Thursday, March 13, 2014

CHPP Daily Brief - Thursday, March 13, 2014





Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"A National Prayer Alliance"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net



The Daily Brief

"Praying for All in Authority"

Thursday, March 13, 2014

"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: 13,14)
Thank you for praying for the Persecuted Church!
Please visit the website for the International Christian Concern to find ongoing needs for prayer among the persecuted around the world. Thank you.


The Daily Brief

1. Congress tells Ukraine: The US can't get aid package done - The Hill

Congress will fail to approve an aid package to Ukraine before a Sunday referendum in Crimea, where voters will decide whether to break away from Kiev's government to join Vladimir Putin's Russia.

- Father, we ask for an aid package before Sunday for Ukraine. We ask for a peaceful solution to this crisis. We intercede for all the negotiations, and for all those in high positions as they decide on their actions. In Jesus Name.

- First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (I Timothy 2:1-2)


2. Obama runs special forces into the ground - Washington Times

America's in-demand global force against terrorists is showing signs of stress and appears to be gliding toward a decline in readiness, says a Pentagon budget overview on special operations forces.

- Lord, touch the minds and bodies of our troops and grant them strength. Let not the enemy triumph over them.

- "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7)


3. WSJ/NBC News Poll: Obama's Approval Rating Hits New Low - Wall Street Journal

President Barack Obama is struggling to overcome widespread pessimism about the economy and deep frustration with Washington, notching the lowest job-approval ratings of his presidency in a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll.

- Father, we pray that the moral compass of the nation will begin to turn towards truth and use the ballot box to stop the tide of evil in America.

-"My eyes shall see my desire on my enemies, and my ears shall hear my desire on the wicked that rise up against me. " (Psalm 92:11)


4. Military families would take a $5,000 hit in benefits with Obama budget - Washington Times

If President Obama and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel get their way, a typical U.S. Army sergeant stands to lose up to $5,000 in annual benefits, according to a leading veterans group that is mobilizing for battle over the proposed cuts to the retirement, health care and other compensation offered to those who serve.

- Father, we pray Your provision will come to these families. Let the priorities of this nation be realigned to care for those who have saved us.

-"You visit the earth, and water it: You greatly enrich it with the river of God, which is full of water: You prepare corn for them" (Psalm 65:9)


5. House Passes 'Enforce the Law' Act - Washington Free Beacon

The House of Representatives passed the "Enforce the Law Act" Wednesday, a bill designed to push back against the numerous unilateral moves the Obama administration has used to circumvent the law.

- Lord, we are aware that the President plans to veto this law- we ask that Your Spirit will convict the members of Congress and cause them to override his veto.

- "Be strong and of good courage; be not dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you, wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)


6. Obama sidesteps CIA-Senate fight over spying allegation - Washington Examiner

President Obama declined to take sides Wednesday in a simmering feud between the Central Intelligence Agency and the Senate over whether the agency spied on a congressional panel.

- Lord, we are so happy that Congress finally got a taste of the spy program that has attacked American citizens. We pray that You will cause it to move them in the direction of freedom.

-"And He shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness" (Psalm 94:23)


7. House OKs religious exemptions to having a healthcare plan - The Hill

House Democrats joined Republicans on Tuesday to pass legislation that would expand an exemption under ObamaCare for people who don't want health insurance for religious reasons.

- Father, we pray that You will not allow this bill to be stonewalled by the Senate or the President.

- "He that justifies the wicked, and he that condemns the just, even they are both an abomination to the Lord." (Proverbs 17:15)


8. Obama to order expansion of overtime pay for millions of workers - Fox News

President Obama, flexing his executive authority once again, plans to order the Labor Department to expand overtime pay requirements to include millions more workers -- in a move likely to rankle the business community.

- This is yet another move by this President to use his "pen and phone" to end run Congress. We know that this will cause further job loss. We ask for a solution!

- "A man's heart devises its way; but the Lord directs His steps." (Proverbs 16:9)


9. Biz stunned as Obama gives millions overtime -The Hill

Business groups and congressional Republicans are blasting regulations President Obama will announce Thursday that could extend overtime pay to as many as 10 million workers who are now ineligible for it.

- Father, we pray all changes in regulations will be win/win for both employers and employees. Employers will always look for ways to cut costs in this instance by hiring more employees rather than paying existing workers at a higher rate. We pray for the economy which would likely be affected in a negative way in this decision. Thank You for wisdom, skill, and understanding for those making these decisions. In Jesus name.

- And I have filled him with the spirit of God, with wisdom and understanding, and knowledge in all manner of work. (Exodus 31:3)


10. NYC buildings explosion kills three, others missing - Reuters

Two New York City buildings collapsed on Wednesday in an explosion believed to be caused by a gas leak, killing three people, injuring at least 36, and setting off a search for more victims feared trapped in the rubble, officials said.

- Lord, We pray Your mercy over the families of the victims, and Your comfort in this tragic situation.

-"Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble; and He saves them out of their distresses." (Psalm 107:19)


The Middle East in Focus

The Middle East in Focus

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

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the expanse proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor are there words; their voice is not heard." (Psalms 19:1-3)


1. Ministers to hold emergency meeting as rocket fire resumes - Times of Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was set to convene an emergency cabinet meeting Thursday morning to discuss the situation in the south after terrorists hit Israel a day earlier with the largest barrage of rockets since 2012.


2. Syria's secretive rocket industry spotlighted by Israeli weapons seizure - CS Monitor

Israel's seizure last week of the Klos-C ship and its weapons cargo that included 40 Syrian-manufactured M-302 rockets has drawn attention to Syria's secretive rocket industry.


3. Egypt 'destroys 1,370 Gaza smuggling tunnels', says army - AFP

Egypt's military said Wednesday it has destroyed 1,370 smuggling tunnels under its border with the Gaza Strip, as Cairo's ties remain sour with the Hamas movement that rules the Palestinian enclave.


4. Israeli aircraft strike targets in Gaza after rocket attack - Times of Israel

The Israeli Air Force launched airstrikes in the Gaza Strip shortly after 10 p.m. on Wednesday in retaliation for a massive rocket barrage earlier in the day, the largest of its kind since 2012.


5. Barrage of at least 20 rockets fired from Gaza into southern Israel - Jerusalem Post

Southern communities near southern and northern Gaza have come under heavy rocket attack on Wednesday evening. The IDF said it was aware of up to 20 rockets fired in the largest attack since 2012's Operation Pillar of Defense.


The Daily Jot

Bad leadership a terror to good people


Its almost the oldest trick in the book. Forgive me for being cynical. Some politicians--probably more than some--just outright lie to get reelected. Others just liked to mislead. Still others like to make it look like they are doing something good, but really are just creating a media opportunity. Then there are those who are frauds who need to be removed from office. A recent story in the Washington Examiner explores the latter two. South Carolina Republican Representative Trey Gowdy introduced a bill to allow Congress to sue the President if he doesn't enforce the laws Congress passes. The occupant of the Oval Offices is threatening to veto the bill. It tells us a lot about 21st Century politics.

Gowdy says, "We have pursued certain remedies afforded to Congress to address executive overreach but these efforts have been thwarted. This bill is necessary; it will give Congress the authority to defend this branch of government as the Framers and our fellow citizens would expect." With all due respect to Mr. Gowdy's good intent, the Framers would have expected Congress to 1) not allow someone who cannot prove their citizenship to hold the office of President; and, 2) would have used their Constitutional authority to impeach and remove from office a president or a judge who does not uphold the laws. There is no need for yet another law to affirm the law of the land.

The White House and Administration's response to this legislation also is quite revealing. On behalf of the president, the Office of Management and Budget released this statement: "The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 4138 because it violates the separation of powers by purporting to permit the Congress to challenge in court the exercise by the President of one of his core constitutional functions - taking care that Federal laws are faithfully executed... the power the bill purports to assign to Congress to sue the President over whether he has properly discharged his constitutional obligation to take care that the laws be faithfully executed exceeds constitutional limitations."

That the president would hide behind the Constitution to say Congress cannot challenge him when he doesn't enforce federal law smacks of tyranny. That this president selectively refuses to enforce federal laws is ground for impeachment. That Congress is too weak to impeach or to hold accountable this tyrannical usurper is further danger to our nation and our liberty. But the American people should choose their leaders more wisely. As Exodus 18:21 prescribes: "Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness." We are greatly lacking in such leadership and the consequences are a terror to good people.

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


New Moslem Coalition: Aims for Next Elections

Newly Formed Muslim Coalition Seeks Greater Clout in U.S. Elections


(CNSNews.com) - Ten U.S. Islamic organizations have formed a new umbrella group to serve as a "representative voice" for American Muslims, and one of their first tasks will be to carry out a census of the community.

Other focus areas for the new U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), according to speakers at the body's launch in Washington on Wednesday, include enhancing Muslim political engagement and participation in forthcoming elections, civil rights issues, combating "Islamophobia" and having an impact on U.S. foreign and domestic policy.

Participating organizations include high-profile groups that have been dogged by controversy, such as the Muslim American Society (MAS), founded by Muslim Brotherhood members, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which was named by the Justice Department in 2007 as "unindicted co-conspirators" in its case against the Holy Land Foundation in Texas, subsequently found guilty of raising money for Hamas.
"The new national council's first priority will be to build on Muslim citizenship rights by conducting a census of American Muslims to create a database that will be used to enhance civic and political participation in upcoming elections," USCMO said in a statement.

CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad, a participant at the launch, said that Muslim organizations in 2011 had come up with a "guesstimate" of seven to eight million Muslims in the United States.

"Opponents of the Muslim community shot down the number for political reasons, to two-and-a-half, two million, and sometimes people even said half a million," he said.

The aim of the census project would be to determine a clear idea of the number and distribution of American Muslims, by 2016.

"Muslim voters can be swing voters in key elections, especially in 2016, and we are aiming at that election to bring a more visible participation from the Muslim community," Awad said. . .

One prominent anti-Islamist Muslim described the move as "a circling of the wagons" by the nation's top Islamist organizations.

"If they were going to start an American Islamist political party those would be the founders," the president of the non-profit American Islamic Forum for Democracy, M. Zuhdi Jasser, said early Thursday.

The USCMO launch was a sign that Islamists were "feeling the heat," Jasser said.

"America is both getting tuned in to their anti-American agenda as well as also realizing that far more diverse anti-Islamist American Muslim groups - like our American Islamic Leadership Coalition - can provide alternative and authentic Muslim voices beyond the Islamists." (Read more)


This Purim is significant

This Purim is significant

TIME SENSITIVE - PLEASE READ


Bless you,

I am impressed of the Holy Spirit to share with you, how important it is that we put aside some special prayer to intercede for our nation and its people, as well as Israel, during this strategic time of Purim. With the exhortation to listen to the Lord regarding fasting as well.

I've copied an excellent resource below to refresh your memory.

I am to share that in prayer I see the United States at a crossroads between God's plan for good and the enemies plan for destruction. Jer. 29:11 As the body of Christ unites in humility and obedience to our Lord's biblically established feasts also celebrated by our Jewish brothers and sisters, we will literally shift the tide so to speak, so that the edicts of death that are already written and at operation against this nation, (as well as the nation of Israel) will be exposed and defeated.

In addition, I copy you a dream that a fellow intercessor shared with me when I was sharing with her the burden the Lord placed upon me about sharing His Biblical call for us to join our Jewish brothers and sisters who will be fasting this Thursday in honor of Purim.
The Ship Dream

I am looking down on a body of water. I know that a huge ship has gone down . . . really huge .. . and I see in my mind's eye four letters. I know it was either the name of the ship or had to do with the ship. The next thing, I am on a ship. I go and lean out the side to look for something or search for something on top of the ship but the water catches my attention. It isn't like normal waves you would expect see on an ocean, but the water is literally boiling. (Magnify boiling many times over!) I turn and walk inside the ship into an interior room. There is a woman and she is calling intercessors to pray..something about urgent. Others respond and when she is finished, I go up to her and there are no words but we see eye to eye. I turn and walk out of the room to go into another. As I do, I notice that written on the wall in the ship are the same letters I saw in the first part of the dream. Dream ended. I know that the Lord was showing me what was going to happen IF WE DIDN'T PRAY. I felt the dream had to do with our country.

For such a time as this, we have been called.

(Name withheld upon request)

To read more about Purim, please go here.

U.S. State Dept. Memo on Ukraine

U.S. State Dept. Memo on Ukraine

From U.S. Embassy in Kiev:
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all non-essential travel to Ukraine, and particularly the Crimean Peninsula, due to the potential for instability following the departure of former President Yanukovych, the establishment of a new government, and the movement of Russian troops in Crimea. Groups have staged protests, set up roadblocks, and occupied government buildings in several cities throughout Ukraine since November 2013. All U.S. citizens in Ukraine, and those considering travel to Ukraine, should evaluate their personal security situation in light of political instability and the possibility of violence. Peace Corps Volunteers departed Ukraine on February 25, 2014, and remain out of the country at this time. The Embassy's ability to respond to emergencies involving U.S. citizens in other parts of Ukraine is limited.
The Department of State urges U.S. citizens who travel to Ukraine to carefully evaluate the risks posed to their personal safety, particularly in Crimea and the eastern oblasts of Donetsk, Lugansk, and Kharkiv. . . the police presence in Kyiv and other cities remains limited and there is still a potential for violence between supporters of different political parties. Since February 27, demonstrations and clashes have occurred in several cities in Ukraine.
Ground transportation may be disrupted throughout the country. Drivers, especially in Crimea, may encounter roadblocks that restrict access on certain roads. Commercial air travel could be delayed or cancelled with little or no notice. ...

The situation in Ukraine is unpredictable and could change quickly. U.S. citizens should be prepared to remain indoors for extended periods of time should clashes occur in their vicinity.

Protests in Kyiv began on November 21, 2013, following the Government of Ukraine's announcement that it was suspending preparations to sign an association agreement with the European Union. On February 22, following three months of large protests and violent clashes, former President Yanukovych departed Kyiv. The Ukrainian Parliament established a new government on February 27. Groups that oppose the new government and support closer ties with Russia have staged demonstrations in cities throughout eastern and southern Ukraine. Russian troops have occupied several government buildings, including airports, and established roadblocks on the Crimean Peninsula.

Ukraine Prayer Update

Ukraine Prayer Update

[Submitted by one of our prayer partners . . . a report from missionaries on the ground in Kiev; edited for length.]


Dear friends, We are writing to let you know some of the latest information we've received; and also, because we don't know how much longer communications will remain open. We just learned, today, that the Ukrainian government has accused Russia of a large-scale military build-up along its 2000 mile border with Russia, with over 80,000 troops, 270 tanks, and 140 combat planes, within the immediate vicinity of Ukraine's border. Also, within 2-3 hours (driving time) of Ukraine's capitol - Kiev. Currently, Russia has taken control of Crimea, with at least 30,000+ troops, along with tanks, combat planes, and naval ships. Some of our people have seen military jets and helicopters flying over our area, in the west. We would assume they are Ukrainian and/or Nato.

. . . a couple of days ago, the Holy Spirit led us to this very powerful scripture. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus told His disciples, "I will build my Church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it."

Saints, that promise is for us right now! Let us come boldly before the throne of grace, stand together, in a prayer of agreement, that what Jesus said about His Church is a promise from God the Father, and from Jesus Himself - that no matter what the enemy does, at the end of the day, the Church will not only be left standing, but more glorious, and having taken more land, and rescued more lost and broken-hearted, than before the attacks began.

We share the following with you, below, so that you may know what the believers, your family in Ukraine, is now facing. People are being uprooted - missionaries as well - and fleeing to the western side of Ukraine. There is going to be more and more opportunity for God's people to show that we really are the disciples of Jesus, by our great love and care for one another.

We will be needing more and more help - both in prayer and in finances, to care for those who the Lord sends to us, so that we may be ready to show them God's love in action, and receive more of the children that the Lord sends to us.

We are so thankful to all of you for praying for us, and for your very kind and encouraging words that you are sending in your replies. We thank, especially, those who have done more to give financially and prayerfully. You really are God's love in action. Our prayers for you, during this time, is that because you've joined with us in this fight, you yourselves will know the Lord more and more. You will become so spoiled with His presence, you will never be the same again. May He fill you with such joy, in His mountain of prayer, that you will be absolutely filled with more and more reserve oil of the Holy Spirit, enabling you to finish your race of faith, as you gaze upon Jesus Christ more and more intently. May the favor of God surround you and all you do.

In Christ's love & service,

Jim & Sandy



News Points:

- Russian soldiers that are identifying themselves as "Crimean Defense Forces" are muscling their way into Ukrainian Military bases. Either through shear numbers or by kidnapping the commanders of those bases.

- Ukrainians are leaving each day from Crimea

- Hostilities are rising. An elderly woman flying the Ukrainian flag was beat up by supporters of Russia today.

- Russian troops continue to pour into Crimea. It seems like it is no longer a matter of if Russia will take over Crimea, but when.

- The heads of the Oblasts, elected by the interim president are starting to go to their territories, only to be forced to resign by the people of the regions.

> > > (To send financial help, make checks payable to Joshua House Life Centers (or JHLC), and send to:

P.O. Box 494400, Port Charlotte, FL 33949-4400.)

THANK YOU!!


The Good News Corner

The Good News Corner:

Pro-Life Good News:

2 More Abortion Clinics in Texas Closed Thanks to Legislation
that Protects Women


"Of the 20 remaining clinics, only six meet [the] standard and are likely to remain open." -National Review

Texas)-The restrictions put in place by legislation passed last November have led to the closure of ten clinics prior to this week, and two more are reportedly closing as well.

The restrictions on abortion clinics-such as requiring a surgical center, and requiring all physicians conducting abortions to have hospital admitting privileges within a 30-mile radius-are measures of protection for women, as the abysmal practices and conditions of many clinics have come into question of late.

A National Journal report notes that in 2011, there were 44 abortion clinics in Texas. Now 20 remain, and only six of those are likely to meet the new standards and stay open.

Upon signing the bill into law last year, Gov. Rick Perry said, "This is an important day for those who support life and for those who support the health of Texas women."

Opponents argue that "the need is still there" and that the restrictions will cause "clandestine" operations to "come up." (Breaking Christian News) Read more.


Signs and Wonders

Signs and Wonders:

Volcano erupts in Indonesia:

76,000 evacuated, most of Java's airports shut


More than 76,000 people fled their homes and flights were grounded across most of Indonesia's densely populated island of Java on Friday after a volcanic eruption sent a huge plume of ash and sand 17 km (10 miles) into the air.

The ash cloud from Thursday night's eruption of Mount Kelud in the province of East Java moved west over the island, forcing the closure of seven airports and stranding thousands of passengers. The only major airports still operating on Java were two in the capital, Jakarta.

"Based on verified data, over 76,000 people have been evacuated from five cities around the volcano ... and about 200,000 people were affected," National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Nugroho said in a text message.

Mount Kelud is 90 km (54 miles) south of Indonesia's second biggest city Surabaya, a major industrial center. Its airport was closed, along with those of Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo, Malang, Semarang and the major oil refinery town of Cilacap.

Television broadcast images of planes, streets and houses blanketed in a thick layer of grey ash. (Reuters) Read more.
[Note: report filed last Friday]
- Almighty God, we pray for the people of Indonesia and ask that they turn their eyes upward to the God in heaven praying for their souls to be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ who was crucified and rose again from the dead for the sins of mankind to be forgiven. Let there be a great crowd fall on their knees asking forgiveness before a loving Savior. In the Name of Jesus' we pray.

- "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)


"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
(Luke 21:25-28)


Worship With Us Today!

Worship With Us Today!

"The Revelation Song" - Kari Jobe

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Holy, holy is He
Sing a new song to Him who sits on
Heaven's mercy seat

Worship Here