In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 14a
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVII, Number 14a
June 7 - 11, 2010
June 7 - 11, 2010
-- DOMESTIC ISSUES --
"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." (2 Chronicles 15:7)
1. PRIMARIES FROM CALIFORNIA TO SOUTH CAROLINA MEASURE VOTER ANGER
2. PRAYERSURGENOW HOSTS CONFERENCE CALL ON "SUPER TUESDAY"
3. GOVERNMENT POINT MAN ON BP DISASTER SAYS: "THIS IS A SIEGE"
4. NEW MEMOS CONFIRM KAGAN'S LIBERAL STANCE
5. ARIZONA GOVERNOR AND OBAMA STILL FAR APART ON IMMIGRATION
6. SCANDAL SURROUNDS WHITE HOUSE "RECRUITING" EFFORTS
7. SENATE POSTPONES VOTE ON MILITARY GAY POLICY UNTIL DECEMBER
8. FBI ARRESTS TWO ALLEGED AMERICAN TERRORISTS AT JFK AIRPORT
9. HELEN THOMAS: "TIME TO RETIRE"
1. PRIMARIES FROM CALIFORNIA TO SOUTH CAROLINA MEASURE VOTER ANGER
Incumbents Fighting for Political Lives
How angry are Americans? People primed for change vote in 12 states Tuesday in contests that will decide the fate of two endangered Washington incumbents _ a two-term senator in Arkansas and a six-term congressman in South Carolina _ while setting the stage for some of the races that could determine the balance of power on Capitol Hill in the fall.
In an Arkansas runoff, Sen. Blanche Lincoln could fall to a fellow Democrat, Lt. Gov. Bill Halter, who says "the only way to change Washington is to change who we send there." South Carolina Republican Rep. Bob Inglis is trying to fend off primary challengers who have made the race a referendum on his 2008 vote to bail out up the nation's banking industry.
The political strength of the tea party movement faces tests in several states, particularly in Nevada, where three Republicans are in a bruising fight for the chance to take on Democrat Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader, in November.
Republicans in California could send two political neophytes, wealthy former business executives Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina, into races to succeed Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and challenge Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer. (The Associated Press) Read more.
- As our Lord continues to stir His people to action this year, pray that every voter in these states, and in the other upcoming primary elections, will not be deceived, but will instead vote for those candidates who stand in TRUTH, who walk in TRUTH, and whose agendas are in alignment with biblical values. May our Civil government more and more yield to the Kingdom Government that is ever increasing on the earth!
- "Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end." (Isa. 9:7)
2. PRAYERSURGENOW HOSTS NATIONWIDE CONFERENCE CALL ON "SUPER TUESDAY"
Please consider this special conference call prayer opportunity to intercede for the voters of California, Iowa, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, North Carolina, South Dakota & Virginia . . .
National Conference Call Prayer Meeting for "Super Tuesday" Primary Elections
Tuesday, June 8, 7-8am Pacific & 10-11am Eastern
Conference Number: 712-432-9998
Access code: 526338#
- "Your troops will be willing on your day of battle." (Psalm 110:3 NIV)
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." (Zech. 4:6)
3. GOVERNMENT POINT MAN ON BP DISASTER SAYS: "THIS IS A SIEGE"
As dead birds with oil on them are reported for the first time in Texas, the federal government's point man warns the massive Gulf spill crisis will stretch 'well into the fall.' Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, overseeing the government's response to the spill, reserved judgment, saying he didn't want to risk offering false encouragement.
Allen warned on CBS' "Face the Nation" that the battle to contain the oil is likely to stretch into the fall. The cap will trap only so much of the oil, and relief wells being drilled won't be completed until August. In the meantime, oil will continue to spew out. "But even after that, there will be oil out there for months to come," Allen said. "This will be well into the fall. This is a siege across the entire Gulf. This spill is holding everybody hostage, not only economically but physically. And it has to be attacked on all fronts," he said. (Fox News)
- If ever we needed a miracle-working God, this is it. Continue in prayer before our Almighty God, that He will make a way for this disaster to end, and its effects to be nullified quickly. We are a nation much deserving of judgment, but we serve a God of grace and mercy. Pray!!
- "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." (Jer. 33:3 KJV)
- Pray, too, that as men are humbled by this impossible task, they will come to the end of themselves and "look up" for help.As we bow the knee in our helpless estate, may a spirit of REPENTANCE fall upon our land, that many lives may be saved out of this disaster.
- "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
4. NEW MEMOS CONFIRM KAGAN'S LIBERAL STANCE
Newly released memos from her days as a law clerk confirm what conservatives have suggested all along - that Elena Kagan is a political liberal whose views are outside of the mainstream in America. And they are a stark reminder for all Americans that elections have consequences.
Just when poll after poll confirms that Americans are becoming more conservative as well as more pro-life, we're faced with a potential lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court of someone who would likely use the power of the court to interpret and apply the Constitution in such a way as to move the country in the opposite direction.
Via CBS:
. . .while working as a law clerk to the late Justice Thurgood Marshall - made her positions clear on some of the nation's most contentious social issues.
The documents, buried in Marshall's papers in the Library of Congress, show Kagan standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the liberal left, at a time when the Rehnquist Supreme Court was moving to the conservative right. (Christian Coalition of America) READ MORE.
- Heavenly Father, we know that You are not caught unawares about Elena Kagan's motives for wanting to be confirmed as the next U.S. Supreme Court justice. We know that You are well aware that her political affiliations lie so afoul of Your Living Word that we must cry out to You to please stop her confirmation scheduled for Monday, June 28th. Lord, there are so many hidden and strategically delayed documents that would doom her confirmation by the U.S. Senate, we pray that You will reveal the truth about her in such a way that no one, believer or unbeliever in the Lord, Jesus Christ; would vote to confirm her for this critical role in America's Legal System. Please hear our cry because without You, we are defenseless children. Please give us a hope and a future. Please allow the supernatural blinders obstructing You and Your Power to come off the eyes and hearts of all Americans. We know that You are our only hope for America to once again walk with You and to have Godly leadership. In Jesus, Your Son's Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
- "Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts: "Return to Me," says the Lord of hosts, "and I will return to you." says the Lord of hosts. "Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts: "'Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds.' But they did not hear nor heed Me," says the Lord." (Zechariah 1: 3-4 NKJV)
5. ARIZONA GOVERNOR AND OBAMA STILL FAR APART ON IMMIGRATION
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and President Barack Obama sat down for half an hour to discuss immigration on Thursday, but there were few signs that the two had bridged their sharp differences on the issue. Brewer, a Republican, recently signed a controversial bill cracking down on illegal immigrants in Arizona that Obama has called "misguided" and over which his administration may file suit. The law would require officers to determine the immigration status of any person they suspect of being in the country illegally.
Critics have said the measure, which takes effect on July 29, is a mandate for racial profiling.
"Although I understand the frustration of the people of Arizona when it comes to the inflow of illegal immigrants, I don't think this is the right way to do it," Obama said in an interview on CNN's Larry King Live after the meeting. "I think this puts American citizens, who . . . look Hispanic, are Hispanic, potentially in an unfair situation." The law has added tension to relations with Mexico, whose president, Felipe Calderon, sharply criticized it during a visit to Washington last month, saying it could expose hardworking Mexican-Americans to discrimination. (Reuters)
- With all respect to "racial profiling" . . . if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck . . . it probably is a duck! Ask the Lord to forgive Obama for his fear of being "politically correct" -- another name for bondage. The LORD has come to set His captives free; and He has set kings upon their thrones to PROTECT their people!
Now that lives have actually been lost and property destroyed along the Arizona border, ask our Lord to "peel away" the blinders of deception that Obama is wearing, that he would then fulfill his job description as a king.
Praise God, too, for the courage of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer in signing this bill into law, and in standing her ground for the PROTECTION of the citizens of Arizona. Pray!
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
6. SCANDAL SURROUNDS WHITE HOUSE "RECRUITING" EFFORTS
In the House, the unfolding scandal surrounding the Obama White House's efforts to influence at least two U.S. Senate elections has at least three respected House Republicans leading the fight to press the White House for answers. Rep. Darrell Issa, as the ranking member of the Government Reform and Oversight Committee, has dogged the White House from the beginning on both the Sestak/Specter incident and the Romanoff/Bennet incident. Rep. Lamar Smith, the ranking member on the Judiciary Committee, and Rep. James Sensenbrenner, the ranking member on Judiciary's Constitution Subcommittee are both weighing in on the issue as well.
All three sent a joint letter on Wednesday to White House Counsel Robert Bauer demanding that he produce "all records and documents created by or produced to the Office of the White House Counsel in the course of the investigation of the Sestak matter." Issa sent a separate letter to Bauer regarding the Romanoff matter yesterday.
On a related front, yesterday Rep. Issa also sent a letter to 21 Obama Administration cabinet secretaries and department heads requesting detailed information regarding their political travel. Issa stated, "Obama's campaign promise to change politics as usual in Washington has been undermined by the continuing political campaign this White House has run through the White House Office of Political Affairs."
Bottom Line: Sadly, politicians of both parties are slow to learn the hard lessons of history that have ruined careers and undermined the public trust. First, at a bare minimum, is it too much to ask for elected officials to practice a modicum of integrity and attempt to avoid outright corruption? Second, when mistakes happen, don't try to cover it up! The truth comes out sooner or later . . . the later it comes, the more damage is done. Obama, Emanuel, Messina, and others must come clean or suffer the consequences.
Derek V. Baker * derek@getliberty.org
Director of Congressional Affairs
Americans for Limited Government
- Pray that the White House responds to this letter with truth, and thank the Lord for the constitutional oversight provided by the Legislative Branch of our government over the Executive Branch. The Constitution still stands today, protecting our liberties, and guarding against corruption at the highest levels of our government. Praise God!
- "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." (Eph. 5:11)
7. SENATE POSTPONES VOTE ON MILITARY GAY POLICY UNTIL DECEMBER
Senate Heeds Military Chiefs - And an Engaged Public - on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Your calls to your Representatives and Senators in opposition to repealing "Don't ask, don't tell" in our military, combined with the calls from Christians and moral conservatives around the nation, have caused the U.S. Senate to re-think the timing of their vote!
When opposition mounts, elected officials take note, especially in an election year.
After receiving letters in opposition from the Chiefs of the Army, Air Force, Marines and Navy, to the hurried up vote desired by President Obama - and calls from thousands of American voters - Senate leadership decided not to try another fast Vote as they did with healthcare a year ago. This time, they found the voters to be much more engaged, familiar with the means of contacting their elected officials, and did so!
As a result, and not wanting to go on record in support of repeal, knowing the public opposed it, they decided to wait until after the Department of Defense had collected input from the rank and file, expected in December (and after the election!), providing a significant opportunity for we-the-people to quash this decision altogether, a decision that will not "make our Armed Forces even stronger" as President Obama asserts, but will weaken them! (Source: Restore America)
- Offer praise that this Congress WILL still listen to the American public and that this vote has been delayed, for now. PRAY THAT ONLY THOSE CANDIDATES WHO WILL DEFEND THE CURRENT POLICY AT THE PENTAGON ON "GAY RIGHTS" WILL BE ELECTED IN NOVEMBER. Pray, too, that this entire issue will disappear by December; for at that time, it will still be the current Senate that will vote on DADT, if so. Pray!
- "Your troops will be willing on your day of battle." (Psalm 110:3 NIV)
8. FBI ARRESTS TWO ALLEGED AMERICAN TERRORISTS AT JFK AIRPORT
Two New Jersey men intent on killing American troops were arrested Saturday as they boarded flights to link up with a virulent jihadist group in Somalia, authorities said. The men, both North Jersey residents, were charged with conspiring to commit an act of international terrorism through a group tied to Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network, according to officials familiar with the details of the arrests.
"Two individuals were arrested at JFK in connection with an ongoing investigation. At this time, we can provide no further details because the investigation is ongoing. The arrests do not relate to an immediate threat," said Jose Lozano, a spokesman for the state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman Rebekah Carmichael issued a similar statement just after midnight, , saying "the arrests do not relate to any known immediate threat to the public or active plot against the United States. (ABC News)
- Again, offer praise for answered prayers. According to news reports, the FBI and other agencies have been tracking these two alleged terrorists for over two years now. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the careful and detailed work of these intelligence agencies, on behalf of our national security. Pray now that all laptops, etc., that have been seized will be thoroughly investigated so that all intelligence data that can be found from this arrest WILL be found. Pray!
- "For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open." (Mark 4:22)
9. HELEN THOMAS -- "DEAN OF WHITE HOUSE PRESS CORPS" -- "TIME TO RETIRE"
Veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas announced her retirement Monday following an uproar over comments she made last month about Jews in Israel. The controversy escalated quickly over the weekend after the video surfaced online showing Thomas last month saying Jews should "get the hell out of Palestine," suggesting they go instead to Germany, Poland and the United States.
Hearst Corporation, which employed Thomas as a columnist, put out a brief story via Hearst News Service announcing the retirement "effective immediately." The announcement Monday marked an abrupt end to a career that has spanned decades. Thomas, known as the dean of the White House press corps, has covered every president since Dwight Eisenhower. Her 90th birthday is Aug. 4. Thomas has a long history of anti-Israel rhetoric at White House press briefings. Last week at a briefing with Gibbs that followed a flotilla raid by Israeli commandos, Thomas called the raid a "deliberate massacre" and "an international crime."
Just minutes before Hearst announced Thomas' retirement, the White House Correspondents Association issued a statement saying the organization "firmly dissociates from (her remarks)." The statement noted that the WHCA has no authority over issuing credentials but would be reviewing whether she should keep her front-row seat at a meeting scheduled for Thursday.
"The incident does revive the issue of whether it is appropriate for an opinion columnist to have a front row seat in the WH briefing room," the statement said. "We are actively seeking input from our association members on this important matter." (Fox News)
- First, offer praise that justice on behalf of the Jews in this case has been swift and sure. Next, offer praise that the White House Press Corps, itself, is now doing some "house cleaning" vis-a-vis its policy in reporting news out of Israel. Pray that its traditional pro-Palestinian bias will now be reviewed; and that more accurate, fact-based reporting will come out of the Press Corps in the days ahead. Thank the Lord for answered prayer. 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)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
THE ANGEL OF HIS PRESENCE (Meh-lekh Pah- nav)
"In all their distress He too was distressed, and the angel of His presence saved them." (Isaiah 63:9)
Thank You, father, for the Angel of Your Presence that is there always to protect me. May I never stray from Your ever-watchful eye. Thank You for all of the dangers from which You have protected me, many of which I shall never be aware. How I praise the Angel of his Presence! Amen.
"I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints." (Psalm 52:9)
(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)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Volume XVII, Number 14b
-- INTERNATIONAL ISSUES --
1. JOINT CHIEFS CHAIR SAYS AL QAEDA IN IRAQ HAS BEEN "DEVASTATED"
2. BARACK OBAMA GREETS NEW JAPANESE LEADER, NAOTO KAN
3. TOP U.S. LAWMAKER: ISRAEL "RIGHTFULLY" RAIDED FLOTILLA
4. FACTSHEET: THE GAZA FLOTILLA
5. BREAKING: ISRAELI NAVY FOILS "TERROR ATTACK"
6. ISRAEL FACES ITS MOST HOSTILE U.S. PRESIDENT
7. OBAMA: ISRAELI RAID ON AID SHIP MAY BE "OPPORTUNITY" FOR MIDDLE EAST
8. INVESTIGATE ISRAEL? NO!! INVESTIGATE TURKEY
9. ISRAELI OFFICIAL SAYS: "TURKEY HAS EMBRACED IRAN, HAMAS"
10. IRAN OFFERS MILITARY PROTECTION FOR GAZA AID SHIPS
11. RABBIS: FLOTILLA CLASH SIMILAR TO GOG AND MAGOG PROPHECY
1. JOINT CHIEFS CHAIR SAYS AL QAEDA IN IRAQ HAS BEEN "DEVASTATED"
A string of setbacks for Al Qaeda's affiliate in Iraq has left the insurgent group "devastated" and struggling to cope with a double whammy of a leadership vacuum and a money squeeze, the top U.S. military officer said Sunday.Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he found it particularly encouraging that gains against Al Qaeda have been made in operations carried out jointly by U.S. and Iraqi military forces. That makes it more likely, Mullen said, that after U.S. troops leave in 2011 the Iraqi government will be able to handle what remains of Al Qaeda's capability to launch terror strikes.
In a brief interview at Andrews Air Force Base upon his return from visiting the National D-Day Memorial at Bedford, Va., Mullen said he has been encouraged at progress against Al Qaeda in Iraq, which is known for grisly suicide attacks that have killed thousands."I've watched this over an extended period of time where we have just devastated them by removing their leadership" and making it harder for the organization to get financing, Mullen said. "We've watched them struggle in that regard." (Fox News)
- Offer up a chorus of praise for this news, and praise God for the countless numbers of men and women in uniform who have "made it happen." Pray for strength for all involved -- that they not let up now, but see this war through to its completion. Praise God!
- "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands." (I Samuel 17:47)
2. OBAMA GREETS NEW JAPANESE LEADER, NAOTO KAN
Obama has telephoned Japan's new leader Naoto Kan to congratulate him and to pledge co-operation, amid tensions over a US military base on the island of Okinawa. Tokyo officials said Mr Kan had promised to make "strenuous efforts" to resolve the issue. Japan's previous government resigned after failing to implement an election pledge to move the US base off Okinawa.
The administration of former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama - who resigned last week - had tried to organise moving the base away from Okinawa. But he failed to find an agreeable site and so proposed a compromise - to relocate it elsewhere on Okinawa.
Japan's Kyodo news agency reported that Defence Minister Toshimi Kitazawa had confirmed that Tokyo wanted to press ahead with the compromise plan. The agency said Mr Kitazawa had told US Defense Secretary Robert Gates about the new government's intentions during talks on the sidelines of a security conference in Singapore. Tokyo has not commented on the report. (BBC)
- Offer praise for the nation of Japan, which remains one of our strongest allies in that part of the world. Pray that our unity continue; and ask the LORD to grant wisdom to all who are involved in resolving the issues surrounding our military base in Okinawa.
- "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. " (James 1:5 NLT)
3. TOP U.S. LAWMAKER: ISRAEL "RIGHTFULLY" RAIDED FLOTILLA
Israel has "rightfully" invoked its right to self-defense to justify a deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, and should not face UN condemnation, a top US lawmaker said Wednesday. "The loss of life was tragic," but "the administration and Congress are determined to prevent condemnation of Israel at the UN Security Council," Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said in a statement. Israel -- facing a global uproar over its pre-dawn raid which left nine pro-Palestinian activists dead -- has blamed those aboard the ships, including the main vessel, the Turkish-owned Mavi Marmara, for initiating the violence.
Hoyer, a staunch backer of Washington's main Middle East ally, said he was waiting for "all the facts to emerge" about the Monday raid, but seemed to side with Israel's account. "Israel -- rightfully so -- invoked its right to self-defense on the Mavi Marmara. While the majority of ships in the flotilla -- five out of six -- reacted peacefully when approached by Israeli Defense Forces, activists on board the Mavi Marmara were clearly bent on a violent confrontation," he said. (AFP) Read more.
- Please pray for a prolonged unified effort to protect Israel and defend her right to use any method of self-defense she sees necessary to protect the her homeland. Raise up a praise for House Majority Leader Hoyer and others who are standing with Israel and also willing to deal with the UN on this issue. Ask that the right to challenge violent behavior and utilize blockades be openly acceptable just as it is in every other country. Continue to lift up all who would stand with Israel in this hour, that our prayers for her are effectual and that her leadership will continue stand on the truth in the face of dire criticism.
- "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." (Ephesians 6:14-16)
4. FACTSHEET: THE GAZA FLOTILLA
The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) has developed a FACT SHEET on its website, that is quite useful when praying through the events of last week regarding the Gaza flotilla. Topics on this site include: The Blockade, Organizers of the Flotilla, The Confrontation, Video Evidence, Relevant Aspects of International Law, Justification for Israeli soldiers using force, and Reason Israel enforces a blockade. To find this fact sheet, as well as other many other articles of interest, please visit the AIJAC website by going here.
For intermational reaction to this news, please see an article, published by JINSA (The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs) titled "Sinking or Swimming with the Flotilla." This is published on JINSA's website by going here.
- Continue in prayer over all aspects of last week's incident and its fallout. Make every effort you can to ensure that your intercession is based upon the facts of the matter, and not the biased normally presented in the mainstream media.
- "I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also . . . " (I Corinthians 14:15)
5. BREAKING: ISRAELI NAVY FOILS "TERROR ATTACK"
Navy fires on Palestinian divers off Gaza before dawn, and Palestinian medics say they have retrieved four bodies. The Israeli military said its forces prevented an attack on Israeli targets, but did not explain further. In Monday's incident, a naval force spotted Palestinians in diving suits and opened fire, the military said.
Four bodies were retrieved and taken to a hospital in central Gaza, said Moawiya Hassanain, a Palestinian health official. Two of the dead had suffered multiple gunshots to the head. The Palestinian naval police said two people were still missing. (Ha'aretz)
- No one seems to know exactly why Israeli intelligence missed the mark last Monday, when Israeli naval commandos encountered unexpected violence upon boarding the cargo ship Mavi Marmara. Offer praise to the Lord that, last night, the same intelligence assets were able to locate, and thrwart, another attack by sea on Israel.
From now on, when praying for Israel's borders to be safe and secure, please include her border at sea: 20 miles from shore. If our Lord walked on the water, He CAN take control of these waters, too, for the safety of the land of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
- "During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. 'It's a ghost,' they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.'" (Matthew 14:25-27)
6. ISRAEL FACES ITS MOST HOSTILE U.S. PRESIDENT
"The Wall Street Journal" had as its headline this morning: "Israel's Isolation Deepens." Is it any wonder when the president and his administration have taken each and every opportunity to raise up the Palestinian cause at the expense of our greatest ally in the Middle East. The "Journal" reported this morning that Israeli officials believe that the Obama administration's public criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government "has been seen as a green light by some European nations to press Israel further."
What happened off of Gaza last Monday was an intentional provocation by a pack of radical Palestinians and their supporters on a flotilla of six ships including a U.S. passenger ship, the Challenger I, a ship probably filled with aging over-the-hill anti-Vietnam War protestors and other such leftists desperately seeking attention. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more.
- God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we humbly ask You to intervene and disable this current administration that seeks to harm Israel, her leadership, military and people. We remember in recent times how You have humbled past presidents for their audacity to come against Your chosen nation. Be it sexual scandal or plummeting poll figures, You reduced them to pathetic figures running for cover from Your ire. Please show Your strength and power once more and humble those who mock You and Israel. You are the all-wise God who defends Your chosen people. May You continue to be glorified in Zion, America and throughout the whole world that You created! In Yeshua's Name we ask these things. Amen.
- "Thus says the Lord to this people: 'Thus they have loved to wander; they have not restrained their feet. Therefore the Lord does not accept them; He will remember their iniquity now, and punish their sins.'" (Jeremiah 14: 10 NKJV)
7. OBAMA: ISRAELI RAID ON AID SHIP MAY BE "OPPORTUNITY" FOR MIDDLE EAST
Obama called Israel's recent deadly attack on an international aid convoy a "tragic situation" that could serve as "an opportunity" to advance the Middle East peace process.
"I think what's important right now is that we break out of the current impasse, use this tragedy as an opportunity so that we figure out, how can we meet Israel's security concerns, but at the same time start opening up opportunity for Palestinians, work with all parties concerned - the Palestinian authority, the Israelis, the Egyptians and others," Obama said in a White House interview for the 25th anniversary of "Larry King Live" on CNN.
"I think Turkey can have a positive voice in this whole process once we've worked through this tragedy," he added. Washington has taken a cautious stance on Monday's incident, which left at least nine people, including a U.S. national, dead. In an official statement issued on Wednesday, Obama stressed "the importance of finding better ways to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza without undermining Israel's security." He also "affirmed the United States position in support of a credible, impartial, and transparent investigation" demanded by the UN Security Council over the incident. WASHINGTON, June 4 (RIA Novosti)
- Although the source of this report is from an Iranian news agency, Obama's same words were also reported last week in our press, too. We repent for a president who seems to always have only one thing in mind, no matter what the crisis -- the advancement of his own agenda.
After all these years, the world's leaders do not yet understand that "peace" is impossible with an enemy that is out to kill you. Break the power of these words, and ask our Lord to forgive Hussein Obama, for he knows not what he does.
- "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)
8. INVESTIGATE ISRAEL? NO!! INVESTIGATE TURKEY
Pressure is building at the U.N. and elsewhere, including from the Obama Administration, for an international investigation of Israel's actions in stopping the Turkish flotilla. The demands should be rejected. (Given some of his own actions, Obama might want to think twice before demanding investigations.)
The real investigation that we need is of the role of the Turkish government in creating and then exploiting a crisis for the benefit of Hamas and the worldwide jihad movement. Who were the well-trained thugs who set upon Israeli Seals when they boarded the ship? Who gave each of the young Turks the $10,000 in cash found in their pockets? Why is the Turkish government working with the IHH, a "charity" with close ties to Hamas and other terrorist groups?
On Obama's watch, Turkey has slipped into the radical Islamist orbit with consequences that threaten the U.S., Israel and the balance of power throughout the Middle East. Israel is in shock at what is happening to Turkey, its former ally, and Obama and his team are clueless or simply don't care. (Gary Bauer)
- Commander of the hosts of Heaven; You knew before these IDF soldiers were born that they would be set up to be assaulted on the last "humanitarian" flotilla ship they boarded last week that sailed in defiance of established Israeli maritime borders. Please right this wrong. Turkey, now a Moslem-led nation, has premeditated and determined that through extreme force and aggression, they will prove themselves to be the new leader of the Arab world. Confirmation of this comes from many conservative news sources and most recently from their Prime Minister himself who now says that he will be on-board the next "humanitarian flotilla" to sail against Israel! We thank You that no one was hurt in this weekend's latest flotilla attempt, and we cry out for help for Your beloved Israel that she may be saved from her aggressors. Please protect Israel and heal those wounded.
Strengthen and reinstate them for service to You and the Israeli Defense Forces. In Yeshua's Name we pray. Amen.
- "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 'Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5: 11-12 NKJV)
9. ISRAELI OFFICIAL SAYS: "TURKEY HAS EMBRACED IRAN, HAMAS"
A top Israel envoy criticized Turkey's outreach to terror groups Friday, hours after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying Hamas is not a terrorist organization. "Turkey has embraced the leaders of Iran and Hamas, all of whom called for Israel's destruction," declared Israeli ambassador to the US Michael Oren. "Our policy has not changed but Turkey's policy has changed, very much, over the last few years," he said. "Under a different government with an Islamic orientation, Turkey has turned away from the West." (Jerusalem Post)
- One of the most distressing outcomes of last week's events is that Turkey's anti-Israel and pro-Hamas stance is now confirmed. This is a blow to Israel and to the United States. Pray much for officials in both nations that must deal with Turkey now, that they use discretion and great wisdom in all communications with our former ally. Finally, offer a prayer of repentance that, since he took office, Obama has been allying himself with Moslem factions inside Turkey. Pray!
- "Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day long. Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries, the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually." (Psalm 74: 22,23)
10. IRAN OFFERS MILITARY PROTECTION FOR GAZA AID SHIPS
Israel stopped another ship carrying pro-Palestinian activists and aid bound for the Gaza Strip without any trouble over the weekend.
The news comes as Iran's Revolutionary Guard offered to give a military escort to the next flotilla to break Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.
"Enemies should be met head-on through a spontaneous international movement and we should foil their evil plots," Hojjatoleslam Ali Shirazi, Supreme Leader Ali Ayatollah Khamenei's representative in the Iranian navy, told the Mehr News Agency on Sunday. (CBN News) Read more.
- If there were ever a time to remain sober and vigilant, as a watchman on the wall and as a prayer warrior, this is it. Ask our Lord to grant each one of us a new mantle, with a fresh anointing, to be able to stand guard over Israel "day and night," in prayer, while there is yet time. The prophecies of Ezekiel 38 and 39 are unfolding now before our very eyes; PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM. Pray!
- "And the lookout shouted, "Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; every night I stay at my post." (Isaiah 21:8)
11. RABBIS: FLOTILLA CLASH SIMILAR TO GOG AND MAGOG PROPHECY
The Rabbinical Council of Judea and Samaria issued a statement Thursday in which it said that the results of the incident in which Israel intercepted a flotilla trying to break the naval blockade of Gaza seem like the Biblical description of "the beginning of the Gog and Magog process where the world is against us, but which ends with the third and final redemption."
The Council blessed the soldiers of the IDF and called for the formation of an emergency unity government that will lead the nation from a position of strength. The Council was formed by Rabbi Zalman Melamed of Beit El and includes leading religious Zionist rabbis who are the spiritual leaders of communities in Judea and Samaria.
The dramatic flotilla incident and the international reactions to it have sparked intense emotion, and unusual unity, among the Jewish public in Israel. (IsraelNationalNews.com)
- Pray that the nations will awaken to the end-time scenario now unfolding before our very eyes. Pray that many will finally stop "playing games" with the fact of our mortality, and will yield to the call of a Loving Savior who has died for us and forgiven our sins. Pray for a move of REPENTANCE to sweep the nations, while there is yet time. Pray!
- "And they shall know that I am the Lord their G-d, in that I caused them to go into captivity among the nations, and have gathered them unto their own land; and I will leave none of them any more there; neither will I hide My face any more from them; for I have poured out My spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord G-d." (Ezekiel 39: 28,29)
