Senate majority leader pulls bill
Immigration deal fails to gain needed cloture votes required by Harry Reid, bill likely dead for year.
· If you have a shofar handy, you might want to take it out and sound it now! This is one bill that deserved to die. The more that everyone examined it, the worse it looked. The problem of illegal immigration is not going to disappear, however. Continue in prayer on behalf of our governing authorities, that they be granted "wisdom from above," in God's timing and in His way, to resolve the many thorny issues related to this complex issue. Father God DOES promise to teach us His ways, and to make all crooked paths straight, if we but ask! · 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' (Jer. 33:3)
2. Republicans Pledge to Stop Stem Cell Bill Again - (CNSNews.com)
Democrats in the House of Representatives on Thursday once again passed legislation that would expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, but Republicans pledged to uphold an anticipated presidential veto.
· Cry out to the Lord for MERCY at the news of the passage of this bill in the House of Representatives. Praise God that President Bush has vowed to veto this bill; now we must pray that this veto is upheld on the next round of voting. Ask Him to stay the hand of the wicked, and to strengthen those who turn the battle at the gates, according to Isaiah 28:5,6.
3. Bill Would Force Pharmacists to Offer Contraception - CNSNews.com
Congressional Democrats on Wednesday introduced a bill that would require pharmacies to offer emergency birth control, even if the pharmacists object to doing so on moral grounds.
· Father we ask defeat for this bill, and the wisdom to create a bill that will guarantee proper dispensing of drugs without undue interference, yet protect the rights of people to stand on moral ground. He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice." (Proverbs 2:7-8)
4. California assembly approves bill allowing same-sex couples to marry - S. F. Chronicle
For the second time in three years, the state Assembly approved legislation Tuesday allowing same-sex marriage in California in a vote that highlighted a continued and profound disagreement among legislative Democrats and Republicans on one of the hot-button social issues of the time.
· Lord we pray for Your Holy Spirit to visit the state of California in a mighty sweep of repentance. We stand in the gap for them and remind You of mercy and love as we ask for their souls. So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it. (Ezekiel 22:20)
5. Surgeon General Nominee Under Fire From Homosexuals - CNSNews.com
President Bush's nominee for surgeon general, Kentucky cardiologist Dr. James Holsinger, has come under fire from homosexual advocacy groups who believe he is biased against them.
· Lord, if Dr. Holsinger is Your choice for this office, we ask Your protection and favor upon him. Grant him wisdom and comfort at this time of turmoil. For You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.(Psalm 59:16)
6. Knesset approves law banning pride parade - Ynet News
The Knesset approved Wednesday in a first reading, two bills aimed at preventing the gay pride parade from taking place in Jerusalem, and in any other place in the country.
· Thank you, Lord for this law! We rejoice that You have heard our prayers against the pride parade in Israel! Because He has inclined His ear towards me, therefore I will follow Him all the days of my life. (Psalm 116:2)
7. North Korea Fires Short-Range Missiles - Fox News
North Korea launched short-range missiles off its western coast Thursday, South Korea's Defense Ministry said, but it was still unclear how many had been fired.
· We have intelligence that North Korea fired short-range missiles into the waters off its western coast, and we are trying to confirm how many were fired and what type of missiles they are," a Defense Ministry official said on customary condition of anonymity.
The news came two weeks after North Korea test-fired at least one short-range missile into eastern coastal waters, which South Korean and U.S. officials played down as part of the communist country's regular military drills.
· Lord we erect a hedge of Your mighty protection over South Korea, and ask that Your Holy Spirit rise up in the region. We plead the Blood of Jesus against North Korea and declare that You will break the enemy's plans. For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. (Psalm 3:7)
8. Iran caught red-handed shipping arms to Taliban- ABC News
NATO officials say they have caught Iran red-handed, shipping heavy arms, C4 explosives and advanced roadside bombs to the Taliban for use against NATO forces, in what the officials say is a dramatic escalation of Iran's proxy war against the United States and Great Britain.
· Thank You, Lord, for the revelation of this hidden secret. We ask that You bring wisdom and strategies to leaders that will break the back of all involvement of Iran in the region. The heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him. (Job 20:27)
