News for Prayer!• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Goals of the Stealth Jihadists
• The Cost Of ObamaCare: Job Creation
• FRC Publishes 2012 Presidential Voter Guide
• A Special Message to All our Partners
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Goals of the Stealth Jihadists
• The Cost Of ObamaCare: Job Creation
• FRC Publishes 2012 Presidential Voter Guide
• A Special Message to All our Partners
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Tuesday, December 27, 2011
"And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
The Daily Brief
1. GOP Candidates Making Final Dash Through Iowa - AP; CNSNews.com
Ahead of the Jan. 3 caucuses that officially begin the GOP's nominating calendar, the candidates were returning for a final rush of speeches, meet-and-greet stops and town hall-style meetings. And they are bracing for one last round of advertising, which most observers are expecting to be nasty.
"There's really three primaries going on here," former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania told reporters in Adel, where he went hunting for pheasant and quail. "There's the libertarian primary, which Ron Paul is going to win. Then you've got the moderate primary, which Gingrich and Romney are scrumming for. And you've got three folks who are running as strong conservatives."
- The Iowa Primary, as the first of many in this election year, will set the tone for all the rest to come. Please make this election a major point in your own prayers, asking that the voters in Iowa each be granted "wisdom from above" as they go to the polls next week. Pray!
- "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
2. Rick Perry's Campaign to File Lawsuit to Get on Virginia Primary Ballot - Fox News
Texas Gov. Rick Perry's campaign announced Tuesday it will file a lawsuit in an attempt to get on the ballot for Virginia's Republican presidential primary. Perry failed to qualify for the ballot after the Republican Party of Virginia said his campaign had not filed the required 10,000 signatures.
Newt Gingrich also failed to qualify for the primary, which is to be held on Super Tuesday, March 6. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Rep. Ron Paul were the only candidates to make the ballot. (Read more.)
- Clearly, after what happened this weekend in Virginia, it is imperative that we each bathe each election this year in prayer. Pray!
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
3. Largest protest since collapse of Soviet Union rocks Russia - Independent.co.UK
Russia's leadership was forced to defend its legitimacy yesterday after about 100,000 demonstrators rallied in central Moscow to demand democratic reform and fair elections in the largest wave of popular dissent since the fall of the Soviet Union.
- Lord, a multitude of the people of Russia are not satisfied, as well as a multitude all over the world. We lift up those in Russia today and are praying that multitudes would come to the true healer, Jesus. We pray for Your people in Russia that they would have God appointments to minister to the multitudes who need You.
We pray for godly leadership to arise in Russia. We pray that the spirit of truth from the Holy Spirit would move greatly in Russia. We pray that those with unclean spirits be healed or removed from power. We pray for people to turn to the Lord and for freedom in the Lord to arise in Russia. In the name of Jesus, who brings true freedom we pray. Amen.
- . . and a great multitude of people. . . came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases "as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him. . . (Luke 6: 17)
4. US earmarks $235 million for Israel's defense systems - Ynet News
The Unites States has announced it will allocate $235 million for the development of safeguards against rockets and missiles that could be launched towards Israel by Hezbollah and Iran.
- Lord, we thank You for the support the United States has given to Israel and pray that it will continue. We pray for wisdom for the use of the funds and in the development of safeguards against rockets and missiles. Lord, we also pray for the veil to be removed from the eyes of Israel's people, that their way may be made perfect, that they would know their Messiah, who is their ultimate shield and protector and in whose name we pray. Amen.
- "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him." (2 Samuel 22:31)
5. U.N. condemns Damascus bombs, expresses grave concern - Reuters
The United Nations expressed grave concern about twin suicide car bombings in Damascus and condemned the attacks that killed 44 people and lent a grim new face to the uprising in Syria.
- Lord, we pray for those innocent people that have been affected by these bombings. We pray also that You would turn what is meant for evil to do good, as You can so well turn tragic events.
Lord, these are indeed events that nations are concerned about. We know that You, Lord Jesus, will rule all nations so we pray "Let Your kingdom come and let Your will be done" in Syria and in all the nations of the earth. We thank You that You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We pray in Your name, Jesus, and thank You for coming to earth. Amen.
- "She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne." (Revelation 12:5)
6. Nuke expert: Time to attack Iran - Ynet News
A former special adviser on Iran policy to the Obama Administration said that a US-perpetrated strike on the Islamic Republic is the "least bad" option in dealing with its nuclear threat.
- Lord, we pray that you would grant Your wisdom to our leadership in dealing with Iran's nuclear threat. The very best option is using our spiritual weapons of prayer, so we come before You to intercede for all those dealing with nuclear threats and we ask for protection.
Lord, have mercy and prevent nuclear attacks. We ask that terror activities be exposed and dealt with using Your wisdom. Let godly council arise and be received in leadership. May Your strategies be used. There have been battles won without use of weapons when people followed Your instruction. We ask for those strategies to be made clear in the name of Jesus. Amen.
- "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Corinthians 10:4)
- "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do no be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5: 15-17)
7. Iranian Lawmaker: 'These War Games Are a Warning to the Western Countries' - CNSNews.com
Iranian state and semi-official media lined up behind the regime this week in a show of nationalistic pride as Iran's navy began 10 days of war games designed to showcase its "regional dominance" and display its ability to shut off the crucial Strait of Hormuz if threatened. Read more.
- As the Iranians begin to ramp up their tension in the Persian Gulf, pray that the Prince of Peace would move to calm their hearts. Pray, too, that no other nation overreacts to their display of supposed military prowess. Pray.
- " . . . if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)
8. Nigerians Fear More Attacks After Muslim Terrorists Kill 35 Catholics at Christmas Mass - AP
Worshippers at the Nigerian Catholic church where a terror attack killed 35 people on Christmas Day say they fear Islamic militants will target more churches. A radical Muslim sect known as Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attacks Sunday across the country. The group previously targeted police and military, but has expanded its aim in recent months.
- Only God can comfort those who grieve. We thank Him for that comfort tonight. This is another example of the work of the "religion of peace." May these terrorists be located and quickly brought to justice. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "Thou shalt not kill." (Exodus 20:13)
9. Ancient Seal Found in Jerusalem Linked to Ritual - Fox News; AP
Archaeologists say the seal was likely used by Temple officials approving an object for ritual use -- oil, perhaps, or an animal intended for sacrifice. Materials used by Temple priests had to meet stringent purity guidelines stipulated in detail in the Jewish legal text known as the Mishna, which also mention the use of seals as tokens by pilgrims. Read more.
- Lord God, we praise You that on Christmas Day, this discovery was revealed, bringing solid evidence that the Temple stood in ancient times, and that this land -- the City of David, and Israel -- belongs to the Jew. We thank you that, once again, incontrovertible scientific evidence is coming forth that proves the validity of Your Word. Let the nations take note, and let them behold Your Glory. Amen.
- Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (2 Timothy 2:19)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
" I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth." (Numbers 24:17)
1. 'PLO might revoke recognition of Israel' - Ynet News
As Fatah and Hamas promote their reconciliation efforts and as signs indicating that the Islamic Jihad may be warming up to the idea of joining the Palestine Liberation Organization become more evident, the Palestinian Authority seems to be taking a harsher stand vis-a-vis Israel.
2. Muslim Brotherhood: Hamas is our role model - Ynet News
Gaza's Hamas premier was in Egypt Monday on his first trip outside the blockaded territory since the Islamists overran it in 2007, saying his meeting with his Islamic ideological mentors threatens Israel.
3. Israeli city braces for 10,000-strong protest against exclusion of women - Ha'aretz
More than 10,000 people are expected at a rally in Beit Shemesh on Tuesday to protest the exclusion of women as well as violence against girls and women by Haredi extremists. The rally will begin at 6 P.M., near the Orot girl's school.
4. Netanyahu: Israel will not negotiate with Palestinians should Hamas join government - Ha'aretz
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented Sunday on the recent moves by Fatah and Hamas to set up a unity government, saying that Israel would not negotiate with the Palestinians should such a government be established.
The Goals of the Stealth Jihadists
By Steve Emerson, Executive Director
The Investigative Project on Terrorism
The immediate goal of the stealth jihadists, dominated primarily by the extensive but secret Muslim Brotherhood infrastructure in the US today, is to erase any specific reference to the threat of "radical Islam" in government, law enforcement, and popular culture while demonizing critics of radical Islam as "racist." In fact, the term "radical Islam" has been banned from being uttered or printed in any government counter-terrorist conference or strategy paper by the White House, the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, the FBI and other federal agencies.
The major studios in Hollywood have refrained from making films using Islamic terrorists as villains, even submitting their scripts ahead of time to a radical Islamist group. The elite media from MSNBC to The New York Times disseminate pure propaganda on behalf of the scores of Muslim Brotherhood front groups operating in the U.S. since 1963. The Muslim Brotherhood in the US is implementing a covert agenda to destroy the US from "within," to and manipulate US policies and opinion by infiltrating and penetrating every institution of society.
In a strategy memorialized in a mass of secret Muslim Brotherhood documents written in 1991, but which where only discovered by the FBI in 2004, the Muslim Brotherhood spells out its strategy in the US in remarkably clear language: To carry out a "civilizational-jihad" and to destroy our culture and even establish Muslim control of the US in an unprecedented detailed set of documents, probably the most important national security discovery since the days of Alger Hiss.
[To learn more about the work of The Investigative Project on Terrorism, go here.]
The Cost Of ObamaCare: Job Creation
Andrew Puzder admits he is not an expert on healthcare policy. But this CEO who employs more than 20,000 people knows a thing or two about job creation. Puzder just published an op-ed warning that job creation would be one of the biggest costs of ObamaCare. Here is an excerpt:
"Our company, CKE Restaurants Inc., employs about 21,000 people (our franchisees employ 49,000 more) in Carl's Jr. and Hardee's restaurants. For months, we have been working with Mercer Health & Benefits LLC, our health-care consultant, to identify Obamacare's potential financial impact on CKE. Mercer estimated that when the law is fully implemented our health-care costs will increase about $18 million a year . . . a 150 percent increase from the roughly $12 million we spent last year. . .
"To offset higher health-care expenses, we will have to cut spending on new restaurant construction, one of our largest discretionary spending areas. But building new restaurants is how we create jobs. An $18 million increase in our costs would more than consume the $8.8 million we spent on new restaurant construction last year, leaving nothing for growth. We will also need to reduce our general capital spending, which also creates jobs and allows us to improve our infrastructure and maintain our business. In summary, our ability to create new jobs could vanish."
A link to Puzder's full column can be found on our website. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day)
FRC Publishes 2012 Presidential Voter Guide
[The following is a quote, in part, from Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council.]
Dear Friends,
The first contests in the race for the Republican nomination are just around the corner. To better inform you, we looked beyond the rhetoric to the candidates' actual records on the issues important to families.
This voter guide outlines candidate stances on issues that are important to the family. We researched the candidates' statements and votes on the ten issues that best give voters an understanding on if the candidates match your values. . .
Download the free guide and be sure to share this resource with your friends and family before the 2012 primary season begins next month.
A values voter is an informed voter.
Sincerely,
Tony Perkins, President Family Research Council
A Special Message to All our Partners
From Sara Ballenger, President
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
. . . well . . . three messages, actually!
First: Christmas Cards!!
The GOOD NEWS is that there are now SO MANY OF YOU out there, we are now being inundated with wonderful messages here of season's greetings, both online and by regular mail.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO ALL OF US HERE AT CHPP. Each one is most appreciated!
The OTHER NEWS is that, due to the high volume of messages received, we will not be able to write a personal card or note in return. Please accept this message of gratitude, instead. Bless you!!
Second, our New Year's Greeting!
As we are now winding down from our Christmas celebrations, we prepare our hearts for the New Year: 2012. Clearly, the year ahead will be like none we have seen before . . . and we will need to stand strong in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of Peace to make it through together.
Our prayer for each one of us is that we would find the depth of the Father's love for us, so that we know that we know that we know, no matter what, He WILL keep us under the shadow of His wing, and He will see us through the turbulent days that surely lie ahead.
And third . . . thank you for your support!
As this year draws to a close, we want to thank you again for your faithful support to our work. Without your help, we would not be here; but with your help, we will carry on.
We thank you for considering Capitol Hill Prayer Partners as part your own year-end giving plan, and we thank you especially for your prayers for our ministry team. God bless you all!
As a 501 (c) 3, tax-exempt ministry, your offerings to Capitol Hill Prayer Partners are tax deductible. Gifts received and/or postmarked by December 31 can be acknowledged as a current year contribution.
To give an offering, please make your check payable to Capitol Hill Prayer Partners and send it to:
CHPP
P.O.Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
Or: you may donate online by going here.
May His favor go before you in all that He leads you to do, and may His blessings overtake you! AMEN!
The Good News Corner:
"God Is with Us"
"Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people." (Luke 1:68)
Immanuel: God is with us-God came to us. What a staggering thought. It is really the essence of the Christian faith and the Christian life. All other religious ideologies essentially tell you that you must do something: Do this, and you will find inner peace. . . . Do this, and you will reach nirvana. . . . Do this, and maybe you will make it to heaven. But Christianity says it is done-done for you at the Cross, paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Being a Christian is not merely following a creed; it is having Christ Himself live in you and through you, giving you the strength to be the man or woman He has called you to be. Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20) and "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).
The message of Christmas is God with us. That is important to know, especially during those times when we are going through great difficulty. The psalmist said, "If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me" (Psalm 139:9-10). It is great to know that God is with you wherever you go.
The Bible never teaches that we will have problem-free lives as followers of Christ. But the Bible does teach that we never will be alone. And because of that, we don't have to be afraid. As Ray Stedman said, "The chief mark of the Christian ought to be the absence of fear and the presence of joy."
That is the message that this sin-sick world needs to hear: Immanuel-God is with us.
Greg Laurie
Worship with Us Today!
"There is a River"
"There is a river whose streams make glad the city of our God. (x4)
So I will rejoice. I will rejoice and be glad. (x4)
There is a fountain full of grace, and it flows from Emmanuel's veins.
You came and You healed me. You came and refreshed me.
You came and washed my sin away.
So I will rejoice, I will rejoice and be glad."
