How many headlines?1. ON CAPITOL HILL THIS WEEK
2. SEN. INHOFE INTRODUCES ALTERNATIVE IMMIGRATION BILL
3. PRESIDENT BUSH HEADING TO G8 SUMMIT
4. PRESIDENT NOMINATES ZOELLICK FOR WORLD BANK
5. THREE ARRESTED IN JFK AIRPORT TERROR PLOT
6. AL-QAEDA PLANS NUCLEAR ATTACKS ON 7 U.S. CITIES
7. FBI SEES "HIGH TEMPO OF TERRORIST ACTIVITY"
8. POSSIBLE THREE-STATE PARTITION OF IRAQ
9. IRAN DEVELOPS WARPLANE EQUIPMENT
10. SAUDIS, TURKEY EXPLORE DEFENSE DEALS
11. H.CON.RES.152: TO MOVE U.S. EMBASSY TO JERUSALEM
12. ISRAEL TO READY PUBLIC FOR "ALL-OUT WAR"
13. PM OLMERT MULLS RESUMING SYRIA TALKS
14. KOREAS' TALKS FIZZLE OVER NUCLEAR WEAPONS, AID
15. PUTIN VOWS TO AIM NUKES AT EUROPE
1. ON CAPITOL HILL THIS WEEK
The two major bills being considered this week are:
1. the Immigration Reform Bill (S. 1348) in the Senate; and
2. a bill (S. 5) to allow added embryonic stem cell research, in the House.
The second bill, which destroys life by funding embryonic stem cell research is very likely to pass the House, and is just as likely to be vetoed by President Bush this week. A veto-override vote would then take place promptly in the Senate. That vote could take place as early as this week, or otherwise next week.
Pray for no more votes in favor of embryonic stem cell research in the Senate. There will be tremendous pressure on Senators Casey (D-PA) and Nelson (D-NE) to change their votes.
Pray that all members who voted to protect life by voting against this legislation would stand strong on their votes--that they would "be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither" (Psalm 1:3). (Vote history.)
The first bill, on immigration reform, would set up a guest worker plan, give current illegals a path to citizenship, tighten the border, and create a national employee data base.
· Both bills need MUCH PRAYER: the House bill for DEFEAT; and the Senate bill for WISDOM. For more information on these and other actions due in Congress this month, please refer to our Legislative Update of May 29th, Titled "Answers to Prayer," or to the "extension of remarks" by our Legislative Analyst, Tim McGhee.
· "Pray without ceasing. . ." (1 Thess. 5:16)
2. SENATOR INHOFE INTRODUCES ALTERNATIVE IMMIGRATION BILL
U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today once again introduced his immigration legislation aimed at addressing the ever-increasing influx of illegal immigrants to the United States and its strain on society. Inhofe's ENFORCE - Engaging the Nation to Fight for Our Right to Control Entry -Act (S.1269) increases U.S. border security, emphasizes greater enforcement of existing immigration laws and prevents amnesty and other shortcuts for illegal immigrants.
In a statement released by his press office, Sen. Inhofe said: "The gravity of this situation warrants that Americans of all political stripes come together to address this problem immediately. I will not stand idly by and watch our great nation collapse under the pressures of uncontrolled illegal immigration; this is a crisis and one that must be addressed aggressively."
"Simply granting citizenship to immigrants, who are currently in our country illegally, is not the answer. We must enhance our border security, hold those accountable who encourage illegal immigration and ensure that those who violate our laws by entering our country illegally do not have this illegal activity easily forgiven and even rewarded with permanent residence or citizenship. Our nation's future rests on Congress' actions of today, and the ENFORCE Act is a strong step in the right direction to help solve our growing problem of illegal immigration." (Office of Senator James Inhofe)
· Pray for favor for Senator Inhofe as he presents this bill on the floor of the Senate this week. As analysts continue to find flaws in the legislation being proposed by Senator Kennedy (S. 1348, above), pray that the senators' eyes of understanding be opened to the advantages of THIS bill. Praise God!
· "Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24)
3. PRESIDENT BUSH HEADING TO G8 SUMMIT
President Bush leaves Monday on an eight-day, six- country European trip during which he'll meet with at least 15 foreign leaders and the Pope. The G8 (Group- of-Eight) Summit is being held in the northeastern resort of Heiligendamm. Topics on the agenda include climate change, violence in Sudan's Darfur region, and the nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea. Please find below President Bush's itinerary for this eight-day trip. (AP; IFA)
Here is the President's itinerary for Tuesday, June 5th:
9:20 am The President and Mrs. Bush participate in United States Embassy Greeting Hilton Atrium Prague / Prague, Czech Republic
10:35 am THE PRESIDENT meets with the President of Czech Republic and the Prime Minister of Czech Republic Prague Castle | Prague, Czech Republic
12:15 pm THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush participate in a Social Lunch with the President of Czech Republic and Mrs. Klausaova
5:05 pm The President and Mrs. Bush participate in Greeting with Democracy Advocates Czernin Palace / Prague, Czech Republic
· We will continue to publish the president's daily itinerary throughout his trip on our Daily Briefs this week. Please cover President and Mrs. Bush on their entire journey in prayer. Ask for safety in travel; protection on the ground; and favor with each head of state scheduled to meet with the President. Ask for clear lines of communication for each head of state involved in this Summit. May God's will be done throughout this gathering.
· "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) See also: I Timothy 2:1-4.
4. PRESIDENT NOMINATES ZOELLICK FOR WORLD BANK
President Bush on Wednesday tapped his former trade chief and No. 2 diplomat, Robert Zoellick, to run the World Bank, embarking on a healing process to mend wounds inflicted by outgoing president Paul Wolfowitz. Zoellick, 53, would succeed Wolfowitz, who is stepping down June 30 after findings by a special bank panel that he broke bank rules when he arranged a hefty compensation package in 2005 for his girlfriend, Shaha Riza, a bank employee.
Bush's selection of Zoellick must be approved by the World Bank's 24-member board. The controversy over Wolfowitz caused a staff revolt and strained U.S. relations with Europeans and other countries and led to calls for him to resign from the poverty-fighting institution. (AP)
· Pray that the future World Bank leader would be granted wisdom, knowledge and understanding as he makes decisions regarding financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. (Js 1:5) Pray that he and his staff be God fearing and recognize that he is accountable to God for each decision and act. (Prov 9:10) Intercessors for America]
5. TERROR IN NEW JERSEY: 3 ARRESTED IN JFK AIRPORT TERROR PLOT
Nuclear Terrorist Linked to JFK Plot
Three people were arrested and one other was being sought in Trinidad in connection with a plan to set off explosives in a fuel line that feeds John F. Kennedy International Airport and runs through residential neighborhoods. The plot, which never got past the planning stages, did not involve airplanes or passenger terminals, according to the two officials. The pipeline takes fuel from a facility in Linden, N.J., to the airport. Other lines service LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.
The arrests mark the latest in a series of alleged homegrown terrorism plots targeting high-profile American landmarks. A year ago, seven men were arrested in what officials called the early stages of a plot to blow up the Sears Tower in Chicago and destroy FBI offices and other buildings. A month later, authorities broke up a plot to bomb underwater New York City train tunnels to flood lower Manhattan.And six people were arrested a month ago in an alleged plot to unleash a bloody rampage on Fort Dix in New Jersey. (AP)
In a related development, last week NewsMax alerted its readers to the "most dangerous man" in the world -- Adnan el-Shukrijumah -- the man tapped by bin Laden to blow up nuclear devices in the U.S. Now, the New York Post reports in a page one story in its Monday editions that Adnan was the "invisible hand" behind the JFK plot. (New York Post)
· Praise the Lord for the revelation of this plot to the FBI months ago so that it could be foiled before any harm occurred. Again, these plotters of part of a radical Islamic group located in the Carribean. Whom can we trust, for a least one is a resident of the USA. Our trust is in the Lord. Also praise the Lord that the lives of many innocent people were saved because of the work of the FBI. Pray for the gospel to reach these plotters. PRAY IN PARTICULAR THAT the "most dangerous man" in the world -- Adnan el- Shukrijumah," BE FOUND, BROUGHT TO JUSTICE, AND BROUGHT TO CHRIST.
· "The Lord will cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways." (Deuteronomy 28:7) "He uncovers deep things out of darkness, And brings the shadow of death to light." (Job 12:22)
6. AL-QAEDA PLANS NUCLEAR ATTACKS ON 7 U.S. CITIES
In his newly released book "The Day of Islam: The Annihilation of America and the Western World," seasoned investigative reporter and former FBI consultant Paul Williams reveals the alarming potential for nuclear terrorism on U.S. soil and the sinister connections among organized crime, illegal immigrants, and al-Qaida.
Recently, FBI Director Robert Mueller, in an interview with NewsMax, confirmed Williams' main claim. Mueller said al-Qaida's paramount goal is clear: to detonate a nuclear device that would kill hundreds of thousands of Americans. Mueller told NewsMax that at times, the threat feels so real he lies awake at night thinking about the prospect.
Williams maintains that al-Qaida is not content on blowing up one nuclear device or even simply a "dirty" nuke - but wants to explode real nuclear devices in seven U.S. cities simultaneously. Williams says these cities are New York, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Miami, Boston, Houston, and Los Angeles. (NewsMax)
· For those who know our Lord, we can sleep in peace, for Father God promises to take care of us. Call forth the anointing that rested upon Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego when they were thrown into the "fiery furnace" -- that the same anointing would rest upon the saints of God whose cities are marked with a nuclear bull's-eye. A Fourth One stood with those three; and He will stand with us, again. Pray that, if and when an attack comes, we would be READY to RESCUE OTHERS with the message of SALVATION in that hour!
· "In the day of my trouble, I will call upon You, for You will answer me." (Ps. 86:7)
7. FBI SEES "HIGH TEMPO OF TERRORIST ACTIVITY"
The FBI increased its use of secret search warrants last year due to what a top official calls a "high tempo of terrorist activity." FBI Assistant Director John Miller said that 2,176 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act search warrants were approved last year, compared with 1,754 granted in 2005. Most of the warrants involved plotters inside America. "We're seeing a very high tempo of terrorist activity, not just based on the cases you're seeing being brought in the United States," Miller said in an interview Wednesday with C-SPAN. Miller believes the U.S. may have underestimated top al-Qaida leaders' ability to oversee operations in recent years, the New York Daily News reports. Al-Qaida is "getting more effective" at planning new strikes while using propaganda to inspire others to "take that ball and run with it," Miller said. "They're better at this than they were before."
· Oh Holy God, the One who was and is and always will be - we take comfort in knowing that as we watch on the wall, we are not alone. You are with us, and You speak to us. Oh Lord God, we pray not only for instruction as we watch, but we pray for those in authority to hear Your warning, and respond. Oh Lord, our King, if WE have found any favor with You, we ask that You would have mercy on our people and our land - and save us from those that would seek to destroy us.
· "If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life-this is my petition. And spare my people-this is my request." (Esther 7:3)
8. POSSIBLE THREE-STATE PARTITION OF IRAQ
Under the plan, a partitioned Iraq would function as a federation of sectarian states, rather than as three separate nations "I do not agree with setting a timetable for pulling out of Iraq," Brownback, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in an interview. "The day we pass that is the day al-Qaida declares victory. . . This three-state, one- country solution is your only viable political solution."
Brownback called the situation in Iraq "a moving target" and suggested that the U.S. should have a role in leading the talks among Kurdish, Sunni and Shiite leaders. And although Americans are not satisfied with the progress in the war, he said, the American public doesn't want to lose the war, either. That's why diplomatic efforts must now match military efforts, he said. "We'll win if we don't lose the will to win," he said. (KansasCity.com, Washington Post, The Nation) [Reported by: IFA ]
· Sen. Brownback (R - KS) with Sen Biden (D - DE) certainly has proposed an interesting solution for Iraq. However, as Brownback points out, the decision must come from the Iraqis, for much of the wealth of the country is in the northern oil fields, where the Kurds primarily live. The wealth of the nation must be equitably addressed. Also, the tri-part nation leaves no recognition of the Assyrians, mostly Christians who have fled the country. Pray in the spirit over this issue, for only the Lord has the proper solution. · "Test all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)
9. IRAN DEVELOPS WARPLANE EQUIPMENT
Iran has developed key equipment for combat jets. Officials said the Defense Ministry has produced the landing gear for fighter-jets. They said the ministry would export the system, designed for a range of combat aircraft. The landing gear system was entitled "Chariot." Officials said each system would cost much less than comparable equipment produced abroad.
"Iran succeeded in breaking the industry monopoly of the United States, Britain and Russia, resulting in the savings of $250,000 for each Chariot," Defense Ministry spokesman Alireza Yeganeh said. (The Middle East Newsline)
· Is Iran adverrtising its new landing gear or boasting? Or is this announcement just another of Iran's bullying/scare tactics, intended to deceive or intimidate? Why landing gear? Pray in the spirit about this latest development from Iran. Everything the country announces must be covered in prayer. · "Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things." (Proverbs 28:5)
10. SAUDIS, TURKEY EXPLORE DEFENSE DEALS
Saudi Arabia and Turkey have been exploring the prospect of defense cooperation that would include arms sales. Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul discussed cooperation with Saudi Arabia during his visit to Riyad on May 29. Gonul met Saudi Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, who is also the kingdom's defense minister, on ways to strengthen cooperation.
"The talks focused on the latest global developments and ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation," the Saudi Defense Ministry said. Under the pro-Islamic government of Prime Minister Recep Erdogan, Turkey has sought to increase defense and military relations to Gulf Arab states. Turkey has offered to transfer production facilities to Gulf Cooperation Council countries as part of major weapons deals. (Middle East Newsline)
· Father, we ask that You would watch closely over the situation in the Gulf Arab States, and their desire to unite with regard to defense. Lord, we know that You are in control and that nothing can happen without Your approval. We are trusting that You will do what needs to be done to keep the world safe from what could be a very dangerous situation if all the Arab states are united in arms - like You did when mankind decided to cooperate and build the Tower of Babel.
· But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." (Genesis 11:5,6,7)
11. H.CON.RES.152: TO MOVE U.S. EMBASSY TO JERUSALEM
H.CON.RES.152, a resolution "relating to the 40th anniversary of the reunification of the City of Jerusalem," which was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, would send a clear message to the Administration that it is time to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to its rightful place in Jerusalem. The resolution has been approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and is expected to be voted on by the full House this week. The House Concurrent Resolution which "commends Israel for its administration of the undivided city of Jerusalem for the past 40 years, during which Israel has respected the rights of all religious groups" also calls on President Bush to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
Palestinian Arab leaders have expressed a desire to claim Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian Arab State, while Israeli leaders have insisted that Jerusalem will remain Israel's undivided capital. When asked for a comment about the House resolution calling for America to move the embassy, a State Department spokesman, David Foley said, "The State Department position remains unchanged, Jerusalem is a permanent status issue to be negotiated between the parties." (The Israeli government and the "Palestinians") (New York Sun, Jerusalem Connection)
· It is time for the U.S. embassy in Israel to move to its rightful place in Jerusalem. Call or write your congressperson and tell them to vote for Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Capitol Switchboard (202-224- 3121) Find your representative: http://www.house.gov (IFA)
· Please do make every effort to contact your congressman to say that you support the movement of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, its rightful place. The Palestinians are not afraid to offend the Israelis and the Western world by proclaiming that Jerusalem belongs to them. We need not be fearful of offending the Palestinians by moving our embassy to Jerusalem; we help the Israelis in doing so. · "If I do not remember thee [Jerusalem], let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy." (Psalm 137:6)
12. ISRAEL TO READY PUBLIC FOR "ALL-OUT WAR"
"With Iran racing toward nuclear power and IDF preparations for the possibility of a conflict with Syria and Hizbullah in high gear, the Home Front Command plans to launch a publicity campaign to prepare the public for war. The campaign was not connected to a specific event or threat but was meant to brace the public for war in general, senior IDF officers said. 'Our job is to prepare for an all-out war,' Col. Hilik Sofer, head of the Home Front Command Population Division, told The Jerusalem Post Wednesday. "We prepare for a wide range of possibilities since it doesn't make a difference where the threat comes from."
Several weeks ago, the Home Front Command distributed pamphlets in Netivot and Ashkelon explaining how to behave during a Kassam attack. Both cities are within 15 kilometers of the Gaza Strip. The IDF has deployed early warning systems outside Netivot and Ashkelon. They have not been activated, pending government approval.
Next week, Sofer will meet with heads of government offices and local councils to discuss ways to improve service to the public at a time of emergency. (The Jerusalem Post)
· Never cease to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the enemies' attacks are unremitting. Praise the Lord that the Israelis know that they must always be prepared. Pray for their courage and strength. Pray for the protection of Israel's borders. · "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:" (Psalm 144:1)
13. PM OLMERT MULLS RESUMING SYRIA TALKS
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is exploring, via a third party, the possibility of resuming peace talks with Syria. A government source said there was no direct contact between Israeli and Syrian officials, 'but a very serious assessment is underway.' What is being assessed is what Israel would get in return for pulling out of the Golan Heights, the nature of future bilateral relations, and whether Syria would consider cutting its ties with Iran, Hezbollah and Palestinian terror organizations - Israel's main enemies in the region. (Ha'aretz)
· The reasoning behind Olmert's negotiations makes sense in the wisdom of man, but not to God, who owns the land of Israel and gave it in covenant to Abraham and his seed. This "Golan Heights road" has been traveled before, and Israel is too small to give away any land. Pray for God's wisdom to invade the minds of Olmert and his advisors. · "A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge [of the Lord] increaseth strength." (Proverbs 24:5)
14. KOREAS' TALKS FIZZLE OVER NUCLEAR WEAPONS, AID
South Korean Unification Minister Lee Jae-joung (L) and his Northern counterpart Kwon Ho Ung (C) leave hotel after four days of high-level talks in Seoul, 01 Jun 2007In a tersely written joint statement Friday, North and South Korea said they would continue to seek ways to promote cooperation and peace on the Korean peninsula. However, after four days of ministerial meetings, the delegates failed to set a date for future talks. They also did not resolve a dispute over South Korean aid. North Korea is nearly two months overdue on a deadline for shutting down its main nuclear facility, as it promised to do earlier this year. South Korea says it will not send aid, including 400,000 tons of rice, to the impoverished North, until Pyongyang fulfills its promise.
South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Koh Kyoung-bin said Friday that the South made its position clear during this week's talks. He says South Korean delegates told the North that Pyongyang's implementation of the February agreement would be crucial in persuading South Korean taxpayers, whose money would fund the promised rice shipment. North Korea blames a technical banking issue for its delays in implementing the nuclear agreement, saying it will take no action until $25 million of its money has been transferred out of a bank in Macau. No international bank has been willing to touch the money because the United States alleges it was linked to illegal North Korean activities, such as money laundering. U.S. officials say the problem will be resolved soon. (Voice of America)
· Father, what a mess, and we ask for You to straighten it out! We pray for the nuclear facilities to be shut down so that the starving people in North Korea can receive food aid! What is this lust for power that is so strong it causes the leader of North Korea to have no compassion for his people? We pray that You, almighty all powerful God, would do what needs to be done regarding the leadership IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS, but have compassion on the people of North Korea. · "But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God." (Psalm 86:15 )
15. PUTIN VOWS TO AIM NUKES AT EUROPE
President Vladimir Putin sent a chilling message to world leaders on the eve of the Group of Eight summit with a threat to aim Russian nuclear missiles at European cities for the first time since the Cold War.
In comments that seemed calculated to cause consternation and division at Wednesday's meeting in Germany, the Russian leader said U.S. plans to erect a missile-defense shield in Eastern Europe had left him with no choice but to retaliate. "It is obvious that if part of the strategic nuclear potential of the United States is located in Europe, we will have to respond," he told reporters from G-8 countries in Moscow over the weekend.
Mr. Putin's anti-Western rhetoric has grown more strident since Washington confirmed plans to put 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic by 2012 -- a project he says is directed at Russia. The United States says privately that the program is designed to stop one or two missiles fired by Iran, which continues to develop a nuclear program despite mounting international pressure. (London Daily Telegraph)
· Scripture teaches us that, in the latter days, "perilous times will come." Scripture always speaks truth. Pray in the spirit over these reports, for tonight the world itself seems to be almost poised to enter into the beginnings of World War III -- a war which might erupt at any time on many fragile fronts. Only the Lord Jesus Christ, who is sovereign over all, can help us now. Thank Him that, no matter what lies ahead, He WILL lead us, guide us, and take each one of us by the hand, hiding us under the shelter of His wing. Amen.
· "Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name . . ." (Matt. 6:10)
Flash: Wyoming Sen. Craig Thomas Dies at 74
