Friday, April 27, 2012

CHPP Daily Brief - Friday, April 27, 2012



•  The Daily Brief
•  The Middle East in Focus
•  The Daily Jot!
•  Obama has new 'atrocities czar'
•  House To Cite Holder For Contempt
•  Today's Legislative Focus
•  An Apology And A Retreat
•  Update: National Day of Prayer
•  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  - Friday, April 27, 2012

O LORD, You are our God; let not man prevail against You. (2 Chronicles 14:11)

Please note: beginning this Monday, April 30, and continuing through the next two weeks, the Daily Brief will be published in an abbreviated format. Thank you.

The Daily Brief

1. Jobless Claims Stay Elevated as Labor Market Gains Stall - CNBC

New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week but a trend reading rose to its highest since January, the latest sign of a weaker pace of healing in the still-struggling labor market.

- Father, we are grateful to You that the trend is moving in the right direction, be it ever so slow. We do continue to ask You to bring healing to our nation, economically, as well as in the job market, and in all phases of our government. We thank You for Your mercies, which are new every morning . . . surely, great is Your faithfulness to us! Amen

- "For I proclaim the name of the LORD; Ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He."
(Deuteronomy 32:3,4)

2. Plan to fix Postal Service passes Senate
- CNN

The Senate on Wednesday passed a plan to save the struggling U.S. Postal Service, an effort that could save thousands of jobs and 100 mail processing plants now slated to be closed or consolidated next month.

- Abba, we come to You and humbly ask that our Senators and Congressional Representatives will enact laws that benefit our nation and our economy. We pray for continued wisdom for them as they work out all the details of this legislation. May it be a good solution, we pray, for all concerned. Amen

- "Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it."
(Ecclesiastes 7:11,12)

3. Marines discharge sergeant for Facebook posts
- Marine Times

A sergeant will be discharged for criticizing President Obama on Facebook in a case that called into question the Pentagon's policies about social media and its limits on the speech of active duty military personnel, the Marine Corps said Wednesday.

Atheist group demands Rhode Island city remove cross from atop war memorial - Fox News

A national atheist organization is demanding that a Rhode Island city remove a cross from a 91-year-old memorial honoring hometown soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

- O, Lord, this saddens us to see that active duty military personnel are not afforded the right to free speech, as the rest of us are. These are the brave men and women who are standing in harm' way, giving their lives for our freedom to speak our minds. We thank You for those who serve in our military, and ask Your protection over them. We also ask those monuments, placed in memory of those who have paid the ultimate price, will not be removed simply because they contain a religious symbol. May freedom of religion extend to all of us, and especially for those who died to preserve that freedom, we pray. Amen.

- "'No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,' Says the LORD."
(Isaiah 54:17)

4. Pentagon Halts Class Teaching Anti-Islam Material
- ABC News

The Pentagon has suspended a course for military officers that officials say contained inflammatory material about Islam.

Father, we ask that our military would be taught how to wisely understand and counter-act any violent behavior from any terrorists, who would wish to do any of us harm, as a result of their religious beliefs, or ours. Again, we ask for Your wisdom to be given in addition to knowledge, for the safety of all, we pray.

"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you." (Proverbs 4:6-8)

5. Rubio Praises U.N., World Bank, IMF for Not Asserting 'Narrow American Interests'
- CNS News

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who was elected to his first term with help from the Tea Party in 2010 and who is sometimes cited as a potential GOP vice presidential pick, lauded the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for following their respective visions instead of asserting "narrow American interests" in a speech today on U.S. foreign policy.

- Lord, we pray for Senator Rubio, that You would grant him wisdom and understanding, and a deep love for his country. We understand that he is speaking in "global" terms, but, may we not put aside our own national interests as well, we pray. Protect us, Lord, and give us godly men and women in government who will lead us in accordance with Your Word. Amen.

- "Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." (Psalm 46:6,7)

6. New rules set on background checks for job seekers - MSNBC

Federal regulators Wednesday approved new rules that could make it easier to find work for convicted criminals and others who have gotten into legal trouble.

- Abba, we pray for sanity and clarity of thought, and integrity of heart, to rule in the Federal regulators, who make these decisions. Surely, we know that previously convicted criminals can be rehabilitated, and restored; but, we also know that in some cases that does not happen. We do ask for Your wisdom to prevail in these new rules, that there will be the ability to "trust, but verify"; and that the population as a whole be protected from those who do not choose to leave their criminal behavior behind. We thank You Lord for that wisdom for all of us. Amen.

- "Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright. Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil." (Proverbs 4:26,27)

7. Mein Kampf to Return to German Bookshelves - Time.com

The German state of Bavaria owns this book's copyright, a privilege it has used to prevent publication of the foundational document of Nazism since the end of World War II. But with those copyright restrictions due run out at the end of 2015, officials decided to publish an edition for students, which puts Hitler's work in historic context with critical annotations, before it can be published elsewhere.

Jacob Heilbrunn, writing in The Atlantic, argues that the decision is "good news" for Germany, as "defanging" such a notorious text will help speed "normalization" in a country that still struggles with the legacy of its Nazi years. "Germany is democratic and mature enough to form its own picture of Hitler's book," said Raphael Seligmann, publisher of the newspaper Jewish Voice from Germany. Read more.

- Father, we ask that You would grant wisdom to those making decisions about re-publishing this book by Hitler. We ask that if it is re-published, that it would expose the evil and erroneous thoughts of this man, and that it would actually be used to condemn "anti-semitism", and the resulting bigotry and violence. We ask You to bring good out of this evil, and expose the hatred and insanity of this man, we pray.

- "Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'" (John 8:32,33)

The Middle East in Focus


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

Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime. (2 Samuel 7:10)

1. IDF chief: Other nations could strike Iran - Ynet News

Israel's military chief said Thursday that other countries have readied their armed forces for a potential strike against Iran's nuclear sites to keep Tehran from acquiring atomic weapons.

2. PM to ask court to delay Ulpana homes demolition
- Jerusalem Post

In the next few days, the state plans to ask the High Court of Justice to postpone the scheduled demolition of 30 homes in the Ulpana outpost.

3. Barak casts doubt on successful Iran talks - Jerusalem Post

Defense Minister Ehud Barak cast doubt Thursday on the success of upcoming nuclear negotiations between the West and Iran.

4. Nakba march: We can free ourselves of brutal regime - Ynet News

"The Jews' independence day is our day of mourning," thousands of Arab Israelis chanted Thursday during a march commemorating the "Nakba," or the "catastrophe" of the establishment of the State of Israel.

5. TV's 60 Minutes slammed over segment on Christians in Israel - Times of Israel

Thousands of Christian and Jewish supporters of Israel have bombarded CBS executives with complaints about a "60 Minutes" segment that blamed Israel for the exodus of Christians from the West Bank and Jerusalem.

 The Daily Jot!

Dominion Theology vs Civic Responsibility

Many believe there is a blurred line between Dominion Theology and civic duty. Dominion Theology is the belief that Christians must prepare the way of the Messiah in order for him to return. In preparing the way, Christians are to take over leadership positions in all aspects of society and government and rule on behalf of Christ, even by the authority of the Christ in them. This is the only way that Christ can return. If He tarries, or does not return, then Christ's kingdom on earth is established through the Christ living in those who are ruling on his behalf. There are many shades of this belief. Preterists, for example, believe that all prophecy is fulfilled and that they are Christ's kingdom on earth.

The problem with Dominion Theology is that it is extra-Biblical in the least and heresy in the most. The nature of the "Christ" they proclaim is changed dramatically. Consider the prophets and the book of Revelation, both speaking of the end time "Day of the Lord" where Yeshua Ha Mashiach returns and establishes his kingdom on earth. In Isaiah 63:3-4 the Lord says, "I have trodden the winepress alone; and the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come."

Revelation 19:15 describes the Messiah, "And out of his mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treads the winepress of fierceness and wrath of Almighty YHVH." Many, many verses prophesy the return of Yeshua in the fullness of time where he alone (although he is "followed" by the" armies which were in heaven" v. 14) establishes his kingdom on earth. Yeshua Ha Mashiach is the only one worthy of this. Revelation 5:4 says, "...no man was found worthy to open and to read the scroll." Only Yeshua--"behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll, and to loose the seven seals."

While man may "prepare the way" by conducting the Great Commission here on earth, man has absolutely no control or power over when Yeshua returns to restore his kingdom. Yeshua says in Acts 1:7 "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in his own power." Then he instructs his disciples to receive the Holy Ghost and be witnesses "unto the uttermost part of the earth." A careful study of the scriptures indicates that Dominion Theology is merely man trying to put himself in a position of importance and control over the actions of YHVH. This is heresy. Civic responsibility from a Christian perspective, however, is being salt and light to a dark and dying world.

Romans 12:1-2 says, "...present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto YHVH, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of YHVH." Simply put, YHVH has given us--through the toil and blood of our forefathers and the blessing of YHVH--a nation where we are free to worship, speak our minds and assemble. Our civic duty is to keep it that we are able to make disciples. As Patrick Henry said, "God presides over the destiny of nations." If the salt has lost its savour its not good for anything. Let us not be luke warm in our vigilance.

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

Obama has new 'atrocities czar'

[Hussein] Obama's National Security Adviser Samantha Power will head the new White House Atrocities Prevention Board, which is tasked with formulating a response to war crimes, crimes against humanity and mass atrocities.

Power helped to found a global military doctrine called Responsibility to Protect that was also devised by several controversial characters, including Palestinian legislator Hanan Ashrawi, a staunch denier of the Holocaust who long served as the deputy of late Palestinian Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat.

Power once suggested investing "literally billions of dollars" in a "mammoth protection force" to intercede in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Notorious left-wing radical Tom Hayden recently wrote Power sees war as an "instrument for achieving her liberal, even radical, values."

In his speech at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum on Monday, Obama announced the new Atrocities Prevention Board to be chaired by Power. (WorldNetDaily) Read more.

- This new Atrocities Prevention Board seems to be its own atrocity! Call forth a congressional hearing about the mission of this new creation, and whether such an entity is needful given the current state of our economy. Pray!

- "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."
(Proverbs 11:3)

House To Cite Holder For Contempt

CBS News reports that Speaker John Boehner has given Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, permission to draft a resolution formally citing Attorney General Eric Holder for contempt. Rep. Issa has been investigating the Fast and Furious gun-walking scandal for two years now, and has grown increasingly frustrated by the Justice Department's reluctance to provide information.

This is not just a petty partisan game of "gotcha." Fast and Furious was a botched operation that cost the life of an American law enforcement official. As you may recall, the Fast and Furious scandal involves a government program that allowed weapons to "walk" across the U.S./Mexican border. Ultimately, weapons that were part of the Fast and Furious operation were used in the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.

The Justice Department is already in hot water for previously transmitting false and misleading information about Fast and Furious to Congress. But rather than stop the stonewalling and fully cooperate with Congress, Holder has dug in and evidently exhausted the patience of the House leadership. Stay tuned. (Gary Bauer)

- Lord, we ask that all the branches of our Federal Government, including the Department of Justice, would work together for the good of the people, without regard to personal politics. We ask for an openness of communication, and co-operation between these bodies for the smooth flow of information. We pray that there actions would be with integrity and truthfulness, in Your Name we pray. Amen.

- "Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart."
(Psalm 51:6)

Today's Legislative Focus

From The Madison Project


www.madisonproject.com

Bonus Legislation

[Every week, we will try to spotlight some positive legislation that is worthy of conservative support.]

The Budget for Disasters Act (H.R.4386)

In recent years, Congress has been using "disaster spending" to increase the total spending above and beyond the levels set in the annual appropriations bills. Last year, Congress used $11 billion in disaster spending to ensure that not a single penny of spending was cut from the previous year. The Budget for Disasters Act, sponsored by Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO), is very simple. This bill would clarify that all disaster spending is subject to the annual spending caps, thereby forcing Congress to offset disaster spending with cuts from other areas in the budget.

- Pray for passage of this commonsense bill.

An Apology And A Retreat -- For Now

Here's some good news. Al Armendariz, the EPA regional administrator who compared his enforcement philosophy to crucifixions, is apologizing for his outrageous remarks. In a statement released Wednesday, Armendariz wrote: "I apologize to those I have offended and regret my poor choice of words. It was an offensive and inaccurate way to portray our efforts to address potential violations of our nation's environmental laws." Offensive is certainly correct, but I fear it is an accurate representation of this administration's mindset when it comes to our energy producers.

The Labor Department is beating a hasty retreat from its plans to impose child labor laws on family farms. In a statement released yesterday, the Department stated: "The decision to withdraw this rule . . . was made in response to thousands of comments expressing concerns about the effect of the proposed rules on small family-owned farms. To be clear, this regulation will not be pursued for the duration of the Obama administration."

Labor's backing down is good news. But I suspect it was reacting not to the thousands of comments but the possibility of Obama losing 50 votes. No that's not a typo. I'm referring to the number of votes in the Electoral College from a handful of key states where the farm vote could be decisive.

But I guarantee you, my friends, these are just temporary victories. Remember what Obama said when he leaned over to whisper in Russian President Dmitri Medvedev's ear? "After my election I have more flexibility." If Obama gets reelected this farm child labor issue is coming back, along with cap and trade and much, much more of Obama's radical agenda.

Speaking of which, First Lady Michelle Obama has been dropping some not-so-subtle hints about what Obama's true agenda is and what is at stake this November. It has been reported that in private meetings with donors Michelle is promising that Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor will vote to redefine marriage. Here's what Mrs. Obama has said:

"Let's not forget what it meant when my husband appointed those two brilliant Supreme Court justices, and for the first time in history our daughters and our sons watched three women take their seat on our nation's highest court. But more importantly, let us never forget the impact their decisions will have on our lives for decades to come -- on our privacy [abortion on demand] and . . . yes, love whomever we choose [same-sex marriage]. That is what's at stake here."
She's right. If Obama gets four more years not only will he raise taxes through the roof, gut defense, spend us into bankruptcy and crucify our most productive industries, he will also continue to pack our courts with left-wing ideologues who will redefine and undermine every value and virtue pro-family, pro-life conservatives hold dear! (Gary Bauer)

Update: National Day of Prayer

Next Thursday, May 3rd, believers across America will observe America's 61st annual National Day of Prayer (NDP). Over 50,000 NDP prayer events will take place across America. If you have not made plans, visit the official Task Force site to Find an Event in your area!
The National Day of Prayer (NDP) is an anchor for the prayer movement (see History). It has played a huge role in restoring prayer to our churches and nation. Congress passed a resolution to establish the National Day of Prayer in 1952 and President Harry S. Truman signed it into law. In 1988, due to the lobbying efforts of Vonette Bright (wife of the late Dr. Bill Bright and founder of the National Prayer Committee), President Ronald Reagan signed a law designating the first Thursday in May as the official day to observe NDP each year. Later, Shirley Dobson (wife of Dr. James Dobson) became chairman of the NDP Task Force, which has facilitated NDP events across the nation, and helped catalyze a prayer movement that has powerfully impacted America's churches and given a public face to the nationwide prayer movement.

The National Observance on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, will take place from 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon EDT, and will be broadcast LIVE via webcast and through GOD TV and Direct TV (Channel 365). Presenters will include NDP Honorary Chairman, Dr. David Jeremiah, Dr. James Dobson, Shirley Dobson, Bishop Harry Jackson and others.

- May God stir his people to make the National Day of Prayer a solemn assembly unto the Lord. May it grow in numbers and power and may God hear the united prayers of his people! Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to live in a nation whose Forefathers were praying men. Thank your for those who labored to make this event possible! May God now use this great day to stir America to prayer and, ultimately, to make every day a National Day of Prayer for our nation!!!

- "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD . . ." (Psalm 33:12)
(Source: FRC Prayer Targets)

The Good News Corner:

90-Hour Bible Reading Marathon Begins in D.C.


The national event serves to honor the Bible, celebrate religious freedom and unite the diverse branches of Christianity around the Bible. Members of Congress and world-renowned Christian leaders and pastors stand alongside street people, families, military personnel, school children, nurses, teachers, and otherwise ordinary Believers to raise up the Word of God.

The 23rd annual U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon begins at 6:00 PM on Friday, April 27, 2012. For 90 continuous hours beginning with the reading of Genesis 1:1, every word of the Bible will be read aloud and without commentary, culminating at @ 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 1, with the reading of the final chapters of the book of Revelation. During those five days, hundreds of Bible Believers will gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol to read a portion of the Bible, to listen and to pray.

The U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon began in 1990, the year proclaimed by a Joint Congressional Resolution and Presidential Proclamation by President George H.W. Bush as the International Year of Bible Reading. The event serves to honor the Bible, celebrate religious freedom and unite the diverse branches of Christianity around the Bible.

Readers who participate come from many backgrounds and locations all across America. Members of Congress and world-renowned Christian leaders and pastors stand alongside street people, families, military personnel, school children, nurses, teachers, and otherwise ordinary Believers to raise up the Word of God.

Each year the Bible is read there by visitors from around the world in their native tongues. Bibles will be on hand in @ 100 languages. Every culture, age, denomination, race and political party is represented. Many branches of faith are represented as well, including Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Messianic and Jewish.

The U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon is a part of a weeklong celebration of prayer and the Word, not only in the Nation's Capital, but across the nation. Bible reading marathons will be taking place in many state capitals and county seats in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer.

Reading times can be reserved through Terry Shaffer Hall, 202-441-6455 or dcbiblemarathon@gmail.com

Worship with Us Today!

Healing Waters Church
Blessed Hands, The Awakening of Love


[This video is probably the most beautiful act of worship we have ever offered on our Daily Briefs . . . please enjoy this YouTube and let it minister to your soul over this beautiful weekend. Amen.]

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