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The Daily Brief
"Praying for All in Authority"
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
"'Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Your possession." (Psalm 2:8)
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Focus on Israel
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1. Police on alert for violence as Jerusalem prepares for largest-ever Pride Parade - Times of Israel
Police in Jerusalem are bracing for violence at Thursday's Jerusalem Pride Parade, amid calls by extremists to disrupt what is expected to be the city's largest-ever LGBT march.
Some 2,500 police officers, border police and other security forces will secure the annual event that is expected to draw a record 30,000 participants. The event is due to take place against a background of widespread anger over a recent law that bars gay men from surrogacy parenthood rights.
A number of right-wing extremists and anti-LGBT activists told Hebrew-language media outlets they were summoned to police stations in recent days where they were warned not to disrupt the march or to stay away from the city entirely. Dozens of extremists have reportedly been given similar warnings.
(Read more)
2. IDF chief urges Druze soldiers to stop protests, reaffirms commitment to minority rights - World Israel News
IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot on Tuesday urged soldiers to stop protesting the nation-state law, arguing that politics should remain outside the ranks of the IDF. Eisenkot called on minorities in the IDF to "leave the controversial political issues outside the confines of the army," a military spokesman said Tuesday.
"As an inclusive people's army whose goal is to defend Israeli citizens and win wars, we are committed to safeguarding human dignity, irrespective of race, religion or gender.
"That's the way it has been and that's the way it will always be. We are committed to mutual responsibility and soldiers' camaraderie, with our Druze brothers, Bedouin and other minorities who serve in the IDF will continue to guide us," he said.
(Read more)
3. Israel Arrests Four Hamas Journalists In West Bank Raid - Jerusalem Post
Israeli security forces arrested four Palestinian journalists working for the Hamas-affiliated Al Quds TV station in Hebron overnight Monday, announced the IDF said.
The four men arrested in Ramallah were identified as Ala Rimawi, who runs the Al-Quds television station in the West Bank, and freelance journalists Mohammad Ulwan, Husni Injass and Qutaibah Hamdan.
During the joint operation - which was carried out by IDF troops from the Binyamin and Ephraim Regional Brigades and the Shin Bet (Israel security agency) - technical equipment, vehicles and personal computers were confiscated.
The al-Quds channel, which first broadcasted in October 2008 from Beirut and had channels in Ramallah and Jerusalem, was banned from operating in Israel earlier this month by Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman.
(Read more)
4. Amnesty International says employee targeted with Israeli spyware - Times of Israel
LONDON (AP) - An Amnesty International employee has been targeted with Israeli-made surveillance software, the human rights group said Wednesday, adding to a growing number of examples of Israeli technology being used to spy on human rights workers and opposition figures in the Middle East and beyond. In a 20-page report, Amnesty outlined how it thinks a hacker tried to break into an unidentified staff member's smartphone in early June by baiting the employee with a WhatsApp message about a protest in front of the Saudi Embassy in Washington.
The London-based human rights organization said it traced the malicious link in the message to a network of sites tied to the NSO Group, an Israeli surveillance company implicated in a series of digital break-in attempts, including a campaign to compromise proponents of a soda tax in Mexicoand an effort to hack into the phone of an Arab dissident that prompted an update to Apple's operating system.
(Read more)
5. Report: Israel Trying to Prevent a Massacre of Syrians on Golan Heights Border - Jerusalem Online
Israel has reportedly asked Russia to ensure that Syrian government forces do not harm or massacre civilians in the south of the war-torn country as they complete their takeover of the area bordering Israel's Golan Heights from rebel groups.
Israeli officials passed on the message to the Kremlin via diplomatic channels, Hadashot TV news reported Monday night, as the Syrian government regained control of the frontier for the first time in seven years, after Islamic State-linked militants gave up their last pocket of territory in the area.
Israel has been carrying out operations to that effect, the report said, without giving any specifics.
(Read more)
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The Daily Brief
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1. Senate GOP, Dems reach deal to move major domestic spending bill
- The Hill
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that he has reached a deal with Democrats to move a major spending package next month that would fund the Pentagon, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Labor. The Labor-HHS spending bill, as it's known, is the biggest domestic spending appropriations bill passed by Congress, and it usually languishes until the end of the year because of partisan fights over the cost of social programs.
But McConnell wants to move it to the floor in August, along with a bill funding the Defense Department, a top Republican priority, months earlier than in recent years. "Our hope is by the end of August the Senate will approve nine of 12 appropriations bills, which means 90 percent of the funding of the federal government - from the Senate point of view - will be done through the regular order before we get to Labor Day," he said.
McConnell said he hopes the Senate and House will be able to work out their differences on those nine spending bills so they can be delivered to President Trump for signature before the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. McConnell and Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (N.Y.) have agreed to keep poison-pill policy riders out of Senate appropriations bills so they can move on time and not get delayed by partisan fights. (Read more)
- Father, we pray our legislators will remember these appropriation bills represent the people's money and they will spend only what is necessary for our government's operation.
- Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? (Luke 14:28)
2. DOJ, Labor Dept to target employers that 'discriminate' against Americans by hiring foreign workers - The Hill
The Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Labor announced an agreement Tuesday to work together in cracking down on companies that "discriminate" against U.S. workers by hiring foreign workers. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division and the Labor Department will start sharing information on employers, refer issues to the appropriate officials at each department and offer training to each other's staff under the agreement.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore said in a statement that the agreement will help the civil rights division's "ability to identify employers the favor temporary visa holders over U.S. workers who can do the job. Employers should hire workers based on their skills, experience, and authorization to work; not based on discriminatory preferences that violate the law," he said.
Rosemary Lahasky, the deputy assistant secretary for Labor's employment and training administration, said in a statement that sharing the information "will help protect U.S. workers from unlawful discrimination." President Trump has promoted an "America First" agenda, criticizing companies that move plants out of the U.S. and stoking concerns about immigrants taking American jobs. (Read more)
- Father, we pray businesses in the United States will make the choice to hire citizens and those authorized to work before requesting permission to hire foreign workers.
- "Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."
(Proverbs 3:4)
3. Bill funding Trump's border wall includes common-sense immigration reforms - Washington Examiner
Budget appropriators in the House of Representatives approved a Department of Homeland Security funding bill Thursday. In addition to $5 billion for the president's border wall, the Appropriations Committee advanced the bill with several amendments, including three authored by Republicans, that would improve the legal immigration system. The bill would streamline immigration for families of U.S. citizens and for higher- and lower-skilled foreign workers, while protecting immigrant Dreamers and asylum seekers at the border.
In a major win for legal immigration, Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., inserted a provision expanding the H-2A guest worker program. Current law limits the H-2A program only to jobs that are "seasonal" in nature. This blocks employers in year-round industries such as dairy, livestock, and poultry from accessing legal workers. It's a pointless restriction that incentivizes illegal employment and undermines the purpose of the program, so Newhouse is rightly seeking to undo it. Similarly, the committee also approved an amendment by Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., that would increase the number of H-2B guest workers for nonagricultural jobs.
The H-2B program is critical for seafood, landscaping, and construction industries that cannot access the H-2A program, which has no cap at all. In recent years, employers have repeatedly been shut out of the program due to high demand. (Read more)
- Father, we pray for the comprehensive immigration bill our nation needs to pass and resolve the immigration problems with reasonable, legal solutions.
- If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. (Acts 19:39)
4. DOJ forms Religious Liberty Task Force to protect freedom of religion - Washington Times
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Monday he is creating a religious liberty task force within the Justice Department to protect religious organizations from discrimination. The task force is an extension of President Trump's October directive requiring government agencies to protect religious liberty even when it conflicts with government regulation. Led by Mr. Sessions, the task force will be co-chaired by Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio and Beth Williams, the assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's Office of Legal Policy.
Mr. Sessions said the task force was necessary because the U.S. has become "less hospitable" to religious people. "Americans from a wide variety of backgrounds are concerned about what this changing cultural climate means for the future of religious liberty in our country," Mr. Sessions said. "President Trump heard their concern. I believe this unease among the American people is one reason he was elected." (Read more)
- Father, we pray this Task Force will be very effective in identifying and resolving policies, procedures and legal actions that harm people of faith.
- It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
5. FBI partners with left-leaning Southern Poverty Law Center on hate-crimes - Washington Times
Jerry Boykin wasn't thrilled to see the Southern Poverty Law Center working with Amazon or Twitter, but he's far more alarmed about the left-leaning group's partnership with the FBI. "I think the FBI is making a terrible mistake by doing this, given the track record of the Southern Poverty Law Center," said Mr. Boykin, a retired lieutenant general and former deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence, who now serves as executive vice president of the Family Research Council. "That is more proof of a deep state," he said. "As far as I'm concerned, it delegitimizes so much of what the FBI does."
Mr. Boykin added that he thought the FBI had dropped the SPLC as a resource, and certainly that was the widespread assumption among political conservatives, until a few days ago. The FBI-SPLC link reignited alarm after Rep. Matt Gaetz, Florida Republican, fired off a letter last week asking FBI congressional liaison Jill C. Tyson about an email in which he said the bureau acknowledged a working relationship with the SPLC.
A Justice Department spokesperson told Fox that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had "directed the FBI to reevaluate their relationships with groups like this to ensure the FBI does not partner with any group that discriminates."
As of Monday, however, the SPLC was still listed as a partner on the FBI's Hate Crimes web page, along with organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League, the Human Rights Campaign, the NAACP, the National Center for Transgender Equity, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and the National Organization for Women. While many of the partners listed have a progressive or liberal political slant, none would be considered conservative. (Read more)
- Father, we pray the influence of organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center, Open Society, and Muslim Brotherhood will be completely uprooted from our government.
- For the upright will live in the land and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land and the treacherous will be uprooted from it. (Proverbs 2:21-22)
6. Manafort in court on first day of criminal trial - The Hill
Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was in court Tuesday for the opening day of his criminal trial on bank and fraud charges brought by special counsel Robert Mueller. Manafort appeared at the federal courthouse wearing a black business suit. His wife sat behind him in the courtroom.
Opening arguments are slated to begin Tuesday afternoon now that jurors have been selected. The jury box consists of six men and six women. There are four alternates - one man and three women. In addition to jury selection, Tuesday morning included a hearing regarding a motion to block Ukraine-related documents from being introduced as evidence at the trial.
The 18 counts facing Manafort include allegedly laundering $30 million from work on behalf of pro-Russian Ukrainian politicians and hiding money overseas to avoid paying U.S. taxes. Judge T.S. Ellis, of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, said he wasn't going to rule on that motion immediately, and instead asked prosecutors to limit the number of documents they introduce at trial. The trial is expected to last about three weeks. (Read more)
- Father, we lift up Paul Manafort and his family. Give them strength to endure this trial. We pray that You will expose the motivations of the prosecution and not allow a miscarriage of justice.
- But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:7-8)
7. Democrats Prove Willing To Make Orphans Casualties In Their War Against Religion - The Federalist
A House committee passed a bill earlier this month that would allow faith-based adoption and foster-care agencies to continue operating in accord with their moral beliefs. Democrats responded calling the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act "disgusting, deeply immoral and profoundly offensive," "unconscionable," and "shockingly biased."
The Inclusion Act was first introduced in 2014 to protect faith-based adoption agencies and foster care providers from state and local governments' discrimination against their services solely because of their religious mission to place children in loving homes with both a mother and a father. The bill sought to counteract a growing trend of invidious discrimination on the basis of faith. It became even more necessary when the city of Philadelphia moved to shut down faith-based foster-care providers earlier this year.
The bill has been accused of being a "license to discriminate" against LGBT couples, but it does nothing to inhibit the ability of LGBT couples to adopt children, nor does it reduce access to adoption for LGBT couples. The Inclusion Act merely discourages states from discriminating against faith-based providers and ensures that as many pipelines as possible remain open to connect children with loving homes.
The Inclusion Act would draw a line in the sand, not only protecting faith-based child welfare providers but also laying the groundwork to protect other religious institutions. As evidenced above, however, failing to pass this bill would continue to allow leftist persecution of faith-based groups, with far-reaching implications, especially for the neediest and most voiceless in our society. (Read more)
- Father, we pray each child in need of a loving home will be adopted without government pressure upon adoption agencies to compromise their beliefs. We pray for the Inclusion Act to pass and provide protection to these agencies and the children they place.
- If anyone causes one of these little ones-those who believe in me-to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. (Matthew 18:6)
8. Senior Iranian cleric says Tehran should consider Trump's sit-down offer - Times of Israel
Iran reacted skeptically Tuesday to US President Donald Trump saying that he's willing to negotiate with his Iranian counterpart "anytime," but a former adviser to the country's supreme leader said Tehran should not reject a sit-down out of hand. Ali Akbar Nategh Nouri, a senior cleric and member of the influential Expediency Council, said Trump's suggestion Monday that he would be willing to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani should not be categorically rejected.
The comment was a rare signal that Iran may be willing to negotiate with the US after a day that saw several other officials reject talks unless Trump rejoins the 2015 nuclear deal. Trump withdrew from the landmark nuclear accord, meant to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, in May, saying it was too generous to Iran. He has vowed to ramp up sanctions until Iran radically changes its policies, including its support for the Syrian government and regional militant groups, something the country's leaders have long refused to do. Trump has also said, however, that as renewed sanctions kick in, he expected Iran would call and offer to return to the negotiating table, and that "we're ready to make a real deal."
With the first US sanctions due to come into effect next Monday, the economy in Iran has already been hit, giving rise to growing fears of prolonged economic suffering. Another round, covering other types of commerce, including oil purchases, goes into effect November 4. With the US sanctions looming, the Iranian currency has been in free fall, hitting a new low Monday, at 122,000 to the dollar on the thriving black market. It recovered slightly to 115,000 on Tuesday, but concerns are growing as Iranians have seen their savings dwindle and purchasing power drop. (Read more)
- Father, we pray You will amplify the reasonable voices in Iran and help President Trump and Secretary Pompeo negotiate an end to Iran's provocative and destabilizing military ambitions.
- The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.
(Proverbs 28:25)
9. Questions hover over U.S. ties as Khan prepares to take over - Washington Times
Pakistan's cricket star-turned-incoming prime minister said over the weekend he's ready to move the nation past its tumultuous election and form a coalition government - but deep questions remain about the controversial Imran Khan's seemingly pro-Taliban sympathies and whether he can be trusted to crack down on terrorists operating within his borders.
But Mr. Khan's coming ascent to power - he's set to be sworn into office no later than mid-August - comes with serious questions both internally and on the international stage. President Trump himself this year harshly criticized Islamabad's effort in the crackdown on extremists, despite what Mr. Trump said was decades of generous U.S. aid. With the Pentagon again reviewing military policy in Afghanistan and the Afghan government hoping to draw the Taliban into peace talks, it's unclear whether Mr. Khan will help or hinder American efforts in that regard.
Meanwhile, American military leaders stress Pakistan is key to their strategy. Lt. Gen. Austin "Scott" Miller, the new commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan told a Senate panel last month that Pakistan continues to engage in contradictory efforts by voicing support for a lasting peace deal while at the same time reportedly financing insurgents groups in neighboring Afghanistan. His comments echo the longstanding U.S. position that Pakistan is a crucial partner against terrorism but must do more.
International observers say the political climate across Pakistan in the weeks and months leading up to the election was one of intimidation and fear, with politicians opposed to Mr. Khan harassed and even arrested. Mr. Khan's top rival, Shahbaz Sharif of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League, saw his party capture 64 seats in the election. But weeks before the election, the former leader of that party and ex-prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, was arrested amid an ongoing corruption probe. At the same time, there were widespread reports that the military was actively working to keep the Pakistan Muslim League from returning to power. (Read more)
- Father, we pray Pakistan, and her cache of nuclear weapons, will remain secure. Enlighten our State and Defense departments on how to work with this new leader for the benefit of the United States.
- The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. (Proverbs 21:1)
10. Chinese Communist Newspaper: Stationing US Marines at Mission in Taiwan Would Amount to 'Invasion' - CNSNews.com
A Chinese Communist Party organ has reacted sharply to unconfirmed reports that U.S. Marines may be stationed at Washington's de facto diplomatic mission in Taiwan, charging that any such move would amount to "invasion" of Chinese territory.
Taiwanese media outlets reported at the weekend that a small contingent of Marines will be posted at the newly-dedicated American Institute in Taiwan compound, which is due to begin operating formally in the fall.
Citing "sources familiar with the matter," the Taipei Times said the stationing of Marines at the AIT "could be considered a representation of how much the U.S. values its relationship with Taiwan." Taiwan's presidential office declined to comment, calling AIT's security arrangements an internal affair. U.S. Marine Security Guards have been based at U.S. diplomatic missions around the world since the end of World War II.
There has been no official confirmation that Marines will indeed be stationed at the new $250 million AIT compound which replaces premises - formerly the headquarters of the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group - that have housed the AIT since the diplomatic relationship changed in 1979. (Read more)
- Father God, once again, we praise You for giving us a President who is a strong friend to our allies. We ask Your wisdom to guide President Trump and his counselors inside the Pentagon as they make this decision for Taiwan. Amen.
- "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
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The Daily Jot
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July 31, 2018
Lest we forget legalized infanticide
It's been some 45 years since the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to legalize abortion. President Donald Trump is actively appointing pro-life judges and curbing tax money to abortion providers. Let's remember the history. The decision, which was justified through privacy provisions in the Constitution that prevented an overpowering government from occupying your personal property without consent, was based on a deceptive lie from the beginning. Both the Roe and the Doe cited by the Supreme Court were women who were not seeking an abortion at all. They were lied to by their attorneys about their cases and were used by an over zealous leftist legal system to essentially unleash infanticide in America.
Sandra Cano, the "Doe" in Doe vs. Bolton, the companion case to Roe vs. Wade, told a Senate Judiciary hearing in 2005 that she always was against abortion. Abortion was always against her wishes. She never sought an abortion and never went for an abortion. She has said when she approached her attorneys for help, she understood her case as an effort to obtain a divorce and regain custody of her children. She was pregnant, and unbeknownst to her, her attorney and her mother arranged an abortion for Sandra. Sandra, to this day, says such an act was so far from her intentions that when she discovered the plan, she fled to Oklahoma alone.
The "Roe" in Roe vs. Wade is a similar case. Norma McCorvey was a rough talking woman who drifted from job to job and had three children, all of them given up for adoption. She never had an abortion, she just signed the affidavit provided by her slick attorney and was expected to melt into the background and keep her mouth shut. For years she was an abortion advocate, but then a young girl named Emily struck up a relationship with her. When McCorvey found out that Emily was almost aborted, she put a face with the decision that bore her name. McCorvey could not fathom that her young friend Emily may have fallen victim to abortion. McCorvey then became a Christian and a pro-life advocate.
Both women became pro-life and petitioned to have their respective decisions overturned. Since 1973, over 60 million babies have been sacrificed to abortion in America. Worse yet, your taxpayer money has supported this abomination. Nearly half, (about $500 million) of Planned Parenthood's budget comes from federal, state, and local tax dollars. Planned Parenthood is the largest single provider of abortions. Jesus said in Luke 17:2, "It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." Jesus loved children. And Jesus is the one who gave us all eternal life. Abortion is death. Life is the way of Christ.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson www.dailyjot.com
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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
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!
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