CHPP Daily Brief - April 15, 2011

In This Issue
• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• The Good News Corner
• Palm Sunday Video

Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net

The Daily Brief - Friday, April 15, 2011

"Seek the Lord continually and desire His . . . presence evermore." (Psalm 105:4)

NOTE: Congress has now entered into a two-week recess period, so we will not publish "On Capitol Hill This Week" again until they are back in session.
Watch for a special edition of the Daily Brief on Monday, summarizing this week's actions on the Hill. Also, please be advised that we will not publish our alerts on either Good Friday, April 22, or on Monday, April 25. It is time to seek the Lord . . .

The Daily Brief

1. Nine Dead as Severe Storms Sweep Midwest - Fox News

Destructive storms that tore across the country's midsection left at least nine people dead after smashing uprooted trees into homes in Arkansas and ripping apart the only school in one tiny Oklahoma town, officials said Friday. As the sun rose Friday, the storms were moving across Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. UPDATE: Tonight Atlanta is under a tornado watch. Read more.

- As these dangerous stroms continue to sweep across the nation, lift up a prayer for the safety of all who are in their paths. Pray, too, for those who are tracking these storms, that they may be quick to see a system forming and to alert those who are in danger.

- "The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet." (Nauhm 1:3 AMP)

2. Senate Defeats Measure to Defund Planned Parenthood - CBN News

The U.S. Senate defeated an attempt by the House Friday to end federal funding of Planned Parenthood. Senate Democrats and five Republicans rejected the measure 58 to 42.

Obama's Private Remarks Show Fiery Abortion Debate

An "open mic" incident with Obama Thursday revealed the intensity of the political debate surrounding efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. Thinking that reporters were out of the room, Obama opened up following a Chicago fundraiser regarding the recent budget battle with House Speaker John Boehner. "Put it in a separate bill. We'll call it up," the president said, referring to legislation against Planned Parenthood's federal funding. "And if you think you can overturn my veto, try it. But don't try to sneak this through." Read more.

[Note: for the past two days, the U.S. Geological Survey has been reporting a swarm of earthquakes in Senator Reid's home state of Nevada: all measuring from 3.6 to 4.4 on the Richter Scale. We wonder if our Lord is, indeed, watching over the actions of the United States Senate in this hour. Amen.]

- Cry out for mercy to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in repentance for this action by the United States Senate, and for the words of this president. The blood of the innocent unborn is on our hands; may God have mercy.

- "Shall I not punish these people," declares the Lord, "And on a nation such as this Shall I not avenge Myself?" (Jer. 5:9)

3. House Passes $6 Trillion Budget Cut - CBN

The House has passed along party lines a GOP plan to cut $6 trillion from the federal budget. The GOP proposal passed 235-193, with every Democrat voting "no." The nonbinding plan lays out a fiscal vision cutting $6.2 trillion over 10 years from the budget submitted by President Barack Obama. The measure includes reforming Medicare into a voucher-like system that would subsidize the purchase of private insurance. Read more.

- Offer a great chorus of praise for the passage of this measure in the House of Repreentatives. It will take a miracle for ths package to be passed in the Senate and signed into law by the president. Pray for that miracle to come forth!

- "Whatever the LORD pleases, He does." (Psalm 135:6)

4. White House Unveils Internet ID Plan - Fox News

Voluntary system offers one login for all digital transactions, aims to protect users from fraud and identity theft.

- This system will bear our close examination. Take time to look carefully at the details of this plan; go to the link to read more. Take action by calling Congress, if and as needed, over this move to bring more control over all internet transactions. Pray!

- "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." (I Corinthians 16:13)

5. California Bill Could Put Homosexual History Book in Schools - CBN

California is one step closer to passing a bill that would allow achievements of the homosexual community to be included in its social studies textbooks. The Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful (FAIR) Education Act passed the state Senate Thursday by a 23-14 vote. The FAIR legislation would mandate that events like gay marriage and other civil rights facts involving the homosexual community be taught in California schools. Read more.

- Once again, repent.

- "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand." (Matthew 3:2)

6. A Special Word from Ras Robinson

You must repent for your nation. Your leaders have committed grave sins. Millions of unborn babies have been destroyed. Pride and arrogance are not pleasing to Me. Examine yourself as well and see if there is need on your part to repent. Staying humble, pray for your leaders and for one another. I am not a God of stone or other natural substance so that I cannot change My mind. I am your living God. It gives me no pleasure to discipline a nation. But it is better that the discipline come than for My judgment to fall upon the nation. I say unto you, fall to your knees, for it is true that a nation can be birthed in a day. It is also true that a nation can be destroyed in a day. (October 14, 2010)

7. Republicans will make US 'Third World' nation: Obama - AFP

Obama accused Republicans of wanting to turn the United States into a "Third World" country as he rallied support for his reelection campaign. "If we apply some practical common sense to this, we can solve our fiscal challenges and still have the America that we believe in," Obama told supporters at Chicago's N9ne restaurant.

- Father, Your Word says that you hate lying lips. If there are any lies in these statements, we ask that you bring them to the light and reveal them. We ask that You continue to reveal the truth to America regarding what Mr. Obama perceives as "the America that we believe in." We ask forgiveness for him and his administration for any areas where they have transgressed from Your plans and vision for America, and ask that You correct them.

- These six things doth the Lord hate: yea seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among bretheren. (Prov. 6:16) O Israel (America), return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. (Hosea 14:1)

8. Inflation Actually Near 10% Using Older Measure - CNBC

After former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker was appointed in 1979, the consumer price index surged into the double digits, causing the now revered Fed Chief to double the benchmark interest rate in order to break the back of inflation. Using the methodology in place at that time puts the CPI back near those levels. Inflation, using the reporting methodologies in place before 1980, hit an annual rate of 9.6 percent in February, according to the Shadow Government Statistics newsletter.

"While the federal government would have us believe the numbers are rather tame, our own personal gauge leads us to believe inflation is runningbetween 5 percent to 6 percent annually," wrote Alan Newman in his latest Crosscurrentsnewsletter that refers to Williams' statistics.

- Lord, we know that statistics can be manipulated to present skewed values favoring the conclusions the preparers want to promote. We ask that the foundations and premises used to compile these statistics will be accurate and include all pertinent criteria.

- "For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the sight of men." (2 Cor. 8:21) - . . . Provide things honest in the sight of all men. (Rom 12:17)

9. Trump says he'll "probably" run as independent if not the GOP nominee - CBS News

If Donald Trump were to lose the GOP presidential nomination, he could run for president as an independent -- and he thinks he could win, the business magnate and television personality said Monday He added, however, that he would have reservations about an independent candidacy because his support comes largely from conservatives, and he does not want to splinter the GOP vote and then lose the election.

Update: Trump is now tied with Huckabee for first place at 19 percent when Republicans are asked who they support for the GOP presidential nomination in 2012, according to a new CNN poll.

- Father, we place this 2012 candidacy for the Presidency of the United States in Your care. We pray and trust that the candidate You choose will be raised up to be the leader of this country.

- "He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings." (Dan. 2:21)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Your name give glory, for Your mercy, and for Your truth's sake. Why should the nations say, Where is their God? But our God is in the heavens. He has done whatever He has pleased." (Psalm 115:1-3)

1. Quartet meeting on Mideast delayed following pressure from US - Ynet News

The United States blocked an initiative by Britain, France and Germany to restart stalled Israeli-Palestinian talks by proposing the outlines of a final settlement to their long conflict, UN diplomats and a US official said Monday. But a US official said the Obama administration didn't think a Quartet meeting would produce anything useful in terms of getting the talks restarted. "It wasn't the right time," the official said.

- Father, we thank you for this step in the right direction. We pray that the US leadership will come to the realization that Your Word is true; that Jerusalem is the place that you have placed Your Name forever; and that whoever stands against Your Word, stands against You.

The LORD said to him; "I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (1 Ki. 9:3)

" . . . this is what the LORD Almighty says: After he has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you - for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye . . ." (Zech. 2:8).

2. Israel: PA Statehood Bid a "Diplomatic Tsunami" - CBN

JERUSALEM, Israel -- The Palestinian Authority is now ready to function as a state, a new United Nations report concluded. The main obstacle to such a goal, the U.N. noted, is "Israeli occupation."

Palestinian leaders plan to ask the U.N. General Assembly in September for statehood recognition on all the territory Israel occupied in 1967, including Gaza.

If the P.A. is successful, Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak predicts a "diplomatic tsunami." Read more.

3. Middle East Christians Face Increased Threats - CBN

From Iraq to Syria and Egypt, Christians in the Middle East are going through tough times today. Many believers fear the leadership changes taking place in the region will result in violence against them. Some are even fleeing as attacks increase. Read more

The Daily Jot

Perish or Prosper--your choice of Social Contracts

During the president's speech on fiscal policy this week, he made a curious remark. He characterized the Republican budget proposal of tax cuts and repealing socialized healthcare as being, "less about reducing the deficit than it is about changing the basic social compact in America." The Social Contract or "compact" as he put it is the foundational principle upon which the nation's government is based. The president has aggressively moved toward replacing the traditional Social Contract between Americans and their government by instituting a progressive, or socialist-based, Social Compact. He is saying that fiscal responsibility at the expense of social programs seeks to change the Social Compact.

The Social Contract between the governed and the government evolved from the times of Socrates. It is the recognition that the Laws of Nature grant mankind certain inalienable rights, especially liberty, security and property. And that man submits himself to a greater authority to protect those rights in a civil society. From the mid 1600s through the late 1700s, it was debated what type of government under the Social Contract was best. Many European philosophers believed the rule of a king, whose power was vested in him by God, was best. Other beliefs emerged that the rule of the majority, or democracy, was best. The Founding Fathers were the first to take these theories and invent a new form of government.

With the belief that God's law had endowed mankind with the rights to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness (originally the use of property ownership was included), the Founders developed a Constitutional Republic where the just powers of government were derived from the consent of the governed. Rather than a democracy, which they believed would lead to tyranny, they chose to establish the supreme law of the land--The Constitution--and protect the rights of the people by having them elect representatives to carry out the function of government according to the law. A limited government was to protect, or provide security to, the rights of the people. This is the "Social Contract" as the Founders envisioned it.

Obama believes that those wanting limited government and fiscal responsibility changes his worldview of the "social compact." His belief is in the progressive social compact found in the Communist Manifesto, which abolishes religion and property ownership, and vests absolute power in government. Hence, his policies have altered private sector job creation, impacted property ownership through government mortgages, and is progressively making the majority of Americans dependent on the government for all their needs. This is the antithesis of the Founder's Social Contract. We must be an Exodus 18:21 people and choose leaders, "such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness" otherwise we will perish as a nation.

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

The Good News Corner

Announcement from the National Day of Prayer Task Force

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Thursday, April 14, 2011

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (APRIL 14, 2011) - Earlier today, a panel of the U.S. court of appeals overturned a ruling that previously found the law requiring the President to proclaim a National Day of Prayer each year as unconstitutional. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, based in Chicago, ruled 3-0 that the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) and its plaintiffs do not have standing to continue their challenge of the 1952 congressional act declaring an annual National Day of Prayer.

According to the appeals court ruling, the proclamation imposes no requirement on a person and therefore no one is hurt by a request that can be declined. "Those who do not agree with a president's statement may speak in opposition to it, they are not entitled to silence the speech of which they disapprove," wrote the appeals court's chief judge Frank Easterbrook, who was appointed by President Ronald Reagan.

Shirley Dobson, Chairman of the National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force and wife of Focus on the Family Founder Dr. James Dobson, said "I applaud the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. Since the days of our Founding Fathers, the government has protected and encouraged public prayer and other expressions of dependence on the Almighty. Prayer is an indispensable part of our heritage, and as citizens, we must remain faithful in our commitment to intercede for our nation during this pivotal and challenging time."

Michael Calhoun, Director of Strategic Communication for the National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force added, "This is definitely a victory for the free exercise of religion that our Founding Fathers sought to ensure, and we are thankful for the outcome. I can't think of a time in recent memory when it has been more important to pray for wisdom and direction for our country and its leaders... I hope millions will join the ongoing efforts of our NDP Task Force to that end."

Click Here to Read the entire News Release.

-- We continue to praise the LORD at this excellent report, and we thank Him for standing with the righteous if and as other appeals surface in this debate.

- "You will judge the peoples with uprightness and guide the nations on the earth." (Psalm 67:9)

Palm Sunday Video

"Let us seek the Lord while He may be found . . ."

He entered Jerusalem, riding on a donkey . . . who IS this King of kings? Watch, pray, seek . . .

"Yeshua, You reign on high. Almighty God, Your love is like no other. Amen"

And as we enter into this, the holiest week of the year, together let us "prepare ye the way of the Lord." (Go here)

CHPP Daily Brief - April 14, 2011

In This Issue
• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Obama's Plan
• KEY VOTE ON THURSDAY IN THE HOUSE
• Victory for the National Day of Prayer!
• Cinco de Mayo Initiative
• Worship with Us Today!

Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net

The Daily Brief - Thursday, April 14, 2011

"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11

The Daily Brief

1. Ahead of Key Vote, Estimate Shows Budget Bill Saves Less Than Advertised - Fox News

The $38 billion in budget cuts touted by Republicans over the weekend might end up being less. A lot less.

According to a Congressional Budget Office estimate, the hard-fought budget deal funding the government for the rest of the year saves only $352 million from non-war accounts this year.

- Father, we are officially furious that we have been deceived. We pray for a righteous answer to this continual spree of spending, and the lies that have entrapped America.

- "But cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock a male, and makes a vow, but sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished." (Malachi 1:14a)

2. US: Iran Secretly Helping Crackdown in Syria - The Wall Street Journal

Iran is secretly helping Syrian President Bashar al-Assad put down pro-democracy demonstrations, according to U.S. officials, who say Tehran is providing gear to suppress crowds and assistance blocking and monitoring protesters' use of the Internet, cellphones and text-messaging.

- Lord, we bind this covenant between the enemies of the West and apply the cross of Christ against it so that Your plan and purposes will be fulfilled.

- "In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the Lord shall bless, saying, 'Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance." (Isaiah 19:24-25)

3. Bank of America: Oil Could Hit $160 by Year-End - NewsMax

Oil prices have jumped to 2 ½-year highs this week, and the party may just be getting started. Bank of America Merrill Lynch says Brent crude could hit $160 a barrel this year, as global demand expands and Libyan oil remains offline, CNBC reports.

- Lord, we plead for Your mercy over the oil situation and ask that You will move on behalf of Your people. We ask for mercy also over the economy as emergency services, trucking, airlines, and other important industries suffer under the weight of high gas prices.

- "God be merciful to us and bless us" (Psalm 67:1a)

4. Banks Face $3.6 Trillion 'Wall' of Debt: IMF - CNBC

The world's banks face a $3.6 trillion "wall of maturing debt" in the next two years and must compete with debt-laden governments to secure financing, the IMF warned on Wednesday.

- Lord, we know that the only way a house of cards can go is down. We pray for Your touch upon the economies of the world, and Your provision and help for Your people across the globe. We pray that all of Your people will work together to help one another in these difficult times.

-"Behold God is my helper; the Lord is with those who uphold my life." (Psalm 54:4)

5. World Sea Attacks Surge With More Violent Pirates - AP

Sea piracy worldwide hit a record high of 142 attacks in the first quarter this year as Somali pirates become more violent and aggressive, a global maritime watchdog said Thursday.

- Lord, we ask for a move of Your Spirit to reveal, cast out, and destroy the violent men who engage in piracy. Too many have died at their hand, too much fear has been created by their acts.

- "Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him." (Psalm 140:11b)

6. FBI to Use High-Tech Photo Equipment in Search for More Bodies on Long Island - Fox News

The FBI is deploying high-tech aerial photography in the hunt for more bodies dumped by the killer or killers who have buried at least 10 victims along miles of Long Island beach.

- Father, we pray that you will reveal and catch the perpetrator(s) of these heinous crimes on Long Island. You know exactly the monster that is killing these women and striking fear in the hearts of the residents, so we pray that You move to stop this string of murders.

- "He will redeem their live from oppression and violence" (Psalm 72:14a)

7. Weekly Unemployment Rate Shoots Up - Fox News

An unexpected jolt in people applying for unemployment benefits last week raised the number of applications to a seasonally adjusted 412,000.

It was the first increase in three weeks, and could be a sign that people who stopped looking for work are coming back, but the 27,000 additional requests for assistance for the week ending April 9 put the jobless aid figure at its highest point since mid-February.

- Lord, we pray for the creation of good jobs for Americans. We ask for strategies, mercy, wisdom for our leaders and the businesses of the nation. So many people in despair Lord, so many lives torn apart by the loss of jobs and hope, we ask for Your intervention.

- "Do not forget the life of Your poor forever. " (Psalms 74:19b)

8. BREAKING! House Passes Bill to Keep Lights On - Fox News

After weeks of intense deliberations, the House passes budget bill to fund the federal government for the rest of the year as the bill now goes to the Senate for final passage.

- Offer praise for this victory today, and continue to "press in" as this bill now goes to the Senate for a vote -- and for passage. Let God be praised!

- " . . . he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:6)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Your name give glory, for Your mercy, and for Your truth's sake. Why should the nations say, Where is their God? But our God is in the heavens. He has done whatever He has pleased." (Psalm 115:1-3)

1. The new Christian settlers - Ynet News

Will US Christians settle in Samaria? About 1,000 Americans have signed a document requesting to convert to Judaism, move to Israel, and settle in Samaria.

2. WikiLeaks: Syria aimed chemical weapons at Israel - Ynet News

Syria placed long-range missiles equipped with chemical warheads on high alert after an attack on a Syrian nuclear plant in 2007, WikiLeaks documents obtained by Yedioth Ahronoth indicate.

3. Palestinian PM: Brussels meeting is 'birth certificate' for statehood - EU Observer

The Palestinian Authority has welcomed endorsement of a UN report on institution building as a "birth certificate" for statehood amid Israeli concern over a potential unilateral declaration of independence.

The Daily Jot

Sad day: When fiscal responsibility means changing the social compact with America

The Wall Street Journal characterized the Obama's speech on the budget by writing, "The speech he chose to deliver was dishonest even by modern political standards." WSJ points out the president used "blistering partisanship and multiple distortions" to "inoculate the White House from criticism that it is not serious about the fiscal crisis." The article points out that the president blamed the record budget deficits and national debt on others rather than taking responsibility for his own part, which was greater than any of the legitimate previous presidents. WSJ said that the president characterized opposing plans as un-American because Republicans are about "changing the basic social compact in America."

He never directly called for a tax increase, but reframed it in code. Now tax increases are called "spending reductions in the tax code." He said his plan "calls for tax reform to cut about $1 trillion in tax expenditures -- spending in the tax code." This means that he expects to increase taxes by a trillion dollars. He continued his class warfare theme. He said that he wants to eliminate tax deductions for the wealthiest two percent of Americans. Trouble is, he also wants to eliminate the home mortgage tax deduction, which impacts every home owner, smashing the American dream of property ownership. The centerpiece of the Communist Manifesto is for government to abolish property ownership.

He used the same worn out mantra of the Democratic playbook--terrorize the seniors by saying the big bad Republicans are going to cut your medicare and social security. But at the same time, he said "if we don't make any changes at all, we won't be able to keep our commitment to a retiring generation...." He mentioned that Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill "came together to save Social Security for future generations." I remember that. I was working then on Capitol Hill. There was an agreement that neither party would criticize the other in the announcement of their bipartisan decision. The first thing the Democrats did was say that Republicans wanted further cuts in social security.

Obama's speech was tantamount to someone who was robbing your house. You caught him in the act and held him until the police came. He then sued you for physical and mental damages. This government is robbing you of your freedom to pursue happiness, even to own a home. Many will say that it is God's judgement on us for becoming such a sinful society. And that by encouraging others to take action against this socialist Leviathan is getting in the way of God's plan. Who am I that I can undermine the plan of the Almighty? Psalm 107:1,2 says the Lord's "mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy." Let us repent, arise, and respond.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

Obama's Plan: Gut Defense & Raise Taxes

Today Obama outlined his plan for tackling the nation's fiscal crisis. It is difficult to take him seriously. On his watch, annual deficits have tripled. His most recent budget proposal included no spending cuts and, according to the Congressional Budget Office, would add nearly $10 trillion to the national debt over the next ten years. But today "Mr. Stimulus" did his best to convince us he was serious about reducing spending.

As expected, today's speech was short on specifics, and it was largely more of the same from Obama. Whenever the president is in trouble with the voters, he rushes out to deliver a few well-scripted lines that have been thoroughly focus group tested for maximum effect. Once again, he tried to position himself as the responsible adult in the room, seeking a "balanced approach" -- as opposed to the "extremism" offered by congressional Republicans.

While today's speech lacked substance on spending cuts, there were two unmistakable promises: higher taxes and gutting the defense budget. We've been down this road before, and it doesn't end well. . .

Obama's call for higher taxes was preemptively rejected by GOP leaders before today's speech. As word spread yesterday that the president would repeat his call for higher taxes, Speaker Boehner responded, saying, "We don't have deficits because Americans are taxed too little. We have deficits because Washington spends too much." Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said, "There's no way to tax our way out of this problem. From my point of view, taxes are not on the table because we don't have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem."

Again, the battle lines are clearly drawn for the 2012 campaign. One party is defending big government and is determined to take more of your money to "spread the wealth around." The other party wants to shrink government and lower taxes so that businesses and families can thrive. America is at a tipping point. We are rapidly running out of time to address these issues. The next election could permanently decide which vision prevails. (Gary Bauer)

KEY VOTE ON THURSDAY IN THE HOUSE

Congress to Square Off Over Planned Parenthood Funding

By Friday night, most of the 535 members of Congress are likely to be on record on whether taxpayers should be subsidizing Planned Parenthood. As part of the recent budget compromise, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid agreed to let the Senate vote on legislation that would defund the nation's largest abortion business. That vote is likely to come late Thursday or Friday, after the House votes on the measure Thursday. The votes are separate from those on the spending bill that would fund the government through September.

"We already know (the Planned Parenthood) vote will fail, since 41 Democrats signed a letter . . . saying they'd oppose such a measure," writes pro-life blogger and speaker Jill Stanek. "But House Majority Leader John Boehner's strategy is to force so-called Democrat moderates to go on the record, potentially getting ammo for the 2012 elections."

Jordan Sekulow, director of policy and international operations for the American Center for Law and Justice, said the vote is a step in the right direction.

"Although this continues to be an uphill battle, an unsuccessful vote that puts senators on the record helps get us closer to a Congress that has the political will to defund Planned Parenthood once and for all," he writes. "Until then, our government will continue to fund one of the DNC's (Democratic National Committee's) best grassroots outfits."

In fiscal year 2008-09, almost one-third of Planned Parenthood's budget -- $363 million -- came from government grants and contracts. (CitizenLink)

Victory for the National Day of Prayer!

Good News Corner: Part One

Below please find a message from Dave Butts, Chairman of the National Prayer Committee.

Please join me in praising God! The 3 member court that was hearing the case against the National Day of Prayer has ruled 3-0 on our behalf. The previous ruling by a single judge declaring the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional has been decisively struck down.

Though future appeals are likely, this victory will stand. We give thanks to God for His mercies. This certainly gives us a great opportunity to praise and thank God together on May 5th wherever we are gathering to pray. Thank you all for praying for this.

Blessings!

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners joins the National Prayer Committee in rejoicing at this GOOD NEWS. And we thank all of our prayer partners, too, for the many months of intercession that have been offered over tihs vital court case.

To God be the Glory! Great things He hath done!

In His Grace,
Sara Ballenger, Founder and President
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners

- "May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples with equity
and guide the nations of the earth." (Psalm 67:3,4)

The Good News Corner:

Cinco de Mayo Initiative

21 Days of Prayer and Fasting: Begins TOMORROW!

21 Days of Prayer & Fasting

April 15th - May 5th

The Mission of the Cinco de Mayo Initiative:

This Initiative is to raise up prayer, intercession and fasting for the southern border and all the issues surrounding it. To bring awareness of the issues associated with the border from the violence, trafficking, smuggling, kidnapping, drug cartels all the while realizing the responsibility we have before God and man, spiritual and natural, to take our place of authority to bring about change and transformation through prayer & fasting.

Why Cinco de Mayo?

The 5th of May is often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, but it actually commemorates the day in 1862 in Puebla, Mexico, when 4,000 Mexican soldiers defeated the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000, which kept Napoleon III from supplying the confederate rebels for another year, helping Union forces secure victory over the Confederates at Gettysburg 14 months after the Battle of Puebla, essentially ending the Civil War. We felt it extremely significant to call the nation to prayer for the injustices taking place on the U.S.-Mexico border on Cinco de Mayo--the day that, our two nations became entwined in each other's victories, and a great friendship was forged.
This year, Cinco de Mayo also coincides with the annual National Day of Prayer.

Cinco de Mayo Prayer Gathering

On May 5, 2011, thousands will gather in Dallas, TX to throw the last arrow into the ground and press through in prayer for breakthrough at our nation's southwest border. Fathers of the prayer movements will be joining us that night as well as national and state prayer leaders from across America, even Mexico. This prayer gathering will be done simultaneously with other National Day of Prayer Gatherings in cities throughout the nation.

We are believing that on this night, God will throw fire on our sacrifice and in the coming days, week, and months, we will see drug trafficking operations exposed and dissolved, prisoners of the drug war will be set free and the incidents of violence, kidnapping and extortion will dramatically decrease! READ MORE.

History belongs to the intercessor

Mark Gonzales, Founder,
United States Hispanic Prayer Network,
The Mission of the United States Hispanic Prayer Network (HPN)

Our mission is to raise up a unified grassroots movement of prayer and civic action among the Hispanic-American church that turns our nation back to righteousness and Biblical principles and brings revival to America once again.

Worship with Us Today!

These Things Are True Of You

Unshakable, immovable, faithful and true
Full of wisdom, strength and beauty
These things are true of You

Fearless, courageous, righteousness shines through in all You do
Yet You're so humble You laid down Your life
These things are true of You
And as I turn my face to You
Oh Lord, I ask and pray
By the power of Your love and grace
Make these things true of me, too
Make these things true of me, too
Patient, compassionate Love flows through You
You never give up on the hopeless ones
These things are true of You
Holy and blameless You stand up for justice and truth
Yet You love mercy and forgiveness
These things are true of You

CHPP Daily Brief - April 13, 2011

In This Issue
• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• IPT Report #1
• IPT Report #2
• IPT Report #3
• Israeli Bombing Victim "Extremely Critical"
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!

Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net

The Daily Brief - Wednesday, April 13, 2011

"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11

The Daily Brief

1. GOP using Senate amendment process to attack Obama agenda - Congress Reports- The Hill

Senate Republicans are taking advantage of the amendment process to keep alive many of the spending-cut proposals that were excluded from the deal to avoid a government shutdown. Republicans have tacked on to the pending Small Business Administration funding bill dozens of non-germane savings measures, many of which come directly from riders attached to the House Republicans' original funding package for 2011, numbered H.R. 1.

- Father, by Your power hold fast all federal savings measures so that they will stand solid and be passed into law. Support our country's monetary system that there be no government shutdown. Release the grip of ungodly hands that would attempt to force a shutdown and punish all that oppress the American people. In Jesus Name.

- "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)

2. Boehner's 'Deal' funds Planned Parenthood...again! - AFA

Taxpayer subsidizing of PP and NPR keeps getting our tax dollars. A budget deal was struck which DID NOT exclude Planned Parenthood (PP) and National Public Radio (NPR) from receiving federal tax dollars. The AFA believes that it is long past time to defund Planned Parenthood, an organization that receives $350 million in taxpayer funds while aborting 324,000 babies a year.

- God, on behalf of the right to life that you have given to all unborn babies, we ask for Your divine intervention to abolish all laws that allows a human being to abort the life of these innocent babies. This is contemptible before holy God. So having shown all their wisdom to be foolishness, may it please God to establish the only way by which He and Your salvation may be truly known, and that is by and in Christ Jesus. In Jesus' Name we pray.

- "Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." ( I Corinthians 3:16-17)

3. Trump poll triumph built on doubting Obama's birth - Washington Times

Donald Trump's potential candidacy for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination has forced the issue of whether Barack Obama was born in America into the mainstream, a question the establishment media has been frantically avoiding. Mr. Trump is demanding the president reveal his long-form birth certificate. The real estate mogul believes Mr. Obama is deliberately withholding embarrassing or damaging information.

- Father God in heaven, Lord and King over all the earth, call forth the absolute truth and let the long-form birth certificate of the president be exposed to all the world. Set a holy fire to all the lies and cover up documents and render them useless and totally worthless, as God exposes the unedited truth. Bring the United States out from under the cloak of a deliberate deception that was set up by the hidden powers that plan the demise of world governments. By the blood of Jesus render them extinct and set our country free. In Jesus Name.

- "Behold, all they that were incensed against you shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with you shall perish." (Isaiah 41:11)

4. US deficit up 15.7% in first half of fiscal 2011 - AFP

The US budget deficit shot up 15.7 percent in the first six months of fiscal 2011, the Treasury Department said Wednesday as political knives were being sharpened for a new budget battle.

- God, the financial world is shooting in all directions to strike a deathblow to positive growth steps of recovery. We are in a battle with the enemy of our country's security. So we call out to our God to step into the middle of these clashes and establish Your perfect will and Your perfect timing. Send warring angels who are assigned to designated posts to pull down the works of darkness. In the Name of Jesus.

- "Plead our cause, O Lord, with them that strive against us: fight against them that fight against us. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for our help. Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute us: say unto our souls, I AM your salvation." (Psalm 35:1-3)

5. G20 to work on imbalances plan amid crowded agenda - Reuters

The world's biggest economies hope to make progress this week on a plan to identify countries that put the global economy at risk, while China warned against any moves that would curb its red-hot growth.

- God, we ask that you give a just balance to all the world's biggest economies and curtail the greed and avarice that drives China to threaten any country that would stand in its way. Break this power under the mighty hand of God that justice will prevail. In Jesus Name.

- "Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who has created these things, that brings out their host in number: God calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one fails." ( Isaiah 40:26)

6. Man declares himself Mahdi over Makkah mosque loudspeakers - Gulf News

A man snatched the microphone at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and declared he was the Mahdi, the prophesied redeemer of Islam who is expected to come prior to the Day of Resurrection.

- The Lord God of heaven and earth, declares that it is Jesus the Christ who is the one and only redeemer of the world, and it is God who knows and discerns those who pose this honor to themselves and are found to be the counterfeit one. The Word of God stands sure, and not one dot or tittle will ever be changed. It is the glorified Christ who was raised from the dead that is the great and mighty Messiah. To Him be glory forever and ever. In Jesus Name.

- "And God said to me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show unto His servants the things which must shortly be done. And Jesus said, Behold I come quickly: blessed is he that keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this Book." (Revelation 22:6-7)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Your name give glory, for Your mercy, and for Your truth's sake. Why should the nations say, Where is their God? But our God is in the heavens. He has done whatever He has pleased." (Psalm 115:1-3)

1. Quartet meeting on Mideast delayed following pressure from US - Ynet News

The United States blocked an initiative by Britain, France and Germany to restart stalled Israeli-Palestinian talks by proposing the outlines of a final settlement to their long conflict, UN diplomats and a US official said Monday.

2. Israel claims Russian missle hit school bus - Ynet News

A diplomatic crisis is threatening Israel-Russia relations after the Kornet, a Russian-made anti-tank missile, hit an Israeli school bus driving near Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council last Thursday.

3. Poll: 51% in US oppose unilateral creation of Palestinian state - Ynet News

A new survey released Monday by the Israel Project, revealed support for Israel among the American public is strong.

The Daily Jot

American crossroads: The prophetic future of complacency

The man who occupies the Oval Office will take to the airwaves Wednesday night to ostensibly inform Americans about the budget process and what needs to be done to fix it. Ostensibly, because in reality he is launching his reelection campaign and he will very craftily try to get buy in from the citizenry on tax increases to help pay down these historic and record breaking budget deficits he and a misguided Congress have created. He will use terms like "investment" and try to shame the "wealthy" into paying their own fair share. These are all code words for tax increases, and even more insidious, words of class warfare. Class warfare, pitting the nebulous rich against the less fortunate is classic socialist strategy.

Gasoline prices have surpassed $4 a gallon in many places. Food prices are soaring at levels not seen in 30 years. The consequences of this government not living within its means and robbing America of her wealth are about to come home to roost. And this man's plan is to raise taxes--in other words--rob America and Americans of more of their wealth. If the goal is to destroy capitalism and establish socialism, the fastest way to accomplish it is to bankrupt the country and make the people totally reliant on the government. The transfer of wealth from the people to the government is the linchpin in accomplishing the promised "Remaking of America." Invoking class warfare--casting rich vs poor--will set the stage.

In showing Moses how to govern properly, his father-in-law Jethro came to him with words of wisdom from the Lord. He said in Exodus 18:21, "Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens." This is the system after which the Founding Fathers of America modeled our Republic. The word "covetousness" in this passage means "plunder, unjust gain, lucre, profit, dishonest gain." Americans rejected this wisdom and elected men and women who do not fear God, who covet our enterprise, and who will lie to take it.

The consequences of these very actions mean that Americans could lose their nation, along with it our liberty, our way of life, our ability to pursue our inspirations. These are consequences of turning our backs on God, electing those who chose humanism in governance, and trusting godless liars with our national well being and security. Titus 1:10, 11 says, "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake." God honors the hearts of his people. We must want our nation, our homes, more than the covetousness of the socialists and Islamists. Otherwise they will have them.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

IPT Report #1

CIA has slashed its terrorism interrogation role

He's considered one of world's most dangerous terrorism suspects, and the U.S. offered a $1-million reward for his capture in 2005. Intelligence experts say he's a master bomb maker and extremist leader who possesses a wealth of information about Al Qaeda-linked groups in Southeast Asia. Yet the U.S. has made no move to interrogate or seek custody of Indonesian militant Umar Patek since he was apprehended this year by officials in Pakistan with the help of a CIA tip, U.S. and Pakistani officials say. The little-known case highlights a sharp difference between President Obama's counter-terrorism policy and that of his predecessor, George W. Bush. Under Obama, the CIA has killed more people than it has captured, mainly through drone missile strikes in Pakistan's tribal areas. At the same time, it has stopped trying to detain or interrogate suspects caught abroad, except those captured in Iraq and Afghanistan. "The CIA is out of the detention and interrogation business," said a U.S. official who is familiar with intelligence operations but was not authorized to speak publicly. Several factors are behind the change . . . (LA Times) Read more [Investigative Project on Terrorism] To see more, go here.

IPT Report #2

Plea expected from man accused of Metro bomb plot

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - A naturalized citizen from Pakistan charged with joining what he thought was an al-Qaida plot to bomb the D.C. region's Metrorail system is expected to plead guilty to federal charges Monday. A change of plea hearing has been scheduled in U.S. District Court for Farooque Ahmed of Ashburn, Va. The exact charges to which Ahmed would plead are unclear. He was initially charged with conspiring to provide material support to al-Qaida and collecting information for a terrorist attack on a transit facility. He entered a not guilty plea in November. Authorities said Ahmed plotted with people who turned out to be part of a government sting. He allegedly took video of northern Virginia subway stations and suggested using rolling suitcases rather than backpacks to kill as many people as possible. Read more.

IPT Report #3

Police search for suspect in Santa Monica synagogue explosion

Police on Friday were searching for the suspect in a Santa Monica synagogue explosion that authorities had earlier believed to be an accidental blast. Santa Monica police released a photograph of the short and heavyset suspect, Ron Hirsch, 60, also known as Israel Fisher, saying they thought he was behind Thursday morning's blast outside Chabad House on 17th Street between Broadway and Santa Monica Boulevard. Police described Hirsch as a transient. The blast sent a 300-pound metal pipe encased in concrete hurtling through the air and crashing through the roof of a home next door to Chabad House. Originally authorities had said they believed the explosion was a freak industrial accident. But on Friday, bomb technicians and detectives scouring the scene discovered evidence that the blast was caused by an explosive device, police said. Items found nearby were linked to Hirsch, who was being sought on state charges of possession of a destructive device and other charges. (L.A. Times) Read more.

Santa Monica synagogue explosion caused by unusual type of device, authorities say
First it was believed to be a bomb, then it was dismissed as a freak industrial accident, and now authorities are again saying that the explosion last week near a Santa Monica synagogue was, most likely, deliberately planned. Part of the confusion, authorities say, was connected to the device itself: An explosive layered under hundreds of pounds of concrete poured into a trash bin is not something bomb technicians typically encounter. "This is clearly not a traditional type of explosive device," said FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller. "Clearly if it were, our investigators would have been able to identify it immediately." (L.A. Times)

Israeli Bombing Victim "Extremely Critical"

Condition of teen injured in Hamas bus attack worsens

16-year-old Daniel Viflic's condition upgraded to extremely critical at Beersheba hospital, following anti-tank missile attack.

The condition of Daniel Viflic, the 16-year-old boy injured in the anti-tank missile attack on a school bus in the Negev on last week, has worsened, according to a statement released by Beersheba's Soroka Medical Center on Tuesday. The boy's condition was upgraded to extremely critical and life-threatening.

Viflic suffered severe head trauma and was artificially respirated while unconscious after an anti-tank missile fired from the Gaza Strip struck his school bus in the Negev last Thursday.
The missile, which was fired by Hamas terrorists, hit the bus moments after most of the children got off, while it was driving near Kibbutz Saad, about 2.5 k.m. from Gaza. Only two people were on the bus when it was hit -- the driver, who was lightly injured in the leg, and Viflic, who was en route to visit his grandmother. The bus driver is a friend of the family.

Israel's southern region has been barraged by more than 120 rockets and mortars in recent weeks. On Monday, a UN-brokered cease-fire went into effect, but the quiet remains shaky. IDF officials presume the truce will be short-lived and soldiers along the border remain on high alert.

"We succeeded in postponing a large-scale conflict with Hamas but that conflict is likely inevitable," one senior officer said on Monday. (Jerusalem Post)

- Lord God of Israel, we cry out to You for mercy for this precious young man, who simply was trying to ride his school bus home to visit his grandmother. A day filled with anticipated joy has turned into a day of horror for Daniel Viflic. And now his own life is in danger.

Abba Father, You are the Great Physician. We hear the reports of these skilled Israeli doctors, but now we turn to You for the report of the Lord.

Together, we decree: IT IS WRITTEN: "Daniel Viflic will not die, but he will live and tell what the Lord has done . . ."(Psalm 118:17)

The Good News Corner:

Nearly 350 babies saved from abortion during 40 Days for Life

The spring 2011 40 Days for Life campaign has now entered its 34th day, and with just a week left to go, stories of the incredible fruits of the international pro-life initiative are pouring in. But the positive effects of 40 Days for Life aren't confined only to babies and mothers being spared from abortion. The 40 Days website is full of incredible stories of abortion facilities shutting down, abortion workers walking away from their jobs, and people being touched in myriad ways by the 40 Days campaign.

A pregnant woman who was going into the local Planned Parenthood told her that her doctor was concerned that she would have a baby with deformities, and that, due to her diabetes, the best option would be to abort. But after talking with the 40 Days volunteers, the woman changed her mind. "What a difference," the young mother reportedly told Alejandra. "The people here are warm, caring and friendly. You are treated like a person - unlike at Planned Parenthood." (Lifesite News)
- Heavenly Father, we give You thanksgiving for this great news of unborn children being saved from destruction. We pray for everyone to be touched in their hearts and become strong supporters of life - even those who have in the past supported abortion. Bless those faithful servants who are doing this work.

- "But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward." (1 Corinthians 3:13,14)

Worship with Us Today!

"Better Than a Hallelujah" by Amy Grant

"We pour out our miseries, God just hears a melody . . . Beautiful, the mess we are, the honest cries of a breaking hearts are better than a hallelujah sometimes."

CHPP Daily Brief - April 12, 2011

In This Issue
• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• The Deal
• Obama Responds
• Budget Deal Controversy
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!

Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net

The Daily Brief - Tuesday, April 12, 2011

"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11

The Daily Brief

1. Japan Nuclear Crisis: Officials Raise Severity Level to Equal Chernobyl - ABC

Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency Tuesday raised the level of severity at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant from 5 to level 7 - the highest level on the international scale and equal to the Chernobyl accident. "Level 5 is Three Mile Island. Level 7 is Chernobyl. Hidehiko Nishiyama with the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) said that the Fukushima event is different from Chernobyl, where a nuclear reactor in Ukraine exploded and sent massive amounts of radiation into atmosphere.

"In the best case, we're looking at this plant continuing to leak radiation for months, perhaps, years. It's going to be a long, expensive decommissioning of the plant and a cleanup of the plant," ABC nuclear consultant Joe Cirincione told ABC News Radio.

• Heavenly Father, we come before you praying for your mercy and comfort to be upon the Japanese people. We pray that no more quakes, tsunamis, or nuclear leaks develop in their land. Let them be receptive to your Holy Spirit and to Christian workers as they go to help restore the nation with your help. We pray salvation for all of them. Hear their cry.

• 'If disaster comes upon us - sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine - we will stand before this temple and in Your presence, for Your name is in this temple, and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.' (2 Chronicles 20:9)

2. Budget Deal Suggests Social Issues Could Take Backseat in 2012 - Fox News

While Republicans have spent the last couple months blending social battles into the campaign against government spending, the makeup of the budget deal suggests dollars and cents will drive the debate going into the 2012 election. "It is about the economy," said Jeremy Mayer, public policy professor at George Mason University. "I just don't think God, guns, gays and fetuses is really going to matter that much." In final budget deal, expected to be approved by Congress on Thursday, a provision banning Planned Parenthood funding was set aside, allowing the Senate to pursue a stand-alone vote outside the budget process.

A ban on taxpayer funding for abortion in the District of Columbia stayed in, but some social conservatives nevertheless perceived the compromise as a slap in the face. "I think a lot of people are going to be very disappointed that we couldn't get a better deal than this," Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., told Fox News, adding, "Millions of dollars will be spent, given to Planned Parenthood, the largest taxpayer provider of abortion in the country." Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin tweeted that the nation can't afford "subsidizing abortion."

• Lord, we pray that even though our critical need is to cut the overspending, we will not waiver, nor forget that we need to stand for your laws as a nation. Let us never forget to put you first in all our decision-making. Our earthly problems are temporary - but the spiritual ones are for eternity. Help us remember that!

• Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. (Isaiah 55:2)

3. Debt Cutting Plan: Everything on the Table - ABC

President Barack Obama, plunging into the rancorous struggle over America's mountainous debt, will draw sharp differences with Republicans Wednesday over how to conquer trillions of dollars in spending while somehow working out a compromise to raise some taxes and trim a cherished program like Medicare. The speech is intended as a declaration of Obama's commitment to seriously tame the deficit while outlining his long-term budget principles - key components of his campaign for re-election in 2012. After gingerly avoiding any discussion until now of cuts in the government's massive benefit programs for the elderly and poor, Obama will acknowledge a need to reduce spending on Medicare and Medicaid while at the same time tackling defense spending and calling for increased taxes on the wealthy, White House officials said.

• Lord, as we go into this discussion between the political parties let only laws that you approve be passed. Let there be no rancor nor disrespect, but that each party recognize in their hearts and minds the seriousness of the situation we are in.

• Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head. (Psalms 133:1)

4. Report: U.S. Blocks 350 Suspected Terrorists - Fox News

The U.S. government has prevented more than 350 people suspected of ties to Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups from boarding U.S.-bound commercial flights since the end of 2009, The Associated Press has learned. Now before an international flight leaves for the U.S., the government checks passengers against a larger watch list that includes Al Qaeda financiers and people who attended training camps but aren't considered threats to planes. The government was checking this list before, but only after the flight was en route. If someone on the flight was on the watch list, the person would be questioned and likely refused entry to the country after the plane landed.

After the attempted Christmas attack, the intelligence community took a closer look at the names on terror watch lists and set new standards for adding names to them. The watch lists, including the most restrictive no-fly list, are constantly reviewed. Names are added and removed each day. There are between 11,000 and 12,000 people on the no-fly list, about 1,000 of which are U.S. citizens. "As terrorists keep adapting and changing their approach, so must we," Sen. Jay Rockefeller told the AP. During a Senate hearing shortly after the attempted Christmas attack.

• We praise you and give you thanks, Lord, for protecting us from harm. We pray that you will continue to put into place vigilant people to guard our defenses, and who make wise decisions to guard this nation.

• You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day . . . Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you (Psalms 9: 5, 7)

5. Poll: Americans Very Worried About Inflation - NewsMax

Soaring food and energy costs have pushed annual inflation up to 2.1 percent, and consumers aren't happy about it. A new poll conducted for The Hill shows that 62 percent of likely voters are "very concerned" about price increases, and another 26 percent are "somewhat concerned." The surge in gasoline prices appears to be the biggest worry. When asked what's causing their inflation jitters, 61 percent of respondents cited gasoline prices, while 18 percent listed food. Housing came in third at 9 percent.

• Lord, we pray for our elected officials to get serious about cutting our debt. We pray that no politics will be played, but that everyone will cooperate to get our nation back in balance in every way.

• How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber - So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man. (Proverbs 6:9,11)

6. Arizona Immigration Law: Enforcement Blocked by Circuit Court - ABC

A federal appeals court today blocked the enforcement of key provisions of Arizona's immigration law, considered one of the toughest in the nation. The Department of Justice sued the State of Arizona, arguing that the power to regulate immigration rests with the federal government and that the Arizona law interferes with federal laws currently in effect. Justice Department lawyers said the Constitution does not permit the "development of a patchwork of state and local immigration policies throughout the country."

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer released a statement Monday vowing to appeal the ruling. "For decades the federal government has neglected its constitutional duty to American citizens by failing to secure the border," she said.

• Lord, we ask that you will somehow reverse the courts so that every state can make decisions about how to protect their borders. Let the federal government not over-step their authority, but let states rights be recognized. Give us righteous judges, courts, and Justices.

• So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and knowledgeable men, and made them heads over you, leaders of thousands, leaders of hundreds, leaders of fifties, leaders of tens, and officers for your tribes. (Deuteronomy 1:15)

7. On Anniversary of Civil War: Civil War still divides - CNN

The Civil War began 150 years ago today, and a new poll finds the public still split over what brought about the bloody conflict.

- Pray that the deep-seated wounds still present in our generation from the horrors of that terrible conflict be healed, by the Blood of Messiah. Only the work of the Cross can reach the depths of men's souls. Intercede that, in this spring season of His Resurrection, our Lord Jesus Christ would reach down into the hearts of men to bring about this healing work, as only He can do.

- "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Your name give glory, for Your mercy, and for Your truth's sake. Why should the nations say, Where is their God? But our God is in the heavens. He has done whatever He has pleased." (Psalm 115:1-3)

1. Wikileaks: 'Hizbullah has enough rockets to devastate Israel' - ICEJ News

A recent document leaked to the Israeli press by the Wikileaks website confirmed widely held suspicions that the Iranian backed Shi'ite terror militia Hizbullah has been fully re-armed since the war it fought with Israel in 2006 and is prepared to fire hundreds of rockets into Israel in a future conflict, including as many as 100 rockets a day at Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv mayor Ron Holdai responded to the report by resolutely declaring "we live in Israel, and we have threats made to us all the time. If something were to happen we could cope."

2. Violence spikes on the Gaza border as Iron Dome makes debut - ICEJ News

The IDF hit several terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip overnight Thursday following a day in which dozens of mortars and rockets were fired into Israel including two Grad rockets which were shot down by the 'Iron Dome' air defense system.

3. Arab Spring proceeding at a different pace in different countries - ICEJ News

Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak remains under house arrest at his home in the Sinai resort town of Sharm Al-Sheikh, with many Egyptians calling for him to be put on trial for his conduct during the past three decades.

Several other members of Mubarak's regime have been arrested and charged with crimes related to the previous government, especially corruption. Opposition groups have called for a day of protests Friday to demand a thorough investigation of the former regime.

The Daily Jot

One more thing about Ivory Coast and Christian massacres

The situation in the Ivory Coast is not unlike many across West Africa. Problem is, we have a Muslim presidential candidate that claimed victory in Ivory Coast over a Catholic president. The Ivory Coast Constitutional Council said that the Muslim candidate could not be seated because of widespread voter fraud. The United Nations overruled the sovereignty of the Ivory Coast Constitutional Council determination and declared the Moslem candidate the winner. The Christian president said "no" and stayed in office. The Moslem raised an army and began killing supporters of the Christian president, who happen to be Christian. They were burned alive, hacked with machetes--women and children, too.

Redeem West Africa is a ministry that my friend and brother in Christ, William Agbeti and I started with the help of our local church. The ministry is aimed at raising up pastors and evangelists to go out to the rural areas of West Africa to show the love of Christ. The genesis of this ministry is that Muslims are taking over entire villages and requiring that all in the village convert to Islam in order to have jobs, food, housing and safety. The way its done is this: They move through a village demanding that the people accept Islam. They beat and rape the women and club the men into submission. Once they have established their authority, they demand that all convert to Islam or they cannot live in the village.

The local governments do not intervene because they are not strong enough to do so. Fearing civil war, fearing massive Islamic uprising, fearing violence on their own families, government leaders and tribal chiefs resist little and hope for the best. In the Ivory Coast, when Muslim candidate Ouattara didn't get his way, he started killing innocent people--these Muslims do not go after the soldiers in the military--they attack the unarmed, the weak, anybody that will show others that they, the Muslims, are ruthless enough to make good their threats. The United States has no business supporting such a group of butchers. But our president has cast his lot with the Moslem Brotherhood and other elements of evil.

As a Christian, I have no tolerance for the Islamic way. It is inhumane, brutal, and the antithesis of everything Christian. To counter this, I have put my support behind a ministry that reaches out with not only the word of Christ, but also the love of Christ with food for children and families and opportunities to help themselves. My African brother William has placed his life and the life of his family on the line for this cause. We are truly a Proverbs 31:9 brotherhood as we "plead the cause of the poor and needy." No amount of tolerance can be justified for the barbaric death cult of Islam. When America's government supports it in any way, it is supporting the system of the antichrist. We should demand otherwise.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com

The Deal

Here are some points to consider on this budget deal as we understand it today (Monday, 4/11)

- Two months ago in his State of the Union Address, President Obama announced with much fanfare a "five-year spending freeze" after having dramatically increased spending for the last two years. His starting point was zero! A few weeks ago, Senate Democrats insisted they would accept no more than $10 billion in spending cuts. Anything beyond that was denounced as "extreme" and "draconian." In two months time, we've gone from no spending cuts to nearly $40 billion in cuts.

- Keep in mind that we're talking about spending for the final six months of the 2011 fiscal year. Over a year's time, that would amount to nearly $80 billion in spending cuts -- close to the target of $100 billion and not bad for a party that controls only half of one-third of the federal government.

- Depending how they are structured, $40 billion in cuts could lower the "baseline budget" for future spending. This deal may prevent hundreds of billions of dollars of additional spending over a 10-year period. That is "real money."

- John Boehner saved the D.C. school voucher program with this deal. The real irony here is that Obama talks a lot about education and innovation, yet he is so beholden to his union allies that he shut down the popular D.C. school voucher program, forcing many of Washington, D.C.'s inner-city kids to stay in failing public schools. Thanks to Speaker Boehner many of them will now have a better education and a brighter future.

- The deal also blocks additional money sought by the Obama Administration for the IRS; bans taxpayer dollars from paying for abortions in the District of Columbia; and forces Harry Reid to allow votes in the Senate on defunding Planned Parenthood and ObamaCare.

Now that we have a deal on the 2011 budget, we can turn to far greater issues like the debt ceiling and entitlement reform, where the debate will involve trillions, not billions.

UPDATE: Tuesday, April 12, 2011

More On The Deal

Today brought more information on the budget deal negotiated Friday night among Speaker John Boehner, Senate Democrat Leader Harry Reid and Obama. Some of it is encouraging, some of it isn't. But that is generally what happens when parties of different philosophies reach a compromise -- no one is totally happy.

On the positive side, a memo from the House Appropriations Committee, released at 2:00 AM, states "The bill terminates two programs funded in ObamaCare. . . " That is the second time in recent days that components of ObamaCare have been repealed. The deal also defunds four of Obama's policy czars -- the "Health Care Czar," the "Climate Change Czar," the "Car Czar" and the "Urban Affairs Czar." In addition, Obama's "Employment Prevention Agency," a.k.a. the Environmental Protection Agency, is taking a 16% ($1.6 billion) hit to its budget.

On the down side, The Hill reports that the biggest cut comes out of the Commerce Department and "is something of an accounting trick" that eliminates $6.2 billion in unused Census funds. Other cuts are similarly achieved by zeroing out temporary accounts or unused stimulus funds.

Having said that, it is important to remember that this deal covers only the last six months of the 2011 fiscal year. There are bigger debates looming -- over the 2012 budget, the debt ceiling and entitlement reform -- all coming in the weeks and months ahead. (Gary Bauer)

Obama Responds

If you needed more proof of which side won the debate, we got it Friday night when Obama delivered a speech from the White House with the Washington Monument in the background. While celebrating a deal that would keep the Monument open, Obama went on to sound like Ronald Reagan -- taking credit for signing a "tax cut for American families" as well as "the biggest annual spending cut in history."

Obama wouldn't take credit for these spending cuts unless the White House's polling unit was telling him that the American people were solidly behind them. He is embracing these cuts for purely political reasons. Obama will never win over the Tea Party movement, but he is desperately trying to make up ground with independent voters as the 2012 election approaches.

This week, Obama will reportedly respond to Paul Ryan's "Path to Prosperity" plan by releasing his own outline for dealing with the nation's long-term fiscal problems. While there are rumors that he may embrace some kind of entitlement reform, his top aides are insisting that tax hikes are a big part of Obama's plan.

As he looks toward 2012, Obama is looking to the future by taking out old pages from the Democrat playbook. In the days ahead, we will hear more populist calls for class warfare and higher taxes on the rich. Democrats often refuse to define "rich" until it's time to rewrite the tax laws. Then they settle on a figure that includes most of the middle class.

But in their zeal to punish success, Democrats expose their ignorance of fundamental economics. Liberals don't understand that government does not create jobs. Poor people don't start businesses. Jobs are created by men and women who have capital to invest. Ours is a consumer-driven economy, but the more government takes, the less you have to spend. That is why reducing government spending is so important to future economic growth. The more Republicans can connect those issues, the better.

UPDATE: OBAMA TO ADDRESS THE NATION TOMORROW NIGHT

. . . Obama is playing follow the leader and will deliver an address tomorrow on entitlement reform. We know tax hikes will be the centerpiece of Obama's plan, but what else can we expect to hear from the president tomorrow? Not much, according to Democrat operatives. According to Politico, "Obama's aides are acutely aware of the danger if they are perceived as cutting too much from the entitlements at the heart of the Democratic Party's social-safety-net mandate."

And so the stage is set for 2012. One party wants to address the deficit by reducing spending, while the other party wants to raise your taxes. Sadly, the outcome is in doubt. (Gary Bauer)

Budget Deal Controversy

Budget Deal Divides Left And Right

Congressional leaders reached a deal at the 11th hour Friday night that has temporarily avoided a government shutdown. As is often the case with Washington deals, no one is happy. Liberals think Obama caved and conservatives think Republicans caved. Consider these headlines: "Budget Deal Leaves Liberals Disheartened" and "Tea Party Movement Activists Split On Budget Deal."

Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity are not happy today. The New York Times' ultra-liberal economist Paul Krugman is not a happy camper either. Here is an excerpt of Krugman's column today:

"What have they done with Obama? What happened to the inspirational figure his supporters thought they elected? Who is this bland, timid guy who doesn't seem to stand for anything in particular? . . . Maybe that terrible deal, in which Republicans ended up getting more than their opening bid, was the best he could achieve -- although it looks from here as if the president's idea of how to bargain is to start by . . . making pre-emptive concessions, then pursue a second round of negotiation with the G.O.P., leading to further concessions."

Now consider this from the center-right Wall Street Journal:

"One of the ironies of Friday's budget deal is that it is being criticized both by Ms. Pelosi and some conservative Republicans. We can understand Ms. Pelosi's angst. But conservatives are misguided if they think they could have done much better than Mr. Boehner . . . Republicans need to stay united for the bigger fights to come this year, and for now they and the tea party can take credit for spending cuts that even Mr. Obama feels politically obliged to sell as historic."

I commend House conservatives who oppose the deal like Mike Pence and Michele Bachmann. It is good that there is pressure from the right so that the leadership knows that it can't just roll over. Having worked in all eight years of Ronald Reagan's administrations, I'm tired of seeing government getting bigger and bigger.

At the same time, I realize John Boehner is in a difficult position. Friends, we have to remember that this budget fight is just one battle in a bigger war. The ultimate goal is to have a conservative House, a conservative Senate and a conservative in the White House. Yet, the closer we got to a government shutdown, the more the media's narrative of "GOP extremism," i.e., denying soldiers' pay over Planned Parenthood, gained ground. We cannot govern America with just the House of Representatives and Fox News.

The bottom line is this: We are not in this mess because of John Boehner. We are in this mess because the Democrats still control the Senate and the White House. They also have a liberal media that twists the facts and distorts what conservatives are trying to do.

I know a lot of folks are disappointed with this deal. But we will be devastated if Obama is reelected and Nancy Pelosi becomes Speaker of the House again after the 2012 elections. That's why CWF is working hard to make sure we win the bigger battle down the road. We are working to make sure that instead of 47 senators, we have as close to 60 as we can, working with a conservative president and a conservative House majority to make America a "shining city upon a hill" once again. (Source: Gary L. Bauer; End-of-Day; Monday, April 11, 2011)

The Good News Corner

States Vote on Deluge of Pro-Life Bills

Summary: Lawmakers are sending a message to the abortion industry.

The Missouri Senate voted 27-5 Thursday in favor of legislation that would protect preborn babies after the 20th week of pregnancy. The bill is based on the idea that babies can feel pain at that point of development. The measure now heads to the House, which has passed a similar bill.

"This bill sends a message to the abortion industry in Missouri: 'Don't mess with the lives and the future of viable unborn children in our state,'" said Joe Ortwerth, executive director of the Missouri Family Policy Council.

"Precious children who would otherwise never see the light of day will now have the opportunity to experience life to their fullest. We are grateful to the members of the Missouri Senate for acting to ensure that these children are no longer robbed of God's intended destiny for their lives."
The Ohio Senate voted 24-8 Wednesday to protect preborn babies once they are viable. It now goes to the House.

With a 69-19 vote, the Alabama House voted Thursday to ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, based on fetal pain. The bill now heads to the Senate.

Just before it adjourned for the year, the Idaho House voted 54-14 in favor of legislation that would protect preborn babies after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Gov. Butch Otter has 10 days to sign or veto it.

The Oregon House Judiciary Committee held a brief hearing Wednesday on a bill that would ban abortions after the 20th week. With a 30-30 split of control in the House, the committee chairmen agreed to let the legislation die.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Find a pro-family policy group in your state.

Worship with Us Today!

Don Moen - Like Eagles

28 Haven't you known, haven't you heard that the everlasting God, ADONAI, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not grow tired or weary? His understanding cannot be fathomed. 29 He invigorates the exhausted, he gives strength to the powerless. 30 Young men may grow tired and weary, even the fittest may stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in ADONAI will renew their strength, they will soar aloft as with eagles' wings; when they are running they won't grow weary, when they are walking they won't get tired. (Isaiah 40:28-31, The Complete Jewish Bible)
Yes, Lord . . . !