In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVI, No. 14
• Focus: "Right-Wing Extremism"
• Sebelius Nomination: Special Prayer
• Israel in the News
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
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On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XVI, Number 14
April 20 - 24, 2009
April 20 - 24, 2009
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil . . ." (Isaiah 5:20a)
" . . . and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
A note to our Readers:
This issue of the OCAP features several "sections" for you to pray through this week. We hope to return to our "regular format" next week. Please pray with us that the news will "settle down" so we can do so!
Thank you -- the editorial team.
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVI, No. 14
1. COAST-TO-COAST TEA PARTIES PUT LAWMAKERS ON NOTICE
2. KANSAS GOV. KATHLEEN SEBELIUS NOMINATED AS HEAD OF HHS
3. HOUSE COMMITTEE SET TO VOTE ON H.R. 1913: "HATE CRIMES BILL"
4. OBAMA SPEAKS AT GEORGETOWN U.; CHRISTIAN MONOGRAM HIDDEN
5. H.R. 875: "FOOD SAFETY AND MODERNIZATION ACT" -- QUESTIONS ASKED
6. S. 778: CREATES OFFICE OF NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY ADVISOR
7. N.S.A.'S INTERCEPTS EXCEED LIMITS SET BY CONGRESS
8. FORMER BUSH OFFICIALS SLAM RELEASE OF TORTURE MEMOS
9. FORECLOSURE RATE SURGES AS HOUSING STARTS DECLINE
10. OBAMA'S REVENUE PLANS HIT RESISTANCE IN CONGRESS
11. OBAMA DEFENDS REACHING OUT TO POLITICAL ENEMIES
12. OBAMA CALLS FOR RELEASE OF JAILED U.S. JOURNALIST IN IRAN
1. COAST-TO-COAST TEA PARTIES PUT LAWMAKERS ON NOTICE
Americans took to the streets to protest wasteful government spending today - with estimated crowd sizes of 5,000 to 15,000 in Atlanta, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Olympia, Wash., Lansing, Mich., Kansas City and St. Louis, Mo., and Sacramento. Across the nation, thousands of tea partiers sang the national anthem, recited the Pledge of Allegiance and chanted while waving U.S. flags and displaying homemade signs.
Sacramento tea party organizer Mark Meckler scanned the scene from behind a platform before the event. "It's unreal. It's beyond my imagination," Meckler told WND with a dazed look. "I can't imagine anything better than this. . . We are leading a revolution, and this is the first day of that revolution," Meckler said. "Politicians will no longer be able to divide our nation. They are taking our money, and we aren't going to stand here and take it anymore. The silent majority is no longer silent." He continued, "Some time along the way, we lost our country. Don't you think it's time to take it back?" The crowd applauded with excitement. (WorldNetDaily)
For a summary of tea party turnouts in many other cities across the nation last week, go here.
• Offer praise for the tremendous turnout last week at the tea parties across the nation, and ask that continued momentum be engendered from now on. Pray that Congress, and the White House, will hear and take heed.
• "Thy people shall volunteer freely in the day of Thy power." (Psalm 110:3 NAS)
2. KANSAS GOV. KATHLEEN SEBELIUS NOMINATED AS HEAD OF HHS
"Governor Sebelius is unfit to serve as Secretary of HHS because she owes her career to support from the radical the abortion lobby. As HHS Secretary, she will have a platform whereby she can influence abortion policy, which could cost thousands of innocent lives," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "The fact that she entertained late-term abortionist George Tiller and his entire abortion clinic staff at the Governor's mansion, then tried to cover it up, shows that she lacks the good judgment for such an important post. We strongly urge pro-life supporters to phone their Senators today and voice their opposition to Sebelius' confirmation to the post of HHS Secretary," said Newman. (Operation Rescue)
[Please note the special plea for prayer and action on this issue, released by Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council, located in a separate article, below.]
• Pray that a mighty chorus of opposition will be raised against this nomination. Pray that Senators will begin to question the integrity of Sebelius and her alliance. Pray that God's people in our nation not lose heart or become faint as we work together to see God's standard of righteousness raised up over our nation.
• "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Gal. 6:9)
THE FULL SENATE IS SCHEDULED TO VOTE ON THIS NOMINATION THIS WEEK. PLEASE TAKE ACTION NOW!
3. CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE SET TO VOTE ON H.R. 1913: "HATE CRIMES BILL"
Two weeks ago, Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) and Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) quietly re-introduced the so- called hate crimes bill--H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. At that time, Traditional Values Coalition warned supporters that a vote on this so-called hate crimes bill would take place tomorrow: April 21st.It is now expected that on Wednesday, April 22, the full U.S. House Judiciary Committee will vote on H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009.
The so-called hate crimes bill will be used to lay the legal foundation and framework to investigate, prosecute and persecute pastors, business owners, Bible teachers, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, Christian counselors, religious broadcasters and anyone else whose actions are based upon and reflect the truths found in the Bible.
TAKE ACTION: Contact your U.S. Representative today, as H.R. 1913 is on the fast track, and ask that they vote NO on any proposed "hate crime" legislation.
• Contact your U.S. Representative today, as H.R. 1913 is on the fast track, and ask that they vote NO on any proposed "hate crime" legislation. Ask the Lord to prevent any vote on this bill, for freedom of speech will surely be abrogated and our public expression of God's principles as stated in the Bible denied. Also, be sure to contact your representative and state firmly but politely that you expect a no vote on this bill. Is not the voice of God's people stronger than some politician with an agenda?
• "And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to dwell in." (Isaiah 58:12b)
4. OBAMA SPEAKS AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY; ORDERS CHRISTIAN MONOGRAM HIDDEN
When President Obama went to Turkey and had a photo-op in a major mosque and said nice things about Islam, perhaps he was just being a polite guest. But what explains the arrogance of the White House's demands that Georgetown University cover up the monogram representing Jesus Christ during the president's Tuesday address?
According to several news reports, the White House demanded that all "signage and symbols" be covered during the president's speech Tuesday. Fox News reported that the White House "insisted that the move was made only to provide a proper setting for the speech." What was the setting? A Catholic university founded by the Jesuits in 1789! Moreover, the president quoted the Sermon on the Mount during his address, which begs the question: Why would the president go to a Catholic university to deliver a speech quoting the Sermon on the Mount, and demand that a symbol of the sermon's author be covered up?
What explains this odd behavior? The president goes overseas denies America's cultural heritage and tells Muslim audiences about Islam's contributions to America. He bows before Saudi Arabia's Muslim king and the White House tries to deny it. Now he goes to a Catholic university and tries to turn it into a secular institution by demanding that religious symbols be covered up. Whoever is advising the president on protocol needs to be fired. (Gary Bauer; End-of- Day; "Why the Cover Up?," April 17, 2009)
• Pray that Obama comes into a greater understanding of the only Truth that can set men free: the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness . . . " (Isaiah 5:20a,b)
5. H.R. 875: "FOOD SAFETY AND MODERNIZATION ACT" -- IS IT CONSTITUTIONAL?
Connecticut Democrat Rosa DeLauro has introduced the "Food Safety and Modernization Act of 2009 (H.R. 875). Her bill will create a new Food Safety Administration and give its administrator the authority to "conduct monitoring and surveillance of animals, plants, products or the environment" on every family farm, ranch, vineyard and fishing hole in the country. Moreover, the administrator can visit and inspect the property and demand that the owner present "papers and effects," and all records relating to food production.
Food safety is a legitimate governmental pursuit; the invasion of private property is not. This bill redefines the concept of "due process" to mean that government dictates the process and private citizens must pay whatever government says is due. There is nothing in this bill that requires the administrator show probable cause or that evidence be presented to a judge to secure a warrant for entry into the property. The Fourth Amendment explicitly prohibits government from entering private property without a warrant, "describing the place to be searched, and the persons or thing to be seized."
DeLauro and the 39 Democratic co-sponsors of this bill must have missed this very clear language when she wrote into the law authorization for the administrator to seize up to $1 million each day a violation exists. Section 405 of the bill says that "the validity and appropriateness of the order of the Administrator assessing the civil penalty shall not be subject to judicial review." [From: "Lawmakers trash the Constitution," by Henry Lamb, WorldNetDaily, 3/14/09] Read more.
• H.R. 875 was introduced on Feb. 4, 2009 and was then referred to two House Committees: Energy and Commerce, and Agriculture. Please contact your representative to the House and your two senators and tell them that you want this bill killed now! Pray that this bill and any others similar to it will be stopped by the Lord and that such dictatorial laws will not creep into our culture again. Be always alert!
• "And the Lord God commanded the man, saying,' Of every tree in the garden you may freely eat.' " So God gave Adam the authority to grow and eat all that which He had provided, except for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." (Genesis 2:16)
6. S. 778: CREATES OFFICE OF NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY ADVISOR
Bill Gives Obama Authority to Shut Down Internet
Federal legislation introduced in the Senate this week would give President Obama the power to declare a cybersecurity emergency and then shut down both public and private networks including Internet traffic coming to and from compromised systems.
The proposed legislation, introduced April 1, also would give the President the power to "order the disconnection of any Federal government or United States critical infrastructure information systems or networks in the interest of national security." In addition, an agency appointed by the President would control how and when systems are restored.
The bill was introduced by West Virginia Democratic Sen. John Rockefeller, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Sen. Olympia Snowe, a Republican from Maine. The 51-page Rockefeller/Snowe bill calls for the appointment of a National Cybersecurity Advisor that reports directly to the President.
S. 778 gives the president the ability to "declare a cybersecurity emergency" and shut down or limit Internet traffic in any "critical" information network "in the interest of national security." The bill does not define a critical information network or a cybersecurity emergency. That definition would be left to the president. (Network World) Read more.
• Instead of acknowledging the power of God in all things, the men behind this bill seem to be reaching only for the power of man. The Lord is not happy with those who would deceitfully woo Americans with faulty logic to grab more power for a few rather than for the equipping and power of the people ("of the people, by the people, and for the people"). Pray that so many questions arise in the Senate that the bill dies in its birthing. This bill would eliminate any victims from contacting friends who can give help. The bill also smacks of denial of freedom of speech.
• "The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt. They have done abominable works, there is none who does good." (Psalm 14:1)
7. N.S.A.'S INTERCEPTS EXCEED LIMITS SET BY CONGRESS
The National Security Agency intercepted private e-mail messages and phone calls of Americans in recent months on a scale that went beyond the broad legal limits established by Congress last year, government officials said in recent interviews. Several intelligence officials, as well as lawyers briefed about the matter, said the N.S.A. had been engaged in "overcollection" of domestic communications of Americans. They described the practice as significant and systemic, although one official said it was believed to have been unintentional.
The legal and operational problems surrounding the N.S.A.'s surveillance activities have come under scrutiny from the Obama administration, Congressional intelligence committees and a secret national security court, said the intelligence officials, who spoke only on the condition of anonymity because N.S.A. activities are classified. Classified government briefings have been held in recent weeks in response to a brewing controversy that some officials worry could damage the credibility of legitimate intelligence-gathering efforts.
The Justice Department, in response to inquiries from The New York Times, acknowledged Wednesday night that there had been problems with the N.S.A. surveillance operation, but said they had been resolved. (New York Times).
• Considering what the recent news has revealed about Christians and other supporters of the Constitution being part of a right-wing conspiracy, we must be aware of another aspect of freedom of speech being trampled upon. Praise the Lord that the judicial branch of our government is attentive to the actions of the NSA and the agency's eavesdropping on Americans. Pray that honest employees of both NSA and the Department of Justice keep their eyes open and that the Holy Spirit will alert employees to dangerous behaviors.
• "Therefore all those who devour you shall be devoured , And all your adversaries , every one of them, shall go into captivity; those who plunder you shall become plunder, and all who prey upon you I will make a prey." (Jeremiah 30: 16)
8. FORMER BUSH OFFICIALS SLAM RELEASE OF TORTURE MEMOS
Amid calls for torture prosecutions, former Bush administration officials Friday slammed President Barack Obama's release of terror interrogation memos, warning the move would fuel "timidity and fear" among US spies. Unhappy with Obama's promise not to prosecute CIA officials, human rights groups have demanded criminal investigations of officials who approved or used the interrogation techniques chillingly detailed in the Justice Department memos.
But in an editorial in The Wall Street Journal, former CIA director Michael Hayden and former attorney general Michael Mukasey charged that disclosure of the memos "was unnecessary as a legal matter, and is unsound as a matter of policy. Its effect will be to invite the kind of institutional timidity and fear of recrimination that weakened intelligence gathering in the past, and that we came sorely to regret on September 11, 2001. By allowing this disclosure, President Obama has tied not only his own hands but also the hands of any future administration faced with the prospect of attack," Hayden and Mukasey wrote. (AFP) Read more.
• The White House has claimed that its chief reason for this disclosure is that this administration wants to be "transparent" in its policies. But Scripture prohibits us from revealing our hand to our enemies. Pray for Obama and his aides, that they will quickly come to their senses before more damage is done in the War on Terror. Evil has not gone away; it waits at the door for our destruction.
• "Seek the LORD and live . . . You who turn justice into bitterness and cast righteousness to the ground." (Amos 5:6a,7)
9. FORECLOSURE RATE SURGES AS HOUSING STARTS DECLINE
ABC World News opened its Thursday evening broadcast by reporting, "The President said on Tuesday that there are new 'glimmers of hope' in the economy, and he cited particularly housing, citing the increased number of refinanced mortgages. Well, those glimmers of hope in the housing market were quickly forgotten today. We got some ominous new numbers on foreclosures. Not only have the number of foreclosures increased, there are signs that the trouble will only worsen." The CBS Evening News similarly reported, "It was hard to see those 'glimmers of hope' today as a few new clouds rolled in. ... The housing industry took another hit. Buildings are going up at the second slowest pace in at least a half century." NBC Nightly News, which also led with the story, reported, "There's a real hunger out there for some good economic numbers right about now. And while there are some faint glimmers, today we also saw evidence of some major indicators still falling. On just the home foreclosure front, consider this: one in every 159 homes with a mortgage in this country was involved in a foreclosure filing within the past three months alone."
The New York Times reports foreclosures "surged in the first quarter, according to reports released on Thursday, signaling a still-struggling housing market." Data firm RealtyTrac "reported that foreclosure filings surged 9 percent, to 803,489 properties, in the first quarter of 2009. RealtyTrac said that foreclosure notices increased 17 percent in March from February." In addition, the government reported "new home starts fell 10.8 percent in March from February." Home construction in March "fell to an annual rate of 510,000 units, the Commerce Department reported, less than expectations by economists of 540,000 units. It was the second-lowest level on record and 48.4 percent lower than housing starts in March 2008." The Wall Street Journal more optimistically reports that the "home-building sector showed tentative signs of bottoming out in March, the latest indication that a key sector of the economy may be stabilizing after years of declines." The AP also sees "some silver linings suggesting the recession may be easing," saying the "pace of new-home construction seems to be nearing a bottom." (Reported by: Christian Coalition of America)
• In spite of much deception thrust upon the Americans in recent months, we rejoice in the hope of our economy beginning to recover. Even though these reports are that more foreclosures have occurred, we can discern that some of these are mortgages that never should have been allowed. Our Constitution does not allow anyone to be entitled to a mortgage.
• "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
10. OBAMA'S REVENUE PLANS HIT RESISTANCE IN CONGRESS
President Obama is running into stiff Congressional resistance to his plans to raise money for his ambitious agenda, and the resulting hole in the budget is threatening a major health care overhaul and other policy initiatives.
As Congress prepares to reconvene after a recess, senior lawmakers and aides say they are only now beginning to confront the lack of new sources of money, especially for moving the nation toward universal health coverage, a goal for which Democrats hope to deliver a plan this year. "It is a challenge," said the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Kent Conrad, Democrat of North Dakota. For the health care effort, "you are talking about hundreds of billions of dollars under any formulation."
Among other setbacks for the White House, 10 Senate Democrats joined Republicans this month in pushing to protect more wealthy American families from the reach of the federal estate tax, a change that could cost the Treasury $100 billion over 10 years. Businesses and their Congressional allies are coming together to try to fend off an effort to close corporate tax loopholes. (New York Times)
• Under the current administration, the normal give- and-take of the legislative process between Congress and the White House seems now more like a boxing match. In prayer, ask our Lord to continue to strengthen the hands of those who turn the battle at the gate in Congress, and that they be granted unusual wisdom to know how to address all fiscal matters.
• "He will be a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate." (Isaiah 28:6)
11. OBAMA DEFENDS REACHING OUT TO POLITICAL ENEMIES
Defending his brand of world politics, President Barack Obama said Sunday that he "strengthens our hand" by reaching out to enemies of the United States and making sure that the nation is a leader, not a lecturer, of democracy. Obama's foreign doctrine emerged across his four-day trip to Latin America, his first extended venture to a region of the world where resentment of U.S. power still lingers. He got a smile, handshakes and even a gift from incendiary leftist leader Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, and embraced overtures of new relations from isolated Cuban President Raul Castro.
Still, Obama made sure to inject some go-it-slow caution and clear expectations for U.S. foes as he capped his trip to twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago with a steamy outdoor news conference. On Cuba, he said Castro should release political prisoners, embrace democratic freedoms and cut fees on the money that Cuban-Americans send back to their families. Obama has lifted some restrictions on Cuba, and Castro responded with a broad, conciliatory overture.
He did not, though, offer any sign of lifting the crushing U.S. trade embargo on Cuba, as many Latin American and U.S. leaders want. Obama acknowledged that the U.S. policy in Cuba for the last 50 years "hasn't worked" but said change will be gradual.
In Washington, both Democrats and Republicans said Sunday that they wanted to see actions, not just rhetoric, from Cuba. "Release the prisoners and we'll talk to you. Put up or shut up," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. "I think we're taking the right steps, and I think the ball is now clearly in Cuba's court," said Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo. "They need to respond and say what they're willing to do."
• May the Obama administration be wary of those who have been enemies in the past and may those in authority have their ears opened to the whispers of Your will.
• "Nor shall you accept any such from the hand of a foreigner for offering as the food of your God; for their corruption is in them, they have a defect, they shall not be accepted for you.'" (Leviticus 22:25)
12. OBAMA CALLS FOR RELEASE OF JAILED U.S. JOURNALIST IN IRAN
President Obama said he's "gravely concerned" about the safety and well-being of jailed U.S. journalist Roxana Saberi and is calling for her release from an Iranian prison. At the Summit of the Americas, Obama said Sunday that he's working to ensure the safety of Saberi, a 31-year-old dual American-Iranian citizen. She was sentenced to eight years in an Iranian prison on charges of spying for the United States.
"She is an American citizen and I have complete confidence that she was not engaging in any sort of espionage," Obama said. "She is an Iranian American who was interested in the country which her family came from. And it is appropriate for her to be treated as such and to be released."
Saberi's case has been an irritant in U.S.- Iran relations at a time when President Barack Obama is offering to start a dialogue. A few days before Saberi's sentence was announced, Ahmadinejad gave the clearest signal yet that Iran too was willing to start a new relationship with the U.S.
The White House said Saturday that Obama was "deeply disappointed" by Saberi's conviction. The U.S. has called the charges against her baseless, and the State Department said Iran would gain U.S. good will if it "responded in a positive way" to the case. The Fargo, North Dakota native had been living in Iran for six years and had worked as a freelance reporter for several news organizations including National Public Radio and the British Broadcasting Corp. (AP) Read more.
• Pray for the release of Ms. Saberi from all charges leveled against her. May she not become a pawn in the tensions between Iran and the U.S. at this time.
• "Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life." (Isaiah 43:4)
Focus: "Right-Wing Extremism"
1. REPUBLICANS CRITICIZE REPORT ON RIGHT- WING GROUPS
2. NAPOLITANO: VETERANS ARE TARGETS OF RIGHT-WING EXTREMIST RECRUITERS
3. AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL COMMANDER TO MEET WITH NAPOLITANO ON FRIDAY
4. THOMAS MORE LAW CENTER FILES SUIT AGAINST NAPOLITANO
5. GOVERNOR RICK PERRY LEADS EFFORT IN SUPPORT OF STATES RIGHTS
1. REPUBLICANS CRITICIZE REPORT ON RIGHT- WING GROUPS
Republicans on Wednesday said a Homeland Security Department intelligence assessment unfairly characterizes military veterans as right-wing extremists. House Republican leader John Boehner described the report as offensive and called on the agency to apologize to veterans.
The agency's intelligence assessment, sent to law enforcement officials last week, warns that right-wing extremists could use the bad state of the U.S. economy and the election of the country's first black president to recruit members. The assessment also said that returning military veterans who have difficulties assimilating back into their home communities could be susceptible to extremist recruiters or might engage in lone acts of violence.
"To characterize men and women returning home after defending our country as potential terrorists is offensive and unacceptable," said Boehner, R-Ohio. (AP)
• Father, while we thank You that DHS Secretary Napolitano attempted an "apology", it only attempts to deflect the depth of bad judgment in this report on "extremists." We ask that truth be restored to America, and that the small group of liberals who now hold power will be brought back to center by Your Holy Spirit or removed from leadership roles. As history has shown us when people hungry for power begin to call "good evil and evil good", evil runs rampant over a nation. We call out for Your protection, and for a nation that walks in truth and justice.
• "Let me be weighed in a just balance, that God may know my integrity." (Job 31:6)
2. NAPOLITANO: VETERANS ARE TARGETS OF RIGHT-WING EXTREMIST RECRUITERS
The head of homeland security said Sunday she regrets that some people took offense over a report warning that right-wing extremist groups were trying to recruit disgruntled troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. But Secretary Janet Napolitano added that "a number of groups far too numerous to mention" were targeting returning veterans to recruit them to carry out domestic terrorism attacks. She told a cable news network the warning report that went out American law enforcement agencies was consistent with reports that were issued before.
The intelligence assessment released to law enforcement on April 7 claims news of recession, the election of an African American president, rumors of new gun restrictions and the inability of veterans to reintegrate create fertile ground for radicalizing and recruiting right-wing extremists. Of particular interest among radicals is possible recruitment of returning troops with "combat skills and experience" so as to boost their "violent capabilities," the report said. It added that new restrictions on gun ownership and the difficulty of veterans to reintegrate into their communities "could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks." (Fox News)
• Father God, creator of the universe; the One Who was and is and always will be. You, oh God, say in Your Word that there is nothing new under the sun; there is nothing new today that has not already been. From the beginning, You have instructed men when it is time to go to war. You have called men to righteous causes, and instructed them in battle; You have granted victory to those You determined. You have instructed in Your Word that there is a time for war, and a time for peace. Since the inception of our nation, soldiers have been treated with gratitude and honor.
Today, oh LORD, our hearts are heavy as we see the leaders of our nation not only turn their faces away from You, but also from those who fight on behalf of our freedom. If true freedom comes only from You, and freedom fighters are called by You where does this lead us if we turn our faces from You and those who fight on our behalf? Father, it is our desire to not only pray for those that speak and show themselves to be fools, but especially for those who have laid down their lives and taken up arms to fight for freedom. May they continue to be honored as heroes; and for those who open their mouths and prove themselves to be fools, we pray for Your will to be done. In Jesus' Name, amen.
• A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. (Proverbs 18:7)
3. AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL COMMANDER TO MEET WITH NAPOLITANO ON FRIDAY
American Legion National Commander David Rehbein, who is to meet with Napolitano on Friday, told FOX News on Sunday the evidence suggests that troops are more likely to be first responders than extremists during an attack on the homeland. He added that he is less concerned about the apology than about the way the department reached its conclusions.
"I'm hoping we can talk about the methods the department used as they begin to continue their job of assuring hoped secured and they have a big job, an important job and we need to make sure they are really going about it in the right way, so they can be most effective," he said. "Trying to monitor a group of several million veterans, is frankly going to cost them a lot of time and resources, they don't have, that they could better spend monitoring already identified groups," Rehbein said.
• Lord, let common sense and truth be the guide in this situation. Those that have taken up arms on behalf of this nation need our respect; we ask that this be resolved quickly, with humility, and that our service men and women would know that "We the People", as well as our government, honor them.
• "In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds." (Psalm 45:4)
4. TMLC FILES SUIT AGAINST NAPOLITANO The Thomas More Law Center (TMLC) of Ann Arbor, Mich., says it has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Department of Homeland Security demanding why it calls Americans who oppose abortion, support 2nd Amendment gun rights and dislike lax immigration law enforcement "extremists." "This is not an intelligence report but a diatribe against those who oppose the policies of the Obama administration," said Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel for the organization.
"It is a declaration of war against the American people and our constitution. It is a prelude to extreme gun control legislation and hate speech laws targeting Christian churches and others who oppose abortion and same sex marriage," he continued. "The federal government should be focusing its attention on the 35 radical Muslim compounds in the U.S. training its followers on how to kidnap and kill Americans." (WorldNetDaily)
UPDATE: Since this posting, TMLC has now filed a lawsuit against DHS Janet Napolitano claiming that her Department's "Rightwing Extremism Policy," as reflected in the recently publicized Intelligence ssessment . . . violates the civil liberties of combat veterans as well as American citizens by targeting them for disfavored treatment on account of their political beliefs.
• One wonders who ordered Ms. Napolitano to make such a statement about law-abiding and patriotic Americans. Pray that the Holy Spirit will open her mind to truth so that she can reject the lying words being fed to her mind. Pray that Americans will stand up for truth, no matter the danger or the threats, for the atmosphere in the USA is swiftly moving into the Gestapo behaviors of Nazi Germany. Pray that this lawsuit successfully passes through the courts and a truthful verdict is rendered. Praise the Lord for providing discernment of evil in our midst.
• "A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth." (Proverbs 6: 12)
5. GOVERNOR RICK PERRY LEADS EFFORT IN SUPPORT OF STATES RIGHTS
The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is pretty clear. It says that: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
In today's era of gargantuan budgets and equally huge bail-out bills for just about every major industry in America, a backlash is beginning to occur all around America. Governor Rick Perry, the Republican governor of Texas, is wholeheartedly supporting the efforts of a Texas state legislator, Brandon Creighton, to get his House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) passed in support of the rights of states under the United States Constitution's 10th Amendment. Governor Perry said regarding the bloated federal bureaucracy in Washington D.C.: "I believe that our federal government has become oppressive in its size, its intrusion into the lives of our citizens, and its interference with the affairs of our state."
The Creighton Resolution in Texas affirms that Texas claims sovereignty under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution over all powers not otherwise granted to the federal government. It would behoove every state in the Union to pass similar resolutions to put pressure on the law (breakers) in the United States Congress and to force them to heed the great advice of our country's founders such as Washington and Hamilton. (Roberta Combs, President, Christian Coalition of America)
• Offer praise for Governor Perry's bold stance. 22 other states have also passed declarations Enforcing their own rights as states, according to the Tenth Amendment. Offer praise.
• "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." (Psalm 150:6)
Sebelius Nomination: Special Prayer
Special Prayer Request from Tony Perkins
Friends,
While I am passionate about our mission to advance faith, family and freedom, I am experiencing a deep stirring within my spirit over the Sebelius nomination that does not come often. I think this nomination will move our nation toward yet another immoral milestone. We've had pro-abortion politicians and cabinet members who have had no regard for the unborn before, but Sebelius takes it to a new level. This is a woman who has literally advanced, if not built, her political career with blood money, money that came directly from George Tiller's abortion clinic.
What makes this different from almost every other pro- abortion politician is that her alliance with the abortion industry is with the darkest side of abortion. George Tiller is a late term abortionist that specializes in destroying the lives of babies in the second and third trimesters. These are healthy babies, most of whom could actually survive outside the womb, at the point he performs his destructive acts.
It is clear why Sebelius initially tried to hide this direct connection to Tiller's clinic when she failed to report this information to the U.S. Senate. This connection to Tiller is even outside the mainstream of the Democratic Party. This is the second time Sebelius' integrity has been called into question, the first time when it was revealed that she had not paid all of her taxes.
It is clear why Sebelius initially tried to hide this direct connection to Tiller's clinic when she failed to report this information to the U.S. Senate. This connection to Tiller is even outside the mainstream of the Democratic Party. This is the second time Sebelius' integrity has been called into question, the first time when it was revealed that she had not paid all of her taxes.
Now that her ties with the darkest side of the abortion industry are known, if she is successful in her bid to head up HHS, the largest federal agency, which oversees the nation's health care system, it will send a very clear message to politicians - you can align yourself with the abortion industry without personal or political consequence.
This sets a new level that our nation will have sunken to.
We need to pray specifically that her nomination will be aborted - that either she or the Obama Administration will withdraw her name or the Senate will refuse to confirm her.
Right now neither looks possible, but we know that with God all things are possible.
Prayer Points:
• Pray for Senator Sam Brownback, who is presently supporting Sebelius for political purposes, will have a change of heart and announce his opposition to her nomination.
• Pray for the resources we need for FRC to educate the public on just how radical Sebelius' alliances with the abortion industry really are.
• Pray that Senators will begin to question the integrity of Sebelius and her alliance.
Thank you
Tony
Israel in the News
1. OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO BOYCOTT U.N. RACISM MEETING
2. ALL OF ISRAEL UNDER MISSILE THREAT
3. MITCHELL VISIT TO SEE IF NETANYAHU REALLY AGAINST TWO-STATES
4. "ONE JERUSALEM" EXPRESSES OBAMA CONCERNS
5. LONDON TIMES: ISRAEL PREPARING "SWIFT STRIKE" AGAINST IRAN
1. OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO BOYCOTT U.N. RACISM MEETING
The United Nations opens its first global racism conference in eight years on Monday with the U.S. and at least six other countries boycotting the event out of concern that Islamic countries will demand that it denounce Israel and ban criticism of Islam. The administration of President Obama announced Saturday that it would boycott "with regret" the week- long meeting in Geneva, which already is experiencing much of the bickering and political infighting that marred the 2001 conference in Durban, South Africa. Some European countries are still deciding whether to attend the U.N. conference. Britain said it will send diplomats, despite concerns the meeting could become a forum for Holocaust denial or anti-Semitic attacks.
"I would love to be involved in a useful conference that addressed continuing issues of racism and discrimination around the globe," Obama said in Trinidad on Sunday after attending the Summit of the Americas. But he said the language of the U.N.'s draft declaration risked a reprise of Durban, during which "folks expressed antagonism toward Israel in ways that were often times completely hypocritical and counterproductive."
"I am shocked and deeply disappointed by the United States' decision not to attend," said U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay, who is hosting the conference. Israel and Jewish groups have lobbied hard against Western participation in the meeting, arguing that the presence alone of American and European negotiators would give legitimacy to what they fear could become an anti-Semitic gathering. On Sunday, Israel's Foreign Ministry thanked the boycotters and predicted the conference would "once again serve as a platform to denigrate Israel and single it out for criticism." (AP) Read more.
• Offer praise that the USA is not attending this UN meeting, thereby giving any kind of sanction to the works of Islam against Israel. If any culture is racist, Islam is without doubt one, for all who do not accept allah are "infidels" -- persons worthy of no recognition, not even life. More slavery exists in the world now under Islam than ever did under the slavery of the 1700's and early 1800's. Here is another sleight-of- hand action: blaming others so that the world does recognize the true perpetrators of sin.
• "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." (Matthew 7:6)
2. ALL OF ISRAEL UNDER MISSILE THREAT
A color-coded map distributed by the Israel Defense Force's (IDF) Home Front Command reveals that every Israeli is under missile threat from either Hizb'Allah in the north, Hamas in Gaza or from both. The map divides Israel into 27 regions that are grouped into five 'belts,' based on the distance from Hizb'Allah's missile array. The 'belts' are differentiated by the amount of time residents will have to scurry for shelter after a warning siren sounds. While the northernmost areas like Kiryat Shmona or the Golan Heights must find shelter immediately, the residents of Tel Aviv have the "luxury" of a two-minute interlude between the siren and the expected crash of missiles. Residents of Jerusalem and the south -- all the way to Eilat -- have three minutes. In addition, four belts have been marked out in the area surrounding Gaza. Residents of the belt directly bordering on Gaza have 15 seconds to enter the shelters, whereas residents of Be'er Sheva have 60 seconds. Maj.-Gen. Yair Golan, Chief of Home Front Command, said Thursday that while there is no alert or concrete information regarding a missile attack, "we are preparing for the main threats. It is clear to all of us that if you take the overall threats on the State of Israel, there is no place in the country that is not under threat." The Home Front Command expects distribution protection kits - including new gas masks and drugs against unconventional weapons - to begin in November. It warns, however, that the process could take at least two years. [Arutz Sheva]
• In the face of such potential devastation, we rest in the promise of the Word of God, for in the end, it is He who will fight to defend His land. Lift up all the authorities in israel -- military and civilian -- as they brace for impact, and offer praise to the Lord for the promise of His Word. Amen . . . shalom.
• "He will give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." (Psalm 91:11)
3. MITCHELL VISIT TO SEE IF NETANYAHU REALLY AGAINST TWO-STATES
Prominent voices from within Benjamin Netanyahu's government have already made it clear they oppose the two-state solution and the understandings agreed upon at the Annapolis Peace Summit. Ascertaining whether this is indeed the genuine position of the new Israeli government is the top priority for US President Barak Obama's Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell, during his visit this week.
"It's one thing to hear statements in the press, it's another to hear it in a one-on-one meeting," a source in Washington told Ynet on the evening of April 13.
The White House sees Mitchell's upcoming sojourn to the region as crucial, as it will constitute the first formal discussion of the new government's agenda. Washington has made it clear that while the special envoy will indeed have much to say in his meetings with Israeli leaders, he is mostly coming to hear the positions of both the PM Netanyahu and Foreign Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman in person.
The meetings are of notable importance to Jerusalem as well, as Mitchell's reports to President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will greatly influence the formation of the administration's policy regarding Israel.
On Wednesday Mitchell is scheduled to meet with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and on Thursday the envoy will hold talks with President Shimon Peres, Lieberman, Opposition leader Tzipi Livni, and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
(Excerpts from Yetzhak Benhorin, Ynetnews.com, April 14, 2009)
• Pray that the Netanyahu government will stand firm against all international pressure, looking to the Lord for guidance and making decisions that will guarantee peace and safety for the people of Israel.
• "He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler." (Psalm 91:4)
4. "ONE JERUSALEM" EXPRESSES OBAMA CONCERNS
In a holiday newscast One Jerusalem expressed concerns over the recent tour made by US President Barack Obama. In an analysis entitled "Obama Pleases Muslims, Lectures Israel" they assessed what they called his "whirlwind tour." They described Obama as "this largely unknown leader" and indicated many of his speeches and actions left little to encourage Israel or the Jewish people.
Obviously the One Jerusalem community was angry at the Obama support for dividing the Holy City. They commented: "One of his persistent themes has been that the United States of America will no longer dictate policy but will listen and engage friends and foes on the international stage. Given his foreign audiences this refrain repeatedly received enthusiastic applause. But no sooner had he set foot in Turkey and his tone changed."
Speaking to the Turkish Parliament, Obama stopped listening and started lecturing Israel and our European allies. While he bent over backwards to assure his Muslim audience that the United States will never be at war with Islam he used the same setting to declare his Administration's commitment to a Palestinian State (which means a division of Jerusalem), the Annapolis "Peace" Process, and the Road Map. He made these policy decisions without even giving Israel the benefit of discussing these issues before setting policy.
In other words, he is in favor of engaging Iran, a less friendly Turkey, and even North Korea but he has not even acknowledged that the people of Israel have elected a new government that rejected the failed policies Obama has now embraced. "There is no excuse for this hostile behavior toward Israel," the report said.
(Excerpts from Ron Ross, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, April 12, 2009)
• Pray that Barack Obama will recognize the grave consequences the world will face if the United States fails to maintain its historical relationship of partnership and support with the nation of Israel.
• "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you." (Genesis 12:3)
5. LONDON TIMES: ISRAEL PREPARING "SWIFT STRIKE" AGAINST IRAN
Jordanian King to visit D.C.; Netanyahu still not invited
"The Israeli military is preparing itself to launch a massive aerial assault on Iran's nuclear facilities within days of being given the go-ahead by its new government," reports the London Times. Among the steps taken to ready Israeli forces for what would be a risky raid requiring pinpoint aerial strikes are the acquisition of three Airborne Warning and Control (AWAC) aircraft and regional missions to simulate the attack. Two nationwide civil defense drills will help to prepare the public for the retaliation that Israel could face. 'Israel wants to know that if its forces were given the green light they could strike at Iran in a matter of days, even hours. They are making preparations on every level for this eventuality. The message to Iran is that the threat is not just words,' one senior defense official told The Times."
"Officials believe that Israel could be required to hit more than a dozen targets, including moving convoys. The sites include Natanz, where thousands of centrifuges produce enriched uranium; Esfahan, where 250 tons of gas is stored in tunnels; and Arak, where a heavy water reactor produces plutonium. Colonel Hilik Sofer told Haaretz, a daily Israeli newspaper, that the drill would 'train for a reality in which during war missiles can fall on any part of the country without warning. We want the citizens to understand that war can happen tomorrow morning.'"
It is critical that President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu sit down and discuss the Iran crisis immediately. The best case scenario would be for the U.S. and Israel to be united in a realistic plan to stop Tehran's nuclear program. Thus far, however, the White House does not even appear to have invited the new Israeli Prime Minister to come to Washington. U.S. Special Envoy George Mitchell met with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv this week and tried to pressure him to divide Jerusalem and giveaway the West Bank, but Mitchell did not apparently extend a specific invitation to Netanyahu to meet the President.
Why not? Israel has historically been America's strongest ally in the Middle East. But the White House appears to be shifting allegiances to the Muslim world and is engaging in an aggressive effort to court the Muslim world. A few examples follow: President Obama gave his first TV interview on coming into office to al-Arabiya, an Arab-Muslim satellite network, President Obama recently bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia, President Obama delivered a major address to the Muslim world in Turkey and is rumored to be planning another major address in a Muslim-majority country soon, and President Obama has invited Jordanian King Abdullah II to Washington on April 21
A train wreck is coming in U.S.-Israel relations. We are fast approaching the worst season in the relationship between our two countries diplomatically in 61 years. All the more reason we need to pray for peace, but prepare for war. (Joel Rosenberg's weblog) Read more .
• Pray that all Americans see the shift in foreign policy that is now taking place in the White House from Israel to Moslem countries and sound off their disagreement very strongly. Pray that the Holy Spirit will invade the president's mind and firmly remind him that Israel, not Moslem nations, is our friend. Continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray that Congress will pressure the president to invite Netanyahu to talks and then for the president to have an open mind.
• "I will lift up my eyes to the hills - From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth." (Psalm121:1,2)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
YOU ARE THE GOD WHO SEES ME (El Roee)
"Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, 'Have I also here seen Him who sees me?' " (Genesis 16:13)
To know that I know You, and that You love me and see me is wonderful. You are the answer to all my questions. Thank You that I never have to search again. You fill my cup to overflowing. You are the One who sees me and loves me most. I praise Your name. Amen.
(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)
