In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 15a
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVII, No. 15a
June 14 - 18, 2010
June 14 - 18, 2010
- - - DOMESTIC ISSUES - - -
"Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Rom. 8:27)
1. MILITARY BILL LEADS TO MARRIAGE MINEFIELD
2. HOUSE SPEAKER PELOSI: ONE GAY RIGHTS BILL AT A TIME
3. KAGAN FILES SHOW HER BACKING HUMAN CLONING
4. CONGRESS FIGHTS FUNDING ABORTIONS AT MILITARY HOSPITALS
5. OBAMA BREAKS PROMISE ON HEALTHCARE REFORM COVERAGE
6. OBAMA ISSUES E.O. MANDATING "LIFESTYLE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION"
7. MURKOWSKI AMENDMENT VOTED DOWN
8. REID'S PRO-LIFE OPPONENT TAKES DOUBLE DIGIT LEAD AFTER WIN
9. CLYBURN CALLS ON FEDS TO PROBE S. CAROLINA SENATE CANDIDATE
10. SENATORS PROPOSE GRANTING OBAMA EMERGENCY INTERNET POWER
11. EXPERTS DOUBLE ESTIMATE OF BP OIL SPILL SIZE
12. BP OFFICIAL ADMITS TO DAMAGE BENEATH THE SEA FLOOR
1. MILITARY BILL LEADS TO MARRIAGE MINEFIELD
What does the military have to do with marriage? Let me put it this way--Americans shouldn't wait to find out. As FRC has said from the beginning, this push to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is one of the final pieces to the Left's ultimate prize: recreating society in their image. Yesterday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) sent an alert to supporters explaining how the Defense Authorization battle "is about more than just the military. The outcome of this fight will have huge implications for the broader struggle for equality for years to come." (To read more, go here and read second article on the page.)
If the country doesn't engage now, Americans won't know what hit them. Sign FRC's petition on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and urge your friends and family to do the same. When you're finished, call your Senators and ask them to hold the line on the military's policy--or else marriage is next. Then, mark your calendars for FRC Action's upcoming webcast on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" on June 22. More details to come. (Family Research Council)
- Please travail in intercession to stop the true enemy of God in his attempt to use his "morality vacuum" on our lives and, in so doing, revamp our laws to come against us. Ask for key leaders who "having done all," will "stand"! Pray for the Father's counsel to abolish wicked and false decrees and that, in due coarse, the sun will set on every law that is anti-Christ, guaranteeing that all ungodly plans and intents are severely thwarted.
- "He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law." (Daniel 7:25a)
2. HOUSE SPEAKER PELOSI: ONE GAY RIGHTS BILL AT A TIME
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Friday that the Employment Non-Discrimination Act would have to wait until the "don't ask, don't tell" law banning openly gay soldiers from serving is repealed.
"We still have to finish 'don't ask, don't tell,'" Pelosi said at her weekly press conference when asked if she had the votes to pass ENDA. "Our work is not finished in that regard, so one thing at a time. ENDA is a personal priority for me, and I want to stay on focus with that, but because the defense bill came up now, we did 'don't ask, don't tell' first, [and] we want to finish that." (Roll Call) Read more.
- Why is Mrs. Pelosi pushing this homosexual rights agenda so much? Does she owe political favors to these groups? As a practicing Catholic, she should know God's ideas and condemnation of homosexual behavior. Pray that she will learn the truth of God's Word and will fear Him and not political agendas. ENDA is another wrongfully composed bill that has been around for a number of years and roundly dismissed by a majority of Congress. Ask the Lord to silence her mouth and any "strong arm tactics" she may wish to use, in order to get her way in Congress. Pray!
- "But indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.." (Philippians 3:8)
3. KAGAN FILES SHOW HER BACKING HUMAN CLONING
Add human cloning to abortion and assisted suicide as practices pro-life groups oppose but Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan supports. Files released from the Clinton library about Kagan's time in the Clinton administration show her advocating cloning humans for dubious research.
"Memoranda and emails released by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library on Friday document Kagan's involvement in crafting an anti-life position and legislative proposal," says Americans United for Life, whose attorneys investigated them. (LifeNews.com) Read more.
- Please intercede, as the Lord is a refuge for the righteous, that God will hear our prayer on seeing this nomination simply go away. As the temptation to play God fiercely grows in many human beings, ask that the horrors of cloning human beings and other troubling atrocities visit them until they can no longer deny the truth about love and life.
- "They utter speech, and speak insolent things; All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves. They break in pieces Your people, O Lord, And afflict Your heritage." (Psalm 94:4-5)
4. CONGRESS FIGHTS FUNDING ABORTIONS AT MILITARY HOSPITALS
The battle is continuing over whether Congress should support an amendment that would open up taxpayer-funded U.S. military base hospitals to doing abortions. A ban has been in place for years that prevents such abortions and the last time it was lifted, military doctors refused to do abortions.
As LifeNews.com reported last month, pro-abortion Sen. Roland Burris of Illinois attached an amendment to a bill in the Senate Armed Services Committee. The measure received a 15-12 vote, with Democrats supporting it except for Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska, who joined all of the committee's Republicans in opposition.
The next step in the fight is a battle on the Senate floor and abortion advocates are optimistic they have the numbers to prevent removal of the Burris amendment from the legislation. That would take the fight to the House, where Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey, the head of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, tells LifeNews.com he will strongly oppose the amendment on the House side and he expects to defeat it there.
"Our military facilities should be a place of hope and healing, not intentional destruction of innocent human life," he said. "This amendment will mean that as many as 260 military medical facilities worldwide will now be in the abortion business." (LifeNews.com)
Read more.
- Offer praise to the LORD that men like Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) still walk the halls of Congress, in support of life. Now that this bill has moved to the House, agree in prayer with the statement of Rep. Smith, who says he "expects to defeat it there." Pray in agreement that these 260 military hospitals not be forced to go into the abortion business, for the shedding of innocent blood surely will bring a curse upon our land. Pray!
- "Surely at the commandment of the LORD this came upon Judah, to remove them from His sight because of the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he had done, and also because of the innocent blood that he had shed; for he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, which the LORD would not pardon." (2 Kings 24:3,4)
5. OBAMA BREAKS PROMISE ON HEALTHCARE REFORM COVERAGE
Over and over in the healthcare debate, Obama said people who like their current coverage would be able to keep it. But an early draft of an administration regulation estimates that many employers will be forced to make changes to their health plans under the new law. In just three years, a majority of workers - 51 percent - will be in plans subject to new federal requirements, according to the draft.
"What we are getting here is a clear indication that most plans will have to change," said James Gelfand, health policy director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "From an employer's point of view that's a bad thing. These changes, whether or not they're good for consumers, are most certainly accompanied by a cost."
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said it showed that Obama's assurance that Americans would be able to keep the plans they currently have was "a myth" all along. "Since its passage, Republican arguments against the bill have been repeatedly vindicated, even as the administration's many promises about the bill have been called into question again and again," McConnell said. "So Democrats may have passed this bill, but the debate is far from over." (NewsMax) Read more.
TWO PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Pray for those who have made intoxicating lies their refuge and have hidden under falsehood, that they might find the truth and be set free. One can only hold the snare for others open so long before it snaps in his own hands. Pray for God's answer to men's folly. Ask for strength for those who are turning back this battle at the gate and that God will continue to rouse His remnant to skirmish in prayer until this covenant with death be annulled.
- Do not become discouraged by the storms swirling around Obama's healthcare. Pray that more citizens will voice their disapproval of the healthcare, letting their Congressmen know their views. Now is not the time for anger but a time for action. This healthcare bill seems to be another in breaking the back of America's economy. We need the wisdom of the Lord to see the solutions for this ongoing deception.
-"But the word of the Lord was to them, "Precept upon precept, precept upon precept, "Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little," That they might go and fall backward, and be broken and snared and caught." (Isaiah 28:13)
6. OBAMA ISSUES E.O. MANDATING "LIFESTYLE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION"
While the nation has its eyes and ears focused on the blame game ping-pong match between President Obama and BP top brass, President Obama on Thursday, June 10, quietly announced a new Executive Order establishing the "National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council."
According to Sec. 5. of this Executive Order, the Council will be charged with carrying out "lifestyle behavior modification" among American citizens that do not exhibit "healthy behavior." In addition to listing eight behaviors considered to be "unhealthy," this E.O. will be implemented in seven arenas, and monitored by a panel of 25 advisors. Those arenas include: worksite health promotion; community services, including community health centers; preventive medicine; health coaching; public health education; geriatrics; and rehabilitation medicine. (The White House) Read more.
- It is becoming increasingly apparent that this administration has an agenda to begin to monitor and control every aspect of our personal lives as American citizens. This Executive Order, for example, goes way beyond the limits of our Constitution in terms of what the federal government can, and cannot do, in interfering with our private lives.
In addition and unfortunately, unlike a piece of legislation, an Executive Order cannot be contested in court or monitored by Congress. Indeed, this decree circumvents Congressional authority altogether! Hence, this action is especially foreboding in its implications. Pray that, somehow, this commission will fall apart, and this E.O. will come to nought. Pray!
- "Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us." (Isaiah 8:10)
7. MURKOWSKI AMENDMENT VOTED DOWN
"The Senate has just voted to affirm that the EPA should be able to arbitrarily set the nation's energy policy by imposing unilateral restrictions on carbon emissions without any vote at all in Congress. This is a vote that will assuredly lead to higher energy prices, lost jobs, lost business, and the tyrannical imposition of a radical, environmentalist agenda upon the American people." (Americans for Limited Government)
The minority Republican-led measure, which came to a vote late Thursday, would have stopped the Environmental Protection Agency from carrying out rules to regulate carbon and other greenhouse gases under the federal Clean Air Act.
As you may know, Obama's EPA has already announced that it will use its regulatory authority to impose the Carbon Tax without one vote in Congress or citizens having any voice in the matter.
Even if Obama fails to pass the Carbon Tax through Congress next month, he will still get the Carbon Scheme imposed through the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). The only thing standing in his way was a resolution by Sen. Murkowski's (R-Alaska). This resolution is an amendment (S. J. Res.26) that, if it had passed, would have stopped the EPA's global regulatory agenda dead in its tracks. (American Family Association)
- Lord, we continue to pray that You will save American businesses from regulation which may be unnecessary, or cause a further crumbling of our economy, and an implementation of socialism.
- "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You." (Psalm 9:10a)
8. REID'S PRO-LIFE OPPONENT TAKES DOUBLE DIGIT LEAD AFTER WIN
Newly-minted Republican Senate nominee Sharron Angle has scooted out to a double digit lead over pro-abortion Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid following her come-from-behind victory in Tuesday's primary election. Angle has already picked up the endorsement of three pro-life groups. Now, a new Rasmussen Reports poll has her ahead of Reid, the top Democrat in the Senate, by 11 percent.
Although Reid will likely make the race about Angle's pro-life and conservative views, he has never risen above the low 40s as voters are upset Reid pushed through the pro-abortion, government-run health care bill. (LifeNews.com)
As the definition of a fool is one who does not see the end of his ways, and as having so much blood on one's hands constitutes a curse according to God, please ask for forgiveness and reconciliation for those that continue to walk in darkness. They clearly do not know what they do, for they lack spiritual insight to see how deeply these issues run to the heart of God. Intercede that leaders of integrity and honor will find their way to the highest seats in our land.
- "Is this the way you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?" (Deuteronomy 32:6)
9. CLYBURN CALLS ON FEDS TO PROBE S. CAROLINA SENATE CANDIDATE
The No. 3 Democrat in the U.S. House called on federal authorities Thursday to investigate how an unemployed South Carolina military veteran entered and won the state's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Greene, 32, stunned the Democratic Party establishment Tuesday night when he handily defeated Vic Rawl, a four-term state lawmaker and former judge, for the party's nomination. Rawl, who had campaigned little but already raised $186,000, was forced to scrap a fundraiser planned for Thursday night.
Greene has not reported any fundraising, run any ads, or put up signs or a website in his challenge of Republican U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint. He had been considered such a long shot that neither his opponent nor the media bothered to check his background, which includes a November arrest on a charge of felony obscenity.
"Here is Alvin Greene, unemployed, he goes into the Democratic headquarters and pays $10,000. That's no little bit of money for an unemployed person," House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., said. "This guy, who is he? Where did he come from? . . . There are a number of things that are taking place in the South Carolina political process that I find suspicious," Clyburn said. "I believe there's a coordinated effort to circumvent state and federal laws and seriously subvert the electoral process. Something needs to be done." (AP) Read more.
- Pray that all hidden things be revealed in the pending investigation, and that the courts will find legal ground to nullify this candidacy. The Rule of Law simply MUST be followed in our nation, for the only alternative would be chaos.
- "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)
10. SENATORS PROPOSE GRANTING OBAMA EMERGENCY INTERNET POWER
A new U.S. Senate bill would grant Obama far-reaching emergency powers to seize control of or even shut down portions of the Internet. The legislation announced Thursday says that companies such as broadband providers, search engines, or software firms that the government selects "shall immediately comply with any emergency measure or action developed" by the Department of Homeland Security. Anyone failing to comply would be fined. That emergency authority would allow the federal government to "preserve those networks and assets and our country and protect our people," Joe Lieberman, the primary sponsor of the measure and the chairman of the Homeland Security committee, told reporters on Thursday. Lieberman is an independent senator from Connecticut who caucuses with the Democrats.
The only obvious limitation on the NCCC's emergency power is one paragraph in the Lieberman bill that appears to have grown out of [concern] over warrantless wiretapping. That limitation says that the NCCC cannot order broadband providers or other companies to "conduct surveillance" of Americans unless it's otherwise legally authorized. Lieberman's bill is formally titled the Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act, or PCNAA. (CNET; ZDNET)
Read more here
and here.
- The ability to shut down the internet is called a "kill switch." Ask our LORD to "kill the kill switch" that is proposed in this bill, bot offer praise that "warrantless wiretaps" would still be held illegal under this legislation.
- "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (I Peter 3:12)
11. EXPERTS DOUBLE ESTIMATE OF BP OIL SPILL SIZE
As many as 40,000 barrels (1.7 million gallons) of oil a day may have been gushing out from a blown-out Gulf of Mexico well, doubling many estimates. The US Geological Survey says that flow rate could have been reached before a cap was put on the well on 3 June. BP's chairman has been asked to meet Barack Obama next week, amid assurances from the UK and US that bilateral ties will not be affected by the crisis. (BBC) Read more.
- Only our LORD knows the depth, the width and the breadth of this disaster, both today and in time to come. When we are helpless, we can turn only to Him for strength, comfort, wisdom and guidance. Continue in prayer for all those whose lives have now been devastated by this catastrophe; may Abba lead each one to new paths of LIFE in the days ahead. Pray!
- (For those affected) "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer. 29:11 NKJV)
(About this disaster) "In wrath remember mercy." (Habakkuk 3:2)
12. BP OFFICIAL ADMITS TO DAMAGE BENEATH THE SEA FLOOR
On May 31st, the Washington Post noted:
Sources at two companies involved with the well said that BP also discovered new damage inside the well below the seafloor and that, as a result, some of the drilling mud that was successfully forced into the well was going off to the side into rock formations. "We discovered things that were broken in the sub-surface," said a BP official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. He said that mud was making it "out to the side, into the formation."
In addition, a second report was shown recently on MSNBC. Here is a partial transcript of an interview with Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Andrea Mitchell:
Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL): Andrea we're looking into something new right now, that there's reports of oil that's seeping up from the seabed, which would indicate, if that's true, that the well casing itself is actually pierced underneath the seabed. So, you know, the problems could be just enormous with what we're facing.
Andrea Mitchell, MSNBC: Now let me understand better what you're saying. If that is true that it is coming up form that seabed, even the relief well won't be the final solution to cap this thing. That means that we've got oil gushing up at disparate places along the ocean floor.
Sen. Nelson: That is possible, unless you get the plug down low enough, below where the pipe would be breached. (MSNBC) To view the entire interview, go here.
- This news is getting worse and worse and worse . . . Even as the coming of the Lord draws nigh. Pray much in the spirit over all aspects of this growing calamity, for in the end, Father promises to bring good out of evil. Amen.
- "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Romans 8:26)
**************
In This Issue
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 15b
• Text of Letter Sent to P.M. Netanyahu
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVII, No. 15b
- - - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES - - -
1. CONSERVATIVE HOUSE MEMBERS STAND WITH ISRAEL
2. WHITE HOUSE TO SUPPORT ANTI-ISRAEL MEASURE AT UN NEXT WEEK
3. ISRAELI NAVY: GAZA DIVERS PLANNED ATTACK ON HOME FRONT
4. IRANIAN SHIPS READY TO SAIL TO GAZA
5. WHITE HOUSE WORKS TO EASE IRAN PROPOSAL IN CONGRESS
6. SYRIA, TURKEY TO COOPERATE TO REMOVE GAZA SIEGE
7. ISRAELI DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER MERIDOR CANCELS TURKEY VISIT
8. "NO AGREEMENT WITHOUT A PALESTINIAN CAPITAL IN JERUSALEM"
9. OBAMA GIVES $400 MILLION AID PACKAGE TO PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
10. EGYPTIAN MINISTER: "OBAMA TOLD ME HE IS A MUSLIM"
11. KENYA CONSTITUTION OPPONENTS KILLED, INJURED IN WEEKEND EXPLOSION
12. U.S. TARGETS MEXICAN DRUG CARTELS IN MAJOR SWEEP
1. CONSERVATIVE HOUSE MEMBERS STAND WITH ISRAEL
In a letter sent today to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and signed by 78 House Republicans, Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) and fellow conservatives offered unequivocal support of Israel's right to defend her people and maintain a blockade of the Gaza Strip that has proven vital to keeping weapons and other resources out of the hands of the terrorist organization Hamas. The blockade has come under intense international scrutiny following an incident in which Israeli Defense Forces personnel were forced to engage a ship and its crew attempting to breach the blockade. The RSC letter comes at a time when many Israelis and Americans have come to question the Obama Administration's support for Israel and its willingness to stand by America's strongest Middle East ally in the face of continued threats from terrorism and a rogue regime in Iran. The text of the letter sent to Prime Minister Netanyahu is published at the bottom of this alert. (Christian Coalition of America)
- Wow! Here is a combined voice that we can praise the Lord for. Thank you, members of the House of Representatives!. Please write to your Congressman to thank him/her for supporting Israel, as the Bible tells us to do. With so many negatives occurring, a note of thanks will encourage those who see the "handwriting on the wall" and act appropriately. Ask the Lord to grant much favor to those signing the letter.
- "I will bless those who bless you [Abraham]. And I will curse him who curses you, And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:3)
2. HUSSEIN OBAMA TO SUPPORT ANTI-ISRAEL RESOLUTION AT UN NEXT WEEK
THE WEEKLY STANDARD has learned that senior Obama administration officials have been telling foreign governments that the administration intends to support an effort next week at the United Nations to set up an independent commission, under UN auspices, to investigate Israel's behavior in the Gaza flotilla incident. The White House has apparently shrugged off concerns from elsewhere in the U.S. government that a) this is an extraordinary singling out of Israel, since all kinds of much worse incidents happen around the world without spurring UN investigations; b) that the investigation will be one-sided, focusing entirely on Israeli behavior and not on Turkey or on Hamas; and c) that this sets a terrible precedent for outside investigations of incidents involving U.S. troops or intelligence operatives as we conduct our own war on terror.
While UN Ambassador Susan Rice is reported to have played an important role in pushing for U.S. support of a UN investigation, the decision is, one official stressed, of course the president's. The government of Israel has been consulting with the U.S. government on its own Israeli investigative panel, to be led by a retired supreme court justice, that would include respected international participants, including one from the U.S. But the Obama administration is reportedly saying that such a "kosher panel" is not good enough to satisfy the international community, or the Obama White House. (Weekly Standard)
• Where is the logic of Mr. Hussein Obama in his thinking - to support an investigation of Israel? Is our president a Moslem in hiding? Pray for this man to read and understand the Scriptures and Israel's place in God's heart and the covenant that the Lord made with Abraham and all his descendents. God is the ruler of all the nations and Obama is scoring no points with the Lord, but he is bringing judgments against the USA. Pray for the speech to never be given at the UN this week.
- "But in the fear of the Lord, continue all day long. For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off." (Proverbs 23: 17b,18)
3. ISRAELI NAVY: GAZA DIVERS PLANNED ATTACK ON HOME FRONT
Despite Palestinian claims that the four al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades men who were killed by an Israel Navy force on Monday [June 7] in waters near Gaza were not terrorists, a senior Navy officer said they were planning to carry out a terror attack deep in Israeli territory. The officer said the terrorists, who were wearing diving suits, also carried weapons on them.
The al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, Fatah's military wing, reported that four of the group's men were killed in the incident, and that a fifth man, who was lightly injured, was missing. The Navy officer said one of the terrorists was in a small boat, while the others were swimming beside him a few hundred meters from the beach, in what appeared to be a well-planned operation.
"The [Israeli] commandos, who acted with professionalism and determination, spotted the cell and fired accurately. We are currently investigating the incident, but we have already determined that the cell planned to carry out an attack in Israel," he said.
Security officials said the incident is just another example of the efforts by armed Palestinian organizations to seek alternative ways to attack Israel's home front due to the tight security along the Israel-Gaza border fence. A few months ago, a number of explosive-laden barrels, which originated from Gaza, washed up on Israel's beaches. The barrels were neutralized by sappers and caused no injury or damage. (Ynetnews) Read more.
- Praise the Lord that this attack on Israel was discovered and stopped. Pray that the Lord will continue to give supernatural insight to Israeli security officials so that every such plan of the enemy will be thwarted.
- "He sits in the lurking places of the villages; in the secret places he murders the innocent; his eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless. He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his den; he lies in wait to catch the poor; he catches the poor when he draws him into his net. So he crouches, he lies low, that the helpless may fall by his strength. He has said in his heart, 'God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see.' Arise, O Lord! O God lift up Your hand! Do not forget the humble." (Psalm 10:8-12) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
4. IRANIAN SHIPS READY TO SAIL TO GAZA
The Iranian Red Crescent has equipped and loaded two ships with aid, and is waiting for permission from the Iranian Foreign Ministry to set sail for Gaza, AFP reported on Sunday. A third ship is planned for next week. An Iranian Red Crescent official, Mojtaba Majd, was quoted as saying that over 100,000 Iranians have volunteered to sail on the ships. He said that the problems involved may prevent Iran from sending volunteers, however "the important issue is that the people of Gaza know that more than 100,000 Iranians are ready to come to their help." (Jerusalem Post) Read more
- Pray that the Lord will intervene and keep Iran from making good on its threat to escort future convoys set on running the Gaza blockade. Pray that this latest means of attacking Israel both on the ground and in the media war come quickly to an end.
- "Arise, O Lord, confront him, cast him down; deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword." (Psalm 17:13)
5. WHITE HOUSE WORKS TO EASE IRAN PROPOSAL IN CONGRESS
The Obama administration fears tough U.S. sanctions against companies doing business in Iran would anger foreign allies.
The Obama administration fears tough U.S. sanctions against companies doing business in Iran would anger foreign allies. The Obama administration, which labored for months to impose tough new United Nations sanctions against Iran, now is pushing in the opposite direction against Congress as it crafts U.S. sanctions that the White House fears may go too far.
The sanctions are aimed at forcing Iran to giving up its nuclear program, which Western nations fear is geared toward developing nuclear weapons. Iran insists it is only interested in peaceful energy projects. U.S. sanctions have strong support in Congress, and the administration backs them in principle as a way to strengthen the mild strictures adopted on Wednesday by the U.N. Security Council. But the administration fears that the legislation also could damage relations with Europe, Russia and China, all of whom cooperated with U.S. efforts on the U.N. sanctions. (LA Times) Read more.
- Probably the Iranian regime fears only one thing: military power. Pray that our presdent does not compromise U.S. policy against Iran. The USA is not in a popularity contest. We must bow only before our God and King: the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray that the President will be like Balaams' ass: he came to curse but could only speak good words about Israel. Pray that our Congressmen and Senators will stand firm on this issue, regardless of any pressure and manipulation by the White House.
- "Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones." (Proverbs 4: 7b,8)
6. SYRIA, TURKEY TO COOPERATE TO REMOVE GAZA SIEGE
A day after the Istanbul press conference, in which the leaders of Turkey and Syria reconfirmed the strong bond between their countries and harshly criticized the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip, London-based al-Quds al-Arabi reported on Tuesday [June 8] that Syrian President Bashar Assad proposed a new initiative to his host, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aimed at having the blockade on the Strip lifted once and for all.
Syrian sources refused to outline the plan's details but told the newspaper that it includes a number of political ideas for regional and international activity aimed at lifting the siege. According to the sources, Qatar is slated to take part in the initiative's implementation.
According to the report, Assad considers the current political situation a window of opportunity to work together with Turkey to boost pressure on Israel, partly in light of the increased calls in Europe and the United States to either end or loosen the blockade on the Strip. Both Turkey and Syria believe "the diplomatic move, combined with the current timing, has the power to yield results and create a change in the equation that will bring an end to the Gaza Strip's isolation," the report said. (Ynetnews) Read more.
- Pray that this confederacy formed against Israel, and therefore against the Lord, be broken and that Israel be protected politically, diplomatically, and militarily.
- "Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; and those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, 'Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.' For they have consulted together with one consent; they form a confederacy against You." (Psalm 83:1-5) [Reported by Bridges for Peace]
7. ISRAELI DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER MERIDOR CANCELS TURKEY VISIT
[Israeli] Deputy Prime Minister Dan Meridor has canceled his trip to Turkey at the Shin Bet's [internal security] recommendation, Ynet learned Sunday [June 6]. It was also revealed that the Justice Ministry is preparing for a wave of international lawsuits and that any public figure's request to travel overseas will be carefully considered.
Meridor, who was scheduled to board a flight to Turkey on Monday [June 7] and attend an Asian multilateral relations conference, will remain in Israel due to increasing tensions between Jerusalem and Ankara. He was initially scheduled to spend two days in the Turkish capital.
Following the Gaza sail raid, the Counter Terrorism Bureau issued a serious travel advisory warning citizens against traveling to Turkey. Israelis who are currently in Turkey were instructed to remain in their lodgings and avoid crowded areas. (Ynetnews) Read more.
- Pray that an onslaught of law suits does not occur as the truth of the flotilla incidence is made clear. Pray for protection of the right of Israeli public figures to travel internationally without fear.
"Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught." (Proverbs 3:25-26)
[Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
8. "NO AGREEMENT WITHOUT A PALESTINIAN CAPITAL IN JERUSALEM": MAHMOUD ABBAS
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has ruled out any agreement without a Palestinian Capital in East Jerusalem. "Not possible. Not possible in any way. East Jerusalem is occupied territory. We will not sign any agreement that does not include East Jerusalem as the capitol of Palestine," Abbas said in an interview at the popular Charlie Rose show.
"The entire world recognizes that including the US, including Olmert who says East Jerusalem or what he calls the Arab neighbors are for the Palestinians and it is their capital. We cannot accept any solution that excludes East Jerusalem," he asserted. Abbas, who met the US President Barack Obama, at the White House early in the day, said what he would like from any US administration is to deal with fairness, to pursue the general interest of all based on international legitimacy. (Times of India) Read more.
- Unfortunately, Abbas and the Palestinians think that they have Israel "over a barrel." Also unfortunately, they also do not know the Word of God nor Jesus Christ. Pray for God's intervention in this matter of a Palestinian capital in Jerusalem, for the Palestinians have no right to any capital in the state of Israel. Sadly, many of the Arabs believe that they can prevent Jesus' return to Jerusalem by taking land. Already, they have built a cemetery in front of the Eastern Gate. Pray that our president will not listen to Abbas' demands.
- ". . . but he shall have one tribe for the sake of My servant David, and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel) . . ." (1 Kings 11:32)
9. HUSSEIN OBAMA GIVES $400 MILLION AID PACKAGE TO PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
Obama hosts Palestinian leader at the White House
Obama on Wednesday called on Israel to work with all parties to find a solution for Gaza and offered the Palestinians $400 million in new aid as Washington sought to contain the fallout from Israel's raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla. In remarks made as he met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Obama urged Israel to curb settlement activity and called on the Palestinians to prevent any actions that could incite confrontation.
As part of the U.S. effort to calm tensions, Obama used the meeting to announce $400 million in extra aid to the Palestinians Authority. "We think it is important to reaffirm our commitment to improving the day-to-day lives of ordinary Palestinians," Obama said. "There should be means by which we will be able to stop flow of arms that endanger Israel's security," Obama said. "If we can get a new conceptual framework, we should be able to take what is a tragedy and create an opportunity so the lives of people of Gaza are improved. But in the long run the way to solve this problem is creation of the Palestinian state and ensuring Israel's security." (Ha'aretz) Read more
- Offer a prayer of repentance that our hard-earned tax money is going to fund the terrorists in Gaza, through the subterfuge of this gift. It never pays to simply give money to the poor, despite what socialists will tell you. The poor need jobs and dignity. Pray that these funds never leave our nation. Pray!
- "Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished." (Proverbs 16:5)
10. EGYPTIAN MINISTER: "OBAMA TOLD ME HE IS A MOSLEM"
Very few media have picked up what Egypt Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said on Nile-TV in regards to Obama confirming he is a Muslim. This was a statement by Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit on Nile-TV. It was made on the "Round table show.
This is the statement recorded:
Adul Gheit said he had a one-on-one meeting with Obama, where he Hussein Obama told him in confidence that He was still a Moslem, the son of a Moslem father, the step son of Moslem stepfather, that his half brothers in Kenya are Moslems, and that he was sympathetic towards the Moslem agenda.
Adul Gheit claimed Obama told the Arabs to show patience. Obama promised that once he overcame some domestic issues, like the Health care reform, he would show the Moslem World how to deal with Israel. (Israel Today) Read more.
[Editorial note: this article takes a LONG TIME to load, and will not appear on Internet Explorer. If you enter through Firefox and give this time, you can read the original article.]
- The good news in this report is that, first, the truth is being revealed about the heart of our king; and second, the Lord can turn that heart, as He chooses to do and as we intercede for him. The good news, too, is that Jesus Christ DIED for the prisoners of Islam, and He has come to set the captives free. Pray that this will happen in the life of Barack Hussein Obama. Pray!
- "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound . . . " (Isaiah 61:1)
11. KENYA CONSTITUTION OPPONENTS KILLED, INJURED IN WEEKEND EXPLOSION
Nairobi, Kenya -- Two explosions in the Kenya capital late Sunday killed a handful of pro-life advocates and others assembled for a rally against the pro-abortion draft constitution the African nation will consider in August. The violent is estimated to have injured another 75 people. The violence has caused concern for both local pro-life campaigners and the foreign pro-life groups helping them educate people about how the constitution would open the nation to unlimited legalized abortion. American lawmakers are seeking an investigation into the Obama administration to determine whether it violated federal law that says taxpayer dollars can't be used to lobby for abortion in other nations. The Obama administration has reportedly spent $10 million advocating the pro-abortion constitution in Kenya. Obama himself has urged support for the constitution. (LifeNews.com) Read more.
To learn more about the investigation in Congress in the House Africa and Global Health Subcommittee, led by Rep. Chris Smith (NJ), go here.
- This is a HUGE story that will require much prayer. In addition to the pro-choice problems in Kenya's draft Constitution is the fact that elements of Shari'a law are also woven throughout. Pray for the committee that is investigating this matter, that their work will be successful; and if there is any link found between Obama and this incident, pray accordingly. Pray!
- "Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished." (Proverbs 16:5)
12. U.S. TARGETS MEXICAN DRUG CARTELS IN MAJOR SWEEP
Law enforcement agencies have arrested more than 2,000 people in a 22-month investigation targeting Mexican drug trafficking organizations in the United States, the Justice Department announced Thursday. The probe, called Project Deliverance, focused on the transportation of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana along the Southwest border.
- Thank you, Father, for this step of victory against the drug cartels. We pray, however, that you will destroy the root of the drug trafficking on both sides of the border and move to change the hearts and minds of the people involved.
- "Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, neither wasting nor destruction within your borders." (Isaiah 60:18a)
Text of Letter Sent to P.M. Netanyahu
Text of Letter Sent to P.M. Netanyahu by Conservative Members of Congress
"As members of the House Republican Study Committee (RSC), a group of over 115 conservative members of the U.S. House of Representatives, we want to express our steadfast support for the steps you have taken to ensure the peace and security of Israel, one of the most important being the blockade of the Gaza Strip. While we hope that the future holds a more positive relationship between the Gaza Strip and Israel, like you, we see the blockade as a key component of Israel's security at this time.
While there have been many international calls to end the blockade, we see your actions as the only viable way to prevent weapons from entering a terrorist-laden region under constant threat of Iranian control. We therefore support the right and responsibility of Israel to continue the blockade.
When Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip, it became a matter of national security for Israel to take the necessary steps in preventing weapons from being smuggled into the area. While violence has not ceased, we do not believe it is a coincidence that there has not been an Israeli death due to a terrorist attack in over a year. Many innocent civilians, both Jewish and Arab, have been saved due to the blockade, which has prevented artillery and materials to manufacture weapons from coming into the hands of Hamas.
Sadly, in a volatile area of the world, where Israel stands as a beacon of light for democratic values, the country and all it stands for is hated by many. Thus, it has been forced to defend its mere existence and must be able to continue to do so in situations such as this, in which efforts were made to aid a terrorist-controlled region. We stand by the Israeli people, the Israeli government, and your actions to prevent terrorist attacks."
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
KING (Meh-lekh)
"The LORD is king forever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. " (Psalm 10:16)
It is good to know that there is no other king higher than our King. In the daily battles of life, if we know the King, we will have victory.
O Lord, how I thank You that I need to never worry about the battles in my life, for You will gain the victory. How blessed I am to be a King's kid!
(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)
