Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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The Daily Brief
"Praying for All in Authority"
Monday, May 21, 2018
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)
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The Royal Wedding
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The Royal Wedding
1. Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Wed in Windsor as Millions Watch - CBN News
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gazed into each other's eyes and pledged their eternal love Saturday as they married at St. George's Chapel in front of hundreds of celebrity guests and millions of viewers around the world. The American actress arrived to a fanfare and walked down the aisle accompanied part of the way by Prince Charles and by 10 young page boys and bridesmaids. The children included 4-year-old Prince George and 3-year-old Princess Charlotte, children of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge.
Markle seemed poised and confident as she delivered her vows without so much as a quiver in her voice. She smiled broadly as the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby declared them husband and wife. Harry seemed a bit nervous - but happy. The wedding was a global event, thanks to Harry's status as a senior British royal and Markle's celebrity after starring on the U.S. television series "Suits" for seven years.
The wedding pomp and ceremony - complete with Anglican prayers and tradition, classical music, a gospel choir and a horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor - was beamed live to tens of millions of TV viewers across the world. The couple also honored the memory of Harry's mother Diana, whose older sister Jane Fellowes gave a reading during the wedding service. (Read more)
- "And the greatest of these is . . . love." (I Corinthians 13:13)
2. Bishop Curry maintains his public support for same-sex marriage - Episcopal News Service
"Our commitment to be an inclusive church is not based on a social theory or capitulation to the ways of the culture, but on our belief that the outstretched arms of Jesus on the cross are a sign of the very love of God reaching out to us all. While I understand that many disagree with us, our decision regarding marriage is based on the belief that the words of the Apostle Paul to the Galatians are true for the church today: All who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, for all are one in Christ. For so many who are committed to following Jesus in the way of love and being a church that lives that love, this decision will bring real pain. For fellow disciples of Jesus in our church who are gay or lesbian, this will bring more pain. For many who have felt and been rejected by the church because of who they are, for many who have felt and been rejected by families and communities, our church opening itself in love was a sign of hope. And this will add pain on top of pain." (Read more)
- Much as we, too, rejoiced at this celebration of love over this past weekend, we were deeply disappointed when we learned more of the background of Bishop Michael Curry. Father, we ask You to help all of us to not be deceived by appearances, but to honor You, and You only, as we walk in the full truth of the Gospel. We ask You to forgive this Bishop of the error of his ways, for he knows not what he does, in Your name, amen.
- Father, forgive him, for he knows not what he does. (Luke 23:34)
3. ALERT! Bishop (Curry) brands TRUMP policy a 'HERESY' and will march against President - UK Telegraph Express
Curry was made the 27th bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church on November 1, 2015. He will join the Washington protest over what he calls a "dangerous" leadership.
The first African-American primate of that church - he has branded Trump's America First policy "a theological heresy for the followers of Christ".
He has also blasted a "crisis of moral and political leadership at the highest levels of our government". Both sides of his family are descended from slaves and he said he has a social justice and civil rights background.
He is set to march on the White House against Donald Trump four days after his royal wedding address. (Read more)
- Dear Lord, we need Your help and Your divine intervention. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and by the power of His shed Blood and the Blood of the Huguenot martyrs, slain on our soil in 1565, we come against this onslaught at the gate. We thank You, Lord, that we have discovered a very evil agenda that now lurks beneath the glamour of the royal wedding in London, and we cut it off at the gate of our city, in Your Name, amen!
- "And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death."(Revelation 12:11)
"'Thus far you shall come, but no farther; And here shall your proud waves stop'"
(Job 38:11)
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Focus on Israel
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1. Israeli envoy urges UN Security Council to reject Arab-backed Gaza resolution - Times of Israel
Israel's ambassador to the UN Danny Danon spoke with representatives of Security Council member states over the weekend, his office said Sunday, urging them to reject Kuwait's "dangerous" draft resolution condemning Israel and calling for an international force in the Gaza Strip.
"Kuwait's dangerous draft resolution only reinforces Hamas's terror regime that oppresses and threatens the residents of Gaza and the security of Israeli citizens," Danon said. "Do not lend a hand to support Hamas's terrorism."
He added that "If the Council seeks to protect the residents of Gaza, it must take steps against Hamas's war crimes and not reward the organization's cycle of bloodshed."
(Read more)
2. Muslim leaders summit calls for forces to protect Palestinians
- Jerusalem Online
At the summit for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation hosted on Friday in Istanbul, called by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in response to the recent escalations along the Israeli-Gaza border, leaders adopted a resolution recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of the Palestinian people. The statement denounced US President Donald Trump's decision to move the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, which was followed by protests in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
Erdogan opened the summit with a speech about the importance of Jerusalem to Muslim communities around the world, and he reiterated previous commitments to bring the issue of Jerusalem to the UN General Assembly. Throughout the summit, Muslim leaders called for an independent commission to review the violent escalations between Palestinians and Israeli security forces at the Gaza border, as well as the deployment of international forces to protect Palestinian civilians.
(Read more)
3. This Friday: PA march on Jerusalem - Israel National News
The National and Islamic Forces in Ramallah, the umbrella organization coordinating the activities of Palestinian Authority organizations, is calling on the PA public to march on Jerusalem this Friday to protest Israel's policy and expose "false concessions" to the residents of the territories. A statement says they intend "to undermine the narrative of the occupation regarding freedom of worship, and to defend the Al-Aqsa Mosque by means of the raging human river."
The organization stressed the importance of boycotting Israeli produce during the month of Ramadan. It called for confrontations at all points of friction with the "occupation and its settlers," especially PA villages, to cut off "settler roads" and disrupt their lives. Next Friday was declared a day of escalation in the area.
(Read more)
4. Israel builds unique 'missile net' to protect new airport near Eilat
- Times of Israel
Israel has built a unique "missile net" to defend a new airport, as part of a newly completed segment of its eastern border barrier, a military official said Friday. The 34-kilometer (21-mile) fence runs along Israel's border with Jordan, beginning near the Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat and reaching the site of a new airport being constructed in the Timna Valley.
The fence, 6 meters (20 feet) high, is part of a broader strategy by Israel to surround itself by protective barriers, including at its southwestern border with Egypt, to prevent terrorists and migrants crossing the border illegally.
(Read more)
5. Israeli Intelligence Minister: Hamas Restored Calm to Gaza After Warnings From Egypt - JewishPress.com
Israel's intelligence minister says that Egypt warned Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh during a brief visit to Cairo on Sunday that Egypt "knows and has proof" that Hamas was funding the Gaza riots and sending civilians to the border fence to serve "as living ammunition, women and children instead of shells and rockets." Israeli Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz said an Egyptian intelligence chief warned Haniyeh that Egypt has "proof" that the terror group, which is in complete political and military control in Gaza, was behind the riots and sacrificing civilians for political purposes.
The Egyptian official "made unequivocally clear to him [Haniyeh] that if this continues, Israel will respond and take far harsher steps, and Egypt will stand by and will not help," Katz told Israel Radio in an interview. "Haniyeh returned to Gaza, Hamas gave an order . . . and miraculously, this spontaneous protest by a public that could not handle the situation any more dissipated."
The New York Times reported on Monday, "At 5:30 p.m., shortly after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, organizers who had been urging people toward the fence all day suddenly began shooing them away, and the day's action quickly subsided."
(Read more)
6. [ALERT!] IDF's New Drone Poops on Rioters - JewishPress.com
srael's Defense Ministry's weapons R&D on Wednesday revealed a new development that will help IDF soldiers disperse rioters with non-violent means. Dubbed the "Shoko Drone," the new device hovers over groups of rioters and dumps its payload of plastic baggies packed with "skunk water," which erupt on contact, sharply reducing quality of life wherever they hit, but no one is hurt beyond being seized by nausea.
The baggies received their name from their similarity in shape and texture to a popular Israeli chocolate milk drink, sold in plastic baggies. It's bathroom humor, admittedly, but it helps reduce real casualties. The R&D engineers began to work on a non-violent response to disturbances at the end of last Passover. This week, the Shoko Drone began his military service above the Gaza Strip, where its activities have been rated as successful and very effective.
With the new invention, IDF forces are not required to reach a point close to the border - the operations are carried out from the air, controlled by command forces on the ground deep inside Israel.
The new development is based on a drone which is already manufactured by the Israeli defense industry. The drone is designed to carry heavy cargo and is suitable for a variety of uses as well as for low-altitude flying with designated charges. The ability to disperse rioters was not among its planned uses, but when the need arose, the aircraft's designation was modified in a short time.
The drone was fitted with a shell capable of containing a large quantity of skunk bags, a.k.a. Shoko. The drone has the ability to release the bags on demand from the air to the ground. The bags burst, and the foul content disperses the rioters.
The Defense Ministry stresses that the skink water has been tested and is not harmful even in cases of a direct hit.
(Read more)
7. Paraguay's president lands in Israel on heels of embassy move to Jerusalem- YNET News
Paraguay's President Horacio Cartes landed on Sunday in Israel on heels of Paraguay Embassy move to Jerusalem which will take place on Monday.
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan welcomed Cartes at Ben Gurion Airport.
(Read more)
8. Bridges for Peace: Israel Prayer Update
Friday, May 18, 2018
Please go here.
9. Intercessors for Israel: Friday Prayer Points
Friday, May 18, 2018
Please go here.
10. Captured Gazan Rioter Admits: Hamas Uses Women, Children as Human Shields - Ynet News and BFP
A rioter who was captured by IDF [Israel Defense Forces] soldiers after breaching the border fence and infiltrating into Israel on Tuesday said Hamas orchestrated the border demonstrations to stay in power. . .
The detainee also seemed to back Israel's assertion that Hamas uses women and children as human shields in the protests.
"They tell women to go forward. They say to the woman: Go ahead, you are a woman, and the Israeli army does not shoot at women. They tell small children: Go ahead, the army does not shoot at small children. They tell a child to go ahead and he goes, it's a little boy. They deceive him," he laments.
While the IDF has indeed explicitly instructed not to fire at women or children, it has urged them to refrain from coming near the fence, saying they are putting themselves in harm's way by doing so.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that sometimes harming civilians is inevitable.
"They're (Hamas) pushing civilians, women, children into the line of fire with the hope of creating casualties," he explained. "We try to minimize casualties. They're trying to incur casualties in order to put pressure on Israel, which is horrible." (Read more)
- Cry out for the situation on the Gaza border, where Hamas is using women and children as human shields. Pray for the people of Gaza, as they are held hostage by a terror group with a stated goal to destroy Israel. Ask God to give them the courage to stand up to this evil regime.
- Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; preserve my life from fear of the enemy. Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the rebellion of the workers of iniquity. (Psalm 64:1-2)
11. White House Faith Leadership Council Celebrates Embassy Move to Jerusalem: "It's a New Day and We Give Glory to God" - Breaking Christian News
Celebrating the role of the evangelical community in supporting Trump and in promoting pro-Israel policies, including the embassy move (which was a campaign promise made by Trump), Paula White, a pastor and televangelist who heads up the president's evangelical advisory committee said, "I have to give thanks to our tenacious president, Donald J. Trump. As I always say about him, 'promise made, promise kept,'" adding, "Four American presidents promised to do so, but only one president did."
White said, "The reality beyond the fake news is that Israel has no better friend than President Donald Trump." (Read more)
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The Daily Brief
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The Senate confirmed President Trump's pick to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, Gina Haspel, in a bipartisan vote yesterday. Director Haspel drew extensive support from the CIA workforce, as well as former intelligence leaders from both Republican and Democratic administrations. She replaces Mike Pompeo, who was confirmed as America's 70th Secretary of State last month.
"The safety and security of the American people depend on capable intelligence leadership. Gina Haspel is the right woman at the right time," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said. President Trump tweeted his congratulations shortly after the Senate's vote. Director Haspel's biography made her an easy choice.
A 33-year veteran of the CIA, she's earned multiple high-level honors, including the George H. W. Bush Award for Excellence in Counterterrorism. Years later, with the fight against al Qaeda heating up, she requested a transfer to the CIA's Counter Terrorism Center. Her first day on the job was September 11, 2001.
- Father God, we do thank You for answering our prayers, and that the Senate has now confirmed Ms. Haspel to serve as the new Director of the CIA. We ask that You would grace her with Your wisdom in the coming days, as she assumes this new mantle of leadership. In Your Name we offer this prayer, amen.
- "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." (Psalm 32:8)
2. Defunding Planned Parenthood: Donald Trump's Good Start - National Review
Thursday evening the Trump administration announced a measure that pro-life advocates have been seeking since the Clinton administration - restoration of Reagan-era rules that "require a 'bright line' of physical and financial separation between Title X services and providers that perform, support, or refer to abortion as a method of family planning."
Planned Parenthood - America's largest abortion provider - receives more than $450 million annually in federal funding, a significant portion of its annual revenue. Most of that money (roughly 85 percent) comes through Medicaid disbursements. The Trump administration cannot strip those funds from Planned Parenthood without passing legislation - and that legislation would certainly be filibustered by Democrats. The rest of the federal money comes through Title X of the Public Health Service Act. The Trump administration's announced rule represents in effect a partial reinstatement of the Reagan-era restrictions and a move towards compliance with statute.
Notwithstanding the Supreme Court's ruling in Rust and the more limited reach of Trump's policy, expect Trump's regulations to be immediately challenged in federal court. Abortion-rights activists will almost certainly file suit in a favorable jurisdiction and hope to secure preliminary injunctions with the goal of running out the regulatory clock - of delaying the regulations until a Democrat can take back the White House. Thus, it's a simple fact that the administration's announcement yesterday is but the first step in a long journey - the beginning of yet another regulatory, legal, and political fight where the outcome is far from certain. But Republicans must not shy away from this battle, and the Trump administration is right to more effectively enforce the will of Congress. (Read more)
- Almighty God, we pray that You will cut off the source of federal funding to Planned Parenthood. Dry it up, Lord. Close their doors all across America. Remove every "doctor" whose hands are stained with the blood of innocent babies. Block any and all who would assist this cause. Enforce the will of Congress to stand against abortion. We pray and ask in the powerful Name of Jesus, amen.
- "Is not God's Word like as a fire? says the Lord; and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:29)
3. America Facing a Baby Bust, New Data Confirm - Free Beacon
U.S. birth rates hit a record low in 2017, according to new data released by the Center for Disease Control. There were 60.2 births per 1,000 childbearing-age women in the year preceding the end of 2017, the CDC's analysis found. It was, the CDC noted, "another record low for the nation," with the drop between 2016 and 2017 being the single largest since 2010.
The precipitous drop beginning in 2008 may be attributable to the Great Recession, as families opted to put off childbearing in the face of a collapsing economy. But as economic indicators continue to recover to pre-recession levels, fertility has continued to fall, suggesting deeper trends may be at play.
Indeed, a fertility rate that persists below replacement may pose substantial cultural and economic challenges going forward. Americans are getting married later and fewer of them are married overall, a fact that is likely connected to the baby bust. The proportion of children born out of wedlock has risen substantially over the past 60 years, accounting today for about 40 percent of all births. At the same time, unwed people as a category are less likely to have children than their married counterparts, meaning that a rise in unwed childbearing likely means fewer children overall.
Regardless of the cause, one thing is clear: Americans are having fewer babies, a trend unlikely to abate any time soon. Such a demographic bust, Wilcox worries, could end up with America looking like Japan: elders uncared for and young people shut away from the world, unable to form lasting human relationships. (Read more)
- Almighty God, we understand that it is You who creates life and controls the birthrate issue. We pray for our population to be stabilized. Cause our people to not be isolated from one another. Father, put love in the hearts of our people and protect the elderly from being forgotten and uncared for. In the Name of Jesus we pray, amen.
- "He has showed you, O man, what is good: and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)
4. Jeff Sessions ends Obama-era 'de facto' court amnesty for illegal immigrants - Washington Times
Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a directive to immigration judges Thursday telling them they can no longer shunt deportation cases off onto permanent wait lists and leave illegal immigrants free to roam the U.S. Known as administrative closure, the wait list had become a favorite tactic of the Obama administration, serving to protect low-priority illegal immigrants from deportation. Rather than pursue those cases, government attorneys would propose - and judges would grant - administrative closure by shipping more than 200,000 cases to the suspension list in what analysts said became a de facto amnesty.
The ruling could, in the short term, speed up deportation decisions on the children and families that have surged into the U.S. over the past five years. Even before his ruling, the government was making headway in cutting the backlog, suggesting an interest in getting those cases off the wait list and onto deportation dockets. "Attorney General Sessions is doing what should have been done long ago, which is trying to ensure that illegal aliens are actually found deportable, then removed from the United States, rather than leaving them here in limbo, still illegal but living under color of law," said Rosemary Jenks, government relations manager for NumbersUSA, which pushes for stricter immigration limits. (Read more)
- Lord God, we praise the Name of Jesus for taking over the issue of illegal immigrants and moving Attorney General Jeff Sessions to stand up and fight for the protection of America. Guide those in charge of this deportation process so that it be carried out and put in place immediately. We pray in the Name of Jesus, amen.
- "The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." (Proverbs 18:15)
5. New York Times Issues Huge Correction Regarding Trump Campaign Investigation - Accuracy in Media
Fox News' Howard Kurtz reports about the paper's changed tune: "The New York Times has run a rather stunning correction, only a year and a half after the fact. Deeply embedded in a lengthy and newsworthy piece about the origins of the FBI investigation of the Trump campaign, the paper had to revisit its old story on the very same subject: 'When The New York Times tried to assess the state of the investigation in October 2016, law enforcement officials cautioned against drawing any conclusions, resulting in a story that significantly played down the case.'
The paper casts the FBI's judgments-and even misjudgments-in a sympathetic light. Yes, the bureau was aggressive in the Hillary Clinton investigation-with James Comey talking about the probe and later its reopening-because everyone there thought she would win and they might be criticized for going soft on her. The FBI was cautious on Trump because everyone thought he would lose."
Kurtz also writes that Trump yesterday linked to a National Review piece by Andrew McCarthy, who called the Times analysis "bunk" because the investigation into Hillary Clinton was a criminal probe around her email server but the counterintelligence probe of Trump occurred with the hope of turning up evidence to use against him. "What the Times story makes explicit, with studious understatement, is that the Obama administration used its counterintelligence powers to investigate the opposition party's presidential campaign," McCarthy writes.
"That is, there was no criminal predicate to justify an investigation of any Trump-campaign official. So, the FBI did not open a criminal investigation. Instead, the bureau opened a counterintelligence investigation and hoped that evidence of crimes committed by Trump officials would emerge. But it is an abuse of power to use counterintelligence powers, including spying and electronic surveillance, to conduct what is actually a criminal investigation." (Read more)
- Father in heaven, in Your name, we issue a cease fire against Donald Trump's enemies and all that has been done against him in the past, present and future. We place the holy Blood of Jesus upon him and his advisors as they work daily to make America great again. We stand with him with strength from heaven to accomplish all that You have called him to do. In the Name of Jesus we pray, amen.
- "You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And light will shine on your ways." (Job 22:28)
6. Crossfire Hurricane: Category Five Political Espionage - American Spectator
Deep in the New York Times's account of "Crossfire Hurricane," the FBI's codename for spying on the Trump campaign, is a hilariously bland paragraph about John Brennan and James Comey teaming up to dig dirt on Trumpworld. If you blinked in the course of reading the lengthy article, you might have missed it: The F.B.I.'s thinking crystallized by mid-August, after the C.I.A. director at the time, John O. Brennan, shared intelligence with Mr. Comey showing that the Russian government was behind an attack on the 2016 presidential election. Intelligence agencies began collaborating to investigate that operation. The Crossfire Hurricane team was part of that group but largely operated independently, three officials said.
Contained in that oh-so-nonchalant line - "Intelligence agencies began collaborating to investigate that operation" - is one of Obamagate's biggest ticking time bombs. When it blows, John Brennan, whose demented partisanship led him to run an anti-Trump spying operation straight out of CIA headquarters, will feel much of the blast. Panicking at the sight of Donald Trump's Super Tuesday wins in March 2016, Brennan had by the following month formed the beginnings of a spying operation against him, and managed to enmesh a bunch of other agencies in it, thinking that would keep the outside of the CIA's cup clean. How do we know this? Because a "senior" member of the intelligence community - back when such a figure thought talking out of school about such matters would serve the cause of delegitimizing Trump - leaked the existence of the operation to the BBC in January 2017. The CIA cannot act domestically against American citizens so a joint counter-intelligence taskforce was created.
The taskforce included six agencies or departments of government. Dealing with the domestic, US, side of the inquiry, were the FBI, the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Justice. For the foreign and intelligence aspects of the investigation, there were another three agencies: the CIA, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the National Security Agency, responsible for electronic spying. (Read more)
- Almighty God, You sit in heaven overseeing all that is happening in this world. We look up and pray for the might of Your power to overcome all evil schemes that have been unleashed against our President by the shadow government and the past administration. Put a wall of fire around the evil and close them out completely for they serve no good cause. We pray in the Name of Jesus.
- "When they shall go, I will spread my net upon them; I will bring them down as the fowls of the heaven; I will chastise them, as their congregation has heard."
(Hosea 7:12)
7. Now that's power: Trump tweets reach 76% of the nation - Washington Times
The man has 52 million followers and an incredible knack for transforming complex issues into compelling, spirited missives. Yes, we are talking President Trump, who remains victorious in his battle to get the truth before the American public. And now we have definitive numbers about the power of the tweeter-in-chief. "President Trump's unprecedented use of the social media platform Twitter as one of his primary means of presidential communication appears to be effective from a big-picture perspective. Over three-quarters of Americans say they see, read or hear about Trump's tweets a lot or a fair amount," writes Frank Newport, director of the Gallup poll.
"His tweets do not appear to follow a direct pathway to most Americans by virtue of their subscribing to his Twitter feed. Instead, it appears that Trump's tweets reach Americans because news and social media gatekeepers propagate, rebroadcast and incorporate them into news and social media streams," says Mr. Newport. "In some ways, then, Twitter functions for Trump much like an old-fashioned press release or press conference statement. Few Americans see or read his tweets directly, but many ultimately hear about them via media coverage or other means." (Read more)
- Lord God, we praise You for standing with President Trump and strengthening him to forge ahead with confidence so that the forces of good will win over the forces of evil that are trying to take down our nation. You, Lord, are with President Trump, without a doubt, and we thank You for Your eternal mercy and love for America. In the Name of Jesus we pray and trust, amen.
- "And Jesus went with him, and much people followed Him and thronged Him."
(Mark 5:24)
8. How Public Policy Is Failing the Severely Mentally Ill - Daily Signal
Severe mental illness has received considerable attention lately, owing largely to recent tragedies, including mass shootings involving the mentally ill. The issue also has emerged in discussions about fighting poverty, because an estimated 1 in 5 homeless people suffer from severe mental illness. It also has arisen in the context of criminal justice and prison reform, since some 20 percent of the incarcerated are thought to be seriously mentally ill. In 2016, an estimated 10.4 million adults in the United States suffered from serious mental illnesses.
The issue of how best to treat these people is a complex matter, as experts in psychiatry, law, and public policy noted last week in a panel discussion at The Heritage Foundation on severe mental illness. The discussion began with an opening statement from Dr. Sally Satel, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and a Washington, D.C.-based psychiatrist, who emphasized that there's a clear distinction between a severe "mental illness" and a "mental health" concern. She said, for example, that someone who has "mood swings" often does not pose the same potential dangers as a manic person whose delusions could lead to violent and erratic behavior.
John Malcolm, vice president of the Institute for Constitutional Government and director of the Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies at The Heritage Foundation, reminded the audience that there are times when someone with severe mental illness is truly a danger to themselves or others. "Two-thirds of all gun-related deaths are people who commit suicide," Malcolm said. "And it's been estimated that 10 percent of gun-related violence and 60 percent or more of mass shooters are suffering from a severe mental illness." Malcolm expressed concern over the high standard of evidence required to commit a severely mentally ill person to a mental hospital. That has often landed these individuals in jail cells, rather than hospital beds. (Read more)
- Almighty God, we bow before You and cry out for these 10.4 million adults suffering from serious mental illness so that the healing power of the Blood of Jesus will be on the lips of all those who pray for these people. Draw them by the Holy Spirit to Jesus who heals and delivers from all illness. We pray in the Name of Jesus.
- "Be merciful unto us, O God, be merciful unto us: for my soul trusts in You: yea, in the shadow of Your wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast." (Psalm 57:1)
9. At Least 9 Cuban Pastors and Wives Killed in Devastating Plane Crash - CBN News
A passenger plane crashed Friday near Havana, Cuba, killing more than 100 people including 18 Christian leaders - pastors and their wives. CBN News' Spanish-language division Mundo Cristiano has confirmed through the Council of Churches of Cuba that the evangelical leaders were from the Nazarene Church. They were traveling back to eastern Cuba, after having participated in a spiritual retreat.
The director of the region of the Church of the Nazarene of Mesoamerica, Carlos Sáenz, also confirmed the news of the death of the pastors. "Let the whole family of the Church of the Nazarene join in prayer on behalf of our brothers and sisters," Saenz asked.
The Boeing 737 commercial aircraft, rented from the Mexican firm Global Air, owner of AerolÃneas Damojh, crashed minutes after taking off from the José Martà International Airport, in Havana, heading towards the city of HolguÃn at the eastern end of the island. The authorities state that there are three surviving women, hospitalized and in critical condition. (Read more)
- Almighty God, we lift up our prayers on behalf of these precious men and women pastors whose voices have been stilled by this fatal plane crash. Touch all the families involved and comfort their hearts during this time of loss of their loved ones. Father God, let their ministries continue to live and flourish in the lives of those affiliated with them. In the Name of Jesus we pray, amen.
- "For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part: but then shall I know even as also I am known." (I Corinthians 13:12)
10. 10 Killed, 10 Injured in Texas School Shooting - CNS News
Ten people are dead and another 10 injured when a gunman opened fire at a Texas high school on Friday morning. The suspected shooter, 17-year-old Dimitrios Pagourtzis was taken into custody and another suspect was detained. Both were students at Santa Fe High School. During opening remarks at the White House Prison Reform Summit on Friday, President Donald Trump expressed "sadness and heartbreak" over the shooting. "We grieve for the terrible loss of life, and send our support and love to everyone affected by this absolutely horrific attack. To the students, families, teachers, and personnel at Santa Fe High: We're with you in this tragic hour, and we will be with you forever," the president said.
"My administration is determined to do everything in our power to protect our students, secure our schools, and to keep weapons out of the hands of those who pose a threat to themselves and to others. Everyone must work together, at every level of government, to keep our children safe. May God heal the injured and may God comfort the wounded, and may God be with the victims and with the victims' families. Very sad day. Very, very sad," he said. "While we need to learn more about what took place here, it is urgent that we implement the reforms Congress recently passed to make schools safer and keep deadly weapons away from those who should not have them. This is a time to come together in support of the Santa Fe community," [Speaker Paul Ryan] said. (Read more)
- Father God, we ask that You reveal the "key" to this young man's heart, that has caused him to go off on such a violent rampage, killing all in his path. Show us, O Lord, what we can do to rescue the next shooter, before he does the same, in Your name, amen.
- "It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, And the light dwells with Him." (Daniel 2:22)
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The Daily Jot
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Friday, May 18, 2018
Time to defund Planned Parenthood
At a time when Americans heatedly debate whether to allow children of illegal aliens to remain here, this country's government has allowed the extermination of over 50 million infants who never had the chance to be citizens. This is largely due to the so-called "health counseling" of Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the world. Even though not a penny of government funding is supposed to go to the Planned Parenthood abortion mill, all the $700 million-plus per year taxpayer money that goes to Planned Parenthood helps this evil institution keep its lights on and doors open. Sadly, the charade of Planned Parenthood will continue even with President Donald Trump's funding cuts.
Planned Parenthood separates out its "health services" from its "abortion services" even though often both are performed in the same building. This shell game of intermingling services is a planned action by the organization to make the best use of taxpayer money. As a Washington Correspondent for a major Christian network in 2005, I snuck into a Planned Parenthood lobby training session. Not knowing any news media was in the room, the leaders told the trainees that they were to tell Congressmen that the abortion services and health services were separate, but not to say funding from the government was necessary to keep the abortion side of the business going. They trained people to lie to Congress.
The Weekly Standard reports that the Trump Administration seeks to "require a bright line of physical as well as financial separation between Title X (sic government funded health related) programs and any program (or facility) where abortion is performed, supported, or referred for as a method of family planning." The funding is subject to a 1970 law that none of the money is to be used in programs where abortion is a method of family planning." But the courts and others interpreted the law to allow abortion referrals, co-location with abortion clinics, and to lobby for pro-abortion policies. President Reagan issued a regulation to prevent this, but the courts tied it up and it was never enforced, even though the Supreme Court eventually upheld it. When Bill Clinton took office, he did away with the Reagan regulation and it was not reinstated.
In Jeremiah 2:34, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, "Also on your skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but plainly upon all these things." This was in response to Israelite women openly sacrificing children to pagan gods. It is very much the same with abortion-open sacrifice of children to the convenience of the world. It is wrong. It is murder. Those of us who believe in life are forced to fund death with our hard earned tax money. President Trump's proposal is a good first step, but more is needed. No taxpayer money should ever be used for anything remotely concerned with abortion.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
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Good News in the Judiciary
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Good News in the Judiciary:
Senate Republicans Move to Nominate Six Appellate Court Judges . . . Promoting Trump's Agenda
President Trump is moving forward in his bid to reshape and restore the nation . . . including our federal courts. Finally, Senate Republicans are standing with him, forcing votes on six more of his judicial nominees. There is cause to celebrate as 6 of the 16 Trump-nominated Circuit Court judges confirmed have replaced Democrat appointees. Circuit Courts are the final stop for a case before it reaches the Supreme Court, and in cases the high court declines to hear, the Circuit Courts are the last word. That means that these judges are crucial to the process.
Several of the nominees to be voted on this week have has distinguished legal careers, including working for the White House or for one-time independent counsel Kenneth Starr in the 1990s. Others were federal prosecutors or lower court judges. They have been waiting months for confirmation! Now, it's happening!
We praise God for these 2 judicial nominees who were just confirmed:
- Confirmed: Kurt Engelhardt as judge for the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. Nominated in September.
- Joel M. Carson III - as judge on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. Nominated in December. Confirmed: Michael B. Brennan- as judge on the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. Nominated in August.
We pray for these 3 judicial nominees, expected to be confirmed by the end of the week.
- Michael Y. Scudder - as judge on the 7th Circuit Court in Chicago. Nominated in February
- Amy J. St.Eve - as judge for the 7th Circuit in Chicago.Nominated in February
- John B. Nalbandian - as judge on the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. Nominated in January.
- May these be just the 'tip of the spear", as all those nominated are confirmed and take their seats!
- "Then I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning; after that you will be called the city of righteousness, A faithful city." (Isaiah 1:26)
(Sources: Allan Parker; The Justice Foundation and Maureen Bravo; 24/7 National Strategic Prayer Call)
Note: You are welcome to join the 24/7 National Strategic Prayer Call anytime, day or night, to join others in interceding over key topics in our nation, by calling 712-770-4340
Access Code: 534555#.
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News from Russia
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News from Russia:
Vladimir Putin unveils underwater Poseidon drone that carries nuclear warheads 'capable of causing 300ft tsunamis'
A nuclear-powered underwater drone capable of destroying enemy naval bases and causing huge tsunamis is under construction in Russia, according to a state news agency.
The Poseidon will be able to carry a nuclear warhead with a capacity of up to two megatonnes, a source told TASS.
The source said: "It will be possible to mount various nuclear charges on the 'torpedo' of the Poseidon multipurpose seaborne system, with the thermonuclear single warhead... to have the maximum capacity of up to 2 megatonnes in TNT equivalent."
With its nuclear munition, the underwater drone "is primarily designed to destroy reinforced naval bases of a potential enemy," the source said.
The drone will have a speed of 60-70 knots and will be operational at a depth of more than 1km. (Read more)
> > > SEE ALSO:
Vladimir Putin leads convoy of trucks over controversial 12-mile bridge as he officially opens link from Russia to annexed Crimean peninsula - Mirror Co. UK
Vladimir
Putin led a convoy of trucks as he officially opened a controversial bridge
connecting Russia with the annexed Crimean peninsula. Vladimir Putin leads convoy of trucks over controversial 12-mile bridge as he officially opens link from Russia to annexed Crimean peninsula - Mirror Co. UK
The leader of the Kremlin has previously said that the 12-mile link is a dream of the tsars and Stalin but has only happened under his rule.
The project, which has cost a staggering £2.75 billion, has led to a wave of sanctions from the EU and US.
But as he opened the controversial new structure today, which has been dubbed by some as "Putin's Bridge", the Russian President remarked that he is sure people will 'love it'.
He added: "I genuinely congratulate you on this historic holiday, historic because in different epochs, under the tsar-father, people dreamed about building this bridge.
"Finally thanks to your talent and work, this project, this wonder, has been completed" (Read more)
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Understanding Shavuot
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Should Christians Celebrate Shavuot?
Editor's note:
Pentecost and Shavuot both fell over this past weekend. We share the article below to bring additional insight and understanding about how these two holidays may, or may not, be related.
Although Christianity's Pentecost occurred during Shavuot, the assumption that the two holidays are directly linked should not be made by Christians, according to Orthodox Jewish theologian David Nekrutman, who heads the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation (CJCUC) in Israel.
"Christians may intend to connect to the Judaism practiced by Jesus by celebrating Shavuot but it is important to understand the uniqueness of the Jewish holiday and its theological ramifications prior to partaking in it," Nekrutman noted.
Holiday Divide: Shavuot vs. Pentecost
With Judaism celebrating Shabbat on Saturday and Christians on Sunday, the divide separating the two faiths is further intensified by their vastly disparate observance of holidays: Christianity's Christmas, Easter and Pentecost commemorating the Crucifixion, the resurrection of Jesus, and the birth of Church. Christian holidays are centered around Jesus. With the advent of Jesus, according to mainstream Christian teaching, the holidays mentioned in the Torah such as Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Passover, Sukkot, and Shavuot as well as Chanukah and Purim (not mentioned in the Bible) became obsolete. (Read more)
(Source: Breaking Israel News)
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Our Weekly Bible Study
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Our Weekly Bible Study:
Week of Sunday, May 20 - Saturday, May 26, 2018
Featured teaching of the week:
Ephraim, the Prodigal Son Pt 1
> > To listen to this study, please go here.
Torah portion reading for the week of May 13
Behaalotcha ~ "When you set up"
Torah portion: Numbers 8:1-12:15
Haftorah portion (Prophets): Zechariah 2:14-4:7
Gospel/New Testament: Matthew 14:14-21
Submitted by:
Laura Densmore
Program Coordinator
Hebraic Heritage Ministries Intnl
http://hebrootsradio.com
LDensmore21@msn.com
> > > Listen to http://hebrootsradio.com to learn about the Hebrew roots of the Christian faith!
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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
THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."
(John 8:12)
THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."
(John 8:12)
Lyrics
1 This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine; this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine; this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine; let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
2 Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine; everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine; everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine; let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
3 Jesus gave it to me; I'm gonna let it shine; Jesus gave it to me; I'm gonna let it shine; Jesus gave it to me; I'm gonna let it shine; let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Melody
Sing along with these precious kids!
About the Author:
Words: African American Spiritual
Melody: Harry Dixon Loes
About the Hymn:
This hymn was sung during the recessional at this weekend's royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex). We present it to you today in honor of this grand, Gospel- filled occasion!
> > > After the pomp, the vows and the rustle of prayer booklets, the curtain came down on the royal wedding to the strains of Etta James and her hauntingly affirmative gospel hymnal This Little Light Of Mine .
The song, the last to be played during the ceremony, is not an obvious choice but it's arguably an inspired one. James had a tumultuous life and all of that emotion is invested in her rendering of the beloved protest tune - a soulful invocation of the simple joy of being alive. (The Telegraph UK) Read more.
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Signs and Wonders
ATMOSPHERIC RADIATION UPDATE
Cosmic rays over California continue to intensify, according to high-altitude balloons launched by Spaceweather.com and the students of Earth to Sky Calculus. We've been monitoring secondary cosmic rays in the stratosphere with regular launches from Bishop CA since 2015. In this data plot, just updated with new measurements from May 2018, we see that 3 of the 4 highest readings occurred just in the past few months: (Go here to see this chart)
The worsening cosmic ray situation is linked to the solar cycle. Right now, the sun is heading toward a deep Solar Minimum. As the outward pressure of solar wind decreases, cosmic rays from deep space are able to penetrate the inner solar system with increasing ease. This same phenomenon is happening not only above California, but all over the world.
Take another look at the data plot. The general trend in radiation is increasing, but it is not perfectly linear. From launch to launch we see significant up and down fluctuations. These fluctuations are not measurement errors. Instead, they are caused by natural variations in the pressure and magnetization of the solar wind.
How does the overall increase affect us? Cosmic rays penetrate commercial airlines, dosing passengers and flight crews enough that pilots are classified as occupational radiation workers. Some research suggests that cosmic rays can seed clouds and trigger lightning, potentially altering weather and climate. Furthermore, there are studies ( #1, #2, #3, #4) linking cosmic rays with cardiac arrhythmias in the general population.
The sensors we send to the stratosphere measure X-rays and gamma-rays, which are produced by the crash of primary cosmic rays into Earth's atmosphere. The energy range of the sensors, 10 keV to 20 MeV, is similar to that of medical X-ray machines and airport security scanners. Stay tuned for updates as the monitoring program continues. (Read more)
"I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke." (Acts 2:19)
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The Good News Corner
Divine Intervention: Lions Save Christians from Islamic Militants!
Pastor Paul Ciniraj is the director of Bibles for Mideast, which delivers Bibles, preaches the Gospel and plants house churches in the strife-torn region. He says, while Islam remains dominant, "thousands upon thousands of people now secretly believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior."
In a new report he delivered this week to WND, he says he was recovering from injuries he received in an attack by Islamic jihadists when the rescue occurred.
It was Easter Sunday, and he was recovering in the home of friends in a forested area near where his group has been working. "Suddenly, a group of militants reached the house, armed with steel bars and other weapons," he reported to WND. In the home with him were others, including a woman aged 80, several children under the age of 4 and a woman seven months pregnant. "Losing all hope, we thought for sure this was our last day," he said.
But while the group was praying, he reported a strange occurrence. "Completely unexpectedly, a lion ran from the forest, leapt toward the militants, and seized one by the neck. When other combatants tried to attack the lion, two other lions bounded toward them. The terrified militants fled the site, and the lions left us completely alone," he said. "Equally astonishing, records show no lions are supposed to live in that forest," he said.
(World Net Daily) Read more.
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Worship With Us Today!
More Than Anything - Natalie Grant
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]
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners welcomes all who wish to pray for our leaders to join us in prayer for our nation. You may sign up to receive our alerts by sending an email to us at CHPP1994@gmail.com requesting that your name be added to our list of subscribers.
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
