Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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The Daily Brief
"Praying for All in Authority"
Thursday, April 12, 2018
"The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone."
(Psalm 118:22)
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"Standing United Together . . . Under the Cross of Christ"
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Syria in the News
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Syria in the News
1. White House: Syria strike decision not yet made - Al Arabiya
US President Donald Trump considers Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and his Russian ally responsible for a suspected chemical attack in rebel-held Douma and is still mulling a response, the White House said on Wednesday. "The president holds Assad and the Russians responsible for the attack," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters. "All options are on the table," Sanders said when asked about a potential US riposte. "Final decisions have not been made on that front."
Trump earlier on Wednesday warned that "missiles will be coming" in response to the alleged chemical atrocity in Syria. White House said President Trump has not laid out a timetable on possible Syria action and that he is leaving a number of options on Syria besides a missile strike. White House also said air strike mentioned on Trump tweet was one option for Syria action. White House said Russia has proven to be a bad actor but the US hopes that will change, and said Russia failed at guaranteeing Syria would get rid of chemical weapons. President Trump's national security team met to discuss the US response to the Syrian government's apparent use of chemical weapons on its own people. Sanders said Vice President Mike Pence chaired the meeting Wednesday afternoon. Opposition activists and rescuers say at least 40 people were killed in Saturday's deadly attack in Douma. A Kremlin spokesman has said claims of a chemical weapons attack were fabricated. (Read more)
- Father, we continue to lift up President Trump and pray he will receive accurate intelligence information and have Your wisdom to decide if, when and how to respond to the Syrian crisis.
- Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they are established and succeed. (Proverbs 15:22)
2. European airlines warned of possible Syria strike within 72 hours - Times of Israel; 4/11/18
European airspace authorities are warning aircraft to be careful over the next days when flying close to Syria because of possible military action against President Bashar Assad's forces.
The Eurocontrol airspace organization said that the European Aviation Safety Agency had sent a "Rapid Alert Notification" that flight operations needed to consider the possibility of air or missile strikes into Syria. US officials have consulted with global allies on a possible joint military response to Syria's alleged poison gas attack on a rebel-held town.
In a notice posted to Eurocontrol's website, EASA said: "Due to the possible launch of air strikes into Syria with air-to-ground and/or cruise missiles within the next 72 hours, and the possibility of intermittent disruption of radio navigation equipment, due consideration needs to be taken."
The US maintained the threat of missile strikes Wednesday in response to alleged chemical attacks in Syria, despite the risk of triggering a head-on clash with Damascus ally Russia. (Read more)
- Father God, we do thank You that advance notice has now been given about this possible strike, so that innocent civilians can prepare accordingly. Amen.
- " . . . there is a time for war . . ." (Ecclesiastes 3:8)
3. Russia says tracking U.S. naval movements towards Syria - Jerusalem Post
The Russian military said on Wednesday it was closely watching the situation around Syria and was aware of the movements of a US naval strike force headed for the Gulf.
The US Navy said on Tuesday that the strike group, headed by the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, would set sail for the Middle East and Europe on Wednesday.
The Russian military said the US strike force was due to arrive in the Middle East at the start of May. "We are attentively tracking the situation unfolding around Syria and in the whole region," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. (Read more)
- Father God, as the tension continues to escalate in this volatile region of the world, we continue to lift up our President, that he may be given Your wisdom in this hour, and we continue to pray that Your will shall be done in this matter. In Your name, amen.
- "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven . . ."
(Matthew 6:10)
4. Syrian troops on alert amid fear of US strike after gas attack - Times of Israel
Syrian government forces and their allies are on alert and taking precautionary measures at military bases and posts across the country amid fears of a US strike in the aftermath of a chemical weapons attack, Syrian war monitors said Tuesday.
The measures come as US President Donald Trump is threatening an imminent military strike against Syria, vowing to respond "forcefully" to Saturday's apparent chemical weapons attack on civilians near Damascus and warning that Russia - or any other nation found to share responsibility - will "pay a price."
Syrian opposition activists said 40 people died in Saturday night's chemical attack in the town of Douma, the last remaining rebel bastion just outside of the Syrian capital, Damascus. The opposition blamed President Bashar Assad's forces for the attack, accusations the government and its Russian backers strongly deny. (Read more)
- Father God, we ask that Your grace would rest upon the innocent civilians who live in Damascus, that they may get out of the way before these strikes come. Amen.
- "See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins."
(Isaiah 17:1)
5. Prepared for a conflict with Russia, Israel is pushing Trump to take action in Syria - Ynet News
Israel is escalating the diplomatic conflict with Russia and publicly standing by the United States concerning the chemical weapons used by Syrian President Bashar Assad against his own citizens. Jerusalem's aggressive approach is reflected in a statement released by the Foreign Ministry shortly before 11 pm Monday, in which Israel ruled unequivocally that Assad and his regime had used chemical weapons against civilians on Sunday.
The delayed Israeli response is based on the results of a thorough examination by the Military Intelligence Directorate. The examination's findings revealed in an unequivocal manner that chemical warfare agents-likely nerve gas-were indeed used in the city of Douma in addition to chlorine, which usually isn't lethal.
Furthermore, the Military Intelligence Directorate findings point to an ongoing production and development of chemical weapons by Syria, despite Russia's 2013 commitment not to allow the Assad regime to produce and use chemical weapons.
The Foreign Ministry statement is aimed at supporting US President Donald Trump, who is accusing Russia together with French President Emmanuel Macron of protecting and backing Assad as he uses chemical weapons against his citizens. The Israeli statement provides an intelligence confirmation of the fact that Assad is using chemical weapons, which has been strongly denied by the Kremlin. (Read more here - important!)
- Father, we thank You that the Israelis have now proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that chemical weapons were used in the attack last weekend. We stand by Israel as she moves to protect her own citizens now from a possible chemical attack by Syria. In Your Name, amen.
- "And he will be our peace
when the Assyrians invade our land
and march through our fortresses.
He will deliver us from the Assyrians
when they invade our land
and march across our borders."
(Micah 5: 5,6)
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Focus on Israel
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1. Iran threatens Israel over Syria strike - Times of Israel
A top adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened Israel Tuesday over a deadly airstrike in Syria attributed to the Israeli military. "The crimes will not remain unanswered," Ali Akbar Velayati said during a visit to Syria, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency.
Earlier in the day, Iranian media reported that seven members of the country's military were killed in the strike, out of at least 14 reported fatalities.
(Read more)
2. Israeli military on high alert amid Iran threats to avenge Syria strike - Times of Israel
Israel's military has been put on high alert amid heightened tensions along the northern border and with Iran threatening to avenge an airstrike on a Syrian air base believed to have killed at least 14 people, including 7 Iranian military personnel.
Russia, Syria, Iran and the United States have all said Israel carried out the predawn Monday missile barrage on the T-4 Air Base near Palmyra in central Syria. Israeli officials refused to comment on the strike. On Tuesday, a top adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened Israel.
(Read more)
3. Senior Security Officials: If Iran Acts Against Israel, We'll Topple Assad - Jerusalem Post
If the Iranians act against Israel from Syrian territory, Syrian President Bashar Assad and his regime will be those that pay the price."
That is the clear message from senior officials in the Israeli defense establishment and IDF after the top adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called a strike on the Syrian T-4 air base "Israel's crime" and said the alleged act would "not remain without response."
"Assad's regime and Assad himself will disappear from the map and the world if the Iranians do try to harm Israel or its interests from Syrian territory," said senior officials in the defense establishment.
(Read more)
4. Israeli ambassador summoned to Kremlin after alleged Israeli attack on Syrian airbase - Jerusalem Online
Russia's deputy foreign minister, Mikhail Bogdanov, said on Tuesday that Israeli envoy to Moscow Gary Koren was summoned to the Kremlin. The Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed the report but clarified that the situation in Syria will not be the only topic discussed. As reported by JOL yesterday, the Russian military claims that two Israeli jets carried out the pre-dawn airstrike on Syria's T-4 airbase. Syrian media outlets, which originally attributed the attack to the US, have also claimed that Israel was behind the attack.
Out of the 14 people who were killed, seven were Iranian nationals, an Iranian news agency claimed Tuesday. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied that it was behind the attack. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday evening that Israel takes preemptive action against anyone who attempts to harm it, apparently alluding to the reports.
(Read more)
5. IAF attacks Hamas compound in Gaza - Israel National News
IAF fighter jets on Wednesday night targeted a terror target in a Hamas military compound in Northern Gaza.
The air strike was in response to an explosive device that was placed under the guise of the riots and detonated against an IDF engineering vehicle on Wednesday morning.
"The Hamas terror organization is accountable for all occurrences originating from the Gaza Strip and the IDF will not allow Hamas to turn the security fence parameter into a combat zone," said the IDF Spokesperson's Unit.
Shortly after the air strike, "Red Alert" incoming rocket sirens were sounded twice in the Shaar Hanegev and Sdot Negev Regional Councils of southern Israel.
(Read more)
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The Daily Brief: Part One
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1. Paul Ryan Retiring So He Won't Have to be a 'Weekend Dad' to Teenage Kids - CNS News
Saying he doesn't want to be known as a "weekend dad," House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) announced that this, his 20th year in Congress, will be his last. He's retiring in January. Ryan said the job of Speaker is a "big job with a lot riding on you, and you feel it." And while the job is "fleeting," and he took it reluctantly, Ryan said he has given it "everything I have," and he has "no regrets whatsoever" for taking on the responsibility. "This has been one of the two greatest honors of my life," Ryan said. "The job provides incredible opportunities. But the truth is, it's easy for it to take over everything in your life. And you can't just let that happen. Because there are other things in life that can be fleeting as well -- namely, your time as a husband and a dad, which is the other great honor of my life. That's why today I am announcing that this year will be my last one as a member of the House. To be clear, I am not resigning...but I will be retiring in January, leaving this majority in good hands with what I believe is a very bright future."
Ryan said he has "great confidence" in the Republican leadership team, which includes Reps. Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) and Steve Scalise (La.) who are said to be vying for the Speaker's gavel, if Republicans can hold the House in November. Ryan said the midterm election -- and the possibility that he might not retain the speakership after that -- did not factor into his retirement decision "at all." Nor did President Trump's leadership style. "I'm grateful to the president for giving us this opportunity to do big things to get this country on the right track." After Ryan's announcement, President Trump tweeted: "Speaker Paul Ryan is a truly good man, and while he will not be seeking re-election, he will leave a legacy of achievement that nobody can question. We are with you Paul!" (Read more)
- Father, we thank You for Speaker Ryan and pray You would bless him as he leaves his position. We ask for Your mercy, once again, to rest upon our nation by giving us Godly leadership and representation in the 116th Congress.
- Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His lovingkindness, to deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name. (Psalm 33:18-21)
2. Key Republicans warn Christopher Wray, Rod Rosenstein in danger of contempt of Congress, impeachment - Washington Examiner
Key Republicans are warning that top officials at the Justice Department could be held in contempt of Congress, and possibly face impeachment, as the agency still has not provided Congress documents demanded by lawmakers. House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows, R-N.C., told reporters Tuesday evening that some lawmakers are "seriously considering" contempt of Congress. Meadows has repeatedly griped about the Justice Department's failure to fully comply with a subpoena and hand over 1.2 million documents related to three investigations looking into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's private email server, potential abuses of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and the firing of former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe last month.
The Justice Department has picked a U.S. attorney in Chicago as the official to oversee the production of troves of documents to Republican lawmakers - something President Trump has pressured the agency to do immediately. The move comes less than two weeks after the FBI revealed it was doubling the number of staff handling the request from House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va. Meanwhile, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., has railed against the Justice Department for so far defying his demands for them to produce an unredacted version of the two-page document used to formally begin the federal investigation into alleged collusion between Russia and Trump campaign. During an interview Tuesday evening on Fox News, Nunes said not only are FBI Director Christopher Wray and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in danger of contempt of Congress, but they're also in danger of impeachment. "We are not messing around," he said. (Read more)
- Father, we pray the FBI and DOJ will comply with all requests from Chairman Nunes, giving him the unredacted copies of requested documents. We also pray his committee will be successful in determining the truth and holding our institutions accountable.
- The ungodly have done their best to throw me off track, but I'll not deviate from what you've told me to do. (Psalm 119:110)
3. Justice Department hands over Russia probe documents after impeachment threat - Washington Times
The Justice Department has handed over all of the documents requested by the House intelligence committee after a congressman threatened to impeach FBI Director Christopher Wray and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein over the delay.
A Justice Department official said the documents, which were related to the FBI's probe of the Trump campaign's contacts with Russia, were turned over Wednesday. That was just before the deadline set by Rep. Devin Nunes, California Republican and the intelligence panel chairman, had threatened to impeach Mr. Wray and Mr. Rosenstein for failing to comply with a subpoena for the documents from last August. (Read more)
- Father God, it is written: "Before you call, I will answer." We thank You that, in this case, Your Word has prevailed. Amen.
- "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear."
(Isaiah 65:24)
4. McConnell Gets Tougher on Dem Obstruction of Trump's Nominees - FreeBeacon
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, responding to frustration among GOP senators about Senate delays in confirming President Trump's nominees, is considering a more aggressive manner of confronting Democrats' obstruction and delays. The Kentucky Republican early this week sent a signal to Democrats that he would force all senators to remain in session on Friday and possibly sacrifice their weekend to confirm a slate of Trump's nominees. On Tuesday, he followed up by pledging to keep the Senate in session "as long as it takes" to clear this current slate of six nominees. The nominations, he said, have been "vetted" and their expertise is "well-known."
The six nominations up for confirmation this week include Trump's choice for a seat on the National Labor Relations Board and nominees for key posts at the Department of Labor, the Environmental Protection Agency, and two district court judges. Rank-and-file Republican senators are applauding McConnell's action, which signals a more confrontational approach with Democrats that they have been urging for months. Working through the weekend may seem like a minor sacrifice, but giving up weekends exacts a price because many vulnerable Senate Democrats need the extra time to fundraise and go home to campaign. Senate Democrats are defending 10 seats in states Trump won last cycle. Republican senators in tough reelection fights would also pay a price for the lost weekends, but most of the top Senate seats most likely to flip parties are currently occupied by Democrats. (Read more)
- Father, we pray all these qualified candidates will be confirmed quickly, giving President Trump the leadership needed to effectively govern.
- Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. (Exodus 18:21)
5. Bolton Kicks Trump's Homeland Security Advisor Out Of White House - Daily Caller
Newly ascended national security advisor John Bolton effectively fired longtime homeland security advisor Tom Bossert in a surprise move Tuesday. Bossert's resignation follows the departure of now-former Trump NSC spokesman Michael Anton Monday. An NSC source explained to The Daily Caller that Bolton needed to ensure his message was effectively communicated to President Donald Trump and that both Anton and Bossert's jobs required regular face time with him.
"The President is grateful for Tom's commitment to the safety and security of our great country," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement after the news became public. Tom led the White House's efforts to protect the homeland from terrorist threats, strengthen our cyber defenses, and respond to an unprecedented series of natural disasters. President Trump thanks him for his patriotic service and wishes him well." Bolton is expected to continue purging Trump's NSC team. A former U.S. official who worked closely with Bolton explained to TheDC, "Bolton is in a position right now of figuring out, 'how do I stop the leaks if I'm using the same people?' It's not that he wants to clean house," adding that the only way to effectively ensure the only way to do that is to bring in his own people. (Read more)
- Father, we pray NSA Advisor Bolton will have Your divine wisdom and help to remove political operatives within the NSA and replace them with authentic public servants.
- Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don't allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)
6. GOP Regains Majority on Labor Arbiter - FreeBeacon
Republicans will once again have a majority at the nation's top labor arbiter after the Senate confirmed Trump nominee John Ring on Wednesday. The Senate voted 50-48 to appoint Ring to the National Labor Relations Board. Ring is the third Trump nominee confirmed to the agency and will replace former chairman Philip Miscimarra, an Obama-appointed management-side attorney. The confirmation gives Republicans a majority on the board, which oversees labor disputes and union organizing elections. The GOP gained its first board majority in a decade when the Senate confirmed career management-side labor attorney William Emanuel in September. The three Republicans quickly began walking back some of the Obama administration's most controversial labor policies, including decisions that broke from decades of precedent to allow micro-unions, give regulators oversight of company rulebooks, and hold parent companies liable for labor violations committed by subcontractors-a doctrine known as joint employer.
Unlike Trump's other appointees, Ring has been on the other side of the union-management divide during his career in labor relations. During his confirmation hearing he emphasized his work as a clerk for the Teamsters, which helped put him through college and law school. He went on to serve as a management-side lawyer, most recently with the influential law firm Morgan Lewis. "It was my completely accidental experience at the Teamsters that sparked my interest in labor law," he said. "I understand the practical realities of how the board's actions affect labor-management relations across the country, and I have seen the impact the board's decisions can have on how people run their businesses as well as how employees, union and non-union, work to support their families." Ring will serve a five-year term on the board. (Read more)
- Father, we thank You for John Ring's acceptance of this important position and pray he will act as a peacemaker, guiding he NLRB to good decisions for our nation.
- And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:18)
7. Fire All Striking Teachers And Send Their Paychecks To Students' Parents - The Federalist
The typical teacher loves to teach but greatly dislikes the system inside which she is forced to function just to be able to do what she loves. Teachers need real relief, not the insult of ignoring the real causes of their pain while throwing money in their direction they will most likely never see. Putting millions more dollars into a broken public education system is what we have been doing for the past 60-odd years. Teachers are right to point out the results exploit them and their students. Coming clean requires a full transplant from a toxic ecosystem to a healthy one. That means, quite simply, disbanding the system we know and starting fresh: Take the locus of power from a metastasized system no one can control, break it up into millions of pieces, and give that power to the people for whom public education exists in the first place.
Power means money and choice. Fire the teachers and administrators. Close the schools. Send education dollars directly to students' legal guardians on their behalf. Then let families band together to decide which teachers and programs to rehire and restart, and which to let lie. Let each family have the power to prioritize their own kids' specific needs and hire teachers accordingly in a plethora of mutually agreeable arrangements, instead of a few unelected bureaucrats determining what priorities everyone must have. (Read more)
- Father God, we pray in agreement with this concept - that parents will be given control over the tax dollars spent to educate their children. We pray these strikes clarify the case for school choice and lead to real change for our students and teachers.
- Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. (Psalm 34:11)
8. Women's March Defense of Backpage.com Puts Claire McCaskill in Tough Spot - FreeBeacon
The Women's March decision to defend the Backpage.com website, which was used for child sex trafficking before it was shut down last week, creates a difficult situation for Sen. Claire McCaskill (D., Mo.), who participated in the group's initial march and has worked to capitalize on its reach for her reelection effort. Authorities seized Backpage.com last Friday. Its cofounders now face 93 federal charges related to facilitating prostitution through the website, described by Attorney General Jeff Sessions as "the dominant marketplace for illicit commercial sex" and "a place where sex traffickers frequently advertised children and adults alike."
Both Republicans and Democrats praised the action against the site. McCaskill herself was part of a bipartisan investigation into Backpage and called its seizure "great news." But her allies over at the Women's March took a different stance-the group called the shutting down of Backpage.com an "absolute crisis," saying "sex workers rights are women's rights." It pointed to work by Collective Action for Safe Spaces, a pro-prostitution group arguing "sex work is consensual." "The crackdown on Backpage is not about ending trafficking; it's motivated by the patriarchal notion that women should not be free to do what we want with our bodies," said the promoted group. McCaskill has been an ally of the Women's March since it's initial January 21, 2017, march, which she called an "inspiring" reminder of why she fights. McCaskill did not respond to a request for comment on the Women's March statement on Backpage. (Read more)
- Father, we pray Claire McCaskill will renounce her connection to the Women's March and stand for those exploited through Backpage.com.
- Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman. (Proverbs 2:16)
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The Daily Brief: Part Two
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The Daily Brief: Part Two
1. Senate suddenly moves on bill to protect Robert Mueller - Washington Examiner
Senate Republicans were surprised to learn Wednesday that Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, plans to try to advance legislation that would prevent President Trump from firing special counsel Robert Mueller.
A bipartisan group of four senators on Wednesday introduced a bill that would specifically prevent Trump from firing Mueller, whose investigation the president has labeled a "witch hunt."
The bill would, among other things, "ensure that the Special Counsel can only be fired for good cause by a senior Justice Department official, and the reason must be provided in writing." Some believe that only Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein can fire Mueller, but the White House said Tuesday it believes Trump can fire Mueller directly. (Read more)
- Father God, we come against this move in Your Mighty Name, as we desire only that justice be rendered in these investigations. We decree that the legislative branch will stand down, so that the executive branch can carry out its ordained duty. In Your name, amen.
- "For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face."
(Psalm 11:7)
2. Franklin Graham, Religious Freedom Advocates Urge Senate to Confirm Pompeo as Sec. of State - Christian Post
Leading evangelist Franklin Graham and 49 other religious freedom advocates are urging the U.S. Senate to quickly confirm President Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of state, Mike Pompeo. On Monday, the Family Research Council announced that 50 religious freedom experts signed onto a letter that was sent to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. in support of Pompeo's confirmation.
Pompeo, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency and a former Congressman, was nominated to be the nation's next top diplomat last month after former Sec. of State Rex Tillerson resigned. A confirmation hearing before a divided Senate Foreign Relations Committee is scheduled for Thursday.
"Mr. Pompeo is a strong nominee who will make international religious freedom a foreign policy priority - a matter which is especially important given that we now know religious freedom, long protected for its own sake, is also intricately connected to the security and prosperity of nations themselves," the letter states. (Read more)
- Father God, we once again thank You for the leadership provided by Franklin Graham in this matter. We ask for swift approval of Mike Pompeo to serve as our next Secretary of State in the House hearing (being held today) and for the Senate to follow suit. Lord God, let there be no delay in the confirmation of this man for this key position in the Trump administration. In Your Name, amen.
- "When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)
3. Blackburn Pushes Zuckerberg To Commit To Internet Privacy Legislation - Daily Caller
Marsha Blackburn repeatedly cut off Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg during a Wednesday congressional hearing and implored him to commit to supporting the Browser Act, a piece of internet privacy legislation she sponsors. "I'd like for you to comment," she flatly stated. "Where does privacy rank as a corporate value for Facebook?" "Congresswoman, giving people control of their information and how they want to set their privacy is foundational to the whole service," Zuckerberg responded. "It's not just an add-on feature, something we have to comply with. Reality is if you have a photo, if you just think about this in your day to day life -" "I can't let you filibuster right now," Blackburn said, cutting off the tech billionaire. "There are no privacy documents that apply to you all and we've heard people say that, you know - and you've said you're considering maybe you need more regulation. What we think is we need for you to look at new legislation, and you're hearing there will be more bills brought out in the next few weeks, but we have had a bill, the Browser Act, and I'm certain that you're familiar with this. It's bipartisan. Will you commit to working with us to pass privacy legislation, to pass the Browser Act? "
Congresswoman, I'm not directly familiar with the details of what you just said," Zuckerberg answered before getting smacked down a second time. "OK, let's get familiar with the details," Blackburn snarked. "As you have heard we need some rules and regulations. This is only 13 pages. The Browser Act is 13 pages, so you can easily become familiar with it, and we would appreciate your help." (Read more)
- Father, we pray these hearings will truly humble Mark Zuckerberg and cause him to effectively address the privacy and censorship concerns of all Americans. We also ask that You use these hearings to bring him to a deep level of repentance, and Lord, that He would seek to be made right with You.
- Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. (Matthew 3:8)
4. California governor, a frequent Trump critic, agrees to limited National Guard role at Mexico border - Washington Post
California Gov. Jerry Brown (D), the only border state governor who had not yet committed troops to President Trump's National Guard deployment, said Wednesday that he will accept federal funding for 400 personnel - though they would be barred from working on wall construction.
National Guard troops fall under the command of state governors, and in a letter to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Brown said those from California will support operations against drug traffickers, gun runners and smuggling gangs.
"Combating these criminal threats are priorities for all Americans - Republicans and Democrats," Brown wrote. "But let's be crystal clear on the scope of this mission," his letter continued. "This will not be a mission to build a new wall. It will not be a mission to round up women and children or detain people escaping violence and seeking a better life. And the California National Guard will not be enforcing federal immigration laws." (Read more)
- Father God, although this timid approach seems to be a step in the right direction by California Governor Jerry Brown, it lacks the full force of that which our President desires to achieve. We ask that You would move upon the heart of Governor Brown, so that his policies will be in complete alignment with those of this administration. Amen.
- "But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes ' or 'No, no'; anything beyond these is of evil." (Matthew 5:37)
5. ACLJ Uncovers Major Political Bias from Ambassador Power in the Final Days of Obama Administration - ACLJ
We've all seen the reports of the unprecedented unmasking of U.S. citizens by senior Obama official, Ambassador Samantha Power, in the final days of the of the Administration - to the tune of more than one a day. Now, through our Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) litigation, we have unearthed evidence of significant political bias during the same time period she was unmasking Americans. What the media has not reported, but the ACLJ has since discovered through one of our FOIA lawsuits, is that the clear political-and personal-bias of Power against the incoming President and the conservative agenda led her to undertake efforts aimed at undercutting support for the new Administration.
Let that sink in: the same top-level Obama Administration official reported to have made some 260 unmasking requests seeking surveillance information about the incoming President and his campaign team was simultaneously engaged in communications in which she consoled others over the election results, blatantly insulted the President-elect, colluded with the mainstream media, and actively sought out ways to undermine the new Administration before it had even begun. This information is revealed in documents we recently received as a result of our lawsuit against the State Department and the NSA concerning the unmasking attempts of Power and former National Security Adviser Susan Rice. While the agencies have heavily resisted producing responsive documents, the limited documents produced by the State Department thus far paint a grim picture of the attitude and actions of Obama-era officials in the final days of that Administration. (Read more)
- Father, we pray unlawful and treasonous acts within the Obama Administration will be fully exposed and the people who committed them be held fully accountable.
- Break the power of the wicked and all their strong-arm tactics. Search them out and destroy them for the evil things they've done. (Psalm 10:15 TPT)
6. Mulvaney Vows 'Humility and Moderation' From CFPB - Bloomberg
Mick Mulvaney, the White House budget chief temporarily running the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, defended his minimalist approach to leading the agency while delivering his first semiannual report to Congress on Wednesday. "Our job is to enforce federal consumer financial laws, and our focus will be on carrying out only those activities Congress explicitly wrote into law," the ex-congressman told former colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee. He highlighted the work he has done since taking on the CFPB role in November to transform the bureau from an aggressive regulator to one that acts with "humility and moderation."
In his testimony, Mulvaney repeated the longstanding Republican argument that CFPB should be funded by Congress instead of the Federal Reserve and also get lawmaker approval for any new rules. He also argued for explicitly making the bureau's chief report directly to the president and establishing an independent inspector general for the agency. He told the committee Wednesday that he'd requested $98.5 million last week from the Fed for third-quarter agency funding. He had announced in February that he was requesting no funding for the second quarter of the government's fiscal year, arguing that the agency's expenses could be covered by $177.1 million in reserve funds left by his predecessor. (Read more)
- Father, we pray these reforms will stay in place, and Congress will evaluate whether or not the CFPB is even necessary going forward.
- When good people are promoted, everything is great, but when the bad are in charge, watch out! (Proverbs 28:12)
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The Daily Jot (Part One)
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Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Mueller Investigation smokescreen of darkness
The trouble with Special Counsels, like Robert Mueller, is that there is no telling how far their authority will go. They may or may not get to the bottom of the real issue, in this case Russian influence over the US election, but they may turn up other evidence that warrants legal action. They head up the wild west of legal investigations. It is absurd to even think that the Russians changed the outcome of the US elections. That part is clear. Now were there bribes paid, information exchanged and used, laws violated? Perhaps so. There are enough smoking guns surrounding the previous Administration and the Hillary Clinton campaign to keep a special counsel going for years, but they are not the target.
No other president since Richard Nixon has been under fire as has Donald Trump. It's coming from the media, from the Democrats, from the Republicans, from the CIA, the FBI, and from any "institution." Every word Trump says is scrutinized and turned inside out. Every action he takes is criticized. His wife is under a microscope. His youngest son is openly joked about. Trump's moral mistakes of decades ago are being relived as if they had occurred last week. From porn stars to criminals to political hacks, everyone's words are taken as gospel truth if they are words against Trump. It's as if every sin America has committed is put on Trump's shoulders along with his own.
This is getting to the point that it will, if it hasn't already, impacted our very national security. Enemies of America, and there are a lot of them, have to be looking at the morass and chaos depicted in the news 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and think "there may be a chance for us to take advantage of this." The communist gun-grabbers, certainly are trying to make hay while the sun shines. The no-borders people are out en masse with drivers license sign-up drives, and no doubt, voter registration in tandem. Once they are on the voter rolls, they can vote. Nobody is challenging this, and the Democratic Party stubbornly resists updating and purging voter rolls. A takeover of this country looms against this visceral background.
The Mueller investigation has become the smokescreen for the enemies of America to accelerate their efforts. Maybe the investigation will confirm other deeds, like Clinton enriching herself with a pay to play deal selling US uranium to Russia. Or some of the other shenanigans, but it doesn't seem likely at this point. Meantime, the godless communist agenda advances. When that agenda advances, so does the devil's agenda. As Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Don't let the smoke get in your eyes. See clearly and act accordingly. Having done all, stand.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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The Daily Jot (Part Two)
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Thursday, April 12, 2018
Media hypocrisy and deception
In watching the drama of the current White House play out before the American public, there are a whole lot of hypocrisies in the narrative presented by the mainstream media. This is truly a biased media. Their bias is demonstrated by the surveys of stories that indicate over 95% were negative when reporting on the current president. The 24/7 news cycle has analyst after analyst parading before the cameras spewing their wonderful knowledge in a very news-like fashion, but if you listen to them, it is opinion after opinion often based in someone else's opinion rather than any fact. It's enough to stir people up and it's very agenda-driven. We all have to do double duty to not be deceived by this ongoing mantra.
Let's take a media hypocrisy inventory. It's OK for a president to have sex in the Oval Office with an intern because what he does in his private life is his business. It's not OK for a president to have had sex with a porn star in private a decade or more before he became president. It's OK for a Democratic president to send the National Guard to the border to beef up border security. It's not OK for a Republican president to do so. It's OK for a former president to receive $500,000 from Russia about the time his wife made a deal to sell Russia uranium. It's not OK for a Russian to donate $150,000 to Donald Trump's charity for a video speech two years before Trump becomes president.
It's OK for Facebook to allow the previous president's campaign to harvest data on its users (translated spy on users) because Facebook was "on his side." It's not OK for an independent firm contracted by the Trump campaign to acquire Facebook user data for political purposes. It OK for a Democratic "president" to prevent people from predominantly Muslim countries from immigrating to America. It's not OK for a Republican president to temporarily prevent people from predominantly Muslim countries to enter America. It's OK for a Democratic president to have multiple sexual affairs while governor of Arkansas and as president. It's not OK for a Republican president to have multiple affairs before he holds public office.
These are just some of the stories that pummel the public day in and day out. It is sordid, unfair, biased, agenda-driven opinion by leftists presented as news. It is the type of hype found in daily soap operas, but is played out in real life. These biases are a grave threat to free speech because they are weaponized half-truths and propaganda aimed at a gullible public. 1 Corinthians 2:12 says, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." Verse 14 says, "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." We must be a discerning people otherwise deception lays in wait.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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More Daily Features
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More Daily Features
(See below . . .)
- The Persecuted Church
- Classic Hymns
- 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
BLESSÈD ASSURANCE
This is My Story
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith." (Hebrews 10:21-22)
BLESSÈD ASSURANCE
This is My Story
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith." (Hebrews 10:21-22)
Lyrics
Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Refrain
Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Refrain
Melody
Please . . . go . . . here:
About the Author:
Words:Fanny Crosby, 1873
Melody: Phoebe P. Knapp
This hymn was sung in the Academy Award winning movies Places in the Heart (1984) and Trip to Bountiful (1985).
About the Hymn:
My friend, Mrs. Joseph F. Knapp, composed a melody and played it over to me two or three times on the piano. She then asked what it said. I replied, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!" -- Fanny Crosby
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The Good News Corner
Churches Take the Lead to Rebuild Community as Weary Iraqi Christians Return Home
Not only is the bishop working to reconstruct homes and churches, but he is also working with local businesses. Qaraqosh is slowly returning to its once lively state as shops in the center open. The civilians can now get their fruit and fresh vegetables, fresh bread, clothes, toys, and bicycles next to teahouses in the center. The city center was recently used for a Palm Sunday ceremony that garnered thousands.
[Faithwire.com] As Iraqi families return to their homes, after being driven out by ISIS over the past couple of years, they return to mass devastation. (Screengrab: The Church of the Immaculate Conception, which was burned by Islamic State militants, is seen in the town of Qaraqosh, south of Mosul, Iraq, Dec. 23, 2017/REUTERS/Ari Jalal al-Monitor)
Archbishop Yohanna Petros Mouche of the Syriac Catholic Church in Qaraqosh was the first person to return to the city and begin renovations on his home. His home was covered in fresh paint and religious symbols.
Read more
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Worship With Us Today!
Zach Williams - "Chain Breaker"
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
