- PRESIDENT BUSH TO DELIVER STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS TOMORROW
- SENATOR WEBB TO GIVE DEMOCRATS' RESPONSE
- "GRASS-ROOTS" FREE SPEECH ALLOWED - FOR NOW
- ETHICS REFORM BILL NOW MOVES TO THE HOUSE
- SENATORS CLINTON, BROWNBACK ANNOUNCE BIDS FOR PRESIDENCY
- WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS TO SENATOR CLINTON'S COMMENTS ON IRAQ
- HOMELAND SECURITY URGES RESPONSIBLE REPORTING ON THREATS
- FISA COURT TO OVERSEE U.S. WIRETAPPING IN TERROR CASES
- INFLATION FALLS TO ITS LOWEST RATE IN THREE YEARS
- U.S. AND NORTH KOREA HOLD "SUBSTANTIVE" TALKS
- NEW U.N. SECRETARY BAN VOWS REFORM AT UNITED NATIONS
- SEC. OF STATE RICE INTENSIFIES DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE
1. PRESIDENT BUSH TO DELIVER STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS TOMORROW
President Bush on Tuesday will deliver a stripped- down State of the Union address, leaving out the usual laundry list of policy initiatives, and emphasizing common ground with Democrats in a nod to the new political reality on Capitol Hill, the White House said yesterday. Speaking about the Addres, White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said, "It's better to spend some time focusing on big issues so that people do get a sense of your engagement with them, and there will be opportunities to pick up other topics in much greater detail later on. . . The fact is that there are going to be a number of policies here that are going to be good politics because they're good policies. And they're going to offer opportunities for Democrats and Republicans to work together on areas where they do have a vested interest in making this a stronger and better country," Mr. Snow said." (Washington Times)
• Please be in prayer before, throughout, and after the President's State of the Union Address. Pray for the President's effectiveness, clarity, and integrity in his address. The Democrats have chosen newly elected Senator James Webb - who unseated Sen. George Allen - from Virginia to comment and analyze the speech. This is an interesting test for the new senator from Virginia. Pray that President Bush will speak righteousness and truth that will foreclose nasty criticism. Pray that Americans will discern truth from rhetoric. • "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." (Proverbs 29:2)
2. SENATOR WEBB TO GIVE DEMOCRATS' RESPONSE
The Democratic senator who will deliver his party's formal response to President Bush's State of the Union address Tuesday says he favors cutting off funding for Iraq reconstruction in order to pay for Hurricane Katrina recovery instead. "How can we keep sending billions of dollars over to Iraq and not fund a really energetic effort to help places like New Orleans?" Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., asked in an interview Friday. Webb said that Iraq and what he sees as the precarious state of the nation's economy and infrastructure are two of the topics he'll tackle in his speech.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., chose Webb, an iconoclastic freshman, to deliver the prime- time rebuttal to the president. Reid said Webb personifies the "spirit of bipartisanship," and the call for "a new direction for working families and an end to the war in Iraq." (USA Today)
• Pray that the skeptics of the new Iraq War plans that are being put in place will be made mute and not able to speak against these new strategies and against President Bush's speech and plans. Pray these people and the anti-war candidates will not be able to work against our nation's security. • "And the angel answered and said to him, 'I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.'" (Luke 1:19,20)
3. "GRASS-ROOTS" FREE SPEECH ALLOWED - FOR NOW 
A congressional plan that would have severely restricted the free speech rights of Christian organizations has been eliminated – for now – but leaders of groups that alerted Americans to the idea say there's a long road ahead for the legislation. "The big winners in this battle are the American people. Getting rid of the onerous grass-roots lobbying restrictions in S.1 is a triumph of the representative form of government our Founding Fathers established 230 years ago," said James Dobson, chairman of Focus on the Family Action. He had interrupted his regular schedule of broadcast programs to alert people earlier to the provision in a piece of legislation pending in the Senate that would have imposed huge limits on Christian organizations.
The plan would have required the pro-family groups to provide documentation of their actions to the government any time they try to spark any "grass- roots" action. Phone calls, personal visits, e-mails, magazines, broadcasts, phone banks, appearances, travel, fund-raising and other items all would be subject to government tabulation, verification and audits, Dobson said during his broadcast. "On and on it goes." He said the proposal comes from the Washington insiders' desire to control. "What is being illustrated here is a passion by congressional liberals to consolidate power and operate within a cloak of secrecy. It is unconscionable and unconstitutional. We will not be intimidated by attempts to criminalize those who would hold Washington accountable. The right to do so is as American as apple pie," Dobson said.
But a vote this week on an amendment from Sen. Robert Bennett, R-Utah, was approved 55-43, deleting plans for the new reams of red tape for Christians for now. "Many thanks to Sen. Bennett and Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., for their leadership in eliminating an unconstitutional provision from this bill," said Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America. "We also applaud the many Americans who flooded Capitol Hill with calls and e- mails in support of amendment." She said the plan would have been "an unconstitutional attempt to silence and punish Americans for encouraging citizens to be involved in the political process." (WorldNetDaily)
• We continue to offer up praise to the Lord for this mighty victory, but we will remain on watch as this bill now goes to the House for consideration. • "And their joy was very great." (Nehemiah 8:17d)
4. ETHICS REFORM BILL NOW MOVES TO THE HOUSE
Jay Sekulow, of the American Center for Law and Justice said, however, that while it's good the troubling language was removed from the Senate plan, "we're still deeply concerned that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others will attempt to push through these dangerous restrictions in the House." "Thousands of Americans understand that such legislation threatens these constitutional freedoms and have responded in opposition to this measure," Sekulow said. "We are intensifying our efforts on Capitol Hill to focus on challenging this disturbing legislation in the House."
That organization has launched a nationwide petition campaign via e-mail, radio, television and other resources to urge Senate and House leaders to reject the plan. More than 54,000 people signed in just the first few days. "We are thankful for the victory in the Senate but will now turn up the pressure on the House," he said. "We urge House members to do the right thing and reject this legislation that is not only unacceptable but unconstitutional as well." (WorldNetDaily)
• Continue watching and praying as this bill now moves to the House for action. • "Watch, and pray . . ." (Luke 1:26)
5. SENATORS CLINTON, BROWNBACK ANNOUNCE BIDS FOR PRESIDENCY
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Democratic Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has made it official, announcing "I'm in" for the 2008 presidential race on her Web site. The former first lady acknowledged her plans to take the first step of forming a presidential exploratory committee. "I'm not just starting a campaign, though. I'm beginning a conversation with you, with America," Clinton says in her web message. She announced that she will be holding live, on-line video conferences with Americans starting Monday. "Let's talk about how to bring the right end to the war in Iraq, and to restore respect for America around the world," she said.
Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., began his bid for president on Saturday. The two-term senator said he will fight to renew the nation's cultural values and pledged to focus on rebuilding families. "Search the record of history. To walk away from the Almighty is to embrace decline for a nation," Brownback said. "To embrace Him leads to renewal, for individuals and for nations." In his announcement, Brownback said the country needs to support the traditional definition of marriage as a union of one man and one woman and said most Americans "feel deeply in their hearts" for "a culture of life." He called for judges "who want to be judges, not legislators." "Life is beautiful. We all know this," he said. "Let's start following our hearts and work to protect all innocent life." (AP; Fox News)
• A LOT can happen between now and November, 2008. Pray without ceasing over the names of all the candidates who are now announcing their campaigns. God knows it all, and He does have a plan. Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! • "Choose wise and discerning and experienced men from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads." (Deuteronomy 1:13)
6. WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS TO SENATOR CLINTON'S COMMENTS ON IRAQ
White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said last week that capping the number of troops in Iraq, as Sen. Hillary Clinton proposed Wednesday, would be a "pretty extreme move" that weakens President George W. Bush's ability to address the situation there. "The idea of placing a cap on troops. . . what it does is something that no commander in chief, I think, would want to have, which is it binds the hands of the commander in chief and also the generals and, frankly, also the troops on the ground in terms of responding to situations and contingencies that may occur there," Snow said. He said some lawmakers haven't had a chance to evaluate Bush's plan, and actually agree with the president in some critical areas. "The president made it very clear that the American public has limited patience when it come to Iraq, and we do expect to see things happening," Snow said. "We understand that despite the conditions of violence, it's important to go ahead and continue on the political track, where it's possible." (Dow Jones)
• Only God knows the right answer on the matter of more troops in Iraq. However, Sen. Hillary Clinton appears to be playing both sides against the middle, trying to satisfy both Republicans and Democrats. Tying the President's hands does not seem the correct solution, for our formidable presence in Iraq does protect Israel to some degree from bullying tactics of Islamic terrorist groups and does allow the further spread of Christianity in that area. Pray that the Lord's wisdom prevails in this issue of more troops in Iraq and not the ambitions of politicians trying to curry public favor. • "Harken to the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep all of His commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the Lord thy God." (Deut. 13:18)
7. HOMELAND SECURITY URGES RESPONSIBLE REPORTING ON THREATS
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told newspaper editors Thursday they should use caution and context in reporting about threats or emergencies. "We owe you information that's accurate," he said, "and you need to resist the temptation to just get something fast." He invited the media to continue to participate in a series of dialogues and exercises his department has been conducting on how best to communicate information during a crisis. "It's been my observation that you can get an expert to tell you anything you want to hear," he said, adding: 'We owe you clarity about who's an authoritative source." (Los Angeles Times)
• Please do pray for honest reporting by the American media of these two issues as well as all other issues. Ask the Lord that not only will truth be expressed to the public by the media but also that Homeland Security will provide full truth that is not deceptive. But, above all, Americans need faith in God -- not fear of men -- in their hearts. • "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18)
8. FISA COURT TO OVERSEE U.S. WIRETAPPING IN TERROR CASES
The Justice Department said it had worked out an "innovative" arrangement with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA) that provided the "necessary speed and agility" to provide court approval to monitor international communications of people inside the United States without jeopardizing national security. The Justice Department said Wednesday that it had obtained multiple orders, or warrants, a week ago from the FISA court allowing it to monitor international communications in cases where there was probable cause to believe one of the participants was linked to Al Qaeda or an affiliated terrorist group. "As a result of these orders," Mr. Gonzales told leaders of Congressional Intelligence and Judiciary Committees in a letter dated Wednesday, "any electronic surveillance that was occurring as part of the Terrorist Surveillance Program will now be conducted subject to the approval of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court." (New York Times)
• Father, we know You will use those whom You intend in order that Your plans will be accomplished. Enable us to look beyond what we can see looks like "one world order", and place our trust in You, for You ARE in control. • "He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success." (Job 5:12)
9. INFLATION FALLS TO ITS LOWEST RATE IN THREE YEARS
Inflation fell in 2006 to its lowest rate in three years, as tumbling fuel prices and a slowing economy cooled the pace of consumer price increases. Other figures released yesterday showed unexpected signs of improvement in the housing market, adding to an overall picture of an economy that ended the year in relatively good health. Consumer prices rose 2.5 percent in 2006, largely reflecting rising costs for health care, food and rental housing, the Labor Department said. That pace was significantly lower than the 3.4 percent inflation of 2005, and was the smallest increase since 2003. But for the year, so- called real wages were up 2.1 percent. Those are the wages paid to non-managerial and manufacturing employees on private payrolls, who make up about 80 percent of the workforce. (The Washington Post)
• Merciful Father, We rejoice and give thanks to You that the U.S. economy has remained in relatively good health. The facts that inflation fell in 2006, fuel prices came down, improvement in the housing market, and the wonderful increase of "real wages" for 80% of our workers, we are very grateful. Thank you Lord for causing these things to be maintained for our good. In Jesus' Name, Amen. • "Yea the LORD shall give that which is good: and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before Him. He shall set us in the way of His steps." (Psalms 85:12,13)
10. U.S. AND NORTH KOREA HOLD "SUBSTANTIVE" TALKS
Seeking to revive stalled negotiations to end North Korea's nuclear weapons program, the United States held 'substantive' talks with North Korean diplomats here on Tuesday and Wednesday, said the chief American envoy, Christopher R. Hill. "It was a substantive discussion," Mr. Hill said in an interview on Wednesday, though he refused to give details. "The proof of the pudding will be when we all sit down together in the six-party negotiations." Ms. Rice said later that Mr. Hill's discussions "should help to prepare the way for a more favorable atmosphere at the time of the resumption of the six-party talks, which we would hope would be soon." (New York Times)
• Father, we come before You, knowing that what is on the surface is not neccesarily the way it is. Still Lord, we pray for peace. We ask for an end to the quest for weapons that can destroy the world. We ask for an end to the quest for world power. You say in Your Word the reason we don't get what we want is because we don't ask, so we are asking - reminding You of this promise. • ". . You want something but don't get it. . . You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God." (James 4:2)
11. NEW U.N. SECRETARY BAN VOWS REFORM AT UNITED NATIONS
Meeting with President Bush in the Oval Office last week, the new Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon pledged to complete much- needed reforms at the United Nations and urged all nations to make efforts to secure Iraq, saying the war-torn nation "is the whole world's problem." The South Korean leader vowed to tackle the world's most pressing issues -- Iraq, the Middle East, Sudan, Lebanon, Somalia and North Korea.
Afterward, speaking with reporters, Mr. Ban promised to revamp the troubled organization, which has been a sore point with the Bush administration. "The United Nations should change with much more efficiency and effectiveness and mobility, and the highest level of ethical standard," he said. "I'm very much committed to carrying out this reform and I need strong support of all member states and staff of the United Nations in carrying out these reform measures." (Washington Times)
• Offer praise that our Lord has raised up a fresh voice at the helm of the United Nations. The heart of Mr. Ban seems to be knit in a positive manner with that of our president. Pray that every blessing that can come forth from this new alignment of U.S. - U.N. leadership would be realized in the days ahead. • Behold, how good and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)
12. SEC. OF STATE RICE INTENSIFIES DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she hoped to meet Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in Washington, D.C. by February 15 in a bid to revive the peace process. "The next couple of weeks will be pretty intensive on the diplomatic front," Rice told reporters traveling with her to London before meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. On February 2 Rice will host talks with her counterparts from Russia and the European Union and UN Secretary General Ban Ki- moon to agree on steps on how to revive the peace process. The four represent the Middle East quartet. "There is no doubt that there could be a very important effect on the entire region if we are able to make progress on Middle East peace," said Rice before leaving the German capital." (Agence France Presse)
• Once again, Secretary Rice does not see the consequences of pushing the USA into the peace process. She cannot seem to determine that Israel belongs to the Lord and that the US has no business in interfering with God's plans for Israel. Pray that the truth will penetrate her thinking as well as all of the US Department of State. Ask the Lord to direct the plans of the quartet to die unobtrusively and not be resurrected. Pray that the US will support Israel in her fight for sovereignty. • "Therefore, all they that devour thee [Israel] shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey." (Jeremiah 30: 16) "Father, forgive her, for she knows not what she does." (Luke 23:34; adapted)
