Volume XIV, Number 25a
September 17 - 21, 2007
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple . . . (Psalm 19:7)
1. SENATE TO CONSIDER "DREAM ACT" (AMNESTY MEASURE) NEXT WEEK!
2. ENDA AND HATE CRIMES: TWO BILLS TO KILL!
3. FOUR JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE; SOUTHWICK VOTE PENDING
4. BUSH TO START PULLOUT OF TROOPS; DEMOCRATS OBJECT
5. MOVEON.ORG MOCKS "GENERAL BETRAY US"; CONGRESS REACTS
6. SHEIK WHO BACKED U.S. IN IRAQ ASSASSINATED
7. GEN. PETRAEUS, AMBASSADOR CROCKER SUPPORT ASSYRIAN CHRISTIANS
8. VALUES VOTERS DEBATE TO TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY
9. HOMOSEXUAL PROPAGANDA INFILTRATES SCHOOLS
10. CHRISTIAN LAW FIRM REPRESENTS CITIZENS OPPOSED TO ISLAMIC SCHOOL
11. EXERCISE VIGILANT SHIELD 'O8 SLATED FOR OCTOBER
1. SENATE TO CONSIDER "DREAM ACT" (AMNESTY MEASURE) NEXT WEEK!
In the middle of actions on Defense next week, the open-borders Senators are going to attempt to attach three proposals that would give amnesty to millions of illegal aliens and dramatically increase the importation of additional foreign labor for American jobs. Many of the Senators who helped us kill the Comprehensive Amnesty in June are indicating they are in favor of these preferences for illegal foreign workers and new foreign workers over American workers. The three proposals are:
a. Senate Amendment 2237 to the Department of Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 1585), sponsored by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), is the DREAM Act, which would grant amnesty to the millions of illegal aliens who entered the United States before the age of 16.
b. A second piece of legislation, also designed to be attached to the Defense Authorization Bill, is called "the SKIL Act." If passed, this Act would increase the annual cap for "temporary" nonimmigrant visas from 65,000 to 115,000; and establishes more exemptions from the cap, thus rendering the cap virtually meaningless. The SKIL Act thus would increase H -1B visas and permanent greencards for foreign workers to take jobs from skilled American workers and students.
c. The third proposal will attempt to increase H-2B visas for seasonal foreign workers to take jobs from America's most vulnerable workers. This one, too, is designed to be attached to the Defense Authorization bill, which will shortly be passed in the Senate.
(Source: Numbers USA)
· Pray that the American people become aware QUICKLY of these stealth maneuvers to pass the Comprehensive Immigration Reform package in piecemeal steps. It seems that the immigration wolf is still at the door, so the watchmen need to be on the alert. Sound the alarm; call your friends; and call your senators, asking each one to vote NO on each proposal outlined above.
· "'This far you may come, but no farther, And here your proud waves must stop!'" (Job 38:10) "Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power . . . "(Psalm 110:3 NASB)
2. ENDA AND HATE CRIMES: TWO BILLS TO KILL!
[Source for both items and prayers: Family Research Council Prayer Targets]
a. Hate Crimes - Pastors across America are beginning seriously to oppose proposed Federal Hate Crimes legislation - which will be revisited, either as an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill or a stand alone bill - during the next few weeks. May the Lord intervene and may His people arise and say "NO!" to this egregious affront to God, the Church and the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees every American "equal justice under the law." May He forgive the Church for waiting so long to be "salt and light" in this important matter.
· May the numbers of pastors opposing this bill continue to swell and may it be defeated! May President Bush, if necessary, veto as promised. May this defeat be a turning point in the war being waged by homosexual activists in Congress and across the nation.
b. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is every bit as pernicious and far reaching as the more-publicized Hate Crimes bill. Hearings began on ENDA in a House subcommittee last week. Under ENDA large employers and small businesses - organizations of every kind, schools, non-profit groups, hospitals, clinics, counseling centers, even conservative think tanks, would be required to hire homosexuals, bisexuals and "transgendered" persons. An employer's faith, moral view, the sensitivity of his/her work or service or the makeup of his/her clientele is of no consequence. Private schools, daycare centers, scouting organizations and quasi-religious organizations will be not be exempt. Exceptions are made only for the military and explicitly religious organizations (but for how long?). This will mainstream homosexuality and other sexual perversions and provide "gay" activists a legal tool to punish employers who do not approve of these lifestyles, condemned in Scripture. Employers' liberty to use their own good judgment to hire will be a thing of the past. Much of American business, industry and our mammoth federal and state governments have already succumbed to the homosexual agenda. If ENDA is passed, those who have not yet will be required to do so by the force of law, the enforcement of federal authorities, and lawsuits by homosexual activists (we must both pray and make our voices heard by our elected officials).
· Pray that the American people, especially Bible believing pastors, will be stirred to stand against ENDA, just as they are beginning to do with the Hate Crimes Bill. May the Church understand the far- reaching consequences of failure to act now. May God graciously intervene to stop this bill.
· "The righteous see it and rejoice, And all iniquity stops its mouth." (Psalm 107:42)
3. FOUR JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE; SOUTHWICK VOTE PENDING
The Office of the Press Secretary at the White House has announced the following four nominees to serve as judges in the Courts named: 1) Stanley Thomas Anderson, of Tennessee, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee; 2) E. Duncan Getchell, Jr., of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit; 3) Steve A. Matthews, of South Carolina, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit; and 4) John A. Mendez, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of California.
In addition, the Family Research Council has announced that "Leslie Southwick - The Mississippi judge President Bush nominated to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals may soon receive an up or down vote in the U.S. Senate. Judge Southwick stands in stark contrast to a liberal judge in Iowa who last week declared Iowa's homosexual marriage ban unconstitutional. Such is why we must regularly undergird the judicial confirmation process with prayer. The liberal-run Senate is able to obstruct the confirmation process. Prayer must frequently be made if judges like Southwick are to be confirmed. Now it is up to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to schedule a vote by the full Senate."
· May Judge Southwick receive a speedy vote and be confirmed! May the President Bush continue to appoint high-quality judges like Southwick who will receive fair and timely review in the Senate and swift up or down vote as required by the Constitution.
· "Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens." (Exodus 18:21)
BULLETIN: Inside sources are reporting today that President Bush is about to announce his new choice for Attorney General, replacing Alberto Gonzalez. Pray that the president would choose a man of faith and humility -- and one who would serve in this office primarily out of a sense of duty to our country. The new Attorney General will have to help the Justice Department has to navigate its way through several difficult and sensitive policy matters, including the surveillance of terrorists and the detention of enemy combatants for the duration of this Administration; pray that our president be granted WISDOM in making this critical choice, and that he HEARS GOD in this matter. · "Whoever is wise will observe these things, And they will understand the lovingkindness of the LORD." (Psalm 107:43)
4. BUSH TO START PULLOUT OF TROOPS; DEMOCRATS OBJECT
a. In his address to the nation on Thursday night, President Bush said the U.S. military"s success in Iraq has made it possible to begin withdrawing some troops but noted that future withdrawals will be based on continued success and renewed his call on Iraqi leaders to take control of their country. The president said 5,700 U.S. troops would return home by Christmas. He also said that five combat brigades, out of the 20 in Iraq, would be withdrawn by next summer, without saying exactly how many troops that would be. (Washington Times)
· Lord we seek You to secure Iraq. We pray for the Iraqi forces to be strengthened to control their country. We thank You for the wisdom in gradually withdrawing troops. Bless our military with success and protection.
· "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." (Is. 40:29)
b. Senate Democrats Reject Troop Reduction Plan for Iraq - Fox News
Setting the stage for yet another showdown with the Bush administration over Iraq policy, top Senate Democratic leaders vowed to fight plans to withdraw roughly 30,000 troops from Iraq, saying those plans do not go far enough. "It appears the president's dug in, unwilling to recognize that his strategy is placing all the burden on our military, and it's simply not working," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told reporters Wednesday afternoon.
"His plan is neither to draw down, nor a change in mission that we need. His plan is simply more of the same: to keep at least 130,000 troops - American troops - in the midst of an intractable civil war. This is unacceptable to me, unacceptable to the American people," Reid said.
· Father we take authority over the spirits of division and deception which are paralyzing our government from decisive actions in all matters of both domestic and foreign policy. We bind the angel of light from operating within our Congress, and plead the Blood of Jesus over all branches of our government. We loose God's truth, clarity of thought, and righteousness over our elected officials.
· "Behold, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19)
Prayer offered by Pray4theUSA.com: "Pray that our nation's leaders would make wise decisions regarding the war in Iraq. Pray that political candidates and leaders would resist the urge to divide our nation by using the war as a wedge issue. Pray that they would instead work together to develop the wisest course of action in Iraq." Amen!
5. MOVEON.ORG CALLS GEN. PETRAEUS "GENERAL BETRAYUS"; CONGRESS REACTS
Gen. David Petraeus addressed Congress with his long-anticipated progress report about our mission in Iraq. The news that the surge is working, the Iraqis are beginning to take back their country and our troops are defeating al-Qaeda is encouraging to patriotic Americans. But pro-defeat groups like MoveOn.org and their allies in Congress have decided that any good news regarding Iraq is bad news for them politically. MoveOn.org viciously attacked the character and integrity of Gen. Petraeus with a full-page ad in the New York Times calling him "General Betray Us!"
It is legitimate to ask tough questions of Gen. Petraeus on his testimony but not to question his patriotism. The vicious attack on him, his commitment to the American people and the integrity with which he leads the Multi-National Force in Iraq will go down in history as a disgrace. It will be seen not only as a reprehensible criticism of Gen. Petraeus but, by extension, those who serve under him - all members of the United States Armed Forces.
In response to the unwarranted assault on Gen. Petraues' character, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) introduced resolutions that strongly condemn these personal attacks on Gen. Petraeus' honor and integrity. If MoveOn.org does not speak for you, please call your Representative and Senators at 202-224- 3121 and urge them to go on record condemning the personal attacks on Gen. Petraeus' integrity and the forces he leads and to vote in favor of the Cornyn resolution in the Senate and the Boehner resolution in the House. (Concerned Women for America)
· Praise the Lord for leadership that calls disgrceful behavior to account. Evidently, MoveOn.org considers no behavior too outrageous unless it is caught - like a rebellious child about to flush the kitten down the toilet! This is clever irresponsibility by adults who should have developed by this time a sense of decency and respect. Pray for those who devised this ad that they will receive salvation in Jesus Christ. Support this resolution in both the Senate and the House.
· "When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge." (Proverbs 21:11)
6. SHEIK WHO BACKED U.S. IN IRAQ ASSASSINATED
A high-profile Sunni Arab sheik who collaborated with the American military in the fight against jihadist militants in western Iraq was killed in a bomb attack on Thursday near his desert compound. The attack appeared to be a precisely planned assassination meant to undermine one of the Bush administration's trumpeted achievements in the war.The attack appeared to be a precisely planned assassination meant to undermine one of the Bush administration's trumpeted achievements in the war. Two guards were also killed in the attack on the sheik, Abdul Sattar Buzaigh al- Rishawi, who just last week shook hands with President Bush during the president's surprise visit to Anbar to extol the Sunni cooperation that has made the province, once Iraq's most dangerous, relatively safe.
In his speech, Bush acknowledged the killing. "Earlier today, one of the brave tribal sheiks who helped lead the revolt against Al Qaeda was murdered," he said. "In response, a fellow Sunni leader declared: 'We are determined to strike back and continue our work.' And as they do, they can count on the continued support of the United States." (Herald Tribune, 9/13/07)
· Father, we ask that You raise up more Sunnis to stand with the U.S., that this incident will have the opposite effect than what was planned by the enemy.
· "And we know that all things work together for good . . ." (Romans 8:28)
7. GEN. PETRAEUS, AMBASSADOR CROCKER SUPPORT ASSYRIAN CHRISTIANS IN IRAQ
In between grueling testimony before the House of Representatives and Senate that ran nearly 20 hours, General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker both publicly and privately expressed their support for the Assyrian Christians of Iraq and confirmed their reputations as friends of the Assyrian Christians.
The Assyrian Christians, the original people of Iraq and the people of Biblical Nineveh the setting of Jonah and the whale, became the first Christian Nation following the death of Christ. As the only people who speak Aramaic and with a nearly 10% population in Iraq, they are crucial to the success of the current efforts in Iraq.
General David Petraeus, on the other hand served initially in Mosul, in historic Assyria and has many Assyrian Christian friends. Petraeus is famed for conducting the longest heliborne assault in history to reach Nineveh. His nearly one year in Mosul, rebuilding and setting up the administration in the heart of the Assyrian homeland and the program of public works and governmental reform made the region of the most stable in all of Iraq. (Intercessors for America)
· With estimates of up to 800,000 Assyrian Christians as refugees, the Iraqi Prime Minister's office has proposed the setting up of an Assyrian Security Area to enable those who have left the country to return, support for resettlement and for support to those currently living as displaced persons outside Iraq. Pray that this movement towards granting the Assyrian Christians -- the original people of Iraq -- their own land would come to fruition. Pray!
· "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
8. VALUES VOTERS DEBATE TO TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY
The Values Voter Presidential Debate that will take place this Monday, September 17, at 7pm (EST). The debate will take place in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Forty of our nation's top Christian and conservative leaders will ask the presidential candidates the questions that will be of great concern to us as Christian voters. Please cover every aspect of this event in prayer. Pray that the Lord would use it to shine a light on where the candidates really stand. Pray as well that one strong Values Voter candidate would emerge that would be worthy of support --a David who would eclipse all his brothers.
The debate will cover such issues as abortion,immigration, marriage and other issues Values Voters consider important. If you want to see where they stand on the traditional, pro-family issues, don't miss this debate.
The debate will be shown live on Sky Angel satellite and via the Internet by the American Family Association. You can also listen to the debate on VCY America and AFA radio networks. Check the respective websites for details. It's not too soon to be praying for Decision '08. (Bill Lewis; Sons of Issachar)
· Cover this debate with intercessory prayer throughout. Beforehand, pray about the questions asked and the answers that they should elicit. An interesting, large field of Christian candidates is seeking the nomination for president, and that field needs to be winnowed. Ask the Lord to winnow. Pray for a supportive, not hostile, audience to be present in Broward.
· "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way." (Psalm 37:23)
9. HOMOSEXUAL PROPAGANDA INFILTRATES SCHOOLS
Another example of how pro-homosexual propaganda is appearing in schools--and in lower and lower grades--was reported today in The New York Times. Evesham Township, New Jersey, is embroiled in controversy over a film called "That's a Family!" which is shown to third-graders. Produced in 2000 with an obvious agenda to indoctrinate kids, the movie celebrates diverse "families." It includes a child who boasts that having "two dads" is "really cool." Interestingly enough, the film is promoting homes headed by same-sex couples--a union that, with the exception of Massachusetts, doesn't even exist as marriage in American law. After it was shown last December and some parents objected, a special screening was arranged--and parents remained split down the middle over whether it was appropriate. The school board decided to remove the video from its curriculum on August 30.
The implications of this controversy go beyond just one school district--even to the Employment Non- Discrimination Act (ENDA) now being considered by Congress. The Times reports that the decision to shelve the film has provoked "the threat of a lawsuit by gay rights activists who said the district's refusal to show the video was a violation of state antidiscrimination laws." In other words, ending "discrimination" means that homosexual propaganda in grade school is mandatory. One supporter of the film said that opponents "say, 'We can teach our own kids.' Sure you can. But who's going to teach you?" There are none so intolerant as those who want to force their own vision of "tolerance" on others. As this article points out, "That's a Family!" has wormed its way into far more cities than Evesham. To ensure that your town isn't one of them, contact your child's school to see if the film is scheduled to make an appearance--before it's too late! (Family Research Council)
· These are the days in which we cannot give a casual glance at the news, for the enemy is ever busy to deceive us and our children. Will you be one of the citizens who stands against such propaganda of the homosexuals and their attempts to indoctrinate America's children that their behavior is acceptable? God calls such behavior an "abomination." Pray that all parents will oppose the showing of this film in schools and that the film will disappear down the sewer where it rightfully belongs.
· "The labor of the righteous tendeth to life; the fruit of the wicked to sin." (Proverbs 10:16)
10. CHRISTIAN LAW FIRM REPRESENTS CITIZENS OPPOSED TO ISLAMIC SCHOOL
A Christian public-interest law firm has announced it will represent a group of citizens who are opposed to today's scheduled opening of a school in Brooklyn, New York, that will completely immerse its students in the Islamic culture. The Thomas More Law Center believes the Khalil Gibran International Academy is nothing more than a thinly disguised incubator for Islamist radicalization. That is why the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based firm is weighing in on the controversy. Spokesman Brian Rooney says the Brooklyn school is a Trojan Horse that New York City is building with taxpayer money.
"We're concerned at Kahlil Gibran about the notion of Arabic-speaking Islamic indoctrination of a community that already has trouble assimilating into our culture -- and we are afraid of the aspect of home-grown terrorism," Rooney states bluntly. The attorney points out that this is not the first time the Law Center has intervened in a case where a public school is indoctrinating children about Islam. "The Byron School District in California made students take Islamic names, and play games like jihad, and say Islamic prayers over a three-week indoctrination period," he notes.
The Thomas More Law Center spokesman argues that the school should be focusing on preparing students for being citizens of the United States, but that in place of American civics will be teaching "Islamics, and Arabic poets." Rooney says his legal firm not only will monitor the Brooklyn school to make sure it complies with the law, but is prepared to file a federal lawsuit if it does not. (OneNewsNow.com)
· Praise the Lord for citizens' alertness to the dangers of teaching Islam in the public school. Keep in mind that Saudi Arabia does not even allow Bibles in that country. Pray against this spirit of religious tolerance that is spreading across our nation like an insidious cancer. Freedom of worship is not the same as tolerance. Pray for the success of this lawsuit.
· "Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth." (Proverbs 17:24)
11. EXERCISE VIGILANT SHIELD 'O8 SLATED FOR OCTOBER
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command along with U.S. Pacific Command, the Department of Homeland Security as well as local, state and other federal responders will exercise their response abilities against a variety of potential threats during Exercise Vigilant Shield '08, a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-designated, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM)-sponsored, and U.S. Joint Forces Command-supported Department of Defense exercise for homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities missions.
VS-08 will be conducted concurrent with Top Officials 4 (TOPOFF 4), the nation's premier exercise of terrorism preparedness sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security, and several other linked exercises as part of the National Level Exercise 1-08. These linked exercises will take place October 15-20 and are being conducted throughout the United States and in conjunction with several partner nations including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as well as the Territory of Guam. (Northcom)
· Offer prayers during this very strategic military exercise, asking our Lord to bless the efforts of everyone who will be involved. It is absolutley critical that all of our forces "on the ground" be as prepared as possible in the event of a catastrophic emergency of any kind; but in the end, we must rely on our hidden forces "in the air" to give us maximum protection.
· " . . . if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
GOD OF PEACE (Ehlohay Ha-Shalom)
"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." (Romans 16:20)
You are the God of Peace, yet I thank You because You go to battle for me. How glad I am that I need not trust in my hands, my ability or my strength for defense. I simply put my life into Your hands and have all the help I need. How I praise You!
(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)
Thank You for Joining Us in Prayer
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (I Timothy 2:1,2 NKJV)
