2. ON CAPITOL HILL: LEGISLATION PENDING
3. WYOMING'S SENATOR CRAIG EULOGIZED; NEXT CHOICE PENDING
4. WATCHDOG GROUP: MUSLIM CONGRESSMAN "A SECURITY ISSUE"
5. TOP BUSH AIDE DAN BARTLETT RESIGNS
6. GENERAL PACE TO RETIRE AS CHAIRMAN OF JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
7. U.S.- RUSSIA CONFLICT OVER MISSILE THREATS MAY BE OVER
8. ISRAEL SEEKING NEW DEADLINE ON IRAN BOMB
9. AHMADINEJAD STATES COUNTDOWN FOR DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL
10. FORTY YEARS LATER, ISRAEL FACING SAME THREATS
11. ISRAELIS UPSET AT OLMERT'S OFFER TO GIVE UP LAND IN THE NORTH
12. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: MOVE U.S. EMBASSY TO JERUSALEM
1. ON CAPITOL HILL LAST WEEK: A SUMMARY
Last week on the Hill, we saw two major victories and one defeat.
In the "victory column" were the defeat of both the immigration bill (S. 1243) in the Senate, and the defeat of the human cloning bill (H.R. 2560) in the House. In both cases, the outcomes were due largely to prayer and to action on the part of the voters. The "cloning bill" came up with NO advance notice late Tuesday evening. Deceptively titled the Human Cloning Prohibition Act, if passed, H.R. 2560 would have done the exact opposite -- legalized human cloning. The bill was defeated by a vote of 213 - 204.
In the "defeat column" was the passage of S. 5: The Embryonic Stem Cell Research Act in the House of Representatives, which was designed to expand taxpayer funding for research that destroys human embryos. This bill passed by a vote of 247-176. President Bush has promised to veto this bill, which will then be returned to both houses of Congress for a second vote to override this veto. House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said he is "very confident that we have the votes to uphold the president's veto." The Senate may reconsider this bill, after the veto, as early as this week.
· In all issues above, we pray for our leaders to be granted "wisdom from above" to know the will and the heart of God for our people as they consider and vote on these bills. In everything, God values LIFE, and wants us to choose that which upholds the life He creates. In immigration, the body of Christ and the citizens of this nation are not in agreement about how to respond to the plight of the illegal aliens in our land, while securing our borders from terrorist infiltration. Again, our Lord DOES have answers, if we but ask. Thank you for continuing to lift up the Stem Cell bill, so that the expected votes to override this veto will not be sustained; and for lifting up the Congress and the President, over time, as issues related to immigration policy are discussed. · "The effectual, fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
2. ON CAPITOL HILL: LEGISLATION PENDING
The following bills may come up at any time this month for action in the Senate and the House. Hence, we must remain "on watch, in prayer" over this news as it unfolds during June. (Source for all material: FRC Prayer Targets)
a. Abstinence Funding at Home - Federal funding for sexual abstinence programs will expire the end of June without reauthorization by Congress. Republicans will offer an amendment to extend. Abstinence Education has proven it makes a difference, but reversing the harm decades of "comprehensive sex education" has done will take years to undo.
· May the House vote to extend these programs succeed! Please join us and a coalition of young people across America in observing the first Friday of each month with prayer and fasting, focusing on a revival of prayer and purity among our nation's youth. (Proverbs 14:34)
b. Abstinence Funding Overseas - President Bush has asked Congress to increase funding for AIDS programs overseas from $15 billion to $30 billion. This will help to alleviate the suffering of victims but do little to prevent AIDS by failing to adequately address its behavioral cause - rampant sexual promiscuity. A tiny percentage will be used to promote Abstinence. Uganda's remarkably successful war on AIDS promoted abstinence first! Under this program, more money will go to promote condoms, an approach that will only increase promiscuity and give false security to persons who are sexually active outside marriage. Taxpayer dollars should not subsidize immorality or programs that won't do the job.
· Pray that Congress will require that these funds are used to eliminate risk of infection by promoting abstinence until marriage and faithfulness in marriage, the only remedies to this epidemic. (Isaiah 1:18)
c. Hate Crimes Legislation - The House passed the Hate Crimes Bill last month by a margin of 57 votes. The Senate will likely pass it later this year. Wherever such laws exist, they have been used to punish those whose oppose homosexuality. In Crystal Lake, Illinois, a 16-year-old girl distributed 40 fliers at school picturing two male students kissing and a headline that read, "God hates [slang for homosexuals]." Her behavior may have been inappropriate but school officials and law enforcement officers overreacted. The teenager was charged with a "hate crime," thrown into a juvenile detention center and after 18 days appeared in court in leg shackles. The state's attorney said, "This is a classic case of the kind of conduct that the state legislature was directing the law against. This is what the legislators wanted to stop."
· Continue to pray that the American people will understand the consequences of Hate Crimes laws - the intimidation, silencing and punishment of those who view homosexual behavior as sin. Pray that the President will follow his advisors' counsel and veto the legislation. (Proverbs 17:26)
d. Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA) - eHarmony.com, the Christian owned and operated online business that helps men and women seeking compatible relationships that may lead to marriage, is being sued by a lesbian woman who claims that eHarmony is practicing illegal discrimination by not allowing homosexuals to use their services to find partners, in violation of California laws that prohibit discrimination. The case highlights how homosexual activists are using the courts to attack Christians who hold to traditional views of marriage. It also gives a preview of what Christian-owned businesses across America will face if Congress passes and the President signs the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA). Activists will have the power of the federal government behind them when they file complaints and discrimination lawsuits.
· May Americans realize that imposed homosexual values and religious liberty cannot coexist! May homosexuals not be granted special status in this or any other legislation. May the President be persuaded to veto this bill just as his advisors say he will veto the Hate Crimes Bill. (1 Tim 5:21)
3. WYOMING'S SENATOR CRAIG EULOGIZED; NEXT CHOICE PENDING
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Until last Monday evening, one seat in the United States Senate was held by Senator Craig Thomas, Republican senator from Wyoming, who has died of a case of acute myeloid leukemia. Yesterday, the beloved senator was eulogized at a memorial service at the First United Methodist Church in Casper, Wyoming. Among the comments at the service, perhaps those of his oldest granddaughter, Katelynn Thomas, were the most touching: Katelynn said Thomas was a loving grandfather and the funniest man she knew. "He guest-spoke in all of our schools," she said.
She told a story about a time he spoke to her class about politics and ideals. Following the speech, a classmate raised his hand and asked Thomas, "Do you have a frog?" She said he learned then to rework his speeches to elementary schools. She thanked the people of Wyoming for sharing her grandfather with her and asked them never to forget him, "because we never will." Before the final reading of the Lord's Prayer, the congregation stood and lavishly applauded Thomas' life and work.
In order to find a replacement now to finish out his term, the Governor of the State of Wyoming must now choose a candidate from a slate of three names given him by the Wyoming State Republican Committee. Those names must be submitted to him within 15 days of the vacancy of the seat. (The Casper Star- Tribune; CNS News.com)
· Pray for wisdom for the Wyoming State Republican Committee as they seek the candidates for this seat; and for Governor Dave Freudenthal as he makes the final decision. Offer praise that, due to the wisdom of those who wrote the Constitution for the State of Wyoming, the current balance of power will not be changed during this transition so that, in the end, the same number of Republicans will hold seats in the United States Senate. Pray for a replacement who would be of like mind with Senator Thomas; and pray for comfort for his widow, Susan, for Katelynn, and for all the members of the Thomas family as they mourn the passing of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
· I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.
(1 Timothy 2:1-3)
4. WATCHDOG GROUP CALLS MUSLIM CONGRESSMAN "A SECURITY ISSUE"
The Muslim congressman from Minnesota who used a Quran for his swearing-in ceremony now is associating with the Muslim American Society, a group accused of fomenting violence against Jews and Christians. According to Joe Kaufman, founder of a watchdog group called "Americans Against Hate (AAH)," just days ago, Ellison gave the keynote address in front of the Muslim American Society of Minnesota at the group's fourth annual convention. "While Ellison spoke, the group was actively spreading vitriolic hatred and violence aimed at Jews, Christians and other non- Muslims via its website," Kaufman's statement said.
Regarding Ellison's speech, Kaufman warned, "This is of grave concern." In an article at FrontPage Magazine as well as in a news statement, Kaufman said: "Not only is it a conflict of interest for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives to participate with such groups, but it is, as well, an issue of national security. Those in positions of power must demand an end to Keith Ellison's dangerous and bigoted associations. Either that or they must insist on his resignation."
Founded in 1998, Americans Against Hate is a civil rights organization and terrorism watchdog group whose goal is "to be an active voice against those that spread bigotry and violence." On Monday, June 4th, Kaufman phoned the local and Washington, D.C., offices of Congressman Ellison to demand that he denounce MAS. Kaufman has received no response from the Congressman or anyone in his offices.
In a related matter, World Net Daily has also reported that Ellison allowed his election supporters to shout, "Allahu Akbar!," the same phrase allegedly used by the 9/11 suicide pilots, and he has confirmed to reporters that "in terms of political agenda items, my faith informs these things." (World Net Daily)
· Pray that this man be exposed. Pray that he be removed from office. Pray that he would find no alies or allegiances in the Congress. Pray that his own party reject him, his connections to radical Islamic groups, and his behavior. Pray that the people of Minnesota rise up and initiate a recall if legally possible; otherwise that he be voted out of office ASAP by being opposed in a Primary election next spring and that he (Ellison) be defeated by another Democrat to run in the general election in 2008. [Federal Intercessors] · "Let his days be few; and let another take his office." (Psalm 109:8)
5. TOP BUSH AIDE DAN BARTLETT RESIGNS
President Bush's top aide Dan Bartlett announced his resignation on Friday, June 1, ending a lengthy career at the president's side to take a job in the private sector. Bartlett's decision to leave in early July came on his 36th birthday. He has served Bush for about 14 years, from the Texas governor's mansion to the White House. Serving as counselor to the president, Bartlett also worked in Bush's first campaign as governor of Texas and two subsequent presidential races.
Bush thanked Bartlett for his dedication and friendship. "His contribution has been immeasurable. I value his judgment and I treasure his friendship," the president said in a statement. "Since coming to work for me 14 years ago as I prepared to run for governor, Dan has become a husband and a father. I understand his decision to make his young family his first priority." (FOX News)
· Seasons come, and seasons go -- even in the lives of White House staffers. Ask the Lord to bless Mr. Bartlett for his years of service to the president and to the country, and pray that another man or woman will be found who will give President Bush the wise and true counsel he needs as he governs from the Oval Office. · "Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice." (Isaiah 32:1)
6. GENERAL PACE TO RETIRE AS CHAIRMAN OF JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
Marine Gen. Peter Pace will retire as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced on Friday. Gates said while he intended to renominate Pace for another two-year term as chairman, after consulting with congressional leaders, the confirmation hearing was likely to be "a backward-looking and very contentious process.The focus of his confirmation process would have been on the past, rather than the future," Gates said at a press conference at the Pentagon. Instead, Gates he will recommend that President Bush nominate Adm. Mike Mullen, chief of naval operations, as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "I think Admiral Mullen will bring a tremendous perspective," Gates said. (Fox News)
· Lord God, we continue to ask that You guide and direct those in authority over us. We pray for swift confirmation if this is the man You intend to take this position. We pray that this is a man of God, who listens for Your voice and follows your instruction. · True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin. (Malachi 2:6)
7. U.S.- RUSSIA CONFLICT OVER MISSILE THREATS MAY BE OVER -- RUSSIA NOW OFFERS TO JOIN MISSILE SHIELD EFFORT
After days of escalating rhetoric about missile defense, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise offer to President Bush on Thursday, proposing that Russia join with the United States and some of its European allies to operate a shield intended against missile threats from Iran. Meeting with Bush during the summit of the Group of Eight industrialized nations, Putin suggested that a Soviet- era radar installation that Russia operates in the Caspian Sea country of Azerbaijan could feed real- time data into the planned system. The United States has been pressing Russia to take part in such a system since the 1990s.
Putin's offer on missile defense followed numerous angry statements by him and other senior officials in Moscow that the system would threaten Russian security and upset the regional balance of power. Putin at one point warned that he might re-aim some of his country's nuclear missiles at targets in Europe if the United States went ahead with the plans. White House security adviser Stephen Hadley said. " . . . we've been surprised many times by the extent to which countries have been able to dramatically increase the range of their missiles in a way that was faster than our intelligence community predicted," [He may have been referring to the recent negotiations that Iran has had with North Korea to purchase long-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads]. (Washington Post) [Reported by: Intercessors for America]
· Lord God, we offer up prayers of praise and thanksgiving. Thank you for this good news report, may it truly come to pass. · A righteous man is cautious in friendship. (Proverbs 12:26a)
8. ISRAEL SEEKING NEW DEADLINE ON IRAN BOMB
A senior Israeli delegation, here for strategic talks with top American government officials, is calling for an expiration date on the diplomatic approach to Iran of the end of the year. Speaking to the Israeli press on Wednesday evening after meeting Secretary of State Rice, Israel 's deputy prime minister, Shaul Mofaz, said, "Sanctions must be strong enough to bring about change in the Iranians by the end of 2007." According to a source familiar with discussions yesterday with the undersecretary of state, Nicholas Burns, Mr. Mofaz said, "Technical developments for the Iranian nuclear program will not follow a linear progression," a clear warning that America's official estimate that Iran will not attain an atomic bomb for at least five years could be dangerously optimistic. (New York Sun)
· Pray over every report you receive regarding Israeli - Iranian relations. Only Father God knows the timing and the outcome of the events that will soon come to pass in both nations. Pray that the leaders of Israel will be given "eyes to see," "ears to hear," and a heart to know and to understand these things. Thank our Lord that, no matter what, He promises to watch over Israel forever. · "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish" (Isaiah 41:10,11).
9. AHMADINEJAD ANNOUNCES COUNTDOWN FOR DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said the world would soon witness the destruction of the State of Israel. According to the Iranian Islamic Republic News Agency, the hard-line president said that last summer's war between Israel and Hizbullah showed for the first time that the "hegemony of the occupier regime [Israel] had collapsed, and the Lebanese nation pushed the button to begin counting the days until the destruction of the Zionist regime."
"The countdown to this regime's destruction started through the hands of Hizbullah's children. God willing, in the near future, we will witness the destruction of the corrupt occupier regime," Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying during a speech to foreign guests mostly from African, Arab, and neighboring countries who attended ceremonies marking the 18th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, the father of Iran's Islamic Revolution in 1979.
An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman responded by saying, "Ahmadinejad offers only death and destruction. Today, he is the most serious challenge to regional peace and security." Iranian officials expressed bewilderment over the uproar caused by the comments, saying that Ahmadinejad was merely restating one of Khomeini's central beliefs that the Jewish state was doomed to destruction. (World Jewish Congress, June 4, 2007) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
· Ahmadinejad and Iran cannot curse Israel and escape God's judgment. Pray that God's spirit will sweep across that land, giving the people another chance to repent and turn to God before it comes. · "You give your mouth to evil, and your tongue frames deceit. His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue is trouble and iniquity. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things." (Psalm 50:19; 10:7; 12:3).
10. FORTY YEARS LATER, ISRAEL FACING SAME THREATS
Forty years after the Six Day War, there is a sense of déjà vu. On Tuesday [June 5], the Israel Defense Forces [IDF] completed a large-scale exercise in the South simulating infantry, airborne, and armored units conquering a Syrian village. The massive drill came as intelligence assessments pointed to a possible deterioration with Syrians in the North and Palestinian terrorists in the South.
Forty years ago, the same borders were not calm; media reported on terrorist activity from Syria and Lebanon daily. The late Prime Minister Levi Eshkol sent a warning message to Syria declaring that Israel will not accept the Syrian provocations.
Forty years later, the national security cabinet convenes to discuss the situation in the North. Security officials will deliver assessments on whether Syrian President Bashar Assad intends to reach a peace agreement with Israel or not. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has already stated that Israel is not seeking to be dragged into a war with Syria, despite reports of its military buildup.
Earlier Tuesday, in an interview with Al-Jazeera, Mohammed Habash, a Syrian parliamentary said it was no secret that Syria is preparing for war. He accused Israel of wanting to initiate the move in order to take the focus off its internal political situation and said the war is expected to break out in the summer.
(By Margot Dudkevitch, Infolive TV, June 6, 2007, with excerpts of an article by the same author dated June 5, 2007)
· Pray for the preparedness of Israel-the government, the IDF (including the home front command) and other security agencies, the intelligence agency, and the people-as they face the next round of conflict. Pray that once again it will be seen that the God of Israel moves on behalf of His covenant land and nation in her hour of need. · "But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend. You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions, and said to you, 'You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away." (Isaiah 41:8,9)
[Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
11. ISRAELIS UPSET AT OLMERT'S OFFER TO GIVE UP LAND IN THE NORTH
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's latest offer to give the Golan Heights to Syria flies in the face of polls showing public opposition to ceding the Golan. Olmert reportedly informed Syria last month that he is willing to cede the Golan to Syrian sovereignty, but wishes to verify that Syria will, in turn, cut its ties with Iran, Hezbollah and Palestinian terrorist organizations.
Likud MK Yisrael Katz was succinct in saying, "It would be better to replace Olmert than to give up the Golan Heights." MK Effie Eitam (National Union), a former IDF Galilee Formation Commander and a resident of the Golan, told Ynet that the initiative is merely an attempt by the government to cover up its responsibility for its failures in the Second Lebanon War. Polls Show Support for Golan - A recent poll, carried out this week shows that a full 84% of the public opposes a full withdrawal from the Golan. (IsraelNN.com) {Reported by: Intercessors for America]
· Pray for the return of the Jewish People from the nations. A requirement for "all things to be fulfilled". (Act 3:20-21) - "and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began." (Eze 39:28) -- then they shall know that I am the LORD their God, who sent them into captivity among the nations, but also brought them back to their land, and left none of them captive any longer. (Intercessors For Israel, www.ifij.org)
12. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: MOVE U.S. EMBASSY TO JERUSALEM
The House of Representatives on Tuesday [June 5] unanimously passed a resolution calling on President George W. Bush to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, this on the 40th anniversary of the Six Day War. The senate is expected to approve a similar motion later in the day.
In the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, Congress determined that Jerusalem should be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel and that the US Embassy should be established there no later than May 31, 1999. However, the Clinton and Bush administrations have refrained from moving the embassy for fear of riots against American embassies in Arab countries and a possible decline in the status of the United States.
"The House congratulates the citizens of Israel on the 40th anniversary of the Six Day War in which Israel defeated enemies aiming to destroy the Jewish state. Jerusalem has been the focal point of Jewish religious devotion and the site of a continuous Jewish presence for over three millennia, with a Jewish majority since at least 1896," the resolution said.
"The vibrant Jewish population of the historic Old City of Jerusalem was driven out by force during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. In six days of war, Israel defeated those forces seeking its destruction and reunited the city of Jerusalem which had been artificially divided for 19 years." (By Yiyzhak Benhorin, Ynetnews.com, June 6, 2007)
· We rejoice at this news out of Congress!! PRAISE THE LORD!! Pray that the United States will set aside political and economic fears of the Arab world and acknowledge Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel. · "The LORD also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; the heavens and earth will shake; but the LORD will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel. 'So you shall know that I am the LORD your God, dwelling in Zion My holy mountain. Then Jerusalem shall be holy, and no aliens shall ever pass through her again.'" (Joel 3:16-17)
{Reported by: Bridges for Peace)
