New Travel Warning Issued for US Citizens in Iran: ‘Leave Now’
The U.S. State Department and Virtual Embassy Tehran issued a sweeping warning to American citizens in Iran to “leave now,” citing a surge in nationwide protests, violence and internet blackout.
The advisory came Monday as Iran entered its third week of anti-government demonstrations, with hundreds killed and thousands detained, according to rights groups and news reports. (Newsweek) Read more here.
Join our Bible Readathon, every night except Sunday morning, from midnight to 6:00 a.m. Call 508-924-5411 (no access code). Our moderator will welcome you and invite you to share in our reading. Go here to learn more. Thank you.
> > > Please go here to pray through today's 24/7 International Strategic Prayer Guide. You may also call in at any time to read these prayers with others by calling:
712-770-4340 Code: 543555 #.
>>> Be sure to read today's thoughts on repentance by Pastor Jeff Daly | National Day of Repentance. Go Here.
Please make checks payable to:
CHPP, and send them to:
Start your day with us in WORSHIP to our King! Today's selection is "I Will Make Room for You" by Community Worship. Go here!
THE GOOD NEWS CORNER
'At the Foot of the Cross':
Arlington Chaplains Bear a Nation's Gratitude and a Family's Grief
At Arlington National Cemetery, the honor bestowed upon fallen heroes is carried out with solemn military precision. Within that sacred protocol, chaplains serve a unique dual role: expressing a nation's formal gratitude while offering pastoral comfort to families in their deepest grief. "I'm not sure that there's been another place that has underscored honor to me more than Arlington National Cemetery," said Captain Andrew Lloyd, an Air Force chaplain and Regent University graduate serving at Arlington. "We stand beside and work with the young men and women in the Honor Guard who are professionally trained to guard that honor. Then we turn around and help articulate it."
Arlington, one of more than 170 national cemeteries, is hallowed ground for America's heroes. With up to 28 military funerals conducted each day across its 640 acres, the emotional weight is constant for the chaplains and their counterparts who serve there. For Captain Lloyd, the role requires a delicate balance. "I'm dual-hatted in the moment," he explained. "I view my role as part of the Air Force's ceremonial honor to express the gratitude of this nation for that service member. And also, as a pastor. Based on the faith decision that family has invited us into, we're also pastoring that family through a moment of grief." (CBN) Read more and Watch Video Here
Abba Father, we ask for Your double portion of blessing upon our chaplains who serve You well in representing Christ to families of veterans and also to our brave military members serving our country. We stand alongside chaplains expressing gratitude and honor to all our fallen heroes who bravely served our nation and for those who are currently serving. Give Your peace and comfort to family of those buried at Arlington National Cemetery and for families everywhere who have suffered loss. Bless the work of each chaplain as they continue to speak Your unwavering peace, comfort and extravagant love over the families of our brave warriors! In Jesus powerful Name, we pray- Amen and Amen.
"He will wipe every tear form their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
TODAY'S TOP STORY
Trump says Iran 'starting to' cross US red lines as protesters die in government crackdown
President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran is "starting to" cross U.S. red lines, citing reports of civilian deaths and warning that any attack on American interests would be met with overwhelming force as his administration weighs what he called "very strong options."
Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling from Palm Beach, Florida, back to Washington, D.C., after being asked whether Iran had crossed a threshold that would trigger a response.
"They're starting to, it looks like, and there seem to be some people killed that aren't supposed to be killed," the president said. "These are violent — if you call them leaders, I don't know if their leaders or just if they rule through violence. And, we're looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination."
Some protesters were killed in a stampedes while others were shot, Trump later said, adding that he receives hourly briefings and will decide based on ongoing reports.
The comments came just days after Trump warned the U.S. would respond forcefully if the Iranian regime escalates its crackdown.
"Iran’s in big trouble," he said. "It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago. We’re watching the situation very carefully."
Trump added, "We’ll be hitting them very hard where it hurts. And that doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts."
Lord, please protect all of the protesters and citizens in Iran and elsewhere. Place Your protection over their lives, their property, and their families. Regardless of the background of faith, we love Your creation, and we wish everyone well. Give Trump the discernment to identify the correctt strategies for these Iranian communities. Amen
"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble." (Psalm 59:16)
TOP STORY 2
Trump Says Iran Seeks Negotiation After Warning of Military Intervention
‘I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,’ President Donald Trump says.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Jan. 11 that Iran’s leadership has contacted his administration to seek negotiations after he warned of possible military action in the wake of mass protests in Iran.
Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that Iranian leaders had reached out to U.S. officials and that a meeting between the two sides was being set up.
“I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” he said. “Iran wants to negotiate.”
Trump warned that the United States “may have to act” before a potential meeting takes place because of the current situation in Iran, as the Iranian regime’s clampdown on protests has left hundreds dead.
“The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination.”
When asked about Iran’s threatened response to a U.S. strike, Trump said any such actions would be met with “a powerful force.”
“If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before. And they won’t even believe it. I have options that are so strong,” he said. (The Epoch TImes) Read more here.
We pray for our president as he deals with the nation of Iran, that you would give him wisdom and favor with their leaders. We pray, too, that everything will work out in our favor for our country and for Iran, in Jesus' name, amen.
“Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” (Psalms 5:12)
TOP STORY 3
Iran: If the US attacks we'll retaliate against Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday to discuss potential American military action against Iran, according to reports. Sources familiar with the conversation said the two discussed ongoing protests in Iran and possible US intervention. Reuters also reported that Israel is on high alert in anticipation of possible American support for a nationwide protest movement in Iran.
The conversation came amid reports of what was described as "mass killings, likely not confined to a few cities," following testimonies and footage depicting brutal violence against demonstrators and bodies "falling to the ground" in Iran.
An American official confirmed that the conversation took place but did not disclose its content. On Sunday morning, Iran warned US President Donald Trump that any American strike would trigger retaliation from Tehran, including attacks on Israel and American military bases across the region. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called these "legitimate targets" during an address to the Iranian legislature.
According to the New York Times, Trump was briefed in recent days on a range of military options in Iran, from non-military targets to strikes against Iran's security services. The briefings were reportedly prompted by the regime's ongoing crackdown on protestors. Reuters cited an Israeli source present during the Netanyahu-Rubio conversation who confirmed they discussed the possibility of US intervention in Iran. An American source again confirmed the call but did not elaborate.
Escalating protests
Some estimates that are yet to be verified claim at least 2,000 people were killed in Iran over a 48-hour period during the recent protests. A doctor in Rasht, in northern Iran, told Iran International that a single hospital had received at least 70 bodies.
Despite a near-total internet blackout, videos and messages continue to reach international media via Starlink connections provided by Elon Musk. However, access to this technology remains limited to residents of larger, more affluent cities, leaving much of the country in an information blackout. (Israel Hayom) Read more here.
In the mighty name of Jesus, we take a spiritual axe, and we cut at the root of all attacks from these hostile governments against our nation and Israel that their plans are canceled right now by the blood of Jesus in Jesus name. We pray a hedge of protection over our nation that no weapon formed against us or Israel shall prosper, in Jesus' name, amen.
“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” (Psalms 12:5)
TOP STORY 4
Johnson: Tax Dollars ‘Will Never Be Used to Pay for Abortion. Period. Full Stop. End of Sentence.’
... As for the more serious problem, Trump’s sudden openness to taxpayer-funded abortion, Johnson cautioned, “I wouldn’t read too much into what he said. That was off the [cuff]. He was sort of riffing when he was with us, and he talks about a lot of ideas in terms of negotiations. The president is a dealmaker, as you know, and he desperately wants to bring down the cost of health care. And we do as well. And there are impediments to doing some of this. We obviously are the party of life. We are a nation that has to defend the sanctity of human life. And we will continue that as a theme.”
Johnson was quick to point to Trump’s record as “the most pro-life president in the modern era” to reassure voters who are questioning his shakiness on Hyde. But he also recognizes that even a whiff of compromise on taxpayer-funded abortion would be a betrayal of the highest order. “… I made a statement after the conference, and I’ve stated it many times since. … We are going to defend the sanctity of life, and the protections are sacrosanct here. And in layman’s terms, what it means is [that] taxpayer funding will never be authorized to pay for abortion. Period. Full stop, end of sentence. And that’s never going to change here.” (The Washington Stand) Read more here.
Lord, thank You for every unborn life saved and for the people standing up for life. Give us courage to keep going until every life is valued. Teach us how to war in the spirit and act in the physical. Show us strategies as to how we can protect the unborn, and give us a heart of love as we inform those who have been misled.
“Thus says the Lord: “Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.” (Jeremiah 22:3)
FOCUS ON ISRAEL
1. Gantz declares: 'The era of boycotting Netanyahu is over' - Israel National News
MK Benny Gantz, the leader of Blue and White, declared that he would not align with other opposition figures and would not declare a boycott on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"It's time to abandon 'Anyone but Bibi' and move to 'Anyone but extremists.' We need to stop the civil war that's on the horizon - we are close to a situation where someone could die here," Gantz said in an interview with Attila Somfalvi.
He emphasized that he has no intention of assisting Netanyahu but would not refuse to sit in his government after the elections, if such a government were formed. (Read more)
Israeli police launched a major anti-crime operation in the Jerusalem area overnight, arresting eight suspects and seizing weapons and drugs, authorities said on Monday.
The operation, called “Shield of the Capital,” involved hundreds of officers from Israel Police and Border Police units targeting criminal activity and security threats in Jerusalem’s periphery, the Israel Police Spokesperson’s Unit said.
Forces conducted enforcement actions in the northeastern Shuafat neighborhood, where they confiscated three illegal handguns, M16 rifle components, ammunition, two tactical vests, drugs and a cloned vehicle (an illegal car that has a Vehicle Identification Number and license plates copied from a legitimate vehicle), police said. The eight suspects were taken in for questioning. (Read more)
3. IDF spox.: Iran protests an internal matter, but Israel ready to respond to surprise attack - Jerusalem Post
IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin on Monday night doubled down on prior IDF statements that Israel has no intention of intervening in the Iranian protest situation, viewing them as an internal matter.
Defrin seemed concerned about persistent rumors that the IDF would attack Iran due to the protests.
He appeared to want to avoid Tehran attacking Israel simply because of imaginary worries.
Rather, he said Israel is on heightened alert to respond to any potential Iranian surprises, but will not fire first at this time. (Read more)
4.Israel Poised to Launch Defense Privatizations in months, Says Government Official - Algemeiner
Israel plans to begin the long-awaited privatization of two of its largestdefense companies as early as the second quarter of this year, a senior government official said.
Roi Kahlon, director of the Government Companies Authority, said union and regulatory issues should be resolved in the next few months to allow initial public offerings by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in the second quarter.
Defense privatization has been discussed on and off for the past 20 years, but robust financial results bolstered by Israel‘s two-year war with Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in Gaza have strengthened the case to act now.
COMPANY STAKES TO BE SOLD IN SMALL TRANCHES, OFFICIAL SAYS
The government plans an initial sale of 25-30% of each company on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in small tranches this year and next to avoid overwhelming the market and to retain controlling stakes for now. (Read more)
5. Jerusalem advances plan for thousands of homes beyond Green Line - i24 News
The project, known as Atarot, includes thousands of housing units but on a significantly reduced scale from earlier proposals.
The Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee on Monday approved the advancement of a plan to establish a new neighborhood in northern Jerusalem, located between Jerusalem and Ramallah beyond the Green Line.
The project, known as Atarot, includes thousands of housing units but on a significantly reduced scale from earlier proposals.
Under the updated plan submitted by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, the number of residential units has been cut from an original proposal of roughly 9,000 to between 3,400 and 4,500. (Read more)
The Daily Brief
1.Masses gather in London, Paris, Istanbul to support Iran’s anti-regime protests
- TImes of Israel
Demonstrators rallied in London, Paris and Istanbul on Sunday in support of protests in Iran that have been countered with a deadly crackdown by the country’s security forces.
London demonstrations, initially in front of the Iranian embassy and later in front of the British prime minister’s residence, grew to several thousand as the day progressed. “We want revolution, change the regime,” Afsi, a 38-year-old Iranian, who declined to give her last name, told AFP at the rally in front of Downing Street.
In Paris, more than 2,000 people waving Iran’s flag from before the Islamic Revolution in 1979 demonstrated to chants of “No to the terrorist Islamic Republic.” A 20-year-old Iranian student living in Paris, who gave his first name as Arya, said: “In Iran, the people are rising up in the streets, and we Iranians outside Iran are here to show we are with them and they are not alone.” He said he was waiting to hear what the son of Iran’s last shah, US-based Reza Pahlavi, “will tell us to do.”
In Istanbul, demonstrators voicing support for the Iranian protesters gathered in steady rain.Police cordoned off the area outside the Iranian consulate and the crowd was kept away from the mission. (Read more here)
Lord, we pray for these protests that are happening around the world regarding Iran.
We pray the protests remain peaceful, without any violence. We pray wisdom for our world leaders regarding what to do for the people of Iran. In Your Name, Holy One, we offer this prayer, amen and amen.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5)
2. 5 things to know about Greenland, why Trump wants to acquire it for the US - The Christian Post
The suggestion that the United States should take control of Greenland has received renewed attention following the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro by American military forces last weekend. Katie Miller, wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, posted a picture on her X account last Saturday featuring a picture of Greenland emblazoned with the colors of the American flag, accompanied by a caption reading “SOON.”
In a statement to CNN Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declared that “President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States and it’s vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region.”
Leavitt added, “The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander-in-chief’s disposal.”
Trump reiterated his reasoning for taking control of Greenland in comments to reporters on Air Force One last Sunday: “It’s so strategic. Right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security.”
Here are five things to know about Greenland and U.S. efforts to take control of the territory. (Read more)
Note: please click the link to read this very thorough article.
Lord, we pray wisdom on annexing Greenland. We just pray it be a mutual agreement and what is best for both the United States and Greenland.
“Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet? "(Amos 3:3)
3. GOP lawmakers question Noem’s handling of ICE-related shooting in Minnesota - The Hill
Republicans on Capitol Hill are expressing skepticism over Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s handling of the Trump administration’s response to an Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) officer fatally shooting a woman Noem has said was committing an “act of domestic terrorism.”
Noem’s hasty characterization of the shooting as an entirely justified use of federal force against a woman who “weaponized” her vehicle has raised questions on Capitol Hill and differed in tone from other senior administration officials.
“It was very unusual to have a senior law enforcement official to draw a conclusion about an event where the scene was still being processed,” Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said of Noem’s conclusion that the shooting was in response to a domestic terrorism incident.
“I believe that she gave the president advice — and I hope she’s right. But generally speaking, law enforcement would recognize that a life was lost, that families are changed forever, the shooter’s life will change forever, we’re collecting video, we’re trying to assess the situation,” Tillis said.
“That didn’t happen,” he added. “Either Secretary Noem has a lot of information that she will share with us in the coming days that formed a basis for advising the president, or she communicated too soon.” (Read more)
Lord, we pray over the circumstances of this shooting and pray that the truth will be revealed as both sides have differing stories. We pray peace upon those that have been traumatized by this shooting and for the loss of lives and the families that have been affected. And we pray peace for our nation!
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all." (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
4. Russia warns foreign troops in Ukraine would be 'legitimate military targets' - i24news
Overnight drone strikes hit energy facilities in central regions in Ukraine, leaving more than one million people without heating or running water during freezing temperatures.
Russia on Thursday issued a sharp warning to Europe over plans to deploy foreign troops to Ukraine after the war, saying any Western military presence would be treated as a hostile act and targeted accordingly.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova dismissed the proposal as an aggressive move backed by Ukraine’s European allies, insisting that Moscow’s position remains unchanged. She said any foreign units or infrastructure stationed in Ukraine would fall within the scope of Russia’s military operations.
The warning comes as fighting continues across Ukraine. Overnight drone strikes hit energy facilities in central regions, leaving more than one million people without heating or running water during freezing temperatures.
In southern Ukraine, officials in the Kherson region reported three fatalities following Russian attacks. (Read more)
Lord we pray that the heating and running water will be restored quickly in Ukraine amid these freezing temperatures. We continue to pray for an end to this war. And that a resolution will come forward that both countries can agree on.
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8)
5. NASA will return 4 astronauts home early in 1st-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station - Space.com
For the first time ever, astronauts will depart the International Space Station early due to a medical issue.
The agency announced on Thursday afternoon (Jan. 8) that it has decided to bring the four astronauts of SpaceX's Crew-11 mission home from the International Space Station (ISS) ahead of schedule due to a medical issue experienced by a crewmember in orbit.
We pray success for the return home of these four astronauts. Bring them home safely and heal the one who is experiencing a medical issue.
"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise." (Jeremiah 17:14)
6. Hundreds of Gen Z Worship Jesus at Dallas New Year’s Eve Conference - Crosswalk.com
A Texas church's annual New Year's Eve conference drew thousands, with hundreds of young attendees dedicating the coming year to their faith. Evangelist Brian Barcelona shared powerful personal testimonies of redemption and urged...
For hundreds of teens and young adults in Dallas, New Year’s Eve was not about parties or fireworks, but about beginning a new calendar year by worshiping the living Christ.
The Texas-based UPPERROOM church held its annual End of Year Conference Dec. 29-31 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, capped by a night of testimony, gospel proclamation, and musical worship on New Year’s Eve that saw hundreds of members of Gen Z surrender the coming year to the Lord. The event drew some 7,000 people over three days, according to CBN. UPPERROOM describes it as a “consecration of the final three days of the year unto God.”
Brian Barcelona, an atheist-turned-Christian evangelist, preached the final sermon on New Year’s Eve, calling the audience to rid their lives of compromise and to fully follow Jesus. Barcelona leads One Voice Student Ministries and is the author of Legends Die Young.
He urged attendees to take the gospel back to their families.
“I know people are going to give their lives to Christ tonight. That's not my concern; my concern is, will your family know Him? I see people come year after year, yet your mom and dad don't even recognize Christ in us,” Barcelona told the crowd. (Read more)
Thank you for the hundreds of young Gen z attendees, who brought in the new year by worshiping and praising You. We pray peace, safety, and success in this new year and that the Resolutions made by these attendees, will be upheld and they grow in their faith.
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." (Hebrews 13:15)
The Daily Jot
Coming Out of the Narrow Places
The Daily Jot, Bill Wilson, January 12, 2026
Shemot (“Names”), Exodus 1:1–6:1, opens the second book of the Torah with a deceptively simple word. Names matter because they reveal the heart of God. Shemot begins by reminding us that God deals with people personally, not abstractly. The English title “Exodus” comes from the Greek word meaning “exit,” while the Hebrew tradition calls it Yetziat Mitzrayim, “the going out from Egypt.” That phrase frames the entire book as movement, from bondage to freedom. Egypt is tied to the idea of straits or narrow places. Scripture is already hinting that this story is bigger than geography. It is about what God does when His people are pressed, confined, and reduced, and how He leads them out into space to breathe again.
The narrative quickly turns dark. Israel multiplies, and Egypt panics. Pharaoh sees the Hebrews as a threat and responds with violence, first quietly through the midwives, then openly through the Nile. Moses is born into that fear-filled moment, hidden, and then ironically raised in Pharaoh’s own household. His early life reflects tension between privilege and pain, identity and confusion. After killing an Egyptian taskmaster, Moses flees to Midian, trading palace walls for desert silence. It is there, on Mount Horeb, that God meets him in a burning bush. God names Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, making clear who is speaking. He declares that He has heard the cries of His people and has come down to rescue them, bringing them out of the narrow places and into a good and spacious land. Read More
Behind the Group That Controls Chinese Students in America
‘Fight with all their might for the motherland.’ Chinese students are pressured into advancing Beijing’s interests in America
One of Beijing’s most notorious influence operations in Western academia came cloaked under the guise of traditional culture and under the name of Chinese sage Confucius.
Those entities—state-sponsored Chinese language programs called Confucius Institutes operating on American campuses—have since been exposed as a Trojan horse for Beijing’s propaganda, and most have shut down across the United States.
But another lesser-known cradle of influence in the Western academic world remains in place, hiding in plain sight under an innocuous acronym: CSSA.
CSSAs, or Chinese Students and Scholars Associations, are found across American campuses and act as a ready lever for Beijing to virtually hold Chinese students hostage, say activists, former club leaders, and experts.
By weaponizing students, they said, the Chinese regime gains a foothold in U.S. academia, stifles alternative voices, amplifies its own, and perpetuates a climate of fear.
The Trump administration has been simultaneously pushing back against the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) influence operations on American soil, while also wanting to keep Chinese student numbers high. Those dual goals make it imperative to curb the CSSAs’ coercive tactics and sever its ties to the Party, China watchers say.
...
The yearning for independence reverberated further in 1989. Shaken by the Tiananmen Square massacre, Professor Xie Tian of the University of South Carolina led Chinese students across Midwest America to break the CSSA’s ties with Beijing. That August, more CSSAs followed suit, and the Independent Federation of Chinese Students and Scholars came into being, connecting more than 200 U.S. universities.
Because of the blood spilled in Tiananmen Square, U.S. authorities issued a blanket waiver to Xie’s generation of students, providing them with a pathway to escape the regime’s retaliation and stay in the United States.
But after their cohort graduated, Chinese student networks gradually fell back under the control of the consulates, he said.
Xie called his generation the “idealists.” Distancing themselves from Beijing’s hands—however briefly—was a “good experiment,” he told The Epoch Times. He said it was “exactly in the same spirit as the Tiananmen Square students.We want to be independent. We want freedom. We don’t want to be under Party control.”
Several students interviewed for this article said they have experienced harsher consequences for sharing dissenting views among peers.
“It’s social suicide,” Wang Han, a graduate from the University of Southern California, told The Epoch Times.
Wang, openly critical of Beijing, became an internet sensation among the Chinese diaspora in 2024 after releasing a short film satirizing Xi. But along with his growing online profile came increased isolation at school: some Chinese acquaintances cut off contact, while others kept a distance. (The Epoch TImes) Read much more here!
Almighty God,
Thank you for exposing these Chinese propaganda Tojan Horses operating on American Campuses. Thank You, too, that most of the Confucius Institutes have been shut down that were operating under the guise of Chinese language programs. Hiding in plain sight is yet another Chinese organization called CSSA ( Chinese Students and Scholars Associations ) that acts as a lever for Beijing to virtually hold Chinese students hostage according to activists, former club leaders, and experts.
Thank you, Lord, for President Trump who is pushing back against the Chinese Communist Party's influence operations on American soil. Father, we pray that the Chinese students will see the truth in what the Chinese Party is doing and will be able to escape this ' invisible cage' of systematic indoctrination since childhood. Lord, we ask for protection for all students that would come against the Chinese Communist Party's influence in US Academia. Father, we call for the dismantling of the CSSA organizations hidden in America. In Jesus' name, we offer this prayer. Amen.
" For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You. " ( Psalm 83:5 )
" End the evil of those who are wicked, and defend the righteous. For you look deep within the mind and heart, O righteous God. " (Psalm 7:9 )
Trump Calls for Temporary 10 Percent Cap on Credit Card Interest Rates
President Donald Trump said on Jan. 9 that he would call for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates of 10 percent, potentially starting later this month, although its enforcement will depend on Congress.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said that Americans are being “ripped off” by credit card companies that charge interest rates between 20 and 30 percent, and he vowed that his administration will put an end to it.
“AFFORDABILITY! Effective January 20, 2026, I, as President of the United States, am calling for a one year cap on Credit Card Interest Rates of 10 [percent],” the president wrote.
The cap’s proposed start date is the anniversary of Trump’s second-term inauguration and, if implemented, would fulfill a 2024 campaign pledge.
Banking associations, including the Bank Policy Institute, issued a joint statement on Jan. 9 saying the 10 percent cap on credit card interest rates would reduce credit availability and adversely affect families and small business owners who rely on credit cards.
“If enacted, this cap would only drive consumers toward less regulated, more costly alternatives. We look forward to working with the administration to ensure Americans have access to the credit they need,” the statement reads. (The Epoch TImes) Read more here.
Lord God Almighty, we say “YES & AMEN” to President Trump capping interest rates on credit cards at 10% for one year. Abba, have mercy on the millions who need a break on their rates. We earnestly pray that the Trump Administration receives the authorization from Congress to quickly move forward on this proposal and for Trump to be able to declare this rate change as law on January 20, 2026, by Your grace and mercy.
Call us to intercede on behalf of our citizens carrying balances, large or small. Nudge Your people to contact our representatives in Congress immediately, asking them to vote in favor of an interest rate cap at 10%. Abba, You see the many families and individuals who are struggling significantly to keep up with the cost of living. Please bless President Trump with favor from Congress, as he works to make life more affordable for our citizens. We pray this all in the name of Yeshua, Amen!!!
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." (Isaiah 61:1-2a)
Powell Accuses Trump Administration of Political Intimidation as Justice Department Probes Fed Chair
U.S. prosecutors have served the Federal Reserve with grand jury subpoenas, Fed chairman Jerome Powell said in a video statement on Sunday night.
The Fed received the subpoenas from the Justice Department on Friday, Powell said. He said federal prosecutors are threatening a criminal indictment relating to Powell’s testimony before the Senate Banking Committee last June. That testimony concerned in part the Fed’s renovation of the central bank’s offices in Washington, D.C.
Powell claimed, without evidence, that the inquiries into the renovations and his congressional testimony were merely “pretexts” for political interference in monetary policy. The threat of criminal charges, Powell claimed, was the result of the Fed refusing to follow the “preferences of the president” when setting interest rates.
“This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions—or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation,” Powell said.
President Donald Trump denied having any knowledge of the investigation, according to NBC News. “I don’t know anything about it, but he’s certainly not very good at the Fed, and he’s not very good at building buildings,” Trump told NBC News Sunday night.
“No. I wouldn’t even think of doing it that way. What should pressure him is the fact that rates are far too high. That’s the only pressure he’s got,” Trump told NBC.
Powell’s video statement was posted to the Fed’s official account on X.com.
In July, President Trump toured the construction site at the Fed headquarters alongside Powell. The president has been critical of the cost of the renovations, which are now estimated at $2.5 billion. In August, Trump said he was considering a “major lawsuit” against Powell and the Fed over the renovations.
“Fortunately, the economy is sooo good that we’ve blown through Powell and the complacent Board. I am, though, considering allowing a major lawsuit against Powell to proceed because of the horrible, and grossly incompetent, job he has done in managing the construction of the Fed Buildings. Three Billion Dollars for a job that should have been a $50 Million Dollar fix up. Not good!” Trump posted on Truth Social. (Breitbart) Read more here.
Lord God, we thank You that our President will bring a lawsuit against Chairman Powell for having way overspent his budget to renovate this building. What started as a $50 million dollar "fix up" has now mushroomed to the cost of $300 billion! We ask that, when Jerome Powell is taken to Court, justice will be rendered and he will be held accountable for the terrible mismanagementof his budget.
"‘You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another." (Leviticus 19:11)
SCOTUS To Weigh Gender Ideology
in Female Sports
Tomorrow, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two consolidated landmark cases, Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J, to weigh whether Idaho and West Virginia can ban gender-confused males from participating in female sports. The High Court is expected to deliver a ruling in the case by June 2026. The decision will likely have significant implications across the nation since at least 27 states have similar laws protecting women and girls.
The cases raise important questions about whether these laws can protect females or must yield to “gender identity” letting males compete against females at the expense of competitive fairness and female safety. The justices will address whether both these statutes violate the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection clause, and whether West Virginia’s law violates the federal anti-discrimination statute Title IX.
In Little v. Hecox, SCOTUS will review Idaho’s 2020 “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” and in West Virginia v. B.P.J, it will review West Virginia’s 2021 “Save Women’s Sports Act,” both of which protect the safety and opportunities of female athletes by barring biological males from female competitive sports teams at public schools and universities.
Liberty Counsel filed an amicus brief to the High Court stating that Title IX is based on sex, not gender identity, and any interpretation otherwise that prioritizes protections for gender identity could eliminate Title IX’s sex-based protections for women.
In the brief, Liberty Counsel argues that Title IX recognizes the inherent physiological differences between males and females from birth. Title IX was specifically enacted to increase female participation in sports and to create more athletic opportunities for women, which necessarily involves treating the two biological sexes differently.
Liberty Counsel noted that “gender identity” has nothing to do with sports. Gender identity, like religion or nationality, does not change a person’s biology or physicality, such as how far they can throw or how fast they can run. In competitive sports, the comparisons that matter are an “individual’s capacity to run, lift, jump, throw, hit, punch, or whatever conduct the sport permits.” Only biology should impact Title IX analysis, not any gender identity perception that differs from “a person’s biological and chromosomal reality,” wrote Liberty Counsel. (Liberty Counsel) Read more.
Father God, we ask You to shine Your light of reason on these cases as they are argued together before the Justices so that there can be no doubt as to what the ruling should be. We ask that You would work in the hearts of even the most liberal justices so that there will be no way for any liberal thinking to overcome the fact that You created men and women to be different. Father, we pray that the voices of those arguing for separation of men and women in sports would bear such weight and resound with Your wisdom so much that the justices cannot but rule in accordance with Your plan from creation forward.
Lord, in addition, we ask that the conservative arguments would be so strong that they will put a stop to this destructive idea that chemically and surgically changed men should be allowed to compete with biological women and cause this movement to lose all its momentum. Lord, we decree and declare that only Your will and way of living will be honored by the justices at this crucial time. Thank You, Father, for bringing Your order into the life of our country and delivering those caught up in this deception. Amen.
"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure." (Isaiah 33:6)
Urgent Call to Pray for Our Nation
Dear Friend,
If you think our nation is in trouble now, just wait… As our streets boil over with hate, anger, crime, drugs, and just sheer hopelessness, is there something we can do? You bet there is.
I would like to call for a time of prayer and repentance this Wednesday, January 14, at 12:00 noon.
As a nation our sins are so great. We have increasingly turned our backs on God and His commands, embracing godless secularism. We need to ask His forgiveness and seek His face.
Pray for our leaders, and pray that God would bring calm to our streets.
There are many who would like to stir things up—there are even those who would like to destroy this great country. Pray that these efforts would be thwarted and their plans would be brought into confusion.
Ask God to use His Church to be His instruments of peace in this time of great uncertainty.
Remember, this Wednesday at noon, please stop and pray. Millions of people remembering our sins and asking for forgiveness, repenting, and seeking His face will make a difference.
Let's humble ourselves. Let's give God the glory for this great nation and thank Him for His hand of blessing, protection, and mercy.
Sincerely,
Franklin Graham
President, Samaritan's Purse
“…for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.” (2 Chronicles 30:9)
Signs & Wonders
Astronomers baffled by 'mysterious disruptor' with a mass of 1 million suns and a black hole for a heart
"This is a structure we've never seen before, so it could be a new class of dark object."
A completely dark and mysterious body with the mass of 1 million suns and a possible black hole heart continues to baffle and intrigue astronomers despite further investigation.
This "mysterious disruptor" is located around 11 billion light-years away and was discovered in 2025 thanks to its gravitational influence. It is now the most distant body ever detected due to its gravitational effects alone.
But astronomers aren't completely in the dark about the mysterious disruptor, however. In fact, they are sure they know what lies at the heart of this strange cosmic body. "The inner central part is consistent with a black hole or dense stellar core, which surprisingly makes up about a quarter of the object's total mass," Vegetti explained. "As we move away from the center, however, the object's density flattens into a large disk-like component. This is a structure we've never seen before, so it could be a new class of dark object."
This strange structure was found in the gravitational lens system JVAS B1938+666. Gravitational lensing is a phenomenon first predicted by Einstein in the 1915 theory of gravity known as general relativity. It occurs when light from a background source passes the curvature of space caused by a massive foreground object, known as a gravitational lens, causing its usually straight path to become curved. The way light is influenced doesn't just allow objects to be seen at great distances via light amplification, but also tells scientists a great deal about the way mass is distributed within the lensing system itself. (Space News) Read More
Thought for the Day
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)
A Special Message
The Sinner's Prayer
"Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name."
- Provided By: Billy Graham
About Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
Please click on the links below for more information:
"Daily Brief Newsletter Emails - Making Sure You Receive Them"
If you are having difficulties receiving daily brief emails, we have a quick troubleshooting article: GO HERE
Subscribe
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners welcomes all who wish to pray for our leaders to join us in prayer for our nation. You may sign up to receive our alerts by sending an email to us at: chpp1994@gmail.com requesting that your name be added to our list of subscribers or CLICK HERE to subscribe.
