In a vote of 14 to 10, the New Hampshire Senate Thursday approved a civil unions bill that grants homosexual couples some of the same legal rights as married heterosexuals.
· Righteous Lord, we ask forgiveness for approving and blessing evil. We grieve as leaders disregard You and the standard of Your Word. Your righteouness is an everlasting righteouness, and Your law is the truth. · "I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word. Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever." (Ps. 119:158,160)
2. 'Hate Crimes' Bill Moving to Full House - (CNSNews.com)
The House Judiciary Committee passed a 'hate crimes" bill Wednesday night - all 23 Democrats in favor, all 17 Republicans opposed. Every Republican attempt to amend the bill was defeated. Critics call it a "thought crimes" bill.
· "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: and teach me thy statues. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law." (Ps. 119:130,133-136)
3. FCC Says Children Still See Too Much Violence On TV - Los Angeles Times
Federal regulators have concluded that Hollywood's efforts to shield children from violent TV shows have failed and that Congress should authorize government action. Citing university and government studies, the FCC concluded that violent programming was harmful to children and said Congress could craft limits that wouldn't violate 1st Amendment rights.
· Pray for the outcome of these studies to be taken seriously. Pray for immediate action to take place that will protect children. · "O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins." ( Ps. 7:9)
4. Top General In Iraq Says Sectarian Murders Are Down - CNN
The top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, told reporters that sectarian murders in Baghdad have been reduced by about one-third since the beginning of the year. "That is an important development, because sectarian murders can be a cancer in a neighborhood," he said after separate briefings in the Senate and House on Wednesday. In addition, "progress in Anbar is something that is breathtaking," he said of the vast Sunni-dominated province where many U.S. troop deaths have occurred, including one Monday.
· Give thanks for the good report of progress. Continue to pray protection and success for our troops. Pray for support and power to quickly overcome Al Oaeda. · Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly. ( Ps. 6:10)
5. Deputy Press Secretary Perino: "House Democrats' War Funding Bill 'Is Dead Before Arrival'" - Fox News
"You've heard the phrase that some things are dead on arrival, but this bill is dead before arrival. And the Democrats have known that for weeks - we've said that if the bill contains a surrender date, handcuffs our generals, or [contains] billions in dollars of spending that's outside of the Iraq war supplemental, then the President is going to veto it. I would assume that we would get the bill sometime in the next several days, after the Senate votes today, and then the President will veto it. And then I would imagine that you would see him meet with the Congressional leadership quickly so that we can figure out a way that they're going to get the President a bill that he can sign.
· Father, we continue to come before Your throne asking for victory over the war on terror. We ask for leaders to have a heart toward a clear-cut victory and not a time table. Encourage our nation with the objectives that have been accomplished. Strengthen us with a desire to stand with Iraq until they can stand alone in securing their nation. · And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the Lord. (Zec. 10:12)
6. U.S. And Japan Sign Nuclear Power Pact - Los Angeles Times
The Bush administration's plan to rapidly expand global nuclear energy took a key step Wednesday when the government signed an agreement with Japan to conduct joint research on a new generation of reactors and a new type of nuclear fuel. The agreement with Japan is the first formal international deal under the program, known as the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership. The program would make the U.S. a more important player in the worldwide nuclear building boom, in which 222 new reactors are planned, said Assistant Energy Secretary Dennis Spurgeon. The administration is seeking a major expansion of nuclear power as a way to reduce production of greenhouse gases linked to global warming.
· We pray for this joint research to carry the responsibility, integrity and wisdom to be a blessing to the world. May You, O Lord, grant leaders to have a heart in unity for the well being of all people, as they build this new foundation. · Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. The integrity of the upright shall guide them: (Ps. 25:21, Prov. 11:3a)
7. First Democratic Debate Focused on Iraq - CBN News
Democratic presidential hopefuls flashed their anti- war credentials Thursday night, robustly criticizing President Bush's Iraq policy in an unusually early first debate of the 2008 campaign.
· Clearly, this is not an issue that is going to go away soon. Offer repentance that presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle are turning this war into a "political football" -- especially while the lives of our brave soldiers are on the line. Pray that each one will begin to get a "kingdom perspective" on this war on terror -- for His Kingdom IS coming and will root out all evil in time. · "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent (our part), ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5)
