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On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVI, Number 32a
October 19 - 23, 2009
October 19 - 23, 2009
* DOMESTIC ISSUES *
"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (2 Chronicles 20:12)
1. DEMOCRATS "GO NUCLEAR" ON OBAMACARE
2. REPUBLICANS' ALTERNATIVE TO OBAMA'S SOCIALIZED MEDICINE
3. WHITE HOUSE: NO PUSH FOR "PUBLIC OPTION"
4. OBAMA TO PUSH FOR "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL"
5. 53 HOUSE REPUBLICANS DEMAND OBAMA FIRE "SAFE" SCHOOL CZAR
6. WHITE HOUSE ADMITS: WE "CONTROL" NEWS MEDIA
7. CRIMINALS MAY HAVE BEEN HIRED FOR CENSUS
8. N.Y. JUDGE HALTS MANDATORY H1N1 VACCINE FOR HEALTH WORKERS
9. MUSLIM SPIES ON CAPITOL HILL?
10. THE PASTOR WHO HAS OBAMA'S ATTENTION
11. UPDATE: THE HATE CRIMES/DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL
1. DEMOCRATS "GO NUCLEAR" ON OBAMACARE
[Editor's note: when leadership on the Hill chooses to force a vote on a bill, they can implement a rarely-used procedure called "reconciliation," but also nicknamed "the nuclear option." Please be sure to go to the link at the end of this article in order to study all the details of this potentially drastic action, now being considered by House leadership for passage of H.R. 3200.]
House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) held a hearing this morning to certify that H.R. 3200 -- the main House Obamacare bill which was the subject of all the town hall rage in August -- has met all requirements to pass as a "budget reconciliation" measure.
Under reconciliation, the bill can be passed by a simple majority vote in the Senate -- just 51 votes -- and will be given preferential treatment on the House floor as well. The Dems have apparently invoked the "nuclear option" to shut out Republicans and ensure the bill is passed before the end of the year.
The bill certified for "reconciliation" is the Ways & Means version of H.R. 3200 that was passed out of committee before the August break, and before it was read aloud at town hall meetings across the country and blasted by voters across the country. It contains all of the horrors previously exposed: federal funding of abortion, coverage for illegal aliens, comparative effectiveness, healthcare rationing, deep cuts to Medicare. Everything the American people overwhelmingly reject.
H.R. 3200 could see a floor vote in the next two weeks, or the first week of November. If it passes the House, it goes to the Senate and can pass there with 51 votes. (Human Events) Read more.
- Stand firm in the faith now, believing that our Mighty God IS able to deliver us from evil. Amen.
- "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' " (2 Chronicles 20:17)
- Decree that God will be in charge of this decision over the American people and not one woman or one man. Ask the Father for supernatural help in that only something holy, from the breath of God, in alignment with our Constitution, is allowed to even show up on the floor of the Senate. Intercede mightily that God's Ways & Means Committee be dispatched from heaven for more truth to come to light in the rush and hush of these dealings. Declare our God to be greater than the plans of men, in Jesus name, and that no push, pull, or sleight of hand be used in this process. Ask that the American people, with prayer, thanksgiving, and God's help, stand up and refuse to allow our futures to be "nuked" by politicians and their agendas.
- "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
2. REPUBLICANS' ALTERNATIVE TO OBAMA'S SOCIALIZED MEDICINE
As the Senate Financial Services Committee votes today (Tuesday) on legislation which isn't even a lawful bill -- only a set of universal health care concepts which the now- discredited Congressional Budget Office scored under 1 TRILLION dollars -- which includes huge tax increases disguised as fees and levies, and nearly a half trillion dollars in Medicare cuts, Americans need to be reminded that the "elite" news media has had a virtual black-out on the Republican alternatives to Obamacare. All versions of Obamacare in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate are intended to lead to a single-payer system or more accurately a European-style and Canadian-style socialized medicine system. A comprehensive health care bill has indeed been introduced by the Republicans in the U. S. House of Representatives. . . (Christian Coalition of America).
- Pray that, before the five bills now being merged into one in both the House and Senate are completed, the "voice of the opposition" WILL be taken into account. Nothing is too difficult for God!
- "Is any thing too hard for the LORD?" (Gen. 18:14)
3. WHITE HOUSE: NO PUSH FOR "PUBLIC OPTION"
The White House and lawmakers are trying to blend five versions of health care legislation into something that will pass Congress. But the House and Senate are deeply at odds over the so-called 'public option.'
On Sunday, White House aides said President Obama will not demand a government-run option be part of his sweeping health care overhaul bill, top Democrats refused to back down from their steadfast support of the so-called "public option" on Sunday.
White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who is deeply involved with congressional Democrats in trying to merge the various committee proposals, also appeared to set aside the public option. "It's not the defining piece of health care. It's whether we achieve both cost control, coverage as well as the choice," Emanuel told CNN's "State of the Union."
But some top Democrats, like Sen. Arlen Specter, D- Pa., said they're not backing down from a public option, which they argue is essential in achieving Obama's pledge to extend insurance to the millions of uninsured. Specter said he's still fighting for a public option to compete with private insurance companies -- and thinks the idea is gaining momentum. (Fox News) [Note: David Axelrod and Valerie Jarret are also ready to "set aside" the public option.
- Rejoice in our God for this new position that three top leaders are taking on Health Care and ask for this to be the prevailing theme and verdict throughout the rest of this debate. Please pray that the Father will soften the hearts of those Democrats who are yet caught up in an un-American solution to Health Care and ask that their understanding be opened and onboard with what the American people want. Praise and thank God for this and all of His divine intervention, interceding that this new stance in it's purest form will take root in the Congress, the Senate, and the country, that it is quickly enacted and signed into law.
- "If anyone fiercely assails you, it will not be from Me. Whoever assails you will fall because of you." (Isaiah 54:15)
4. OBAMA TO PUSH FOR "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL"
Last week, an article in the Pentagon's top scholarly journal urged lifting the ban on homosexuals serving openly in the Armed Forces, an indicator that the Pentagon is succumbing to the President's homosexual agenda.
Speaking to Members of Congress, Hollywood "glitterati," and financial donors of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) last Saturday evening, President Obama urged America's homosexual activists to persevere. President Obama reiterated his promise to open up the military to homosexuals and gave the strongest pledge of commitment to the homosexual agenda made by any American President. Activists, unsatisfied with the President's pace in keeping his promises, took to the streets to protest what they interpreted as inaction. Time Magazine headlined the speech, "All Talk No Action." (Family Research Council Prayer Targets)
- May God intervene to prevent the President from keeping this and other promises to implement the homosexual agenda. May Christians continue to stand in the gap via prayer and to speak out on these issues, and prevail in this critical battle. May God help us to reach those trapped in homosexual bondage with the gospel and the liberating power of Jesus Christ.
- "I have seen a wicked man in great power and spreading himself like a green tree in ts native soil. Yet he passed away, and behold he was not; yes, I sought and inquired for him, but he could not be found. Mark the blameless man and behold the upright, for there is a happy end for the man of peace. " (Psalm 37:35)
5. 53 HOUSE REPUBLICANS DEMAND OBAMA FIRE "SAFE" SCHOOL CZAR
Congressman Steve King, Republican from Iowa, has been leading a crusade to rid the White House of one its most abominable appointments -- equal to the communist Van Jones, Obama's "clean jobs czar" who was forced to resign through the efforts of Fox News' Glenn Beck -- that of the "safe schools" czar, Kevin Jennings.
On Thursday, Congressman King and 52 other Republicans sent a letter to the president demanding that he fire Jennings, a radical homosexual activist who unbelievably now is in charge of the Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools.
Commentators such as Glenn Beck have revealed that Obama's "safe school czar", Kevin Jennings, ignored the sexual abuse of a child. Indeed, in his book, One Teacher in Ten, Jennings writes about a 15-year-old student who told him that he was having a sexual relationship with a much older man. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more
- Take your prayer to the Court of Heaven, to The Righteous Judge and ask Him to Judge between these 58 elected Representatives & Kevin Jennings and render His Judgement!
- "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and prudent and shrewd in their own sight!" (Isaiah 5:20,21)
6. WHITE HOUSE ADMITS: WE "CONTROL" NEWS MEDIA
President Obama's presidential campaign focused on "making" the news media cover certain issues while rarely communicating anything to the press unless it was "controlled," White House Communications Director Anita Dunn disclosed to the Dominican government at a videotaped conference.
"Very rarely did we communicate through the press anything that we didn't absolutely control," said Dunn. "One of the reasons we did so many of the David Plouffe videos was not just for our supporters, but also because it was a way for us to get our message out without having to actually talk to reporters," said Dunn, referring to Plouffe, who was Obama's chief campaign manager.(WorldNetDaily) Read more.
- As the noose of tyranny wraps itself ever more tightly around the necks of the American people, thank God that He has come to set the captives free. Ask our Lord to directly impact the lives of those in the administration who are now attempting to squash our free speech rights through a free media. Ask Him to forgive them, for they clearly know not what they do.
- "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and and the earth by thy great power and stretched-out arm; there is nothing too hard for thee?" (Jeremiah 32:17)
7. CRIMINALS MAY HAVE BEEN HIRED FOR CENSUS
Errors by Census Bureau employees may have resulted in 200 people with criminal records being hired to conduct door-to-door canvassing across the U.S.
The Census Bureau typically takes fingerprints and performs background checks on workers hired to interact with the public. But a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that tens of thousands of workers were improperly fingerprinted by bureau employees. The GAO fears that the name-checks performed on those employees were not sufficient without fingerprints.
"It is possible that more than 200 people with unclassifiable prints had disqualifying criminal records but still worked and had contact with the public during address canvassing," Robert Goldenkoff of the GAO said in a Senate subcommittee reported. Goldenkoff cited the "adequacy of the bureau's training" as a reason for the improper fingerprints. (The Hill's Blog Briefing Room 10/8/09) [Reported by: Intercessors for America]
- Pray that any criminal or person who would put lives in danger would be exposed and removed from those hired by the Census Bureau.
- "So have no fear of them ; for nothing is concealed that will not be revealed; or kept secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell to the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim upon the housetops." (Matt. 10:26)
8. N.Y. JUDGE HALTS MANDATORY H1N1 VACCINE FOR HEALTH WORKERS
(10/8/2009) Health care workers in New York will no longer be forced to get the H1N1 swine flu vaccine, CBS 2 has learned. A state Supreme Court judge issued a restraining order Friday against the state from enforcing the controversial mandatory vaccination. A court hearing is scheduled for October 30.
The order came as the Public Employees Federation sued to reverse a policy requiring vaccination against the seasonal and swine flu viruses, arguing that state Health Commissioner Richard Daines overstepped his authority.
The health department had said the workers must be vaccinated by November 30 or face possible disciplinary action, including dismissal. PEF said it encourages members to get flu vaccinations, but opposes the emergency regulation requiring the vaccine as a condition of employment.
- Please pray that this October 30th will bring a resounding victory for each person who stood up and that this will set a precedent that no vaccine will ever be forced on American citizens. Intercede that this so- called pandemic and this viral affliction will shrivel and die in Jesus name. Thank God, Who is our Stronghold, for sound-minded health care workers who knew their civil rights and declared them, who knew that freedoms can only be stolen if we let them, and acted.
- "The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous." (Prov. 15:29) "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly." (Psalm 1:1a)
9. MUSLIM SPIES ON CAPITOL HILL?
Yesterday, a disturbing story was brought to my attention regarding our national security. A group of four House Republicans are calling for an investigation into a leading American Muslim advocacy group for placing interns in security-related Congressional committees. The Muslim group involved is CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations), which calls itself "America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization." Republican representatives obtained a memo from January 2007 in which plans were discussed to place Muslim interns on Capitol Hill in important positions where they could influence congressmen responsible for developing national security policy.
The committees that CAIR wanted to focus on were Homeland Security, Judiciary and Intelligence. The four Republicans calling for the investigation are Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC), John Shadegg (R-AZ), Paul Broun (R- GA), and Trent Franks (R-AZ). They want a full investigation by the sergeant-at-arms to determine whether CAIR infiltrated these high-security committees. "If an organization that is connected to or supports terrorists is running influence operations or planting spies in key national security related congressional offices, I think this needs to be made known," said Broun, who was referencing the Justice Department's designation of CAIR as an "unindicted co- conspirator" in the trial of the Holy Land Foundation. The Holy Land Foundation was convicted last year of funding the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas.
Every day, someone emails me asking what the Republicans on Capitol Hill are doing to defend our values. I respond by saying they are doing a great deal, but Big Media refuses to report it because of its liberal bias. This is a perfect example. All four representatives are Republicans, and this story should be of national interest. But, the only media outlets that I have seen carrying it are the Washington Times and Fox News. Your local newspaper probably isn't reporting it either. I hope this story gives you some encouragement and a better idea of how Republicans are working hard to defend our values and our country. (Gary Bauer; End-of- Day; Oct. 15, 2009)
- Praise the Lord that honest and mainly Christian congressmen are working in the House to preserve our nation and our God-given values. Shame on the media with a few exceptions for not publishing the news! Call forth for more Christian news outlets and journalists to emerge. Ask the Lord to expose all the workings of CAIR on Capitol Hill through the Moslem staffers and intern programs. Call for more Christians in these programs. Bless these four Congressmen and pray for their protection.
- "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way."
(Psalm 37:23)
10. THE PASTOR WHO HAS OBAMA'S ATTENTION
Chaplain Survived a Tumor and War to Preach at Camp David
More than a year after he was forced to disown his Chicago pastor, President Obama has begun to attend services led by a Christian chaplain who views Islam as a violent faith. Mr Obama has been an irregular church attender since becoming President, but has expressed a fondness for Carey Cash, the navy chaplain at the Camp David presidential retreat who has been criticised for proselytising in the military and his mistrust of Islam. He likes Mr Cash and the Evergreen Chapel at Camp David, which is 70 miles (113km) from Washington and closed to the public and press. He told reporters this summer that Mr Cash "delivers as powerful a sermon as I've heard in a while. I really think he's excellent."
The White House insists that the Rev Cash, the great- nephew of the singer Johnny Cash, has not become Mr Obama's new pastor, but it appears that the President has heard more sermons by him than any other minister since taking office. Mr Cash, a chaplain in one of the first units to reach Baghdad, believes that a "wall of angels" protected his troops when they fought their way to the Iraqi capital in March 2003. During his deployment he baptised more than 50 servicemen. In a 2004 book describing his deployment to Iraq the year before, Mr Cash calls Islam violent, a faith that "from its very birth has used the edge of the sword as a means to convert or conquer those with different religious convictions." (Times Online; Washington Post)
- Father, we pray and believe that every American President's hope would be to have truth and light from You to guide this great country and serve it's people for Your purposes. We thank you for Mr. Obama's ability to see the "excellence" in Pastor Cash's ministry. We ask that the Obamas' time of worship in their new church will strengthen, enlighten, and reveal as Your Word comes forth in spirit and in truth. May we all acknowledge the price paid on Calvary and in the words of Pastor Cash, say that God is always ". . . providentially working all things together for the good of a cause that is just and true." We trust You going forward, Father, as Your Word says we should, in Jesus Name.
- "For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness." (Psalm 18:28)
11. UPDATE: THE HATE CRIMES/DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL
New information has come to my attention just this afternoon on the status of the Hate Crimes/Defense Appropriations Bill. This Bill passed both the House and the Senate, went to Conference, has been passed again by the House last week, and now awaits a final vote in the Senate.
Things look dire. At this point there seems to be very little in the natural that could cause this to not pass. The only way this does not pass is through prayer, intercession, and warfare!
The latest alarming problem is that the Brownback Amendment, which did have some strong language protecting free speech and freedom of religion, has been watered down in conference to allow the government to demonstrates a compelling government interest to "disallow" those freedoms and rights with any given individual.
I've spoken with Brownback's office to get the specifics. The new phrase is: ". . . unless the government demonstrates that application of the burden to the person is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest . . ."
- Christian attorneys have looked at this and given feedback to Senator Brownback's office. They state that this is an implied right of the government anyway. Nonetheless, please be praying that this NOT be passed. I refer you again to the Immigration Reform Bill that was supposed to pass in May of 2007, and didn't - to everyone's great surprise! - because of prayer!
God governs in the affairs of man! God, let Your Kingdom rule be made manifest! Do not let this federal government redefine morality, sexual normalcy, or protect deviant behavior and call it "moral." For the sake of our children and this nation You birthed, stop this, Holy Spirit! By Your great MIGHT! Show Yourself STRONG on behalf of Your believers! In Jesus' Name! Amen!!! (Mark Williamson, President, Federal intercessors)
- "Is anything too difficult for the LORD?" (Genesis 18:14)
On Capitol Hill This Week: Vol. XVI, No. 32b
* INTERNATIONAL ISSUES *
AL-QAIDA COULD ATTACK FROM WITHIN THE U.S.
IRAN, NORTH KOREA POSE "NUCLEAR THREAT" TO POWER GRIDS
TURKEY TIGHTENS SYRIAN-IRANIAN AXIS AFTER SNUBBING ISRAEL
SYRIAN LONG-RANGE MISSILES IN LEBANON THREATEN ISRAEL
IRAN VOWS REVENGE ON UK/US
CHINA "STRONGLY OPPOSES" IRANIAN NUKES
RUSSIA RESERVES PRE-EMPTIVE NUCLEAR STRIKE RIGHT
CLINTON AGREES TO ALLOW RUSSIA TO VISIT U.S. NUCLEAR SITES
PENTAGON: TOP CHINESE GENERAL TO VISIT U.S.
1. AL-QAIDA COULD ATTACK FROM WITHIN THE U.S.
The next al-Qaida attack on the United States could come from within, with recruiting for jihadists on the rise and the terror organization continuing to smuggle operatives across international borders, experts confirm.
The recent arrests of terror suspects in Denver, where Najibullah Zazi is suspected of trying to orchestrate an attack on New York City, reveals just how imminent the danger is.
In another new case, Hosam Smadi was arrested for allegedly trying to blow up a Dallas skyscraper. Authorities allege he planted a bomb and tried to ignite it, but there was no damage because the device was faked by undercover FBI agents posing as members of an al-Qaida sleeper cell.
Terror analyst and scholar Brigitte Gabriel reports that al-Qaida and the Muslim Brotherhood actively are recruiting operatives in the United States and Canada. (Intercessors for America)
- Pray for all U.S. Intelligence workers and their families.
- "The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee . . . We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions." (Psalm 20:1,5)
2. IRAN, NORTH KOREA POSE "NUCLEAR THREAT" TO POWER GRIDS
Scientists have warned that Iran and North Korea could produce a weapon capable of paralyzing Western electricity grids for months or years. Experts fear that a missile-launched nuclear bomb exploded above the earth's atmosphere could cause a catastrophe and told the British government that high-altitude electromagnetic pulses could lead to an 'economic shutdown'. A nuclear warhead launched from a medium range missile and exploded 20 miles above the earth could cripple an entire country's power grid. This is called a HEMP (High Altitude Electro Magnetic Pulse).
US government adviser Avi Schnurr said efforts to protect the US electricity grid had already begun. Mr. Schnurr is president of the International EMP Council, a coalition based in the US, which aims to stimulate efforts to protect against the risk of attacks using electromagnetic devices. Those feeding into the network include scientists from around the world, governments, corporations and NGOs.
At the briefing held in London, Mr. Schnurr said Britain was still 'just at the thinking and planning' stage and more action needed to be taken. Power, water and phones could fail. Cars could run out of fuel, cities could be gridlocked and the economy could in effect be 'shut down'. "Recovery," he said, "could take between four to eight years." (BBC News)
- May the Lord forbid any explosion of an EMP above any area of the USA! Pray that this weapon implodes before it can be detonated and that its parts will be defective and inoperable. Pray that the Lord gives strategies to countries to protect against this horrific weapon.
- "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me," says the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17)
3. TURKEY TIGHTENS SYRIAN-IRANIAN AXIS AFTER SNUBBING ISRAEL
Syrian Defense Minister Ali Habib told a news conference on October 13 that Damascus and Ankara will hold their own joint military exercises next week [after dissolving the exercise with Israel]. In a rebuke to the Turks, US State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said it is "inappropriate for any nation to be removed from an exercise like this at the last minute," but stopped short of framing the American position in terms of the Arab- Israeli conflict or in terms of the specific affront to Israel.
Turkey's decision to ban Israel from the annual air force exercises was reportedly in response to pressure to punish the Jewish state for its military incursion into the Gaza Strip last January. Israel's military manufacturers fear its industry is rapidly losing one of its best customers [in Turkey]. Numerous reports of negotiations over arms deals drying up are being heard. (Excerpts from an article by The Media Line, October 14, 2009)
Two decades of close ties between Ankara and Jerusalem appear to be coming to an end, the Asia Times reported Wednesday. It explained that demands from the Arab world and from hard-line Muslims in Turkey have influenced the government to distance itself from Israel, which has supplied Ankara with hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of equipment for refurbishing tanks and airplanes.
"This is a seriously worrying development," former Israeli Air Force Commander Eitan Ben-Eliyahu told an interviewer on Israeli television. "Turkey is critically essential in the training of our air force over wide spaces, particularly given Turkey's strategic location adjacent to both Iran and Syria."
Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Tzachi HaNegbi (Kadima) stated that the cancellation of the joint military exercise is a "troubling" development. (Excerpts from an article in Asia Times.)
- Pray that the relationship between Israel and Turkey, once strong and beneficial to Israel, will continue in strength, serving as a bridge to other Muslim nations.
- "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." (Psalm 20:7) [Prayers offered by Bridges for Peace]
4. SYRIAN LONG-RANGE MISSILES IN LEBANON THREATEN ISRAEL
Syria has transferred nearly a quarter of its long- and medium-range missile arsenal to Hizbullah, the Kuwaiti al Jarida reported on Thursday. According to the report, security sources in Jerusalem told the paper that the missiles, now held by Hizbullah, could hit every part of Israel. Iranian and Syrian officers were reportedly training the Hizbullah operatives in using the new missiles and in operating early warning systems intended to alert the group of Israeli jets. The Jerusalem Post could not confirm the report.
The Kuwaiti article comes days after Israel's Ambassador to the UN Gabriela Shalev called on Tuesday for an investigation by UN peacekeepers on an explosion in Tayr Filsay in southern Lebanon, after a weapons cache exploded in the home of a Hizbullah operative on Monday night. In a letter of complaint sent to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the president of the Security Council, Le Luong Minh of Vietnam,Shalev said Israel has 'considerable' reason to believe the house where the explosion took place served as an arms storage facility for Hizbullah. Shalev also said that in the aftermath of the explosion, Hizbullah operatives sealed off the area and attempted to remove evidence.
Following the blast in Tyre, President Shimon Peres said that Hizbullah was turning Lebanon into a "powder keg." (The Jerusalem Post)
· Pray for the destruction of all the missiles hidden in Lebanon, ready to be used against Israel. Pray that no innocent children nor women be hurt. Ask the Lord also to protect the innocent people of Syria, for Syria's leadership is shamelessly deceitful, as it tries to make business deals with the USA but then stabs Israel in the back with missiles. Finally, there is a sizable community of Christians living in Beirut and elsewhere inside Lebanon. Ask our Lord to cover these precious saints with His Cloud of Glory, bringing supernatural protection in the days to come.
· "The burden against Damascus. 'Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, And it will be a ruinous heap." (Isaiah 17:1)
5. IRAN VOWS REVENGE ON UK/US
Five Revolutionary Guard Commanders Killed in Iran Bomb
A homicide bomber killed five senior commanders of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard and at least 26 others in an area of southeastern Iran that has been the focus of a growing Sunni insurgency.
The headquarters of Iran's armed forces blamed the bombing on "terrorists" backed by "the Great Satan America and its ally Britain," Fars News Agency was quoted by Reuters. "Not in the distant future we will take revenge," Iran's statement read, according to Reuters. Iran's forces claim the country "will clear this region from terrorists and criminals. The global arrogance, with the provocation of its local mercenaries, targeted the meeting of the Guard with local tribal leaders," said the Guard statement read out on state TV.
The United States, however, condemned the attacks on Sunday and denied any involvement. "We condemn this act of terrorism and mourn the loss of innocent lives. Reports of alleged U.S. involvement are completely false," U.S. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said in a brief statement. (AP)
- If nothing changes, nothing changes. Please move heaven with your prayers and interceding now, as Iran has gotten away with this type of folly for far too long. Pray that the eyes of the administrative and military leaders of the United States, Britain, and others are opened and coordinated to see these accusations, taunts, and deceptions for what they are, a ploy for power, and ask that the mercy of God intervene on our behalf, once and for all. May we never again be accused of "terrorist" acts, but instead act quickly and deal decisively with terrorists and their allies for the safety of all. Intercede for our intelligence and this administration to do what is right, without delay.
- "And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses". And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work." (Nehemiah 4:14-16)
6. CHINA "STRONGLY OPPOSES" IRANIAN NUKES
China is firmly opposed to an Iranian nuclear arms program, Beijing's ambassador to Israel, Zhao Jun, has told The Jerusalem Post in an interview. "China's position on the Iranian nuclear issue has been consistent and clear-cut. We support maintaining the international nonproliferation regime. In this sense, we are strongly against the idea that the Iranians should develop nuclear weapons," the ambassador said. And at the same time, we believe that each country, according to the nonproliferation nuclear weapons treaty, has the right to utilize nuclear power in a peaceful way and for a peaceful purpose," Zhao added. Back in Israel, Zhao told the Post his country would continue to back diplomacy as a means of solving the nuclear crisis and denied that China's flourishing energy trade relationship with Iran was behind Beijing's refusal to back tougher sanctions.
Turning his attention to Sino-Israeli relations, Zhao had warm words for the Jewish people, and said the future of political and economic cooperation between the two countries was bright. "In the long course of history, both the Chinese and Jewish peoples have made outstanding contribution to the advancement of world civilizations," he said. Zhao noted how Shanghai had provided refuge to more than 30,000 Jews fleeing the Holocaust, and said that during a recent dinner with former prime minister Ehud Olmert, whose grandfather fled to safety in China, Olmert "was proud to consider China as his second homeland."
On the economic front, Zhao said Sino-Israeli trade was blooming. "There has been tremendous progress in economic and trade relations. When we established diplomatic relations in 1992, the trade volume between the two countries was only $50 million. Last year, there was $6.4 billion US in trade: remarkable achievements," Zhao said. The ambassador noted that Israel imported household appliances, textiles, garments and shoes from China, while China imported hi-tech products, medical devices, agricultural technology and communications equipment from Israel. Some 200 Israeli companies now operate in China, he added, while Chinese companies are competing for construction tenders in Israel.
On Saturday evening, China is set to launch what it describes as the "largest cultural exchange program between the countries" since relations were established. The program, called "Experience China in Israel," is co-sponsored by the Chinese Information Office of the State Council and the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
. "So this is the impression I got from Israeli people. Genuine, honest, hard-working, extremely intelligent, and friendly." "Anti-Semitism is not a word that is in the Chinese dictionary," he said. (The Jerusalem Post) This article can also be read here.
- If the Chinese are being honest about Israel, then Praise the Lord! Pray for truthfulness in the Sino-Israeli relations and for continued trade that benefits Israel. Pray for the trade in oil and gasoline to dry up between China and Iran. Ask the Lord to lead America to continue to support Israel.
- "They confronted me in the day of my calamity, But the Lord was my support." (Psalm 18:18)
7. RUSSIA RESERVES PRE-EMPTIVE NUCLEAR STRIKE RIGHT
Russia in a new review of its policy on use of nuclear weapons will reserve the right to undertake a pre- emptive strike if it feels its security is endangered, a senior Kremlin official told a Russian newspaper. Russian and U.S. negotiators are in talks to find agreement on a new bilateral pact cutting stocks of strategic nuclear weapons. Both sides are working to a December deadline for a new treaty to replace the landmark Cold War-era START pact.
While Moscow and Washington have made progress in strategic nuclear arms talks, Russia's security may come under threat from regional conflicts and local wars, Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Kremlin's powerful Security Council, said in an interview with Izvestia newspaper to be published on Wednesday. Russia was revising its military doctrine to include new terms of use of its nuclear forces, he said, adding that President Dmitry Medvedev, who chairs the Security Council, would be presented with the new doctrine by the end of the year.
"Conditions of using nuclear weapons to repel an aggression with the use of conventional weapons not only in a large-scale but also in a regional and even local war have been revised," he said, without naming these conditions.
- Pray against any maneuver that would give Russia an excuse to make a nuclear strike. Pray for Christian personnel involved in writing a new nuclear policy between Russia and the USA, a policy based on truthful promises. Surround Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with prayer as she participates in these talks so that she is led by God's grace. Pray for salvation for the president of Russia.
- "And I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in security in the coastlands. Then they shall know that I am the Lord." (Ezekiel 39:6)
8. CLINTON AGREES TO ALLOW RUSSIA TO VISIT U.S. NUCLEAR SITES
The plan, which Fox News has learned was agreed to in principle during negotiations, would constitute the most intrusive weapons inspection program the U.S. has ever accepted. Russia and the United States have tentatively agreed to a weapons inspection program that would allow Russians to visit nuclear sites in America to count missiles and warheads. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, said publicly Tuesday that the two nations have made "considerable" progress toward reaching agreement on a new strategic arms treaty. The 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or START, expires in December and negotiators have been racing to reach agreement on a successor. Clinton said the U.S. would be as transparent as possible. "We want to ensure that every question that the Russian military or Russian government asks is answered," she said, calling missile defense "another area for deep cooperation between our countries."
On another critical issue, Lavrov declared that it would be counterproductive to threaten Iran with more sanctions over its nuclear program -- as he resisted efforts by Clinton to win agreement for tougher measures should Iran fail to prove its program is peaceful. President Obama -- who visited Russia in July -- has vowed to "reset" U.S.-Russia relations. On Tuesday, Clinton apologized for missing that meeting because of a broken elbow. (Fox News and AP)
- Pray that no agreement of this type is signed, for we do not need Russians in this country counting warheads and missiles, preparing to use such information for who-knows-what purposes. Or if the agreement is signed that the Lord prevents and brings confusion into these visits. Since the early 1900's, Russia has not been interested in an honest relationship with the USA. Therefore, as Obama and Clinton desire such chummy relations with Russia, pray they not be deceived in so doing.
- "Everyone will deceive his neighbor, And will not speak the truth; They have taught their tongue to speak lies; They weary themselves to commit iniquity." (Jeremiah 9:5)
9. PENTAGON: TOP CHINESE GENERAL TO VISIT U.S.
China's second-ranking military officer will travel to Washington later this month on a week-long visit designed to promote trust and avoid "misunderstandings," the Pentagon said Wednesday. General Xu Caihou, vice chairman of the People's Liberation Army central military commission, will hold high-level meetings from October 24-31 and visit military commands and bases across the United States, press secretary Geoff Morrell told a news conference.
Since Defense Secretary Robert Gates paid a visit to China two years ago, the Chinese official "has been committed to fostering a better and deeper strategic dialogue with that country, especially better trust and transparency between our two militaries," Morrell said. Gates "has been pushing for quite some time to have this kind of visit," he said. "The more transparency there is, the more dialogue that goes on, the less chance there is for a misunderstanding between two very formidable powers on the world's stage," Morrell said.
During his tour, the Chinese general was due to visit sites from all the US armed services, including the US Naval Academy in Maryland, US Strategic Command in Nebraska, Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, the US Army's Fort Benning in Georgia, the North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego and US Pacific Command in Hawaii, Morrell said. "We will show him a great deal of how our military operates in this country," he added. (Agence France-Press) Read more.
- Pray that this trip is canceled, for we do not need the Chinese in this country counting warheads and missiles, preparing to use this information for who- knows-what purposes. It is interesting to note that, on December 7, 1941, Japan sent their attache to DC, and while he waited to talk with the President, Pearl Harbor happened. Is history getting ready to repeat Itself?
- "Everyone will deceive his neighbor, And will not speak the truth; They have taught their tongue to speak lies; They weary themselves to commit iniquity." (Jeremiah 9:5)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
MAJESTIC (Ah-deer)
"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! " (Psalm 8:1)
When we pray in the Name of Yeshua, there is power in His Name. The same power that set His Glory -- His Kavod -- in the heavens, is the same power available to me.
How majestic is Your Name! I thank You that I know You by name!!
"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." (Psalm 105:1)
(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)
