories from Iceland. An archaeologist named Thorvild Ramskou suggested that the seemingly mystical stones might actually have been mundane navigational instruments for determining the position of the Sun, though at the time he wasn't exactly sure how they worked. Archaeologists and historians now think the Viking solar stones might actually have been a mineral called calcite, or Icelandic spar, which has a crystal structure that polarizes light. (Arstechnica.com) Read more here.
"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
"Sex-Ed Sit Out": Frustrated Parents World-Wide Will Pull Their Kids Out of School on April 23 in Protest
"Why are our tax dollars going to pay for curriculums and resources that teach dangerous and promiscuous behaviors which most parents find morally abhorrent and the CDC has stated are a health risk?" -Elizabeth Johnston
A grassroots movement of frustrated public-school parents who want to end the sexualization of their children during class time has turned their frustration to action with a "Sex Ed Sit Out" protest on April 23.
The protest, launched by a few moms on social media who were troubled by the graphic nature of current sex education resources in schools, has grown into a global movement with protests being held in multiple U.S. cities and also Australia and the UK . . .
Caryl Ayala, a former public-school teacher and organizer of the Austin, Texas, protest, said, "We are uniting with parents across the globe to demand that our rights as parents be respected regarding the teaching of sexuality and sexual orientation. Hands off our kids!" [Lifesitenews.com] Read more here.
Father thank You that these parents have had enough and are taking action regarding the education of their children. We speak a blessing on their efforts. Amen.
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Worship With Us Today!
Healing Love - Julie True
To worship with us today, please 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
