Senate Democrats are drafting legislation to scale back the mission of U.S. troops in Iraq in an effort that would reduce the broad war-making powers Congress granted to President Bush in 2002, officials said Thursday. While these officials said the precise wording of the measure remains unsettled, one draft would restrict American troops in Iraq to combating Al Qaeda, training Iraqi army and police forces, maintaining Iraq's territorial integrity and otherwise proceeding with the withdrawal of combat forces.
• As Congress prepares to go back into session next week, pray that any and all measures regarding the funding of our troops in Iraq would be "above board" and without deception. Ask our Lord to move on the hearts of the men and women in Congress to put "first things first" and to stand by our troops so that ALL of their needs will be met in combat. • "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." (Matthew 6:37)
2. U.S. Soldier Gets 100 Years in Prison for Rape, Murder of Iraqi Girl - AP
GI sentenced for the gang rape and murder of an Iraqi teen and the murder of her family; he will be eligible for parole in 10 years.
• May the world take note of the redemptive purpose in this sad tale. Our nation is NOT one that condones such behavior, but rather one that brings these perpetrators to justice -- in uniform or not. Pray for the people of Iraq as they continue to grieve the loss of this family, and thank the Lord that justice IS being served. • "And when He is come, He will reprove the word of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." (John 16:8)
3. Police needing heavier weapons - USA Today
Law enforcement agencies across the country have been upgrading their firepower to deal with what they say is the increasing presence of high-powered weapons on the streets.
• Pray that this violence will end. • "No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise." (Isaiah 60:18 )
4. Anglican Leaders Demand U.S. Episcopal Church Ban Prayers for "Gay" Couples; End Consecration of Gay Clergy - Fox News
Anglican leaders meeting in Tanzania demanded Monday that the U.S. Episcopal Church unequivocally bar official prayers for gay couples and the consecration of more gay bishops to undo the damage that North Americans have caused the 77- million Anglican family.
• Our gracious Lord, please bless the Anglican Communion who seeks Your Face and Leadership for their Church. May the evil one not be allowed to damage their flock and may evil be thrown out of the worldwide Anglican Communion for Your Glory! • "Do not fret because of evil doers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity." (Psalm 37: 1 NKJV)
5. Bill Would Make Grasp of English a Citizenship Requirement - CNSNews.com
A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this week would designate English as the country's official language and require immigrants to learn English before becoming naturalized citizens. "English is the language of opportunity in America," the bill's primary sponsor, Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), said in a statement. "The best way for our newcomers to work toward their own success is through our common bond of language."
• May critics discern the excellent intent of this bill written to give newcomers a "hope and a future." • "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29: 11 NKJV)
6. Film on Anti-Slavery Pioneer Triggers New Campaign - CNSNews.com
"Amazing Grace," a film that faithfullly recounts and examines the life of William Wilberforce, a Godly member of Parliament who initiated a petition for the abolition of slavery which led to the passing of Britain's 1807 abolition law is being released this week. One of Wilberforce's friends and ally was John Newton, former slave trader and author of the hymn, "Amazing Grace." On the 200th anniversary of the end of the British slave trade, Walden Media and Bristol Bay Production Company, the film's producers, are supporting a modern-day anti-slavery campaign called " The Amazing Change Campaign," to raise public awareness of the impact of slavery today. Sudan and Mauritania are among countries where slavery is still being practiced, according to anti- slavery campaign groups.
• Oh Lord, that all men were free! Thank You for the example of William Wilberforce's life and may we be faithful to set a Godly life example to our family and peers as he did. May this film show the world how to be and act as Christians in an ungodly world! • "Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." (Psalm 37:5 NKJV)
