This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
GOD, THE LORD, THE STRENGTH OF MY SALVATION (Adoni Adoni Oz Y'shuatee)
"O God, the Lord, the strength of my salvation. You have covered my head in the day of battle." (Psalm 140:7)
O Lord, You give me the strength to work out my own salvation, with fear and trembling. I look to You for help. Some days seem so hard, but all You ask me to do is to rest in You, for You are the strength of my salvation. Thank You for Your help, Your hand of deliverance. Amen.
(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)
Today's Daily Brief
1. CAPITOL HILL WRAP-UP: IN THE SENATE
2. CAPITOL HILL WRAP-UP: IN THE HOUSE
3. MEMBER OF CONGRESS DENIED ACCESS TO "C-O-G" DOCUMENTS
4. SURGE IS WORKING; DEFEATISTS DON'T CARE
5. SEN. RUSS FEINGOLD TO SEEK CENSURE OF PRESIDENT BUSH
6. CONGRESS PASSES HISTORIC RESOLUTION ON UNTOUCHABILITY
7. DNI: TERRORISTS INTEND TO USE WMD'S IN ATTACK ON U.S
8. U.S., IRANIAN OFFICIALS TO MEET IN BAGHDAD THIS WEEK
9. U.S.: WEAPONS SMUGGLERS WITH IRAN LINKS NABBED IN IRAQ
10. AL QAEDA'S DAYS ARE NUMBERED
11. BUSH SECURITY ADVISOR: "NO OPTIONS OFF THE TABLE" IN PAKISTAN
12. AHMADINEJAD, ASSAD, AND NASRALLAH MEET IN DAMASCUS
13. · BULLETIN -- 23 SOUTH KOREAN HOSTAGES IN KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
1. CAPITOL HILL WRAP-UP: IN THE SENATE
It was a busy week in the Capitol with a host of family and life issues at stake. To review:
a) Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) attempted to add thought crimes legislation to the Department of Defense Authorization, but the bill was pulled after Democrats failed to force a troop withdrawal from Iraq. The bill will be back though.
b) A Senate committee passed a bill advocated by Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) and sponsored by Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) to enforce regulations penalizing media indecency.
c) Late Thursday night, during debate on the College Cost Reduction Act, Senator Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) was able to add an amendment that protects unborn children by preventing any government from carrying out a death sentence on a woman while she carries a child in the womb. (Family Research Council)
· Offer praise for these three reports, and remain in prayer over the Hate Crimes bill -- now due to surface most likely again in September -- that it be completely defeated. Praise God for these other pro-family and pro-life initiatives that have now passed the Senate or its committees. · "Pray for . . . all in authority . . ." (I Tim. 2:1,2)
2. CAPITOL HILL WRAP-UP: IN THE HOUSE
The House passed one of its largest annual spending bills, the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education bill, with all of the pro-life riders intact. Also, an increase in funding to $141 million for the Community Based Abstinence Education programs was included. The Smith/Davis amendment was added to this bill and would increase cord blood stem cell funding to $15 million. Unfortunately, funding for the Title X "family planning" program, much of which goes to Planned Parenthood, was increased. Representative Mike Pence (R-Ind.) offered an amendment to prevent any Title X funding from going to Planned Parenthood, but it fell short by a margin of 231-189, enough to give us hope for next time.
On the positive side, bill language essentially containing Representative Joe Pitts's (R-Penn.) Post- Abortion Depression Act was adopted as part of Rep. Bobby Rush's (D-Ill.) Post-Partum Depression Act. The purpose of Mr. Pitts' bill is to further study the mental health harms from terminated pregnancies, including miscarriage and abortion. (FRC)
· Offer praise for the increased funding of abstinence programs, and for the passage of Congressman Pitts' bill. Stand in the gap, offering prayers of repentance, that Congress has funded cord blood stem cell programs and Planned Parenthood. Pray in the spirit over all of these reports . . . amen. · "Pray for . . . all in authority . . ." (I Tim. 2:1,2)
3. MEMBER OF CONGRESS DENIED ACCESS TO "C-O-G" DOCUMENTS
Plans for "Continuity of Government" Are Included
Last week, voters in Oregon began calling Peter DeFazio's office, worried there was a conspiracy buried in the classified portion of a White House plan for operating the government after a terrorist attack. As a member of the U.S. House on the Homeland Security Committee, DeFazio, D-Ore., is permitted to enter a secure "bubbleroom" in the Capitol and examine classified material. So he asked the White House to see the secret documents.
On Wednesday, DeFazio got his answer: DENIED. "I just can't believe they're going to deny a member of Congress the right of reviewing how they plan to conduct the government of the United States after a significant terrorist attack," DeFazio says. Homeland Security Committee staffers told his office that the White House initially approved his request, but it was later quashed. DeFazio doesn't know who did it or why. "We're talking about the continuity of the government of the United States of America," DeFazio says. "I would think that would be relevant to any member of Congress, let alone a member of the Homeland Security Committee."
Bush administration spokesman Trey Bohn declined to say why DeFazio was denied access: "We do not comment through the press on the process that this access entails. It is important to keep in mind that much of the information related to the continuity of government is highly sensitive."
Norm Ornstein, a legal scholar who studies government continuity at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, said he "cannot think of one good reason" to deny access to a member of Congress who serves on the Homeland Security Committee. This is the first time DeFazio has been denied access to documents. DeFazio has asked Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., to help him access the documents. (The Oregonian)
· In reading this report, we might note, too, that Congressman DeFazio, a Democrat, is the most senior of the congressmen from Oregon, serving his 11th term. De Fazio's political views aside, every member of Congress, as well as the Senate, needs to know how our government is going to function after a catastrophic attack. This information is not necessarily in the public domain, but as classified data, should be given to every member of our government. Pray that this situation will be resolved quickly, and any misunderstanding cleared up between the executive branch and the legislative branches of our government. Thank God for His intervention and for His will being done. · "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgement, in meteyard, in weight or in measure." (Leviticus 19:35)
4. SURGE IS WORKING; DEFEATISTS DON'T CARE
By the day, evidence is growing that the U.S. "surge" in Iraq, declared a failure even before it had begun, is in fact working. The U.S. military, as usual, is performing courageously on the field of battle, dislodging Al Qaeda and its allies from strongholds, reducing their sanctuaries and doing it all with minimal civilian casualties.
As U.S. forces kill and capture the thugs, more and more Iraqis are willing to throw in with us. In Anbar province, U.S. forces have closed a deal with Sunni and Shiite tribal leaders resulting in joint military operations against Al Qaeda. Al Qaeda has other problems too. Its bloodthirsty, barbaric tactics are causing a backlash even among some of its own members. In one neighborhood in South Baghdad, locals are switching sides to support us after Al Qaeda thugs started cutting off people's faces with piano wire.
Even an Al Qaeda cell leader crossed over and has provided the U.S. with vital intelligence information. When asked why he had abandoned Al Qaeda, he replied, "Because I'm sick of it and I hate them, and I am done."
But here in Washington, powerful people, sadly, have a stake in our defeat in Iraq. Senator Harry Reid has repeatedly announced that we have already lost. Seventy liberal members of the House of Representatives, along with Republican Ron Paul of Texas, have written to President Bush warning him that they will not vote for more funding for our troops unless all of them are "redeployed" out of Iraq before Bush leaves office.
General Petraeus is supposed to bring his report to Congress in the next few months, but no maTter what he says, the surrender contingent in Congress has already made up its mind. (Source: Gary Bauer; End of Day; July 23, 2007)
· Pray that the spirit of "mind control" that has gripped this Congress and our people be lifted, so that all can see the facts as they are: we ARE engaged in a war on terror, the "surge" IS beginning to take effect; and we CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE. Offer praise for the work of the brave men and women who are risking their lives on the front in Iraq that we might continue to enjoy our freedoms here. May we all come to our senses about the true mission of this war, before it is too late. · "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Gal. 5:1)
5. SEN. FEINGOLD TO SEEK CENSURE OF PRESIDENT BUSH
Liberal Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold said Sunday he wants Congress to censure President Bush for his management of the Iraq war and his "assault" against the Constitution. But Feingold's own party leader in the Senate showed little interest in the idea. An attempt in 2006 by Feingold to censure Bush over the warrantless spying program attracted only three co- sponsors.
Feingold, a prominent war critic, said he soon plans to offer two censure resolutions - measures that would amount to a formal condemnation of the Republican president. The first would seek to reprimand Bush for getting the nation into war without adequate military preparation and for issuing misleading public statements. The resolution also would cite Vice President Dick Cheney and perhaps other administration officials. The second measure would seek to censure Bush for what the Democrat called a continuous assault against the rule of law through such efforts as the warrantless surveillance program against suspected terrorists, Feingold said. It would also ask for a reprimand of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and maybe others.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said Feingold's proposals showed the nation's frustration. But Reid said he would not go along with them and repeated the Senate's need to focus on finishing spending bills on defense and homeland security. (FoxNews.com)
· Sen. Feingold is certainly entitled to his opinions, but censuring the President seems quite strong. History will prove the truth, but we need to ask the Lord to reveal the truth about the President's actions. Pray also that the Lord will show us how to protect our civil liberties and Constitution. · "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy that it cannot hear." (Isaiah 59:1)
6. CONGRESS PASSES HISTORIC RESOLUTION ON UNTOUCHABILITY
Washington, DC - The House of Representatives today passed HCR 139, "expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States should address the ongoing problem of untouchability in India," by voice vote this afternoon.
The resolution is the first of its kind from the United States Congress. Sponsored by Congressman Trent Franks and Co-Sponsored by thirty-three leading human rights advocates in Congress including Congressman Tom Lantos, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the bill contains historic language on untouchability in India, including a lengthy findings section detailing the effects of untouchability and caste abuse on outcastes in India.
The resolution calls on the United States government to work with India to address the problem of untouchability by raising the issue of caste discrimination through diplomatic channels and encouraging US businesses, USAID, the State Department, and other US programs and organizations working in India take every possible measure to ensure Dalits are included and are not discriminated against in their programming. The resolution will face a concurring vote from the Senate soon. (The Dalit Freedom Network)
· Give Praise to God for Congressman Trent Franks as well as the other 33 congressmen for recognizing the human rights of the people in India caught in its caste system. Offer thanks for the first-ever resolution calling for the US government to work together with India concerning the issues of caste discrimination. We ask God to soften the hearts of all who will be involved in these discussions, that they will see and know there is not one greater than the other. We specifically ask that our Senate will concur with HCR 139. Bind up every spirit of partiality, render it helpless over the caste system. · "Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?" (James 2:4)
7. DNI: TERRORISTS WILL USE WMD'S IN ATTACK ON U.S.
23 July 2007: Admiral Mike McConnell, Director of National Intelligence, appeared on Meet the Press Sunday, confirming what we specifically detailed in the latest edition of the HQ INTEL-ALERT Private Intelligence Report released last week. McConnell confirmed that the terrorists' intent (regarding an attack inside the U.S.) "is either chemical, biological, radiological or even nuclear, to include a nuclear yield." To watch the interview in its entirety, go here. (Source: Northeast Intelligence Network)
· Offer praise that the Director of National Intelligence is now saying what other experts have been also saying for months now: the Weapons of Mass Destruction ARE here NOW, in the hands of terrorists who want to destroy our nation. Offer praise, too, that the WORD OF GOD, which DOES NOT RETURN VOID, promises that God will watch over His people (the remnant of believers) as we turn to Him, in repentance. Ask our Lord to reveal all hidden things about these sleeper cells to the authorities, and thank Him for His wonderful promises for us. Amen.
· "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11) "He uncovers deep things out of darkness, And brings the shadow of death to light." (Job 12:22) "The LORD shall go forth like a mighty man; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war. He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud; He shall prevail against His enemies." (Isaiah 42:13) (Note: for detailed information about this issue, we recommend a new book by Paul Williams: The Day of Islam -- The Annihilation of America and the Western World. Available at bookstores everywhere.)
8. U.S., IRANIAN OFFICIALS TO MEET IN BAGHDAD THIS WEEK
U.S. and Iranian officials will meet this week for a second round of talks over Iraqi security measures in which Americans are to broach Iranian efforts to destabilize its neighbor. The Iraqi foreign minister also confirmed the meeting to take place in Baghdad on July 24th. The Bush administration had said last week that it was ready to hold a second round of direct talks with Iran, and Iran said it had accepted a U.S. invitation for talks.
Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs Sean McCormack stated that the United States wants to repeat the clear message it sent in May - the first break in a 27-year diplomatic freeze - in which U.S. officials met with Iranians and told them to stop arming Iraqi Shiite militias with explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, that are used to tear through even heavy armor vehicles. EFPs have been blamed for killing hundreds of U.S. troops in recent months.
This week's meeting is being scheduled as the U.S. military took into custody two terror suspects who may be affiliated with an elite Iranian force or perhaps a smuggling ring bringing EFPs into Iraq from Iran. The military officials say U.S. forces found numerous weapons with the suspects they captured Sunday in a raid near the Iranian border on the east of Iraq. (FOXNews.com)
· Cover this meeting in prayer, as the Iranians are likely to say anything but do as they please. Ask the Lord to give our officials discerning ears and spirits that immediately detect lies. Talk can be cheap at the moment but very costly in the long run. Pray for the precise verbal strategies for our officials.· "The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies." (Psalm 58: 3)
9. U.S.: WEAPONS SMUGGLERS WITH IRAN LINKS NABBED IN IRAQ
U.S. troops on Sunday detained two suspected weapons smugglers who may linked to Iran's elite Quds force, the military said, as Washington presses allegations that Tehran is supporting violence in Iraq despite plans for new bilateral talks on the issue. The suspects and a number of weapons were seized during a raid on a rural farm compound in eastern Iraq, near the Iranian border, according to a military statement.
"The suspects may be associated with a network of terrorists that have been smuggling explosively formed projectiles (EFPs), other weapons, personnel and money from Iran into Iraq," the military said, referring to powerful, armor-piercing roadside bombs that have killed hundreds of U.S. soldiers in recent months. (FOXNews.com)
· Praise the Lord that actual evidence has been uncovered that Iranians are smuggling weapons and money into Iraq. The Lord is so faithful to reveal the work of the enemy and does so quickly when we ask. This find, occurring just before talks with the Iranians, should certainly give some leverage to our officials. Ask the Lord to help us make the Iraqi/Iranian border impervious to such clandestine smuggling. · "Mine eye shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me." (Psalm 92:11)
10. AL QAEDA'S DAYS ARE NUMBERED
Fed up with being part of a group that cuts off a person's face with piano wire to teach others a lesson, dozens of low-level members of Al Qaeda in Iraq are daring to become informants for the U.S. military in a hostile Baghdad neighbourhood.The ground-breaking move in Doura is part of a wider trend that has started in other Al Qaeda hotspots across the country and in which Sunni insurgent groups and tribal sheikhs have stood together with the coalition against the extremist movement.
"They are turning. We are talking to people who we believe have worked for Al Qaeda in Iraq and want to reconcile and have peace," said Colonel Ricky Gibbs, commander of the 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, which oversees the area. The secretive group, however, appears to be losing its grip as a "surge" of U.S. troops in the neighbourhood - part of the latest effort by President Bush to end the chaos in Iraq - has resulted in scores of fighters being killed, captured or forced to flee.
"Al Qaeda's days are numbered and right now he is scrambling," said Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Michael, who commands a battalion of 700 troops in Doura. (FOXNews.com) · What excellent news. Give God the glory, for He has put into the spirits of man repulsion against too much violence. Thank the Lord that He put such strength of conviction into President Bush to persevere in Iraq. Pray that the Iraqi people will continue to report Al Qaeda's movements to the American forces and for peace to be established. · "Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish." (Isaiah 41:11)
11. BUSH SECURITY ADVISOR: "NO OPTIONS OFF THE TABLE" IN PAKISTAN
The U.S. would consider military force if necessary to stem Al Qaeda's growing ability to use its hideout in Pakistan to launch terrorist attacks, a White House aide said Sunday. The Senate's top Democrat endorsed that approach.
The president's homeland security adviser, Fran Townsend, said the U.S. was committed first and foremost to working with Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, in his efforts to control militants in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border region. But she indicated the U.S. was ready to take additional measures. "Just because we don't speak about things publicly doesn't mean we're not doing things you talk about," Townsend said, when asked in a broadcast interview why the U.S. does not conduct special operations and other measures to cripple Al Qaeda. "Job No. 1 is to protect the American people. There are no options off the table." Townsend also stated, "No question that we will use any instrument at our disposal" to deal with Al Qaeda and its leader, Usama bin Laden.
Responding to earlier comments by Townsend, Pakistan's foreign minister, Khurshid Kasuri, said Sunday that the country's military was in the best position to attack Al Qaeda, if the U.S. provided intelligence. (FOXNews.com)
· Ask the Lord to reveal to our military intelligence exactly where Osama bin Laden and his camps are located in Pakistan so that this world menace may be captured and eliminated. Pray that President Musharraf will be able to fulfill his part in the defeat of Al Qaeda in his country. · "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and He shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them." (Deuteronomy 33:27)
12. AHMADINEJAD, ASSAD, AND NASRALLAH MEET IN DAMASCUS
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met with Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in Damascus on Thursday evening [July 19], according to the official Iranian news agency IRNA. He congratulated Nasrallah for the anniversary of Hizbullah's "victory" in the Second Lebanon War, saying that "thanks to the victory, while the Zionist regime is becoming weaker every day, Lebanon is enjoying internal serenity." In his meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad, the Iranian president said that "Iran and Syria are allies and will remain allies." According to Ahmadinejad, Iran and Syria "are united against the enemies of the two countries and the region." Asked about the possibility of another war breaking out in the region, the Iranian president replied, "We hope the summer will bring victories to the region's nations and failures to their enemies." He refused to elaborate. The IRNA news agency reported that the Iranian president said his country's role in the region was "to support the Palestinian people's armed struggle." Ahmadinejad called on the Palestinian factions to unite, saying that "in order to win, we don't need many people, but rather unity and solidarity." (Ynet News; Reported by: Bridges for Peace)
· Ahmadinejad may not be planning for Iran to hit Israel directly, but he is making every attempt to bring all the factions together to do his bidding and no doubt offering substantial financial support as well. Pray instead that God will bring discord and chaos among the camp of the wicked that plot against His anointed. · "O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle. Do not grant, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further his wicked scheme, lest they be exalted." (Psalm 140:7-8)
13. BULLETIN -- 23 SOUTH KOREAN HOSTAGES IN KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
Deadline for Punishment for Evangelizing Now is Tuesday Evening
According to a TimesOnline report, a group of 23 Christian short-term missionaries from South Korea was kidnapped at gunpoint by Taliban militants on Thursday. The missionaries were traveling by bus from Kabul to Kandehar, where they were scheduled by their church to work in a hospital there.
Religious cleric, Sayed Murard Shrifi, said to be head of the public court in Baghlan, remarked, "In terms of punishment the one who comes to a Muslim country to convert people to their religion must face the strongest punishment. The first choice is death and the second life in prison."
Missions Director, Joseph Park, of the Christian Council of Korea, explained the group's purpose in Afghanistan, "They are young Korean Christians who were engaged in short-term evangelistic activity and service for children in Kandahar. We cannot turn away from poor people and children there just because of safety risks."
The Christian Post reports that a deadline declared by the Islamic terror group-originally scheduled for Monday morning-has been extended to Tuesday evening, July 24th. If demands by the Taliban are not met by then, says militant spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi, "The Taliban won't have any option but to kill the hostages."
· Pray for the immediate release of these South Korean missionaries. May the hosts of Heaven be dispatched now to bring them safely out! AMEN!! · "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life." (Isaiah 43:4)
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