This Week on Capitol HillGreetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week 0 Volume XVII, Number 12a
May 17 - 21, 2010
May 17 - 21, 2010
"And [Peter] . . . warned . . . them, saying, 'Be saved from this crooked (perverse, wicked, unjust) generation.'" (Acts 2:40 AMP)
1. BP: MILE-LONG TUBE SUCKING OIL AWAY FROM GULF WELL
2. FLOODS IN TENNESSEE; FEMA FACES OWN FINANCIAL CRISIS
3. ELENA KAGAN NOMINATED TO SERVE IN SUPREME COURT
4. HEALTH CARE REPORT WITHHELD UNTIL AFTER OBAMACARE VOTE
5. REP. MICHELE BACHMANN: REPEAL OBAMACARE (H.R. 4309)
6. HOUSE COMMITTEE TO VOTE SOON ON ENDA
7. THREE MORE GAY AGENDA BILLS MUST BE DEFEATED IN CONGRESS
8. SENATOR DROPS PROPOSAL TO AUDIT FED'S MONETARY POLICY DECISIONS
9. DEMOCRATS VOTE TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR FANNIE MAE; FREDDIE MAC
10. HOLDER HASN'T READ ARIZONA LAW HE CRITICIZED
11. NEW TENTH AMENDMENT TASK FORCE FORMED IN CONGRESS
12. ANOTHER DEMOCRAT RETIRES: WISCONSIN DEMOCRAT DAVID OBEY
13. OBAMA GIVES COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS; FEARS INTERNET "OPENNESS"
1. BP: MILE-LONG TUBE SUCKING OIL AWAY FROM GULF WELL
In the first step in nearly a month toward stopping a massive Gulf of Mexico oil leak, BP said a mile-long tube was siphoning most of the crude from a blown well to a tanker ship after three days of wrestling to get the stopgap measure into place on the seafloor. BP spokesman Mark Proegler said the contraption was hooked up successfully and sucking most of the oil from the leak. Engineers remotely guiding robot submersibles had worked since Friday to place the tube into a 21-inch pipe nearly a mile below the sea. (AP)
- Father as the prognosis of this spill continues to reflect death and destruction, we ask that not only this plan of siphoning work, but that You will intervene to restore the ocean in that region. As Ezekiel stood before the dead bones and spoke Your breath into them, we stand with the people of the Gulf Coast and call forth Your breath of life into the waters. We pray for re-oxygenation to the waters, and restoration to the living creatures of the ocean in the mighty name of Jesus! Amen.
- "I am the resurrection and the life. . ." (John 11:25)
2. FLOODS IN TENNESSEE; FEMA FACES OWN FINANCIAL CRISIS
With a flooded Tennessee becoming the latest disaster to strike the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is confronting its own emergency as its relief funds run perilously low.
Last month, FEMA Director W. Craig Fugate wrote a letter to Congress warning that its relief fund had fallen to $693 million as of April 7 but the agency owed $645 million to 47 states for past disasters. Now FEMA is handing out money to the residents of Tennessee after deadly floods ravaged the region last weekend. FEMA has already approved $4.1 million in individual assistance and more than 16,200 Tennesseans had registered with FEMA for disaster assistance by Saturday morning.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Friday that FEMA will probably need a shot of supplemental funding. The administration is seeking $5.1 billion in emergency funding from Congress.
The outlook for the devastated areas of Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky remained grim last Saturday as the death toll climbed to 31 with the discovery of a missing kayaker's body in Kentucky. Twenty died in Tennessee alone. (Fox News; AP)
- As disasters continue to strike our land in these "perilous times," thank the LORD that He will provide for our needs in ways the civil government cannot imagine. May these disasters cause multitudes to fall to their knees, seeking help from a Power greater themselves, leading to salvation. Pray, too, for all civil authorities at the federal, state and local levels - that they be granted "wisdom from above" to cope with these crises. And finally, pray for the people of Tennessee; may they be comforted and strengthened by the Hand of God as they seek to recover from this catastrophe. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
- "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
3. ELENA KAGAN NOMINATED TO SERVE IN SUPREME COURT
Obama Nominee Lacks Record on Issues
Obama nominated U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan to replace Justice John Paul Stevens on the Supreme Court, bringing up questions about her lack of relevant experience and unknown judicial philosophy.
Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan headed to Capitol Hill Wednesday to meet with eight senators in preparation for her upcoming confirmation hearings.
When it became clear that Obama would name Kagan his Supreme Court nominee, her lack of experience came into clear focus. Kagan has never been a judge, so she has not written any opinions that can be scrutinized. Her experience mainly consists of having been Associate White House Counsel for the Clinton administration, Dean of Harvard Law School, and the Solicitor General of the Obama administration.
Kagan seems to be positioned for a relatively simple confirmation, and in many ways she may not change the balance of the court noticeably from its current state. But her replacement of John Paul Stevens would alter the court in at least one important way: for the first time, there will not be a single Protestant on the court. If confirmed, Kagan would be the third Jewish member of the court, in addition to its six Catholics. (Intercessors for America)
- Pray that truth would be revealed about Ms. Kagan's record as the Senate prepares for her confirmation hearings. Pray that gravity and weight would be present for the seriousness and finality of this decision. Ask God to bring disturbance to the "shoe-in" notion that prevails. Intercede that any US Supreme Court nominee be vetted on every level and scale. Intercede for divine grace and judgment to be with and upon all US Judges to fulfill their calling with excellence and Constitutional integrity. Ask the Lord to leave only the godly in our midst.
- He said to the elders, "Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are with you, and anyone involved in a dispute can go to them." (Exodus 24:14)
4. HEALTH CARE REPORT WITHHELD UNTIL AFTER OBAMACARE VOTE
There's more news from the "We need to pass it so you'll know what's in it" file. In this case, it's more to do with the consequences of ObamaCare, as determined in a report by Obama's own Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The report was compiled by the actuaries for Medicare and Medicaid. The findings project that the costs of health care would go up by almost $400 billion by the end of the decade, 14 million Americans would lose their employer based insurance (thus INCREASING the number of people without insurance, which would move millions more Americans onto Medicaid), and that approximately four million Americans would be hit with the insurance tax penalty that the law would create.
These are all things that the supporters of ObamaCare said would NOT happen. In fact, they campaigned on the rationale that it would reduce health care costs, costs less money to the government, and provide insurance coverage to more people.
The report was given to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius (AND the White House) about a week BEFORE the passage of ObamaCare. And, of course, Sebelius was all over television and in the media supporting passage of the bill by denying that the type of things would happen that her department's own report said would happen.
The American Spectator reports that HHS went into "lockdown mode" when the report was submitted, because they were worried it would "influence the vote".
How's that for "hope and change"?
Here's the report from Fox News.
Maybe some enterprising Americans will bring a lawsuit against the law based on fraud? (Christian Coalition of America)
- Lies, lies and more lies . . . this seems to be the unfortunate foundation of the current regime in Washington, D.C. Our nation is now under foreign occupation, for this is not the America that we know and love. Pray that somehow, someway, our GOD will yet intervene to deliver us from this wicked scheme -- Obamacare -- even though we do not deserve His mercy. Pray!
- "In wrath, remember mercy." (Habakkuk 3:2)
5. REP. MICHELE BACHMANN: REPEAL OBAMACARE (H.R. 4309)
Republican Senator Jim Inhofe Sponsors Repeal Bill in Senate
Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann has a message for the Americans people: Do not submit to Obamacare. The day after Congress passed Obamacare, she eagerly presented H.R. 4309, a one-page bill to repeal the Democrat 'health' bill.
Bachmann states: "Please sign my petition to REPEAL THE BILL and end this health care monstrosity. Turn back the TAKEOVER. Put yourself back in the driver's seat of YOUR health care. Tell Obama he can NOT take your God-given liberties as an American. Say NO to Nancy Pelosi and her blind ideological pursuit of the destructive liberal agenda." You can sign her petition to REPEAL THIS LAW by going here.
Meanwhile, over in the Senate, Republican Senator Jim Inhofe announced that he is supporting a 47-word long bill to repeal the 2,400-page long health care bill that was passed by only Democrats in Congress and signed into law by Obama. The text of the legislation backed by Inhofe and introduced by Sen. Jim DeMint. Inhofe stands with the majority of the American people in opposing the awful government takeover of our health care system. Repealing this legislation is the only way we can start over with meaningful reforms that will improve our health care system, not turn it into socialized medicine. The tax increases, cuts in Medicare, and the provisions that allow taxpayer funds to be used for abortions are all unacceptable. (CHPP)
- Now that the debate over passage of Obamacare has faded from the headlines, pray that the LORD would place His fire in the bellies of the American citizens who see the socialist danger in this law. Pray that that fire not go out, but rather burn even stronger in the days ahead, until Obamacare is completely repealed. Pray, saints, PRAY!
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
6. HOUSE COMMITTEE TO VOTE SOON ON ENDA - THE "CROSS-DRESSER PROTECTION BILL"
As early as next week, the House Education and Labor Committee will start debating a bill -- the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) -- that could do permanent damage to American liberty as we know it. Under this bill, the government will order businesses, including religious ones, to stuff their personal beliefs and hire gays and lesbians--even if the organization considers the lifestyle immoral. Essentially, Congress would be establishing a caste system, where the "rights" of homosexuals trump the First Freedoms of any employer. At the very least, it will force people out of business. At its worst, it will bully into silence every American who disagrees with homosexual behavior.
Should ENDA become enacted, Chai Feldblum and the EEOC would enforce the law. Religious freedom does not seem to mean much to Feldblum, an openly lesbian Georgetown University law professor, who has been selected by the Obama administration to head up the federal agency that deals with workplace discrimination. In a 2006 interview, Feldblum said that when religious liberty and sexual liberty came into conflict, she was "having a hard time coming up with any case in which religious liberty should win."
We need your help to get the word out. So we are providing a tool to help you do just that. Click here to download a half-page Bulletin Insert, print it out, copy it double-sided, cut down the middle, then distribute the half-sheet copies inside this Sunday's worship folder or in high traffic areas. Also, visit www.FightENDA.org where you can find more info about this dangerous legislation, as well as order our new documentary, "ENDA: The End of Religious Freedom in America?" to show in your church. (Family Research Council)
- CONTINUE TO WAR AGAINST ENDA IN YOUR PRAYER CLOSET, AND TO LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD AS WELL. IT IS TIME TO PUT AN END TO ENDA . . . PERMANENTLY. Ask God to forgive those who promote the gay agenda; they are lost and pitiful souls who need to know our Saviour. Our own acts of forgiveness will release GRACE into their lives, leading to salvation.
- [For the bill] "This far and no further, and here will your proud waves STOP!" (Job 38:11)
- [For homosexuals] "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
7. THREE MORE GAY AGENDA BILLS MUST BE DEFEATED IN CONGRESS
At stake is more than ENDA. If this bill is defeated, it will probably mean death in the 111 th Congress for at least three similar pieces of pro-homosexual legislation, also conceived and promoted by the Anti-Defamation League and the homosexual lobby.
• The Student Non-Discrimination Act, H.R. 4530, makes it a federal hate crime to repeatedly criticize (harass) a grade or high school student for his or her homosexuality .
• The Every Child Deserves a Family Act, H.R. 3827, forces adoption agencies to place foster children with homosexuals.
• The Freedom from Discrimination in Credit Act, H.R. 4376, makes it a federal crime to deny a homosexual (who might be dying of AIDS) a loan because of his or her homosexuality. (Source: National Prayer Network)
To view a list of the 13 senators who are undecided on this vote, go here:
- Again, continue to pray for the DEFEAT of ENDA. Much more rides on this bill than simply cross-dressing "rights" -- much more. Decree that the District of Christ now rests on the TRUE FOOTING of the Cross, and not the false footing of the gay agenda. Pray!
- "Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His footstool- He is holy." (Psalm 99:5)
8. SENATOR DROPS PROPOSAL TO AUDIT FED'S MONETARY POLICY DECISIONS
Senators debating the most sweeping overhaul of financial regulation since the Great Depression
Senator Bernard Sanders (V-I) dropped a proposal to audit the Federal Reserve's monetary policy that the central bank had said posed a threat to its independence, broadening support for greater central bank disclosure. The Vermont independent narrowed the scope of an amendment to financial-overhaul legislation to "a one-time audit of all loans and other financial assistance," starting in December 2007. He also included a review of how regional Fed bank directors are appointed.
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd threw his support behind the revised legislation after opposing previous versions that called for broader audits of the Fed's decisions. Republicans Charles Grassley of Iowa and Sam Brownback of Kansas also voiced support. (Bloomberg)
- The operations of the Federal Reserve System have been cloaked in secrecy since its inception in 1913; and it still functions today with no congressional oversight. Pray that the Lord would grant His wisdom to fall upon the 100 members of the U.S. Senate, as they debate and bring forth legislation to regulate the banking industry and all matters related to the Fed.
- "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
9. DEMOCRATS VOTE TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR FANNIE MAE; FREDDIE MAC
On Tuesday, the two Democrat politicians (Senator Chris Dodd and Congressman Barney Frank) and the two gigantic federally-subsidized housing agencies (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) most responsible for the stock market crash, the bursting of the housing bubble, and the Great Recession won yet another victory against the American people.
Senator John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate who lost to Barack Obama in 2008, introduced an amendment to the financial regulatory-reform bill being debated on the Senate floor this week, which would have reformed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - the two government-owned agencies which subsidized mortgage borrowers who could not afford to buy homes.
Every Republican Senator voted for the McCain amendment to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and only two Democrats voted with the Republicans, as Senator McCain's commonsense amendment was defeated by a margin of 56-43. These 56 Democrats are going to have to face American voters explaining why they voted against an amendment which would have protected the American taxpayer . . . Read more. (Christian Coalition of America)
- Please pray for Sen. Dodd, Congressman Frank, and others, who forced tax-subsidizing for housing lenders on America so that government-owned bureaucracies could furnish mortgage loans, with little or no down-payment and extremely low interest rates, to people who have no ability to pay them back. Intercede that this practice will no longer be sanctioned, painfully weakening our economy. Ask that these leaders come to justice for their purposeful, greedy decision to ruin the market. Pray that mercy will show up as those involved openly repent of their wicked deeds.
- "Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. " (Romans 11:22)
10. HOLDER HASN'T READ ARIZONA LAW HE CRITICIZED
Eric H. Holder, Jr., who has been critical of Arizona's new immigration law, said Thursday he hasn't yet read the law and is going by what he's read in newspapers or seen on television. Holder is conducting a review of the law, at Obama's request, to see if the federal government should challenge it in court. He said he expects he will read the law by the time his staff briefs him on their conclusions. "I've just expressed concerns on the basis of what I've heard about the law. But I'm not in a position to say at this point, not having read the law, not having had the chance to interact with people are doing the review, exactly what my position is," Holder told the House Judiciary Committee. (Washington Times) Read more.
- Gracious Heavenly Father, please protect and save the citizens of Arizona and those who stand with their attempt to stem illegal immigrants from entering the United States from their border. We can hardly believe how misguided, uninformed and opinionated our country's executive branch has become in its beliefs of what is right and what is wrong. America's Constitution, that You inspired our forefathers to write and continue to indwell, is ignored by the current administration and new verbiage is imputed by them regarding key passages to achieve their objectives. They do not honor You or America's rule of law and heritage. We humbly come before You and pray that this roiling sea of turmoil enveloping our executive, legislative and judicial branches at all levels in America be stopped for Your glory, and that Your Holy Spirit will divinely lead and direct our nation out of its present darkness. May we have Your promise that "Joy does come in the morning." In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
- "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)
11. NEW TENTH AMENDMENT TASK FORCE FORMED IN CONGRESS
Task Force to Combat Violations of State Sovereignty
As the federal government continues its assault on the rights of states to legislate in matters designated to them by the Constitution, House Members have formed the Tenth Amendment Task Force to combat federal intrusion into states and to direct legislative power back to its rightful owner. One example of a violation of state sovereignty is the benign-sounding Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which will overturn the laws of 38 states by forcing them to make "gender identity" a protected status. (Traditional Values Coalition)
- Pray that the task force will not be compromised, used by the government for personal agendas, or have its decisions lost in the power struggles in Washington. Pray for the rights of the states to be protected and restored.
- "And I will walk at liberty; for I seek Thy precepts." (Psalm 119:45)
12. ANOTHER DEMOCRAT RETIRES: WISCONSIN DEMOCRAT DAVID OBEY
Chair of Powerful House Appropriations Committee Steps Down
This week's retirement by Wisconsin Democrat David Obey spells more trouble for the Dems this fall. First, it's yet another open seat that they will have to defend, and it's not a "solid blue" seat by any means. Second, it says something about how Democrat leaders are reading the November tea leaves if a major committee chairman retires, (Obey chairs the powerful House Appropriations Committee). It says that either he thinks he'll have trouble winning another term, or he's pretty sure that the GOP will take back the House and he'll no longer be a major committee chairman . . . or both. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more.
- Please pray to God that voters will have wisdom and discernment for each race that is now opening up in Congress. Pray that anyone committed to the undoing of the Constitution, our hallmark and the beauty of American living, will retire, giving up the "political ghost" and not show up for re-election. Continue to intercede as this scene replays itself over and over again, that godly men and women of integrity and honor will take the highest seats in our land and hold fast to the hard-fought and sacred underpinnings of our country, reinforcing the truth that we are still, and ever will be, one nation under God.
- "For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms, " 'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, " 'May another take his place of leadership.' (Acts 1:20)
13. OBAMA GIVES COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS; FEARS INTERNET "OPENNESS"
Why is Obama worried about new technology?
In a recent commencement address to graduates of Hampton University, Obama said the following: "You're coming of age in a 24/7 media environment that bombards us with all kinds of content and exposes us to all kinds of arguments." He then went on to speak of iPods, iPads, Xbox's, etc., and then claimed didn't know how to work any of them.
He said: "Information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation. So all of this is not only putting pressure on you; it's putting new pressure on our country and our democracy."
Why would the president view Information as a distraction? Isn't the core of education the accumulation and retention of information? Why would it be a distraction instead of the useful tool? Why would the president who clearly loves the camera and the spotlight, decry the easy access to information and claim that it is putting pressure on our democracy? Why would our first self-described Blackberry-addicted Obama knock the very technologies that he used to his advantage in the campaign?
Perhaps Obama fears that a truly informed electorate will not support his agenda. Perhaps he feels his positions so weak that they can't stand the harsh light of true debate. Historically only tyrants and dictators have tried to curb access to information that they deemed dangerous. Now Obama thinks that information is putting undue stress on our republic.
How disturbing!
(George Shelton, TheLeaf.com, Clarksville, TN) Read more.
- How disturbing, indeed. As watchmen on the wall, let's stay on top of this emerging issue in prayer. Our freedom of speech (and therefore access to information) is a right guaranteed by our Constitution. Place that our First Amendment freedom is not abrogated; and place the Blood of the Lamb, by faith, over our founding document: the Constitution of the United States of America. Pray!
- "This far you shall come, but no further, and here shall your proud waves be stopped." (Job 38:11)
NOTE: To view the entire transcript of Obama's Commencement Address at Hampton University go here.
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVII, Number 12b
- - - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES - - -
1. ENGLISH ELECTION DECIDED: CONSERVATIVES SHAPE COALITION
2. INCOMING BRITISH F.M. WILLIAM HAGUE VOWS TO BE "FRIEND OF ISRAEL"
3. SECRETARY GATES TO SLASH PENTAGON BUDGET BY $10 BILLION
4. NEW STRATEGY ON THE BATTLEFIELD: HOLD FIRE, EARN A MEDAL
5. HAMID KARZAI CONCLUDES VISIT TO WASHINGTON
6. OBAMA RENEWS SANCTIONS ON SYRIA
7. RUSSIA TO BUILD NUKE PLANT IN TURKEY; SIGNS BIG ARMS DEAL WITH SYRIA
8. WHITE HOUSE ADMITS IT "SCREWED UP" HANDLING OF MIDEAST
9. OBAMA THREATENS TO "IMPOSE" PALESTINIAN STATE
10. NETANYAHU: "WE WILL NEVER DIVIDE JERUSALEM"
11. NETANYAHU TURNS TO BIBLE IN TUSSLE OVER JERUSALEM
12. FEAST OF SHAVUOT (PENTECOST) CELEBRATED THIS WEEK IN ISRAEL
1. ENGLISH ELECTION DECIDED: CONSERVATIVES SHAPE COALITION
Conservative Party leader David Cameron on Tuesday completed a tortuous journey to become Britain's prime minister, and clinched a fragile power-sharing deal with the country's No. 3 political party in the wake of Thursday's inconclusive election. Five frenetic days after a general election that resulted in a so-called hung Parliament-in which no party holds a majority-Cameron's Tories agreed on a coalition deal with the Liberal Democrat Party headed by Nick Clegg. In a country that is accustomed to majority government, it is the first time Britain has had peacetime coalition rule since the 1930s, though it has had several minority governments in that time.
Shortly after 6 p.m. in London, the men executed Britain's carefully choreographed change-of-power ritual, in which Brown visited the queen to resign and Cameron followed shortly thereafter to assume power. Sweeping into a newly vacated No. 10 Downing St. amid cheers, Cameron acknowledged that a coalition government will pose challenges."Our country has a hung Parliament . . . and we have some deep and pressing problems, a huge deficit, deep social problems and a political system in need of reform," he said. (Wall Street Journal)
- God, the power of the nations are ordered by the Lord. We entreat You to be the overseer of all that this new leader assigns to accomplish. May He see visions of God's direction for him to follow and stand in the strength of the Lord. Surround him with godly counselors who will promote Your dictates. In Jesus Name.
- "The Lord is good, a stronghold and refuge in the day of trouble; and He knows them that trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7)
2. INCOMING BRITISH F.M. WILLIAM HAGUE VOWS TO BE "FRIEND OF ISRAEL"
In an interview aimed at cementing his reputation as a "friend of Israel," incoming British Foreign Secretary William Hague vowed to see British law changed so as to hold Israeli officials immune from war crimes charges, and promised to take a tough line against Iran's civilian nuclear program, calling it the "most urgent thing" for him to tackle.
In fact, Hague seems to be taking a considerably more hawkish position on Iran than the Labour government had, and says that it would be a mistake to ever rule out military action against Iran, though his first preference seemed to be for "tough sanctions" against the nation. Officials in the Labour government had repeatedly referred to the prospect of a US attack on Iran as a disaster.
The news is likely to be welcome in Israel, where the media has been having a field day portraying Liberal Democratic leader Nick Clegg as anti-Israel and has warned his inclusion in the government poses a danger to Israel's policy.
- Lord, thank You that Nick Clegg, head of the Liberal democrats, is not the new foreign secretary of the UK. Abba, thank You that William Hague is the new foreign secretary. If as reported, he is a member of the Conservative Friends of Israel, may he take a strong stance for Israel and be a source of blessing for his nation. (Intercessors for Israel)
- ". . . the Lord has redeemed Jacob; and in Israel He shows forth His glory." (Isaiah 44:23)
3. SECRETARY GATES TO SLASH PENTAGON BUDGET BY $10 BILLION
Warring against waste, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Saturday he is ordering a top-to-bottom paring of the military bureaucracy in search of at least $10 billion in annual savings needed to prevent an erosion of U.S. combat power.
He took aim what he called a bloated bureaucracy, wasteful business practices and too many generals and admirals, and outlined an ambitious plan for reform that's almost certain to stir opposition in the corridors of Congress and Pentagon.
"The Defense Department must take a hard look at every aspect of how it is organized, staffed and operated -- indeed, every aspect of how it does business," he said in a speech at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in the former command in chief's home town. Gates was the keynote speaker at a ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of Nazi Germany's surrender in World War II. (Associated Press)
- As Secretary Gates seeks to reign in the spending at the Pentagon, intercede over this key issue. Pray that he be granted "wisdom from above" so that waste is distinguished from true need, and our national security will not be impeded. PRAY!
- "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (Psalm 32:8)
4. NEW STRATEGY ON THE BATTLEFIELD: HOLD FIRE, EARN A MEDAL
U.S. troops in Afghanistan could soon be awarded a medal for not doing something, a precedent-setting award that would be given for "courageous restraint" for holding fire to save civilian lives.
The proposal is now circulating in the Kabul headquarters of the International Security Assistance Force, a command spokesman confirmed Tuesday.
"The idea is consistent with our approach," explained Air Force Lt. Col. Tadd Sholtis. "Our young men and women display remarkable courage every day, including situations where they refrain from using lethal force, even at risk to themselves, in order to prevent possible harm to civilians. In some situations our forces face in Afghanistan, that restraint is an act of discipline and courage not much different than those seen in combat actions." (The Navy Times)
- Pray that this proposal will fail. In war zones where soldiers must make split second decisions, introducing hesitation is not a wise move. As we pray that God will grace our troops with wisdom, and ask for His protection over them, may we also pray that they will not have to be second-guessing themselves in combat situations.
- "And Joshua said unto them, 'Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage; for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight." (Joshua 10:25)
5. HAMID KARZAI CONCLUDES VISIT TO WASHINGTON
Afghan President Hamid Karzai met with U.S. leaders this week during a visit to Washington intended to strengthen the partnership between the two countries. The U.S. plans to begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan in July 2011. President Obama said Wednesday that accounts of strained relations between U.S. and Afghan leaders were "overstated," emphasizing the common interest of Washington and Kabul in fighting the Taliban.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai after meeting with him in the White House, Obama stressed his administration's long-term commitment to Afghanistan's security, saying that his goal of next summer for a U.S. military withdrawal is only the beginning, not the end. "We are not suddenly as of July 2011 finished with Afghanistan," Obama said. "This is a long-term partnership." (AP)
- Thank the Lord that the conflict with Obama and President Karzai seems resolved for now. Pray for the Afghan government and its people to rise up to the task of providing true security and stability for the nation. Pray that the Taliban and al-Qaeda would lose popular support, be weakened both in Afghanistan and Pakistan so that they will not be able to plan or carry out attacks.
- "A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of righteousness shall not be moved." (Proverbs 12:3)
6. OBAMA RENEWS SANCTIONS ON SYRIA
Obama has renewed the economic sanctions imposed by former President George W. Bush on Syria for an additional year. In his message to Congress, the president said Damascus poses "an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States," citing its "continuing support for terrorist organizations and pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and missile programs."
AlthoughObama did not specifically mention accusations that Syria is providing Scud missiles to the Hizbullah terrorist organization in Lebanon, Hillary Clinton raised that issue [as a possibility] in a speech last week. She said that, "President [Bashar Al-Asad] is making decisions that could mean war or peace for the region."
The nomination of a career diplomat to the post of US ambassador to Syria is in limbo, having been approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but not yet acted upon by the Senate. Some legislators have balked at extending more goodwill gestures to Syria's President Bashar Al-Asad, absent [of] any indication that he has backed-off his support for terror. (Bridges for Peace)
- Pray that more voices will be raised against sending a US ambassador to Syria, as the act could be taken as a sign of favor toward this rogue nation, of which they could boast.
- "Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words." (Proverbs 1:20-21)
7. RUSSIA TO BUILD NUKE PLANT IN TURKEY; SIGNS BIG ARMS DEAL WITH SYRIA
While Jerusalem lashed out against Moscow on Wednesday for wanting to include Hamas in the diplomatic process, it took a much more low-key approach to news that Russia would build a nuclear reactor in Turkey, and was considering doing the same in Syria.
Reports then surfaced Saturday that Russia has signed contracts to provide Syria with over $1 billion in advanced weapons, including Mig-29 fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft missiles, in what many analysts fear is a straw deal being paid for by Iran and with Iran as the ultimate destination of the weapons. The announcements come after a visit by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to Damascus last week.
"We have raised concerns with the Russians as to their weapons sales to the region, at the highest level," one Israeli official said. "We have seen Russian weapons that have been given and sold to different countries with terrorist groups. We think it is a problem when states that oppose peace and reconciliation and are part of the extremist axis receive military support." (Jerusalem Post)
- Father, we pray that You will move to sever the nuclear plant and weapons agreements between Russia and other Arab states. We call forth Your power of protection over Israel and the US, that no matter what kind of plans may be hidden under the nuclear agreements, no weapons formed against us shall prosper!
- "But in that coming day, no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from Me, I the Lord have spoken." (Isaiah 54:17) NLT [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
8. WHITE HOUSE ADMITS IT "SCREWED UP" HANDLING OF MIDEAST
Ayalon: 'Palestinians have not moved an inch in 17 years of talks'
Just as US special Mideast envoy George Mitchell is poised to return to the region for more "proximity talks" between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, a key figure in the Obama administration has admitted that the White House "screwed up the messaging" about its support for Israel over the past 14 months. White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel told a group of rabbis invited to the White House last Thursday that it will now take "more than one month to make up for 14 months" of missteps.
The mea culpa by the White House comes as a large group of prominent Jewish American activists have signed a petition calling on the leaders of both Israel and the Palestinian Authority to make "significant concessions and commitments" to encourage a successful conclusion to the "extremely fragile" proximity talks. It is closely modeled on a similar petition sent by a group of prominent European Jewish leaders last month.
"We believe without reservation that 'Israel is the national home of the Jewish people,'" the petition states, quoting from Israel's own Declaration of Independence, "and we therefore feel both entitled and obligated to make our views known. . . [W]e abhor the continuing occupation that has persisted for far too long; it cannot and should not be sustained." [Jerusalem Post] (Read more)
- Those "missteps" can be directly traced to the biblical promise that he who tries to disobey God will "stumble." May the Obama administration now take heed, repent, and get back on track with GOD's agenda for Israel: an undivided, sovereign nation and the homeland for the Jewish people worldwide.
- Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,"
" The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone," and "A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense."They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. (1 Peter 2:7,8)
9. OBAMA THREATENS TO "IMPOSE" PALESTINIAN STATE
If Israel and the Palestinians fail to reach an agreement to create a Palestinian state, the Obama administration will look into imposing a solution on the parties, a senior Palestinian Authority negotiator told WND.
The negotiator, speaking by telephone from Ramallah, said the PA agreed to resume direct talks with Israel earlier this week only after a U.S. pledge to ensure against any new Jewish construction in eastern Jerusalem and the strategic West Bank.
The PA negotiator told WND the Obama administration told the Palestinians if a deal is ultimately not reached with Israel the U.S. will consider imposing a solution "that the Israelis won't appreciate . . .." (World Net Daily) [Read more]
- "State a proposal, but it will not stand, for God is wth us." (Isaiah 8:10)
10. NETANYAHU: "WE WILL NEVER DIVIDE JERUSALEM"
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the traditional Jerusalem Day rally at the Mercaz Harav yeshiva on Tuesday, where he said, "We never gave up on the connection to Jerusalem - not when the Temple was destroyed for the first or second time and not afterwards." "The struggle for Jerusalem is a struggle for the truth," he said. "We are building it, will continue to build it and to develop it." Netanyahu added that while there were attempts to portray Israel as a foreign invader, "No other people are as connected to their capital as the Jewish people are to Jerusalem."
"Jerusalem Day is the day on which Jerusalem was finally liberated, and was able to take all of its residents, Jewish and Arab, under its wings," Netanyahu said. "Never again shall it be suffocated, gloomy or divided." (AP)
- Offer praise to the Lord for this strong stand in favor of God's original desire for Jerusalem! Pray that God will strengthen and protect the Prime Minister, and grant him favor among his own people to accomplish the will of the Lord.
- "And many nations shall come, and say, Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths; for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem." (Micah 4:2)
11. NETANYAHU TURNS TO BIBLE IN TUSSLE OVER JERUSALEM
Beset by questions about Jerusalem's future in talks with the Palestinians, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached for the Bible on Wednesday to stake out the Jewish state's contested claim on the city.
Netanyahu told a parliamentary session commemorating Israel's capture of East Jerusalem from Jordan in the 1967 war that "Jerusalem" and its alternative Hebrew name "Zion" appear 850 times in the Old Testament, Judaism's core canon. "As to how many times Jerusalem is mentioned in the holy scriptures of other faiths, I recommend you check," he said.
Citing such ancestry, Israel calls all of Jerusalem its "eternal and indivisible" capital -- a designation not recognized abroad, where many powers support Arab claims to East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. (Reuters)
- Thank and praise the Lord for these statements that bring Jerusalem openly under the protection of God's Word. With God publicly given center stage in this battle for Jerusalem, all the world will see His Word accomplished in spite of their actions.
- "I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and for Your truth; for You have magnified Your Word above Your name." (Psalm 138:2)
12. FEAST OF SHAVUOT (PENTECOST) CELEBRATED THIS WEEK IN ISRAEL
The Feast of Shavuot [Pentecost] is being celebrated this coming week in Israel - Tuesday evening May 18th to Wednesday evening the 19th. We prayed for the Body of Messiah and the proclamation of the gospel.
- "When the day of Shavuot was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1)
- Send a genuine move of Your Spirit upon the Body of Messiah in Jerusalem - and in all areas of Your nation of Israel.
- Do the same thing for the Body worldwide.
- May Your Body be filled with and led by the Spirit of Truth and give Yeshua all the glory and all the honor.
"But when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth, for He shall not speak of Himself, but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak. And He will show you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for he shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you." (John 16:13-14)
[Intercessors for Israel; edited]
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LORD OF HOSTS (Adoni Tsvahot)
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is filled with His glory!"
(Isaiah 6:3)
Lord of Hosts, how glorious it is to be in Your presence! My heart and my flesh sing for joy to you, for there is none like You. You, Lord of Hosts, Lord of All Heavenly Armies and Heavenly Hosts -- YOU do battle for me! As the seraphim say, "The whole earth is filled with Your Glory!" I shall never let the rocks out-praise me. How I love You, O Lord of Hosts! 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)
