Thursday, January 31, 2008

The Daily Brief - Wednesday, January 30, 2008

"Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 33:12)

Today's Daily Brief


1. House Approves Economic Recovery Plan - Associated Press


The House, seizing a rare moment of bipartisanship to respond to the economy's slump, overwhelmingly passed a $146 billion aid package Tuesday, that would speed rebates of $600-$1,200 to most taxpayers. The House plan would send some rebate to anyone with at least $3,000 in income, with more going to families with children and less going to wealthier taxpayers.

It faced a murky future in the Senate, though, where Democrats and some Republicans backed a larger package that adds billions of dollars for senior citizens and the unemployed, and shrinks the rebate to $500 for individuals and $1,000 for couples. The Senate plan would deliver checks even to the richest taxpayers, who are disqualified under the House-passed measure.

· Gracious Heavenly Father, may the people of America learn to trust in You like a little child, and not solely put their trust in man and his government. We thank You for this encouraging sign to help revitalize our stumbling economy, but it has not yet been approved. May we continue to trust in You for our every daily need! For Your Glory, we pray. Amen.

· "Jesus said to him, 'If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.' Immediately, the father of the child cried out and said with tears, 'Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!'" (Mark 9: 23-24 NKJV)

2. Fed Weighs Another Rate Reduction - ABC News


Individuals and businesses are likely to see their borrowing costs drop further as the Federal Reserve weighs another interest-rate reduction to bolster a sagging economy. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and his colleagues are scheduled to open a two-day,closed-door meeting Tuesday afternoon to plot their next move on interest rates. The gathering comes amid growing fears the country is either on the brink of a recession or has started slipping into one from a housing market collapse, a global credit crunch and turbulence on Wall Street. The country's last recession was in 2001.

Many economists believe the Fed will lower its key rate, now at 3.5 percent, by as much as one-half percentage point to 3 percent when policymakers wrap up their meeting Wednesday afternoon. If this happens, commercial banks would be expected to lower their prime lending rate by a corresponding amount from 6.5 percent to 6 percent. Then both the Fed's key rate and the prime rate would be at nearly three-year lows. The prime rate applies to certain credit cards, home equity lines of credit and other loans.

· Praise God for leading America's financial officials and experts to guide this nation away from a recession and into a healthy economic climate. May Chairman Bernanke and America's economic officials continue to seek the Lord's Face in their deliberations.

· "Make Your Face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes." (Psalm 119: 135 NKJV)

3. McCain Wins Florida, Giuliani to End White House Bid - ABC News, AFP, Associated Press and CBN News


Republican hopeful John McCain won a narrow victory over rival Mitt Romney in Florida's primaries Tuesday, delivering a body blow to the White House hopes of ex-New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Sources told ABC News, the former mayor will board a plane to California Wednesday morning, and once there, instead of participating in the Republican debate, he will drop out of the presidential race and endorse Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

Republican Mitt Romney, his family and supporters vowed to carry his campaign into the vote-rich Super Tuesday contests next week after narrowly losing Florida's primary to rival John McCain. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee didn't say too much about the results of the Florida primary while speaking to a crowd in St. Louis, Missouri, that night, except, "We're playing all nine innings of this ball game."

Hillary Rodham Clinton won the Florida Democratic primary Tuesday night, an event that drew no campaigning by any of her presidential rivals and awarded no delegates to the winner.

· Only You, God, know who should be the next President of the United States. Please remind us to be faithful to You in prayer about this. May You lead on in this election process for Your Sovereign Glory.

· "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20: 7 NKJV)

4. Gorbachev, Rebuking Putin, Criticizes Russian Elections - NY Times, Washington Post and AP

Mikhail S. Gorbachev, the final leader of the Soviet Union, sharply criticized the state of Russia's electoral system in remarks published Monday and called for extensive reforms to a system that has secured power for President Vladimir V. Putin and the Kremlin's inner circle. Giving fuel to Mr. Gorbachev's call for election reform, is President Vladimir Putin's chosen successor, Dmitry Medvedev, who has refused to meet his rivals for the presidency in live television debates in the run-up to the March 2 election. Another perceived problem is that Russia is now limiting foreign election monitors. It has invited only 400 international monitors to observe the presidential election in March, the country's election chief said Monday -- half the number that participated four years ago.

· Dearest Jesus, we have asked in Your Name that Vladimir Putin would not be arrogant and abusive in the affairs of the country that You have entrusted to him. We humbly ask in Your Name that this man would be admonished by the Eternal God to stop acting as if he were God. We continue to ask for his salvation and of those who support him and his administration. May Russia be saved for Your glory to bring many more unsaved countries into Your Kingdom. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

· "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God, who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1: 17 NKJV)

5. Coming Soon: Artificial Lungs - USA Today

When the lungs fail, doctors have few tools in their arsenal to help people breathe. That may change soon, say scientists who believe they may soon be able to offer patients with acute lung failure an artificial lung - at least one that can be used short-term while they await transplants or for their damaged lungs to heal.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 150,000 Americans experience lung failure each year. A third do not survive, and those who do often suffer permanent respiratory damage. One thousand wait in line for lung transplants; 25% will die because their lungs fail them while they wait.

· Dear Lord, the God Who Heals, may You remind these doctors, patients and the medical world that You have the power over life and death. May they ask You to allow these artificial lungs to help those who need them and to ultimately give You the glory for this and other medical advancements! May the medical community seek Your Face in all that they do to heal, and not harm.

· "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases." (Psalm 103: 2-3 NKJV)


The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"[Nebuchadnezzar] was driven from the sons of men . . . till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and He appoints over it whomsoever He will." (Daniel 5:21)

1. Ahmadinejad tells West: Accept Israel's 'imminent collapse' - Ha'aretz

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called on the West Wednesday to acknowledge Israel's "imminent collapse."

2. Winograd Committee to issue final report on Wednesday - Jerusalem Post

After much anticipation and speculation, the Winograd Committee of Examination into the performance of the government and the army in the years leading up to and during the Second Lebanon War is due to present its findings to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Wednesday.

3. Report on Lebanon war threatens Ehud Olmert power amid call for resignation - London Times

Ehud Olmert, the Israeli Prime Minister, will face one of his toughest challenges today when a damning report into his leadership during the 2006 Lebanon War is released, threatening his political career and the renewed peace process on which he has staked his reputation.

Prayers for the Persecuted Church

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Mt. 5:44)

1. China Releases More House Church Leaders From Labor Camp - Worthy News

China on Wednesday, January 23, released three female house church leaders "unconditionally" from their labor camp in Hubei province, in what their supporters described as "another legal stunning victory."

2. Death Toll Rising In Orissa Refugee Camps; Violence Spreading - Worthy News

An elderly pastor in India's Orissa state, who fled the deadliest Hindu-violence against Indian Christians there in recent memory, has died in a government-run refugee camp, a well-informed rights group confirmed Tuesday, January 22.

3. LETTERS FROM KENYA

(Received late last Saturday . . . please hold this pastor in prayer)

Good afternoon Dave,

I am asking you to pray with us concerning a pastor friend of Melanie and ours. He is the pastor who hosted us during our stay in Africa. He also stayed at our home several months ago. His name is Pastor Cosmas. His wifes name is Irene. The president of Kenya is a Kikuyu. The opposing tribe accuse him of fixing the election. So they are hunting down and killing Kikuyus all over Kenya.

The violence was initially centered around Nairobi. Yet I was on the web tonight and saw that the violence has spilled over into Naivasha which is the pastor's town. I called him immediately. He said tonight has been a terrible night with 25 people being burned behind his house. Gun shots all around. He wants to leave but he can't leave for the sake of the flock of God there in Naivasha. It is 2:30 in the morning now. Another wave is scheduled at 3:00.

Please join us in praying for Pastor Cosmas and Irene as well as the region as a whole. Thank you and Grace to you.

Eric L.

Update!<br>
This just in . . . since others prayed for Pastor Cosmas, God has answered with a miracle. Updated report follows below:

Greetings those of Lords Household,

Indeed it is amazing what to consider the effect that the saints of the Great King can have on the affairs of the earth. I want to thank you who are of the Lord's bretheren for taking up this task with me and my family. I recently spoke with my dear friend and Kenyan Pastor Cosmas and he told me that the attack that was scheduled to take place at 3:00 am on the 27th never took place because the attackers never showed up. Stunning.

Please continue to keep the overall matter before the Lord in a spare moment or two . . .

I would like to say Grace, Grace to you and your families and may the Lord continue to woo our hearts and make us His forever. We shall meet on the Sea of Glass in the morning of Eternity. Be well.

Eric L.


Major Snowstorm Hits China

China Deploys Troops to Help Snowstorm Relief Effort

China ordered the largest deployment of troops in at least a decade to clear ice and restore transport links and power supplies after the worst snowstorms since 1954. About 600,000 people remained stranded in the southern city of Guangzhou days before the start of the Lunar New Year holiday, when tens of millions of migrant workers return home. The government boosted food supplies to prevent hoarding and ordered shops to stop raising food prices, while the weather bureau warned the country to prepare for more snow until Feb. 2.

Blizzards in eastern, central and southern China over the past two weeks have caused an estimated 32.7 billion yuan ($4.5 billion) of economic losses, destroying crops, causing power cuts and forcing smelters and carmakers to reduce or halt production. Airports, railway stations and highways in Shanghai and major cities were snared in logjams. About 149,000 houses have been destroyed and 602,000 damaged, with 1.62 million people relocated, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said today. At least 55 people have died. (Bloomberg)

(The following prayer request comes from an anonymous source.)

· Please pray for the situation going on right now in the Guizhou Province of southcentral China. Normally this area enjoys rather temperate weather, but this winter has been brutal. There is no heat. They are running out of food because everything is freeze burned. No buses running and trains that usually take 3 hours to reach a city are taking 20 hours if at all.

Thick ice is everywhere and people are falling and breaking bones. Some are dying as a result.

Pray for a warmer front to move in quickly and for help to arrive to restore the heat.


Prayer for the Primaries

Next week is SUPER TUESDAY, when more than 20 states have scheduled their contests for the earliest date allowed by the party without special exception.

· Earnestly intercede against media and special interest manipulation during this primary season. Pray that moral, God-fearing, pro-life, pro-marriage, and pro-family men and women be selected, supported, and find favor in local, state, and national campaigns. Intercede that the Lord reveal His choices, expose corruption, immorality, bribery, the occult, and hidden anti-biblical agendas.

(Source: Intercessors for America)

" . . . if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)

For a complete guide to the Republican primaries, go here:

For a complete guide to the Democratic primaries, go here:


Links to Other Resources

Recommended links are now posted on our CHPP Blog. Click here to visit our blog for more information.

We particularly wish to cite Intercessors for America as the source to find all other ongoing prayer initiatives at this time.

For news at the state level (including court decisions re: gay rights), please see the links for the Family Research Council and for Citizen Link (Focus on the Family.) Thank you!!





Wednesday, January 30, 2008

The Daily Brief - Tuesday, January 29, 2008

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 33:12)

Today's Daily Brief

1. Bush to Congress: Have Faith, Work Together - Fox News

President Bush advised Congress Monday to put trust in the American people to keep the state of the union strong, urged the legislative body to take quick action to prevent a recession and stood strong in his support for ongoing operations in Iraq.

· "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." (Mt. 6:10)

2. Severe Cold and Snow Hit Midwest - The New York Times

The upper Midwest braced for an Arctic blast on Tuesday with temperatures expected to drop as much as 50 degrees during the day, as areas farther west dug out from a snowstorm on Monday that snarled highways, closed schools and interrupted power to thousands of homes and businesses.

· Lord, we pray that You will calm all these storms that are troubling the people and animals in the Midwest. In Your mercy, we ask You to place a shield around our nation, protecting us from bad weather, fires, or any terrorist attacks. AMEN!

· The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. (Psalms 18:2, 3)

3. Stimulus Package Will Boost Deficit - AP

A proposed economic stimulus plan could boost this year's deficit by $100 billion, but political leaders believe the flood of red ink is worth the cost if it keeps the country from falling into a prolonged recession.

· Lord, help us to balance our budget in the U.S. We are borrowing money from China to stimulate the U.S. economy, but with the trade exchange with China, we will wind up buying Chinese products which will then enrich China. The same thing is true with buying oil from our enemies in the Middle East. Help us to get these things straightened out! Let us be fruitful and mighty in spreading the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ in this nation and throughout the world, for the export of the Gospel is the most important export of all.

· For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness." (1 Corinthians 3:19) · Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15, 16, 17)

4. US spy satellite set to hit Earth by early March: Pentagon - AFP

An out-of-control US spy satellite is expected to crash to Earth in late February or early March, the Pentagon said Monday without specifying where it might land.

We praise the Lord that, when things are out of control, He is IN CONTROL. Lift up this need before our Lord, for He can and will answer, if we but ask. "Father God, we thank You for taking control over this satellite, and for bringing it safely to earth." In Jesus' Name, amen.

· "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Mt. 21:22)

5. Russia accelerates nuclear fuel shipments to Iran - World Tribune

Russia has stepped up the pace of nuclear fuel shipments to Iran. Officials said Moscow plans to conclude the shipment of 82 tons of nuclear fuel for Iran's Bushehr nuclear energy reactor by early February. Around 80 percent of the nuclear fuel has already been delivered.

· Lord, we pray that You will slow down this acceleration of nations that are building weapons to use against other nations. We pray that Russia, China, and Iran will not be able to come to any agreements to help each other. Bring confusion to their communications!

· "Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech." (Genesis 11:7)

6. UN Says Bird Flu Remains a Global Threat - VOA

The United Nations is warning that bird flu outbreaks have spread to 15 countries, making the disease a global threat that requires close monitoring.

· You have promised Your people that You would be a covering for them. And we know that anyone who runs to You will be safe. Let the scientists quickly find the vaccine that will be able to overcome this flu outbreak. Let the glory for this discovery go to You, Lord!

· Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast. How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. (Psalms 36:6, 7)

7. Pakistan rejects secret request by U.S. to increase CIA presence - Int'l Herald Tribune

The top two U.S. intelligence officials traveled secretly to Pakistan this month to press President Pervez Musharraf to allow the CIA greater latitude to operate in the tribal territories where Al Qaeda, the Taliban and other militant groups are all active, according to several officials who have been briefed on the visit.

· Lord, we know that Musharraf is fearful of alienating these tribal leaders. Let him have confidence that they will not depose him because he is working with the U.S. Give us favor with both President Musharraf and these tribal leaders. Please open the doors of opportunity that are good for us and that are in the free world's best interests! Amen!

· But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. (Psalms 5:11, 12)


The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"[Nebuchadnezzar] was driven from the sons of men . . . till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and He appoints over it whomsoever He will." (Daniel 5:21)

1. Bush: The time has come for peace in the Holy Land - Jerusalem Post

US President George W. Bush reiterated his commitment to working toward lasting peace in the Middle East in his final State of the Union address on Monday night.

2. Olmert: Delay talks on Jerusalem to avoid derailing peace process - Ha'aretz

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Monday that discussion over the future of Jerusalem should be held off until a later phase in negotiations with the Palestinians, to avoid the risk of derailing peace talks.

3. Blair Wants Mideast Peace in 2008 - AP

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair told the final session of the World Economic Forum on Sunday that he wants an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal and a pact on climate change by the end of 2008.

4. Egypt agrees to Abbas control over Gaza border, Palestinian officials say- Ynet News

Egypt has agreed to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' plan to assume control of Gaza's crossing with Egypt, excluding Hamas Islamists who rule the territory, Palestinian and Egyptian officials said on Sunday.

5. Barak: Iran nuke program 'quite advanced' - Ynet News

Israel suspects that Iran is pursuing a clandestine nuclear enrichment operation and is "probably already working on warheads for ground-to-ground missiles," Defense Minister Ehud Barak told the Washington Post in an interview published Saturday.

· Heavenly Father, there is nothing that escapes Your eyes. We pray that You will reveal the secret plans of our enemies. Go before us, Lord!

· The Lord has made bare His holy arm In the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God . . . For you shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight; for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (Isaiah 52:10, 12)


Prayers for the Persecuted Church

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
(Mt. 5:44)

1. Malaysia: Indigenous Group Sues Over Demolished Church - Worthy News

An indigenous church community has filed a lawsuit against local authorities in the state of Kelantan over the demolition of their church building on June 4, 2007.

2. Egypt: Tempers Flare into Melee at Convert's Hearing - Worthy News

An Egyptian judge is scheduled to rule next week on the case of a Muslim-born convert to Christianity whose court hearing threatened to turn into a brawl earlier this month, the convert's lawyer said.

3. Protestant Pastor Shot Dead In Philippines - Worthy News

Christians in the Philippines on Saturday, January 26, mourned a Protestant pastor after police confirmed he was shot and killed, the second member of the Philippine clergy to die violently in nine days.

LETTERS FROM KENYA: INTRODUCTION

[Editor's note: We continue to receive desperate requests for prayer from pastors in Keny6a. This week we will share some of these with you. Here is an introductory letter for the prayer request that follows.]

Good Morning,

As many of you are aware, Kenya is in the midst of a civil war. Thought it is a beautiful country, the tribal divisions are as strong as ever. these uprisings are not little villages with huts - they are cities like ours.

The election they had over the holidays was not "clean" and is in dispute. There is uprising between the two tribes. Believers Ministry Int'l. has churches from both tribes and their cities are in riot at this time and have been throughout the last month.

Last night, however, Pastor Kenny's city was hit and many were killed. Pastor Kenny is over our ISOM ministry (Bible colleges) and is our main pastor over all of our churches there. Kisumo, where our main pastor is Pastor George, is our other main base has been hit the same. Families are scattered and prayers are going up for their safety.

Please join as we pray for Kenya.

Have a wonderful day and God bless you.

Pastor Karie

Our town has been a no go zone since Thursday. We had violence engulf the entire town. We could not venture out. We had houses burnt down and people from different tribes killed. It's been terrible. We had over sixty killed by last night.

As I write the situation is somehow back to normal in some parts but it's tense. Everybody is alert. On Friday we had to accomodate a family of five at our place. Saturday we had to more. Sunday we had no church service in church or neither in our slum church.

Our people are scattered with fear becoz we don't know the wherebouts of others. Last night I had to seek refuge in some house and leave my family alone coz my community was the target. At midnight my wife called me to let me know that gunfire was just outside our home. She was crying and this made me sorrowful. My wife is from another community. It was long night for both of us. I'm now on my way back home to collect my wife and daughter. Please pray with us that peace may be restore in Kenya. Any support to help us out is welcome. Keep us in your prayers.

pastor ken

still going strong no matter what

Monday, January 28th


Cloning, Embryonic Stem Cell Research

The recent news that scientists have produced embryonic-like stem cells from skin cells - without killing embryos to produce them, was followed by news last week that a cloned human embryo was produced from a scientist's own skin cells. Oddly, says FRC's Senior Fellow for Life Sciences, Dr. David Prentice, "scientists probably are responsible for the media downplaying this unbelievable news." To accomplish this, female donors were hormonally stimulated to harvest dozens of immature human eggs from which 6-12 were used in the experiments. The results? No Embryonic stem cells were produced and all the embryos were destroyed.

This unethical, inefficient, "non-therapeutic" cloning "instrumentalizes" human life, says Prentice. It increases the risk that someone will use the technique to bring clones to birth and increases risk to women's health (lots of eggs required). This kind of "research" has no benefit for patients and is useless compared to adult stem cell research which has produced scores of therapies that are helping thousands of patients right now. Also now, adult stem cells programmed to behave like embryonic stem cells can do everything that embryonic stem cells can, but are efficient, easy, cheap, and fundable. The good thing about this cloning event is that it could revive congressional debate over Sens. Sam Brownback (R- KS) and Mary Landrieu's (D-LA) bill to outlaw human cloning vs. Sen. Orin Hatch's bill to "protect" the practice. (FRC Prayer Targets)

· May Congress revive the cloning debate and may the American people, through their elected representatives, say "NO!" to all human cloning! May the truth about successful adult stem cell therapies, so obviously blessed by God, become common knowledge in America! May the failure of embryonic stem cell research, the tumors such research produced, the high cost in human life and disdain for human dignity and ethics that accompany it, similarly be understood in America and around the world!

· "Thou shalt not murder." (Exodus 20:13)


Traditional Marriage on November Ballots

States Work to Pop the Question on November Ballots

In places like Iowa, Indiana, Maryland, and Florida, the President's annual State of the Union address is taking a backseat to what many see as the troubling state of their own unions. Pro-family Hoosiers, who recently celebrated the legislature's decision to vote their marriage protection amendment out of committee, are facing a do-or-die battle to get the initiative on the November ballot. If House Speaker Pat Bauer (D) sabotages the bill, as he has promised to do, voters will have to wait four to six years for another shot at protecting marriage. If Bauer, who is an award- winning opponent of traditional marriage (so honored by the ACLU), bars citizens from defining marriage, it will only be a matter of time before Indiana's courts do so for them.

In the Sunshine State, where residents are consumed by the presidential primaries, another race hangs in the balance--the race against time for traditional marriage proponents. Florida4Marriage has been scrambling to gather thousands of new signatures to place a marriage protection amendment on this November's ballot. As a result, left-wing groups are out in full force, countering the petition drive with the same scare tactics that defeated the Arizona marriage amendment. Preying on the fears of the elderly, liberals are wrongly arguing that the amendment would threaten their well being. It would not, but homosexuals aren't letting a little thing like the truth get in the way of an effective campaign.

Elsewhere, Iowans are so outraged at the activism of a lower court in striking down the ban on gay marriage that they have petitioned the legislature to impeach the judge responsible for last year's ruling. At a January 16 rally, protestors demanded that their leaders take up a marriage protection amendment before the case goes to the Iowa Supreme Court. Although Governor Chet Culver (D) pledged to "stop gay marriage from coming to [his] state," he has yet to do a single thing to prevent it. On the contrary, he's publicly refused to push any legislation until the high court rules.

In the brief time since Maryland's General Assembly has convened, proponents of same-sex "marriage" have already canvassed the State House, lobbying members to introduce bills that would overturn the existing ban on homosexual marriage. Reports indicate that a handful of those bills are making their debut in the legislature today. Time is of the essence! If you live in these states or have friends who do, we urge you to make your voices heard. On the future of marriage, it could make all the difference! (Family Research Council)


Common Ground With Islam Regarding the Identity of God is Heresy

Common ground with a common enemy could be a sin of heresy, yet religious leaders are sprinting toward a new understanding of peace. Omar Usama bin Laden, the son of the terrorist who masterminded the attack on innocent Americans that left nearly 3,000 dead on September 11, 2001, wants to promote common ground and understanding between Christians and Muslims. In a sense, from a common ground perspective, there is not much difference between this son of a murdering terrorist and a group of leading American evangelists who, in response to Muslim scholars, implied that allah and Jehovah are the same and apologized for America's excesses in the war on terror.

Omar bin Laden wants to be an ambassador of peace between Islam and the West. bin Laden, the son, says he wants to be a negotiator and wants to find a way to peace other than fighting. In October, some 138 Muslim scholars invited Christian leaders to join them in common ground. The letter partially quoted the Koran throughout, emphasizing the positive sayings without the entire context-omitting the parts of the same Koran verses that suggest that anyone not accepting Islam is an infidel. Dawa, an invitation for dialogue with hope of conversion, was extended to the Christian community. This reasonable offer turns sour, however, when there is no conversion, then there is either submission or death.

So-called Christian leaders responded with a letter, first by defining God in Islamic terms when they asked forgiveness of "the All-Merciful One and of the Muslim community around the world" for excesses in the war on terror and for past sins against their "Muslim neighbors." Later in the letter they confirmed their reference to God from an Islamic perspective, "In the Muslim tradition, God, "the Lord of the worlds," is "The Infinitely Good and All-Merciful." And the New Testament states clearly that "God is love"." They called for interfaith dialogue to "begin the earnest work of determining how God would have us fulfill the requirement that we love God and one another."

This letter has been signed by some 300 people claiming to represent Christianity, including leftist Jim Wallis of Sojourners; Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life; Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Community Church; and Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals. Yes, we are called to seek peace. But where these people have crossed the line is by inferring that the god Islam worships is the same God that Christians worship. This is heresy. Either Christ is the Son of God who was crucified and rose from the dead, or He isn't. Islam says He isn't. The first commandment is "You shall have no other gods before Me." There can be no common ground when the Creator of the ground is disputed.

Bill Wilson

Word of Life Ministry

www.dailyjot.com


Prayer for the Primaries

Today the last primary for this month is taking place in Florida. Next week is SUPER TUESDAY, when more than 20 states have scheduled their contests for the earliest date allowed by the party without special exception.

· Earnestly intercede against media and special interest manipulation during this primary season. Pray that moral, God-fearing, pro-life, pro-marriage, and pro-family men and women be selected, supported, and find favor in local, state, and national campaigns. Intercede that the Lord reveal His choices, expose corruption, immorality, bribery, the occult, and hidden anti-biblical agendas.

(Source: Intercessors for America)

" . . . if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)

For a complete guide to the Republican primaries, go here:

For a complete guide to the Democratic primaries, go here:

Links to Other Resources

Recommended links are now posted on our CHPP Blog. Click here to visit our blog for more information.

We particularly wish to cite Intercessors for America as the source to find all other ongoing prayer initiatives at this time.

For news at the state level (including court decisions re: gay rights), please see the links for the Family Research Council and for Citizen Link (Focus on the Family.) Thank you!!


Tuesday, January 29, 2008

On Capitol Hill This Week

Volume XV, Number 1a

* * * DOMESTIC NEWS * * *

January 27 - February 1, 2008

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12)

On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XV, No. 1a

DOMESTIC NEWS

  1. SECOND SESSION OF THE 110TH CONGRESS IS NOW CONVENED
  2. PRESIDENT BUSH DELIVERS FINAL STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS TONIGHT
  3. GOVERNORS MEET: SAY IMMIGRATION IS STILL AN ISSUE
  4. SENATOR SESSIONS OFFERS 15-POINT PLAN ON IMMIGRATION
  5. CONGRESSMEN SEEK ANSWERS ABOUT TERROR EXPERT'S FIRING
  6. A POLITICALLY CORRECT, MORALLY CONFUSED NATION
  7. WHERE DO CANDIDATES STAND ON ISSUES THAT COUNT?
  8. BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA: A MAN TO WATCH
  9. PRIMARIES SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY

1. SECOND SESSION OF THE 110TH CONGRESS IS NOW CONVENED

Offer a prayer for this session of Congress, now that both the House and the Senate have reconvened. Please refer to last week's Legislative Agenda, published by Capitol Hill Prayer Partners on Sunday, January 20th, for pending legislative business before this Congress. Join us as we agree with the prayer, below, offered by Intercessors for America, that this Congress would prosper in all it does, and that God would grace the President and the Congress with a spirit of working unity during this calendar year. Amen!

· Intercede for President Bush, all in his administration, and for all working in foreign policy - especially regarding Israel and the Middle East. Pray for working unity between President Bush and the 2nd Session of the 110th Congress. Intercede for your U.S. Senators and Representatives - that they come to know Christ or be deepened in their faith, and that they are granted a "spirit of wisdom and revelation." Pray for Senate Chaplain Barry Black and House Chaplain Daniel Coughlin. Ask God to bring forth His agenda, reforms, and legislation necessary for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the nation.

· "Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power." (Eph. 1:15-19)

2. PRESIDENT BUSH TO DELIVER HIS FINAL STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS TONIGHT

As President Bush prepares to deliver his final State of the Union address on Monday night, touting "great progress'' made during the past seven years, he will stress the urgency of the emergency tax relief that he is seeking as a "shot in the arm'' for the economy. "While economic growth has slowed in recent months, the foundation for long-term growth remains solid,'' Bush said in his weekly radio address today offering a preivew of his address to a joint session of Congress at 9 pm EST on Monday. He is asking Congress to enact the tax relief which leaders have approved, including tax rebates for Americans, "as soon as possible.'' Bush also will ask for action on an extension of the nation's intelligence surveillance laws, underscoring the continuing threat that terrorism poses and the urgency of acting. Concluding his radio address, President Bush stated: "When I go before Congress on Monday, I will speak more about how we can keep our economy strong and our people safe. I am confident that we can work together to meet our responsibilities in these areas -- and leave our children a stronger and more prosperous America. Thank you for listening.'' (Chicago Tribune)

· The president's three speechwriters (Bill McGurn, chief White House speechwriter. Mark Thiessen, and Chris Michel) have been working since December on this address, and are now "down to the wire." Pray for President Bush, his advisors, and his speechwriters today, as they seek to make any changes necessary so that the President's policies are clearly articulated to the American people.

· "The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD." (Isaiah 11:2)

3. GOVERNORS MEET: SAY IMMIGRATION IS STILL AN ISSUE

As you know, Congress has tried and failed in recent years to pass comprehensive immigration reform, so the states and localities have taken up the issue, but with varying degrees of success. While stricter laws have gone into effect in Arizona and Oklahoma, many smaller localities, like Hazelton, Pennsylvania and Farmers Branch, Texas, have seen their attempts to curb illegal immigration thwarted by the ACLU with the courts generally ruling that immigration enforcement is a matter of federal law only.

As a result, the nation's mayors, meeting in Washington, D.C. this week, are taking the opportunity to urge Congress to act on immigration reform. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon told the Associated Press, "This country is in an economic, public safety and social crisis because immigration hasn't been addressed at the level that it needs to be addressed at. . . and that's at Congress.

But congressional leaders are pushing back, telling Gordon and others that there is zero chance immigration reform will be taken up again for at least another year or two. The expectation is that a new administration under "President Hillary" and a new Congress with expanded Democrat majorities will be able to ram through an even worse amnesty plan! (Gary Bauer)

· Newt Gingrich recently stated that Congress is still living in the 20th century and not dealing with contemporary problems. Americans want immigration dealt with specifically, not given meaningless rhetoric. Pray that American mayors will impact the thinking of Congress, so that creative solutions to this problem can be established and activated now! Immigration is about the safety of our country, not about votes.

· ". . . for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves." (Isaiah 28:15b)

4. SENATOR SESSIONS OFFERS 15-POINT PLAN ON IMMIGRATION

Voters who do care about ending illegal immigration, however, can take heart in the efforts of Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, a conservative stalwart, who is determined not to let the issue be ignored. Speaking to the Heritage Foundation on Thursday, Sessions said, "the people's judgment and desires have been right from the beginning. They want a lawful and fair system that serves the national interest. They have now made their voices heard. Indeed, our entire phone system was shut down during the debate. The political class I think has now finally gotten the message and we now have a rare opportunity to end the illegality and to establish a new policy founded on our heritage of law and fairness."

During his speech, Senator Sessions outlined a 15- point plan to deal with illegal immigration, and he challenged the presidential candidates to sign a pledge supporting this plan. If enacted, these proposals would take dramatic steps toward solving the problem, and Sen. Sessions rightly noted, "Considering the high priority the American people put on this issue, this is not a heavy lift for Congress or any president. The key ingredient is a firm will and common sense."

We will help Senator Sessions in his efforts to get every candidate to sign on!
(Gary Bauer)

· Pray that Sen. Sessions' plan is articulated throughout the media so that Americans can see the details. Pray that his wisdom prevails in Congress, not because it is politically expedient but because it is right. The American people need to start seeing substance from our politicians. If necessary, call the Heritage Foundation for a reprint of Sen. Sessions' ideas. Pray for protection for this man.

· "Thou art my hiding place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance." (Psalm 32:7)

5. CONGRESSMEN SEEK ANSWERS ABOUT TERROR EXPERT'S FIRING

Members of Congress are seeking more information regarding the firing of a top terrorism expert at the Pentagon following reports that he was dismissed for being too critical of Islamic law. Earlier this month, the Pentagon Joint Staff told Stephen Coughlin, a specialist on Islamic law at the Pentagon, that his contract would not be renewed in March. Jerome Gordon, a former Army intelligence officer who knows Coughlin, said many rank-and-file Defense Department officials are supportive of Coughlin. The firing apparently resulted from pressure by pro-Muslim officials working in the Department of Defense, according to numerous news reports.

Meanwhile, members of Congress have had little success in getting answers from the Pentagon, said Rep. Sue Myrick (R-N.C.), co-chair of the bi-partisan House Anti-Terrorism Caucus. "We are contacting everyone to see who we can talk to. "Incomplete reports and near silence from the Pentagon creates the need to get at the truth," Myrick said. This week, Myrick said she began contacting other co-chairs of the Anti- Terrorism Caucus, such as Rep. Jane Harmon (D- Calif.), Rep. Richard "Bud" Cramer (D-Ala.), and Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) about setting up a meeting with Coughlin and Pentagon officials to find out the circumstances behind the firing. Myrick stressed that any congressional inquiry is in the early, talking stages, but she has contacted the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the House Armed Services Committee, and the House Homeland Security Committee to inquire about investigative hearings into the case. Myrick said the Pentagon is requiring any congressional requests to go through the Defense Department's Legislative Affairs Office before Coughlin would be available to speak to anyone.

Coughlin - who supporters say had one of the most important jobs in analyzing how Jihadists think -- crossed Hasham Islam, an aide to Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England, according The Washington Times. The paper reported, without attribution, that the aide told Coughlin to "soften his view" on radical Islam. When Coughlin refused, Hasham Islam called him a Christian zealot "with a pen," according to the report. Coughlin, an attorney, a former Army intelligence officer and a major in the Army Reserves, could not be reached for comment for this story. Those who know him say he will not talk to the media until his employment with the Defense Department is over.

Coughlin's 333-page thesis, " To Our Great Detriment: Ignoring What Extremists Say About Jihad," was accepted last year by the National Defense Intelligence College. The report describes an Islamic culture that teaches violence from an early age. The sentiments of Coughlin's research apparently were too much for some inside the Pentagon, said Andrew Bostom, an author and lecturer on Islam, who has known Coughlin for more than three years. "His law-based presentation, fact- based presentation demonstrates that the so-called extremists are firmly rooted in Islamic law," said Bostom. "You can't just ascribe al Qaeda as a phenomenon that comes out of a vacuum. Invoking sociological and anthropological ideas and ignoring Islamic law will not get us far." (CNSNews.com)

· Surely this expert on jihadism needs to be heard. If, indeed, he was fired for offending Moslems in the Pentagon, someone in the Pentagon must be fired but not Mr. Coughlin! Moslems do not owe their allegiance to a country but to their religion of Islam. Pray that Congresswoman Myrick is able to assemble her hearing and that full disclosure will be forthcoming very quickly.

· "Bow down Thine ear to me; deliver me speedily; be Thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me." (Psalm 31:2)

6. A POLITICALLY CORRECT, MORALLY CONFUSED NATION
Saving Dogs and Killing Babies


The latest statistics from the Center for Disease Control indicate that there were 839,226 legal abortions performed in 49 states during the latest reporting year of 2004. That means that some 2,299 pre-born babies were killed per day during the latest reporting period. Since abortion was legalized in 1973, there are conservative estimates that over 40 million pre-born American citizens have been legally killed in the United States. That is more deaths than the United States experienced in all the wars since the Revolutionary War. In fact, there were more abortions in 1996, 1.37 million, than the 1.19 million soldiers America lost during all those wars, according to the Department of Defense.

While the maiming and killing of pre-born American citizens is perfectly legal and routinely practiced in the United States, dog fighting is a federal offense. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that some 250,000 dogs are involved in dog fighting. There are no statistics on the deaths of dogs due to dog fighting. But if there are 250,000 dogs in dog fighting, there is no way that dog fighting deaths comes remotely close to the number of humans who are legally killed by doctors every day. Yet, no president, no Congress, no court has the intestinal fortitude to end legal infanticide, but they rush to write, sign and enforce laws against dog fighting.

If Americans were so incensed about abortion as they are about dog fighting, perhaps abortion would become a federal crime and be banned in all 50 states. Jesus said in Matthew 18:6 of children, "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." I wonder if this applies to an entire nation that condones killing babies but protects dogs. (Bill Wilson; The Daily Jot; Dec. 19, 2007)

· "Oh that My people would listen to Me; that Israel would walk in My ways! I would quickly subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their adversaries!" (Psalm 81:13,14)

7. WHERE DO CANDIDATES STAND ON ISSUES THAT COUNT?

Which candidate is most radical on the issues? Who opposes the federal marriage amendment? Who wants to get rid of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy? Who supports hate-crimes legislation? Who is pro-abortion? Tom Minnery, senior vice president of government and public policy at Focus on the Family Action, and Tony Perkins, president of FRC Action, provide the answers in CitizenLink's video voter guide, taken from live webcasts produced by Focus Action.

The video voter guide highlights seven presidential hopefuls: Sens. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.; Barack Obama, D-Ill.; and John McCain, R-Ariz.; former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C.; former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, R-N.Y.; and former Govs. Mike Huckabee, R-Ark.; and Mitt Romney, R- Mass.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Check out CitizenLink's video voter guide.

Download FRC Action's presidential voter guide. (CitizenLink)

· Pray for the voters in your own state to be granted wisdom from above and great discernment as they consider these candidates. If there is a primary election in your state, pray over this, as well.

· "The effectual, fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

8. BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA: A MAN TO WATCH

Now that Barack Obama has won significant victories in both Iowa and South Carolina, perhaps it is wise to learn a bit more about this candidate, and to do our own research about his faith and family ties.

As for his faith, while on the campaign trail Obama has often named his home church : Trinity United Christian Church in Chicago, Illinois. To learn more about the teachings and articles of belief at this church, please refer to their website.

Of some interest, too, might be his family ties back in Kenya -- a nation now ravaged by their own post- election violence. Obama's family is of the Luo tribe, which is the tribe of the opposition party in Kenya. To learn more about his family in Kenya, we recommend this article from ABC News: "Obama Family in Kenya Watches US Vote." Other articles site his Kenyan family as practicing Muslims.

· Remain in prayer for the voters in our nation throughout this critical election year. Pray that we all be given "eyes to see" and "hearts to understand" the truth about each candidate. Pray, too, over our media, so that facts -- not rumors -- be reported to the American people about each presidential candidate from both political parties.

· ". . . for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves." (Isaiah 28:15b)

9. PRIMARIES SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY

Primary elections will be held on the following dates and in the listed states:

· 2/5/08 - Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana (R), New Jersey, New Mexico (D), New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Utah

· 2/9/08 - Guam (R), Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska (D), Virgin Islands (D), Washington (D)

· 2/10/08 - Maine

· 2/12/08 - District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia,

· 2/19/08 - Hawaii, Washington (R), Wisconsin

· 2/23 - American Samoa, Virgin Islands (R)

· 2/24/08 - Puerto Rico (R)

· For a complete guide to the Republican primaries, go here:

For a complete guide to the Democratic primaries, go here:

· Earnestly intercede against media and special interest manipulation during this primary season. Pray that moral, God-fearing, pro-life, pro-marriage, and pro-family men and women be selected, supported, and find favor in local, state, and national campaigns. Intercede that the Lord reveal His choices, expose corruption, immorality, bribery, the occult, and hidden anti-biblical agendas. (Source: Intercessors for America)

· " . . . if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)

Volume XV, Number 1b

* * * * INTERNATIONAL NEWS * * * *

January 27 - February 1, 2008

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 33:12)

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  1. PENTAGON TIGHTENS CONTROLS ON CHINESE MILITARY VISITS
  2. RUSSIA: TOP BRASS DEFENDS RIGHT TO PREEMPTIVE STRIKE
  3. NORTH KOREA TELLS U.S.: REMEMBER PUEBLO CRISIS
  4. BORDER CROSSING FIASCO SPARKED BY ISRAEL-EGYPT TENSIONS
  5. IDF ON HIGH ALERT IN SINAI
  6. IRAN SAYS IT CAN WIPE OUT HALF OF ISRAEL -- WITH SYRIA'S HELP
  7. OLMERT'S FUTURE RIDES ON REPORT
  8. KENYA ELECTION ETHNIC VIOLENCE INCREASES
  9. SECRET MEMO WOULD PLACE KENYA UNDER SHAR'IA (ISLAMIC) LAW
  10. 7-YEAR PLAM ALIGNS U.S. WITH EUROPE'S ECONOMY
  11. BULLETIN! PRESIDENT BUSH'S EXECUTIVE ORDER COMBATS "EARMARKS" IN SPENDING BILLS

1. PENTAGON TIGHTENS CONTROLS ON CHINESE MILITARY VISITS TO U.S. MILITARY SITES

The Pentagon is tightening controls on contacts and visits with Chinese military officials to prevent the loss of secrets and war-fighting data, according to a memorandum to Assistant Defense Secretary James J. Shinn, the Asian and Pacific security affairs policy- maker. A Defense Contact Memorandum was written by Air Force Col. Dave Silvia, an official within the office of the deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs, and is a form letter to be used by all involved in U.S.-China military exchanges. It states that all proposed visits to China by U.S. military or civilians, or Chinese military or civilian visits to the United States or a U.S. military facility, should explain the benefits to the Defense Department. (Washington Times)

· Lord, we thank you for bringing our Defense Department to their senses in this matter! Now Lord, we ask that You make our government cautious in ALL matters that deal with the defense of our nation, and the security of our intelligence.

· A righteous man is cautious in friendship. . . (Proverbs 12:26a)

2. RUSSIA: TOP BRASS DEFENDS RIGHT TO PREEMPTIVE STRIKE

Russia underlined its right to a "preventive" nuclear strike this week in what military analysts interpreted as a move to introduce more clarity into the nation's defense doctrine. The statements, made by Chief of General Staff Yuri Baluyevsky on Saturday, were followed by naval exercises in the northern Atlantic that will feature over 40 aircraft of the Air Force. Though unrelated, the developments pointed to a Russia not so much on the offensive as a one that was eager to bring its defense doctrine in line with that of the Western world and make it more up to date with contemporary military demands.

"We are not planning to attack anyone. But our partners should clearly understand that the armed forces will be used if necessary to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation and its allies, including on a preventative basis, including with the use of nuclear weapons," RIA Novosti quoted Baluyevsky as saying Saturday at a scientific conference in Moscow. He underlined, however, that "military force can and must be used to demonstrate the decisiveness of the top leadership of the country" only as "a last resort" and when all other methods have failed.

"This is the clarification of the nuclear doctrine," Sergei Karaganov, a defense expert and the dean of the International Politics Department at the Higher School of Economics, told The Moscow News. "What [Baluyev­ sky] means is the enhanced deterrence doctrine, which was created in the United States" and used by NATO for decades. (Moscow News)

· Father, what we ask is that the intentions of the leadership of Russia be plain to see. They say they are being honest, and do not desire to attack anyone. Lord, we hold this matter up for YOU to weigh, and shine your light of Truth on every part of it.

· "If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has hurried after deceit- let God weigh me in honest scales. . .(Job 31:5&6a)

3. NORTH KOREA TELLS USA TO REMEMBER THE 1968 USS PUEBLO CRISIS

North Korea marked the anniversary on Wednesday of one of its rare Cold War victories over the United States by saying a U.S. spy ship it seized 40 years ago served as a lesson to show it can repel an invasion. It is the paranoid state's latest dig at its long-time foe and which it still labels as an arch enemy despite Washington's pledge to provide aid and better diplomatic standing to Pyongyang in a disarmament deal. (Reuters)

· Maybe North Korea should also remember the Korean War, from which the USA pulled back because we did not want our conflict to spread into Communist China. But what else can be expected from a nation whose god is the state? Pray for the people of North Korea so that they can be released from the oppressive regime that governs them. Pray for strategies that will shut down this regime once and for all.

· "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1)

4. BORDER CROSSING FIASCO SPARKED BY ISRAEL-EGYPT TENSIONS

International News Agency Stratfors suggests Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak allowed tens of thousands of Gazans to crash the Rafah crossing border on January 22 to send a signal to Israel suggesting their diplomatic relationship with Egypt is in jeopardy. An estimated crowd in the hundreds of thousands demolished a metal wall at the Rafah Crossing and surged into the Sinai Peninsula. Hamas gunmen detonated 17 bombs to explode the wall. The people came in search of food, fuel, cigarettes and basic supplies now scarce in Gaza City.

Mubarak announced that his troops allowed the Palestinians through "because they were starving." He said they should be permitted to buy food before returning home-an indication from Mubarak that he has no desire to invite his guests to stay in Egypt. The administration in Egypt is baulking at plans to remove Israel from the Gaza City equation. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 and now plans to relate more directly to the Fatah-controlled West Bank [Judea and Samaria]. Egypt has no ambition to embrace the Hamas-controlled Gaza region on its own.

Speculation suggests that the incident this week may have been coordinated, at least at some level by Egypt and Hamas. The plan was to pressure Israel into allowing the Hamas-controlled area more freedom and opportunity to reestablish a normal life. Such a move by the Israelis would open the way for more missiles and rockets to come from the region into locations like Sderot, under consistent attack by terrorists.

Israel is trying to draw attention to the incompetence of Hamas and the lack of interest by the terrorists to make decisions which provide for the well-being of the people they have opted to rule. Hamas finds itself isolated from all but their staunchest supporters. During the week Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh made an invitation to Fatah Chairman Mahmoud Abbas [Abu Mazen] to unite in order to reopen the border crossing "on the basis of national participation." Abbas would agree to such an arrangement if Hamas restores his Palestinian Authority government the control of Gaza. On that proposal Stratfors analysts say, "Hamas still does not recognize Abbas' dismissal of its government in Gaza, making any negotiated settlement between the two parties unlikely in the near future." (Bridges for Peace)

· Pray that the chaos in Gaza specifically, will be brought into order. Pray that Hamas will be held responsible for the incitement they create which destabilizes and impoverishes the people. Someplace there has to be a conscience in these terrorists.

· "Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the LORD." (Isaiah 38:2)

5. IDF ON HIGH ALERT IN SINAI

SOUTHERN ISRAEL CLOSED TO CIVILIAN TRAFFIC, US AND ISRAELI BASES ON HIGH ALERT

Most highways of the southern Negev - which adjoins the Egyptian Sinai frontier - were ordered shut to civilian traffic early Jan. 26, until further notice. This is Israel's most extensive terror alert ever, DEBKAfile's military sources report. The big Israeli and American air and military bases in the region are on high terror alert and officers' families are being removed to central Israel, following intelligence warnings that Hamas, Jihad Islami and al Qaeda are preparing to launch suicide operations across the porous Egyptian border from N. Sinai.

Israeli military forces have spread out across the southern region, checkpoints set up on the highways, lookout positions posted, and helicopters and drones are on constant surveillance. DEBKAfile's sources in the south report that Eilat, Israel's southernmost town and Red Sea port, is not entirely cut off; the eastern Highway 90 is open to traffic although Highway 10 which follows the Egyptian Sinai frontier is closed.

So too are 221 and 222 and parts of Routes 40 and 12. Israeli units have been deployed to block off to terrorist access the southern towns of Eilat, Mitzpeh Ramon, Kfar Yeruham, Beersheba, Arad and the villages and military installations located in the Negev and Aravah regions. Popular tourist nature reserves and beauty spots are closed.

The latest intelligence input speaks of an ingathering in Sinai of al Qaeda cells from Egypt and other parts of the Middle East. They are heading for the Egyptian- Israel frontier, which Egyptian border forces have abandoned to focus on the anarchy on the Gaza- Egyptian border Hamas generated by knocking down the border wall. One-third of Gaza's 1.5 million Palestinian inhabitants has flooded into N. Sinai in a disorderly exodus.

DEBKAfile's counter-terror sources disclose another ominous symptom: Al Qaeda has appointed an "emir" for the Gaza Strip, the customary military commander assigned when the jihadist group goes into operational mode. (DEBKAFILE)

· Pray for the safety of all areas of Israel, her citizens, and her military personnel. Having to close some of her tourist spots does hurt Israel's economy. Rebuke the strife and chaos that wants to dominate at the border with Egypt, and speak calm and peace into the area. Pray for the Palestinians so that they can understand that order and law bring more benefits than rebellion.

· "Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered: let them that hate Him flee before Him." (Psalm 68:1)

6. IRAN SAYS IT CAN WIPE OUT HALF OF ISRAEL -- WITH SYRIA'S HELP

Following reports on Israel's January 17, 2008 test of the Jericho III missile, which has a range of 4,500 km, the Iranian website Tabnak, which is affiliated with Iranian Expediency Council secretary and former Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) commander Mohsen Rezai, wrote that the missile's addition to Israel's arsenal does not change the balance of power between Israel and Iran.

The website stated that in the event of a conflict with Israel, Iran would use its strategic alliance with Syria to fire missiles at Israel from Syrian territory. [1] It also hinted that, in addition to assistance from Syria, any attack by Israel would also bring retaliation by Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Hizbullah.

Further, in an interview on Al-Jazeera TV, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dismissed the Israeli missile test, saying that "even before this missile test, the Zionist regime enjoyed this military technology, because of its support from several powers. But such measures will not improve its situation, and will not prevent its fall. The Zionist regime has lost the rationale on which its existence was based,and all nations identify it as criminal. Therefore, it will not achieve legitimacy for its existence through threats and sowing fear." Read more.

· Lord, we continue to grow in our love for Israel. Remember Your convenant with her. We pray Your wisdom and protection over her. Before all nations, establish Israel in Your strength. Give her victory over all enemies. We bless Israel in Your Holy name.

· I hvae made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord: thy faithfulness also in the ocngregation fo the saints. (Ps. 89:3-5)

7. OLMERT'S FUTURE RIDES ON REPORT

The final report this week of an inquiry into the handling of the 2006 war in Lebanon could determine the fate of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government just as it settles into peace talks with the Palestinians. Mr. Olmert was nearly forced to resign after the preliminary report of the Winograd Commission described his authorization of the war as a "serious failure."

The prime minister could face a similar shock wave depending on the final report's assessment of his decision to conclude the war with a 60-hour offensive that cost the lives of 33 soldiers just as diplomats at the United Nations were nearing a cease-fire deal.

Resignation calls already are on the rise ahead of Wednesday's publication date. In an effort to pre-empt the pressure, Mr. Olmert said he won't resign - no matter what the conclusions. (Washington Times)

· Lift up this very important report and the consequences that will follow before our Lord in prayer, even as we continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. If a transition in leadership is in Israel's future, intercede that all be done in the will and the timing of the Lord.

· "They have set up kings, but not by Me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off." (Hosea 8:4)

8. KENYA ELECTION ETHNIC VIOLENCE INCREASES AFTER KIBAKI ODINGA TALKS

More than half an entire town has been consumed by fire in Kenya's Rift Valley in the latest bout of ethnic violence since December's disputed election. The Kenya Red Cross Society has said three people have died and at least 50 people have been wounded by clubs and machetes in the settlment of Total Station. Another 3,000 have been made homeless in the fighting that has pitted people from President Mwai Kibaki's Kikuyu ethnic group against Kalenjin. (Sky News - UK) Read more:

· Daily we are receiving horrific reports of the violence that is still raging in parts of Kenya, and of the Christians who are in danger there. Pray Psalm 91 for the saints, and cry out for Kenya.

· When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19)

9. "MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING" WOULD PLACE KENYA UNDER SHAR'IA (ISLAMIC) LAW

The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya has posted on its website a photograph copy of a Memorandum of Understanding, dated and signed on August 29, 2007, between Raila Odinga and Shiekh Abdullah Abdi, chairman of the National Muslim Leaders Forum of Kenya.

Here is a summary of the agreement which was signed:

-- It pledges the support of Kenyan Moslems for Raila's election. In return, as President of Kenya, Raila agrees to 14 actions, listed a) through n) on page two.
-- Within 6 months re-write the Constitution of Kenya to recognize Shariah as the only true law sanctioned by the Holy Quran for Muslim declared regions.
-- Within one year facilitate the establishment of a Shariah court in every Kenyan divisional headquarters. [Note: everywhere in Kenya, not just in "Muslim declared regions."]
-- Popularize Islam, the only true religion . . .by ordering every primary school in Kenya in the regions to conduct daily Madrassa classes.
-- Impose a total ban on open-air gospel crusades by worshippers of the cross.
-- Outlaw gospel programs . . . on KBC, the National Broadcaster.
--Impose a total ban on the public consumption of alcoholic beverages.
-- Impose an immediate ban on women's public dressing styles that are considered immoral and offensive to the Muslim faith.

· As we pray for the nation of Kenya to be restored to order, come into agreement that all covenants that are not in the will of the God of Abraham, Isaac (not Ishmael) and Jacob be annulled through the Blood of the Lamb. Ask the Lord to forgive the leaders for their "deal-making" when they signed onto this contract, for they knew not what they did. Lift up the leaders of Kenya now in place, that they might obey the Constitution, as written, and honor righteous governing principles in their nation and for their people.

· "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."(Luke 23:34)
". . . my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6)
"Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us." (Isaiah 8:10)

10. 7-YEAR PLAM ALIGNS U.S. WITH EUROPE'S ECONOMY

The World Net Daily News Service in their report titled "7-year plan aligns U.S. with Europe's economy", states:"Six U.S. senators and 49 House members are advisers for a group working toward a Transatlantic Common Market between the U.S. and the European Union by 2015.

The Transatlantic Policy Network - a non- governmental organization headquartered in Washington and Brussels - is advised by the bi- partisan congressional TPN policy group, chaired by Sen. Robert Bennett( R-Utah). The plan - currently being implemented by the Bush administration with the formation of the Transatlantic Economic Council in April 2007 - appears to be following a plan written in 1939 by a world-government advocate who sought to create a Transatlantic Union as an international governing body. An economist from the World Bank has argued in print that the formation of the Transatlantic Common Market is designed to follow the blueprint of Jean Monnet, a key intellectual architect of the European Union, recognizing that economic integration must inevitably lead to political integration.

As WND previously reported, a key step in advancing this goal was the creation of the Transatlantic Economic Council by the U.S. and the EU through an agreement signed by President Bush, German Chancellor Angela Merkel - the current president of the European Council - and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso at a White House summit meeting last April." (WorldNetDaily)

· The globalists never quit - always devising some new plan to integrate the USA with the EU. Unfortunately, the American people are primarily asleep at the wheel, unaware of the loss of our nation's sovereignty. Pray that Americans will awaken to the dangers! Pray that our youth will recognize the significance of our Constitution. Of course, without God leading our nation, the American concept is dead. Pray!

· "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 33:12a)

11. PRESIDENT BUSH EXECUTIVE ORDER COMBATS "EARMARKS" IN SPENDING BILLS

The White House today said Mr. Bush will issue an executive order tomorrow instructing federal agencies to ignore earmarks, commonly known as pork, added to reports that accompany spending bills. About 95 percent of earmarks are inserted into the reports to bypass public debate and consensus in the legislative process. (The Washington Times)

· "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!" (Psalm 150:6)


This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

YAH

"Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name YAH, And rejoice before Him." (Psalm 68:4)

Oh, YAH, may my praise be glorious to You! I sing praises to Your name, YAH, for You reign in the heavens; yet -- You love me. Hallelujah!!

Glory to His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. (Psalm 105:3)

(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)