Christian cross and lily flower on blue background

The Middle East in Focus

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10)

1. Palestinians ask UN to investigate Israel killings - Fox News

JERUSALEM - The Palestinian government has asked the United Nations to launch an investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings by Israel.

Monday's request follows the deadly shooting last week by an Israeli soldier of a wounded Palestinian assailant as he lay on the ground. The military has detained the soldier while it investigates.

Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said that past Israeli investigations have failed to "serve justice" and instead, he claims Israel has been "rewarded with impunity."
Read more

2. International mediators said working on Hamas, Israel prisoner swap - Times of Israel

International mediators are interested in brokering a prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas, a source in the Gaza-based Islamist group reportedly said on Monday.

A source in Hamas told the London-based daily Asharq al-Awsat that though there are currently no direct negotiations between Hamas and Israel, foreign parties are examining the possibility of completing a prisoner exchange.

Hamas is thought to be holding two Israeli citizens, as well as the bodies of two Israeli soldiers killed in 2014.

Israel and Hamas do not officially maintain direct contacts, and any deal would have to be mediated by international parties. In 2011, kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was released in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian detainees, in a deal brokered with the help of a German diplomat.
Read more

3. ISIS reportedly planning attack targeting Jewish children in Turkey - Fox News

Terrorists from the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) have advanced plans to murder Jewish children in Turkey, targeting kindergartens, schools and youth centres, Sky News can reveal.

Information on what intelligence officials are describing as an "imminent" attack was obtained from six operatives from the "Caliphate" who were arrested in the southern city of Gaziantep over the last week.

The most likely target of an attack is Istanbul's synagogue in Beyoglu, which also has a community centre and a school attached to it.

"In light of these circumstances, extraordinary security measures are being taken above and beyond the high alert level already in place by the Turkish police, as well as vigilance within the Jewish community," an intelligence source told Sky News. "Undercover and other covert counter-terror measures are being implemented around the clock.
Read more

4. Islamic State cell uncovered in east Jerusalem - Israel Hayom

Four east Jerusalem residents between the ages of 20 and 25 were indicted on Friday for attempting to join the Islamic State group in Syria.

The four formed a study group and met several times a week to learn Islamic State ideology and watch Islamic State videos.

The cell allegedly planned to carry out terrorist attacks near foreign embassies and consulates in Jerusalem. They gathered funds for this purpose and attempted to contact Islamic State members in Syria for guidance and support.
Read more

5. Suspension bill passes initial vote - YNET News

The Knesset gave its initial approval for the controversial MK suspension bill, which would allow the Knesset to suspend a member by way of a 90-MK majority (75 percent of the Knesset, whose total membership is 120).

The bill was pushed by Prime Minister Benjaming Netanyahu, and came about following the meetings held by members of the Knesset Balad faction (which is part of the Joint List party) with family members of Palestinian terrorists.
Read more

6. Insight for Intercessors: Weekly Prayer Alert

To read this bulletin, please go here.

The Daily Brief

1. Russia's Putin, Iran's Rouhani agree to cooperate closely on Syria - Reuters

The presidents of Russia and Iran agreed on Monday to step up bilateral contacts, including over the Syrian conflict, in which both countries are allies of President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian government and Western-backed opposition are currently holding U.N.-mediated peace talks as part of a diplomatic push launched with U.S.-Russian support to end the five-year conflict in which more than a quarter of a million people have been killed.

The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin and Iran's Hassan Rouhani had exchanged views on the conflict and a range of other topical issues during a telephone call. It gave no further details. (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, we do so pray that these peace talks bring to an end, the years of conflict between these nations, and that cooperation and coordination begin among them. May these leaders come together as You bring about the necessary changes in each one for these talks to become a victorious reality. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

- "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (1 Tim. 2:1-2)

2. Islamic State driven out of Syria's ancient Palmyra city - Reuters

Syrian government forces backed by heavy Russian air support drove Islamic State out of Palmyra on Sunday, inflicting what the army called a mortal blow to militants who seized the city last year and dynamited its ancient temples. The loss of Palmyra represents one of the biggest setbacks for the ultra-hardline Islamist group since it declared a caliphate in 2014 across large parts of Syria and Iraq.

The army general command said that its forces took over the city with support from Russian and Syrian air strikes, opening up the huge expanse of desert leading east to the Islamic State strongholds of Raqqa and Deir al-Zor. Palmyra would become "a launchpad to expand military operations" against the group in those two provinces, it said, promising to "tighten the noose on the terrorist group and cut supply routes . . . ahead of their complete recapture".

Syrian government forces backed by heavy Russian air support drove Islamic State out of Palmyra on Sunday, inflicting what the army called a mortal blow to militants who seized the city last year and dynamited its ancient temples. (Read more)
- The battle and the victory belong to God Almighty!! Mighty God, all knowing and all wise, we are celebrating this victory along with Syria and her inhabitants. May this Nation be rebuilt on the firm foundation in the knowledge of You, and the acceptance of Jesus...who brings life abundantly, not just for the present but for all eternity. In Jesus' name we pray!!!

- "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts." (Zechariah 4:6)

3. US Senator asks for probe of possibility of Israeli 'extrajudicial killings' - Times of Israel

Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy and ~10 House members have asked US Secretary of State John Kerry to investigate alleged Israeli human rights abuses and to determine whether they are reason enough to cut military aid, according to a Wednesday report.Leahy and his fellow signatories asked the president to look into claims of "gross violations of human rights" by Israel and Egypt, citing examples of alleged extrajudicial killings by both countries. (Read more)
- Abba, we are sorry to hear of these men in the Senate and the House looking for an excuse to stop giving Israel military aid, through these allegations. We pray for Israel's vindication, as a result of any investigation, and we thank You for Your love and protection of Your people, and that Your truth triumphs over their enemies. In Your Name, Amen.

- "No weapon made will prevail against you. In court you will refute every accusation. The servants of Adonai inherit all this; the reward for their righteousness is from Me", says Adonai." (Isaiah 54:17)

4. Families of US military, government workers ordered home from southern Turkey - Fox News

U.S. officials ordered families of U.S. service members and government workers to return home from southern Turkey on Tuesday due to what they called "continued security concerns in the region."

The Pentagon and State Department said dependents of American staffers at the U.S. consulate in Adana, the nearby Incirlik air base and two other locations must leave. The so-called "ordered departure" notice means the government will cover relocation costs. Officials said relatives of essential Chief of Mission personnel could stay.

The move affects 670 family members or other "dependents," Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said. The move would take place "relatively quickly," he added.

"The decision to move our families and civilians was made in consultation with the Government of Turkey, our State Department, and our Secretary of Defense," Gen. Philip M. Breedlove of U.S. European Command said. "We understand this is disruptive to our military families, but we must keep them safe and ensure the combat effectiveness of our forces to support our strong Ally Turkey in the fight against terrorism."

In addition, the State Department on Thursday warned all Americans to avoid traveling to the region, especially to areas near the Syrian border. "Stay away from large crowds, including at popular tourist destinations," the department added in a statement. (Read more)
- Lord God, we ask that Your Hand of protection would rest upon all of these American citizens that are now being told to evacuate Turkey by our State Department and the Pentagon. Grant each one traveling mercies, we pray. And Lord God, whatever the"flashpoint" is in place that has caused this sudden move, we ask that You would move to dispel this danger in the land of Turkey. In Jesus' name we pray, amen and amen.

- > > > Please decree all of Psalm 91 over this situation.

5. Georgia Gov. Vetoes 'Pastor Protection Act' After Threats From Disney, Marvel, Hollywood Entertainers - Christian Post

Facing corporate and Hollywood pressure, Georgia's Republican Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed a religious liberty bill that would have prevented the state government from punishing faith-based organizations, churches and pastors over their opposition to same-sex marriage.

Georgia's "Pastor Protection Act," or H.B. 757, has become quite controversial since it was passed by both legislative houses in February with a number of opponents of the measure claiming it opens the door for discrimination of LGBT people. After corporations like Disney and Marvel threatened to boycott the state of Georgia if the bill becomes law, the Human Rights Campaign sent a letter to Deal last week containing signatures from several prominent entertainment industry professionals - including actress Anne Hathaway and producer Seth MacFarlane - who also threatened to boycott filming or performing in the state if Deal were to sign the bill into law.

Additionally, a spokesman for the National Football League insinuated earlier this month that the league would have to take such a law into consideration when deciding if the city of Atlanta will get to host a Super Bowl in 2019 or 2020. (Read more)
- Lord God Almighty, may the ever renewing mind of Georgia's Governor Nathan Deal, be transformed, so that he may prove what is YOUR acceptable and perfect will concerning this "Pastor Protection Act" also known as HB-757. We ask that this "turnaround" by turned around by Your mighty Hand. This we pray in Jesus' name and thank YOU in advance for our victory. TO GOD BE THE GLORY, amen!

- "Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them." (Proverbs 28:4)

6. Supreme Court faces 4-4 split in Obamacare contraception case - Reuters

The Supreme Court on Wednesday headed toward a possible 4-4 split over a legal challenge by Christian nonprofit employers who object to providing female workers insurance covering birth control as required by President Barack Obama's healthcare law.

An evenly split ruling, with the court's four liberals backing the Obama administration against the four conservative justices, would leave in place lower-court rulings rejecting challenges brought by the Christian organizations that oppose providing contraception coverage for religious reasons.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, who often casts the deciding vote in close cases, appeared more aligned with the court's three other conservatives in favoring the challengers, which primarily were Roman Catholic including the archdiocese of Washington.

A ruling is due by the end of June. A 4-4 split would set no national legal precedent against such claims, and would allow them in some parts of the country depending on lower-court rulings. The justices also potentially could order the case reargued. (Read more)
- Father, we come to You with this dilemma. We ask that the Supreme Court justices will rule with the wisdom of Solomon, who will follow Your ways, and rule according to our Constitution, and the integrity of Your Word. In Your Name we pray, Amen.

- "(Solomon prayed) 'Give thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge Thy so-great a people'." (I Kings 3:9)

7. Satanic, Secular Brochures To be distributed in Colorado Middle and High Schools - CNS News

Channel KJCT8 in Colorado is reporting that atheist and satanic groups are going to be circulating atheist, secular and satanic literature to middle and high school students in Delta County, Colorado.

In December, Gideons made Bibles available for students at public schools in Delta County. That led to a student complaint, and led to secular groups such as the Freedom from Religion Foundation, Western Colorado Atheists and Freethinkers and the Satanic Temple to apply for similar distribution.(Read more)
- Father, we are grieved to see this "tit-for-tat" childish behavior on the part of the "anti-God" people, who seem to fear that making Bibles available to students who want them, would be harmful to those students. We would ask, Lord, that there be a rejection by the students of this anti-God agenda. Instead we pray for a revival on campus among the students and faculty, we pray, as they consider Who has the real answers for life's problems. We ask this in Jesus Name, Amen.

- "This Jesus is the Stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which became the Chief Cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation]." (Acts 4:11-13)

8. California: '100 shots' by men chanting 'Allahu Akbar' - WND

Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office and other agencies responded to a report of "Allahu Akbar" chanting, turban-wearing men shooting assault rifles, handguns and shotguns in a remote desert area, officials have confirmed. (Read more)
- Lord, we are appalled to hear of these men obviously preparing to attack our people on our own soil. We thank You that this was reported, and we pray that these "would-be" terrorists will be punished and deported. Continue to protect us, we pray, Our God, and our Defender. In Your Name we pray, Amen.

- "The Lord will make your enemies, who rise against you and attack from one direction, to flee from you in seven directions." (Deuteronomy 28:7)

The Daily Jot

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Islam has warred with the US for 233 years

Islam's war with America is as old as our nation. The Barbary pirates from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya were attacking American ships and holding Christian Americans as slaves. In 1786, future presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, ambassadors to France and Britain, respectively, met with the Libyan ambassador to Britain Sidi Adja to discuss peace. Adja told them, "that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as prisoners, and that every Muslim who should be slain in battle was sure to go to Paradise."

In November 1796, Adams signed the infamous Treaty of Tripoli. Viewed as a submission to Islam, the treaty stated: "As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion,-as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen [Muslims],-and as the said States never entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mahometan [Muslim] nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries."
Furthermore, the treaty provided for payments from the United States to the Muslim states of the Barbary Coast in return that Barbary pirates would not capture American vessels off the coast of Africa, or ransom or enslave the ship's crews and American citizens as part of the Ottoman Empire's slave trade. In 1801, the treaty was violated upon demand for more money by the Pasha of Tripoli and President Thomas Jefferson decided it was less a financial burden to the US to birth the US Navy, send it to Tripoli, and defeat the Islamists rather than pay more ransom.

Adam's son, President John Quincy Adams wrote of Mohammed in the 1827 American Annual Register: "...combining the powers of transcendent genius with the preternatural energy of a fanatic and the fraudulent spirit of an impostor, proclaimed himself as a messenger from heaven, and spread desolation and delusion over an extensive portion of the earth...He poisoned the sources of human felicity at the fountain, by degrading the condition of the female sex, and the allowance of polygamy; and he declared undistinguishing and exterminating war as part of his religion against all the rest of mankind. The essence of his doctrine was violence and lust; to exalt the brutal over the spiritual part of human nature."

Adams spoke of the 1,200 year war between Christianity and Islam: "That war is yet flagrant; nor can it cease but by the extincture of that impostor, which has been permitted by Providence to prolong the degeneracy of man. While the merciless and dissolute are encouraged to furnish motives to human action, there never can be peace on earth and good will toward men." Then Adams waxed prophetic by quoting from Genesis 16:11, 12, "Behold, thou art with child, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Ishmael;...and he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him." As in the days of the Treaty of Tripoli, America keeps saying it is not at war with Islam, but Islam continues at war with the US.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!

Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com

News from PrayerSurgeNow

News from PrayerSurgeNow

Please go here to read the thorough listing of many events now being sponsored or promoted by Dai Sup Han and PrayerSurgeNow.

The Persecuted Church

Thailand Bans Relief Groups From Visiting Pakistani Christian Asylum Seekers Held in Brutal Detention Centers

Thailand has blocked the entry of humanitarian agencies into brutal detention centers, where Pakistani Christians who have fled religious persecution in their own country are being kept, after a BBC report revealed the mistreatment of asylum seekers in this Southeast Asian country.

Family members and humanitarian agencies are no longer allowed to visit Pakistani Christian detainees - some of whom are expecting mothers, old people, disabled and with severe health condition requiring regular medical attention - who have been lodged in "brutal immigration detention centres," says the British Pakistani Christian Association in an online petition.
Read more

Classic Hymns

Songs Our Grandmothers Sang:

JESUS, SAVIOR, PILOT ME

"The Sailors' Hymn"

"He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!'"
(Mark 4:39)

Lyrics

Jesus, Savior, pilot me Over life's tempestuous sea; Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treacherous shoal. Chart and compass come from Thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

While th'Apostles' fragile bark Struggled with the billows dark, On the stormy Galilee, Thou didst walk upon the sea; And when they beheld Thy form, Safe they glided through the storm.
Though the sea be smooth and bright, Sparkling with the stars of night, And my ship's path be ablaze With the light of halcyon days, Still I know my need of Thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When the darkling heavens frown, And the wrathful winds come down, And the fierce waves, tossed on high, Lash themselves against the sky, Jesus, Savior, pilot me, Over life's tempestuous sea.
As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the ocean wild; Boisterous waves obey Thy will, When Thou sayest to them, "Be still!" Wondrous Sovereign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When at last I near the shore, And the fearful breakers roar 'Twixt me and the peaceful rest, Then, while leaning on Thy breast, May I hear Thee say to me, "Fear not, I will pilot thee."

Melody

Please go here.

About the Author:

Words: Edward Hopper, 1871

Music: John E. Gould, 1871

About the Hymn:

Major D. W. Whittle told me the following incident in connection with this hymn: "I went with General O. O. Howard to hold meetings for the soldiers at Tampa, Florida, and one day while going through the camp I found a young man dying of fever. I knelt by his side and asked him if he was a Christian. He replied that he was not, but said that his father and mother were Christians; and he asked me to pray for him. I did so, but no deep impression was made upon his heart. I went away with a sorrowing heart and promised to return another day. Two days later I visited him again and, praying with him, the Lord put into my mind to sing, 'Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.' The dying soldier said: 'Oh, that sounds good; it puts me in mind of my beloved sister in Michigan, who used to sing this hymn for me before I entered the army.' He wanted me to repeat it over and over again for him, and finally he asked: 'Will Jesus be my pilot into the haven of rest?' I told the young man that Jesus would. 'Then,' he said, 'I will trust him with all my heart.' The next day I called to see him again, but his comrade said: 'He passed away during the night.'"

Signs and Wonders

Kanlaon erupts, travel restricted

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday started imposing a travel restriction in the immediate area of Mount Kanlaon in Negros Oriental after it erupted twice on Tuesday evening.

Senior Supt. Harris Fama, the director of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO), said they have started implementing travel restriction within the four-kilometer radius from the crater of Kanlaon.

"We are imposing travel restriction from within the four-kilometer radius of Mount Kanlaon, meaning that travel within the four-kilometer radius is now prohibited," he said.

The police official said that minor volcanic eruptions were monitored on Tuesday evening from Mount Kanlaon in Canlaon City, sending plumes of ash up to 1,500 meters into the sky.
(The Manila Times Online) Read more here.

"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea." (Luke 21:25)

The Good News Corner

Utah the First State Requiring Anesthesia for 20-Week Abortions

[CBN News] Utah has become the first state to require doctors to give anesthesia to women having abortions at 20 weeks or later.

Republican Gov. Gary Herbert signed the bill Monday.

"The governor is adamantly pro-life. He believes in not only erring on the side of life, but also minimizing any pain that may be caused to an unborn child," Jon Cox, spokesman for the Republican governor, in an emailed statement said.

The goal is to protect unborn babies from feeling pain because supporters say evidence shows babies in the womb suffer pain just like the rest of us.
Read more

Worship With Us Today!

Worship With Us Today!
Chris Tomlin - "At the Cross"
Worship Here

Election 2016: Prayer Resources

Election 2016: Prayer Resources

"Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you." (Deuteronomy 1:13)

> > > Please find below the Election Prayer Resources that have been recently added to our list. To view the archive section, go here.

1. Intercessors for America: Get out the Prayer!

Our country continues to reach significant moments where our culture and values are redefined. This fall's national election offers another defining moment. It is critical that the Church pray. We are not praying for specific candidates or parties to be in power, but rather, we are praying God's will be done. Join with thousands who are interceding for spiritual awakening and godly leaders in communities, cities, states, and the nation.

Get Out The Prayer 2016 (GOTP 2016) is calling for community volunteer leaders. Our goal is to raise up leaders who can gather people from different churches and neighborhoods to facilitate deliberate and effective prayer for our nation and the upcoming 2016 elections. To learn more about how you can be involved in this very well organized, grassroots initiative, please go here.

2. PrayForElections.Com: A Weekly Nationwide Election Conference Prayer Call

Join ministry leaders and Christian organizations from across the nation who will host one Tuesday Night Election Prayer Call every Tuesday evening until the General Election on November 8th, 2016. We pray for the Presidential candidates and other offices in the House and Senate. We pray for the election process, integrity in counting ballots, eliminating fraudulent ballots, and for those with our Christian values to win by landslides throughout the country.

PrayForElections.com is hosted by The Salt & Light Council (SLC). SLC trains and equips churches nationwide to preserve our culture through Biblical Citizenship. Affiliate Church Leaders appointed by their pastors learn to mobilize congregations to take action as responsible Christian citizens through the PETER formula (Pray. Educate. Take action. Elections. Restoration)

Conference Number: 712-432-1699.
Code 338083#
8pm ET / 7pm CT/ 6pm MT / 5pm PT
(30 minutes each week)
http://prayforelections.com/

3. Confusion on the Ohio Primary Ballot

This is a YouTube video, forwarded to us by Intercessors for America and posted on their Facebook. Please stand against all voter fraud. [Ohioans vote tomorrow: Tuesday, March 15.]

4. Addressing Voter Fraud

There are several excellent sources to help you track and pray over potential voter fraud:

a. iVoters is located on YouTube here.

b. TRUE THE VOTE - Visit their website by going here.

c. BLACK BOX VOTING - Visit this website by going here.

d. PROJECT VERITAS - Visit this website by going here.

ABOUT CAPITOL HILL PRAYER PARTNERS

To learn more about our ministry, and to sign up to begin receiving our daily alerts, please go here.

Announcement from CHPP

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners Announces our New Publishing Schedule for 2016

Dear Friends,

We continue to thank our Lord for each one of you whom He has drawn to join us in this strategic work of intercession for our nation, and for Israel. We are confident that our prayers are being heard in heaven, amen!
Please be advised that, beginning this week and continuing for the rest of this year, the Daily Brief will only be published on FOUR DAYS each week:

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
and Thursday
We are choosing to stand down on Fridays, so that we can join a new KINGDOM PRAYER WATCH on Capitol Hill. The Kingdom Prayer Watch is covering our national and congressional elections in weekly prayer every Friday.

This watch, which was begun on a foundation of REPENTANCE, now meets for two hours (from 1:15 - 3:00 p.m.) praying not for specific candidates, but welcoming the King to come as He builds His Kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven.
Our key verse is taken from Isaiah 33:22 --

"For the Lord is our Judge,
The Lord is our Lawgiver,
The Lord is our King;
He will save us."

We are, indeed, now looking for Him to save us!
If you would like to learn more about the KINGDOM PRAYER WATCH, or to join us every Friday, please send me an email at: chpp1994@gmail.com

Thank you!
Sara Ballenger, Founder
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20170

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners "Daily Brief"

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

CHPP Daily Brief: "Praying for All in Authority" Wednesday, March 30, 2016