In This Issue• CHPP Introduces Online Giving
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 17a
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVII, Number 17a
June 28 - July 2, 2010
- - DOMESTIC ISSUES - - "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31: 6 )
CHPP Introduces Online Giving
Dear Friends,
Again, we greet you in the Name that is above all names, Jesus Christ our Lord.
In response to requests from many of you, we are now able to offer the option of giving your gifts to our ministry online.
To do so, simply go here. This link will take you to a secured server. Only you know the data that will be given here.
Thank you for continuing to put your own hand to the plow, as we partner together with you, offering prayers for our national leaders, and for Israel.
God bless you!!
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38) Amen!
1. SENATOR BYRD PASSES AWAY; LONGEST-SERVING MEMBER OF SENATE
2. SENATOR DANIEL INOUYE IS NOW PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
3. HEARINGS BEGAN TODAY ON KAGAN NOMINATION
4. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS 2ND AMENDMENT RIGHTS
5. OBAMA AVOIDS CONGRESS - MAY ISSUE E.O., GRANTING AMNESTY
6. REP. MYRICK RAISES RED FLAG ON HEZBOLLAH-CARTEL LINK ON BORDER
7. SENATE GUDES DODD-FRANK BILL FOR WALL STREET INTO HOMESTRETCH
8. OBAMA URGES BANK TAX AS NEXT STEP IN REFORM
9. OBAMA ACCEPTS GENERAL MCCHRYSTAL'S RESIGNATION
10. PETRAEUS TO MODIFY AFGHAN RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
11. WHITE HOUSE WELCOMES SHARIAH FINANCE SPECIALIST ON STAFF
12. GULF OIL UPDATES
1. SENATOR BYRD PASSES AWAY; LONGEST-SERVING MEMBER OF SENATE
As President of the Senate, Byrd was 3rd in line of succession
Senator Robert Byrd, the longest serving senator in U.S. history, has died at the age of 92. The family of U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., tearfully announces the passing of the longest serving member of Congress in U.S. history.
Byrd's desk on the Senate floor was draped in black Monday morning -- a final sign of respect for the man who made the chamber his home for more than a half century. Flags flew at half mast across the Capitol. (Presidential Prayer Team)
- Pray for Senator Byrd's family, friends and the people of the state of West Virginia, that they will be comforted in this time of mourning. Pray, too, for the other 99 members of the United States Senate. May our Lord cause each one to consider the eternity that lies ahead. Amen.
- . . . it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment . . . (Hebrews 9:27)
2. SENATOR DANIEL INOUYE IS NOW PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
W.V. Governor Joe Manchin to Appoint Byrd's Replacement
With the passing of Senator Robert Byrd last night, Senator Daniel Inouye now assumes his position as the President of the Senate. This position, ordained by the Constitution of the United States of America, places Sen. Inouye as third in the line of succession, after Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
- Call forth the new mantle of leadership that the Lord has ready for Senator Inouye, as he assumes this quiet but key role in the administration of the Senate. Pray, too, for wisdom for Governor Manchin as he chooses the next man or woman who will fill this Senate position. Amen.
- But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. (Psalm 75:7)
3. HEARINGS BEGAN TODAY ON KAGAN NOMINATION FOR SUPREME COURT SEAT
GOP Raises Concern Over Kagan's 'Liberal Activism'
Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee begins its hearings on the nomination of Elena Kagan to serve as the next associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Kagan's views expressed on such critical issues as the First Amendment, the role of the judiciary, the sanctity of human life, and homosexuality should concern every American.
Obama's Supreme Court nominee pledged during confirmation hearing to uphold the law as some Republicans worry she will bring liberal politics and anti-military bias to the job. Kagan's opening testimony marked the beginning of a marathon high-pressure vetting by the committee, in which members will scrutinize her record. Her remarks also came after the GOP, including the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, voiced concerns over the 50-year-old solicitor general, telling the panel that her career has been "consumed more by politics than law."
Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., ranking Republican on the panel, said Kagan's record warrants close questioning as the Senate considers her appointment to the nation's highest court. "Ms. Kagan certainly has numerous talents and good qualities, but there are serious concerns about this nomination," he said. Sessions noted that Kagan has "never tried a case before a jury" and "has associated herself with well-known activist judges." He also maintained that she broke the law in denying military recruiters access to students at Harvard Law School, where she served as dean. (AP)
- Dear Lord, the True God of Justice. May those in the Senate at her confirmation hearings be divinely influenced by You to see that she is not qualified to be an unbiased interpreter of our existing Constitution. May her extreme views on international law, the recreation of existing law, and rude treatment of the military recruiters while at Harvard scream so loudly into their souls that they will refuse to vote affirmatively for her confirmation. May she and others come to know You as their Savior before passing into eternity like Sen. Byrd did today. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
- "I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. I will restore your judges as in days of old, your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City." (Isaiah 1:25,26)
4. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS 2ND AMENDMENT IN 5-4 DECISION
The Supreme Court ruled for the first time Monday that the Second Amendment provides all Americans a fundamental right to bear arms, a long-sought victory for gun rights advocates who have chafed at federal, state and local efforts to restrict gun ownership.
The court was considering a restrictive handgun law in Chicago and one of its suburbs that was similar to the District law that it ruled against in 2008. The 5 to 4 decision does not strike any other gun control measures currently in place, but it provides a legal basis for challenges across the country where gun owners think that government has been too restrictive.
"It is clear that the Framers . . . counted the right to keep and bear arms among those fundamental rights necessary to our system of ordered liberty," Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. wrote for the conservatives on the court. (Washington Post) Read more.
- Praise God for this victory and that while some officials continue to "cry wolf" in order to deny Americans their right to bear arms, all of the facts point to the truth; the more guns we own, the less crime and murder we have. Ask the Lord for his defense against Constitutional rights would that include fictitious hindrances like outrageous fees, over-regulation, taxes, and bogus insurance policies which various officials are using as "back door strategies" to their goal of infringing upon our rights. Pray for leaders who will stand by our Constitution to take office in the place of any who will not.
- All those chosen as gatekeepers were two hundred and twelve. They were recorded by their genealogy, in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their trusted office. (I Chronicles 9:22)
5. OBAMA AVOIDS CONGRESS - MAY ISSUE EXECUTIVE ORDER, GRANTING AMNESTY
Eight Republican senators sent a letter to President Obama Monday after learning of a possible illegal immigrant amnesty by executive order, a Plan B if Congress fails to pass amnesty legislation this year. According to the letter, the administration is exploring a massive use of "deferred action or parole" for illegal aliens currently in the country. This would be a gross abuse of power as "deferred action or parole" decisions are supposed to be made on case-by-case basis, not "wholesale." (Gary Bauer)
- Offer praise for this move, and ask the Lord to "bear down" on the heart of this president, that he would take heed and hear their words. If Obama decides to begin to operate outside of the confines of the Constitution, then the rule of law will disappear, and our nation will slowly sink into anarchy, ruled by a tyrant. PRAY!
- "This far you shall come and no further, and here shall your proud waves be stopped." (Job 38:10)
6. REP. MYRICK RAISES RED FLAG ON HEZBOLLAH-CARTEL LINK ON BORDER
Iran-tied terror group Hezbollah may be colluding with drug cartels along the U.S.-Mexico border, a Republican congresswoman warned, calling on Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to establish a special task force to figure out how to "clamp down" on this "national security" threat.
In her letter to Napolitano, Rep. Sue Myrick, R-N.C., called on Homeland Security to find out and report more on the extent of the problem. She cited several troubling developments that would point to Hezbollah creeping closer to and inside the United States, with the help of Mexican drug gangs. (Fox News) Read more.
- Please intercede over the whole area of the Mexican/USA border as the bands of wickedness must be severed. Pray that no wicked plot or scheme will come to pass. Intercede for the souls of these men and ask that those speaking out and all officials who are following the laws of our country be effective and protected by Heaven itself. Ask for fresh courage and a spirit of recovery to combat that which threatens our National Security. Thank God for His care and His help, to include new incentives to stay in this fight until the victory is secured and is ours.
- But the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year. (Deuteronomy 11:11-12)
7. SENATE GUIDES DODD-FRANK BILL FOR WALL STREET INTO HOMESTRETCH
The final bill took shape after a 20-hour marathon negotiation between House and Senate leaders seeking to reconcile their separate versions. The legislation puts a lot of faith in the watchful eye of regulators to prevent another financial crisis. New agencies would police consumer lending, the invention of financial products and the trading of exotic securities known as derivatives. Bank supervisors would have the power to seize large, troubled financial firms whose collapse could threaten the entire system. The bill calls for banks to hold more money in reserve to weather economic storms but leaves the details to regulators. (Washington Post) Read more.
- Dear Lord, once again, Washington sells out to Wall Street, the Big Banks, and their Lobbyists. The banks and Wall Street deluged the Capital and our lawmakers with enough lobbyist's pressure and money to pull any real teeth from this bill. As proof, look what Wall Street did when the "final version" was sent to the President for his signature: Bank Stocks went up. That is certainly a sign of relief that it is "business as usual."
Without Your help, Lord, the result will be more government regulation, continued bailouts of financial institutions that are "too big to fail," and less relief for consumers. All loans, including mortgages, will be more difficult to obtain and while this act is touted as capping some credit card fees, as the Wall Street Journal reports, the banks stated: "Well, we will just have to make it up elsewhere, i.e. service fees."
Please help, God, to stop this indifference of our government and the financial world to American businessmen and consumers. Please divinely inspire lawmakers and banks to do the right thing to bring about true stability in the American financial markets by making available fair loans and fair credit card repayment processes. In Jesus' Mighty Name we pray and ask these things. Amen.
- "So they said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.'" (Acts 16: 31 NKJV)
8. OBAMA URGES BANK TAX AS NEXT STEP IN REFORM
President Barack Obama, fresh from a win on a sweeping overhaul of Wall Street regulations, urged the U.S. Congress to take up his proposal for a $90 billion, 10-year tax on banks as the next step in reform. Obama wants to slap a 0.15 percent tax on the liabilities of the biggest U.S. financial institutions to recoup the costs to taxpayers of the financial bailout. (Reuters) Read more.
- Pray that this proposal never sees the light of day again, for we know who will ultimately pay the tax: depositers in the individual banks. Another regulation will be imposed on the American people. This proposal looks like a Trojan horse. Pray for economic voices who can explain just how impractical Obama's suggestion is.
- "Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work and eat their own bread." (2 Thessalonians 3:12)
9. OBAMA ACCEPTS GENERAL MCCHRYSTAL'S RESIGNATION
Gen. McChrystal to Quit Army After Controversy
United States President Barack Obama has accepted the resignation of General Stanley McChrystal as the U.S. commander in Afghanistan and is replacing him with General David Petraeus, head of U.S. Central Command, The Associated Press (AP) news agency reports citing senior officials.
Today the news broke that the general will now resign from the Army entirely, choosing instead to return to civilian life. (AP)
- Lord, one of the sins that can cause a nation to fall is division between its military and civilian leadership. There must be strength both in reality and in appearance, or our enemies have an opening through which evil can strike. We ask for Your intervention in this rift, so that General Petraeus will be able to accomplish freedom and stability for Afghanistan, and bring cohesion and strength to our troops.
- "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10)
10. PETRAEUS TO MODIFY AFGHAN RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
A military source close to Gen. David Petraeus told Fox News that one of the first things the general will do when he takes over in Afghanistan is to modify the rules of engagement to make it easier for U.S. troops to engage in combat with the enemy, though a Petraeus spokesman pushed back on the claim. Troops on the ground and some military commanders have said the strict rules -- aimed at preventing civilian casualties -- have effectively forced the troops to fight with one hand tied behind their backs. (Fox News) Read more.
- Commander of the Heavenly Host. Please uniquely inspire General Petraeus to lead and direct his increasing numbers of troops, both in Iraq and Afghanistan. May he be able to receive prayer and pray with his peers and subordinates, even though his superiors do not want this. We know Lord, that a soldier without you, Lord, is defenseless. May Your blessed victory come to these two countries with their being free to live and to worship You. May Your divine selection of this man to lead America's most visible forces lead our military and country back to walking with You. In Jesus' Matchless Name we pray. Amen.
- "Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle--My lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the One in whom I take refuge, who subdues my people under me. Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, whose mouth speaks lying words, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood --That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style. Happy are the people who are in such a state; happy are the people whose God is the Lord!(Psalm 144: 1, 2, 11 and 15 NKJV)
11. WHITE HOUSE WELCOMES SHARIAH FINANCE SPECIALIST ON STAFF
Obama selects Muslim expert in Islamic transactions as fellow
The Obama administration has announced its appointment of 13 White House fellows - and the first person featured on its short list is a Muslim attorney who specializes in Shariah-compliant transactions. Samar Ali of Waverly, Tenn., is the first name appearing on the White House list. She is an associate with the law firm Hogan Lovells - a firm that claims to have advised on more than 200 Islamic finance transactions with an aggregate deal value in excess of $40 billion. (WorldNetDaily) Read more.
- Here we go!! Keep a very watchful eye on all fiscal policy coming out of this administration. Islam's goal is to subdue its enemies . . . one way or the other. Pray!
- "Give ear and hear my voice, Listen and hear my words." (Isaiah 28:23)
12. GULF OIL UPDATES
a. IRS SAYS IT WANTS ITS SHARE OF BP PAYMENTS RECEIVED BY OIL SPILL VICTIMS
The Internal Revenue Service says oil spill victims who receive BP payments for lost wages will have to pay up come tax time. Under current law, BP payments for lost wages are taxable -- just like the wages would have been, the IRS said in tax guidance issued Friday. Payments for physical injuries or property loss, however, are generally tax free. Payments for emotional distress? Taxable, though medical expenses related to the emotional distress are deductible. (AP)
- Because of all the duress that the victims have undergone, the IRS needs to rescind its rule that victims should pay taxes. Pray that cleaner minds will prevail than the the IRS in this matter. Some people will try to defraud the IRS, but such people will be stealing, and God hates liars and thieves. Rather than paying taxes to the IRS, pray that the victims will pay their tithe to the Lord and receive His blessings.
- "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," Says the Lord of hosts;" (Malachi 3:11)
b. TROPICAL STORM ALEX BARRELS THROUGH GULF
By midweek, boats skimming sludge from the water may have to return to port for their own safety, and the floating oil-containment booms could be rendered useless by waves from Tropical Storm Alex slopping over them.(Fox News)
- This rather innocuous headline is hiding a disaster behind it. Thank the LORD that He will turn the wind and the waves, as we repent. Ask Him to do so now. Yahweh is still the God of mercy. Amen.
- The men were amazed, and said, "What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" (Matthew 8:27)
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVII, Number 17b
- - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES - -
1. US/ ISRAEL WARSHIPS IN SUEZ MAY BE PRELUDE TO FACEOFF WITH IRAN
2. TURKEY BANS ENTRY OF IDF AIRCRAFT
3. U.S. SAYS GAZA FLOTILLAS "IRRESPONSIBLE"
4. LEBANESE FLOTILLA EXPECTED THIS WEEKEND
5. MIDEAST QUARTET WELCOMES ISRAELI GAZA POLICY
6. PA INTENSIFIES CAMPAIGN DENYING ISRAEL'S EXISTENCE
7. ISRAEL LAUNCHES SPY SATELLITE
8. CIA DIRECTOR ISSUES STARK WARNING ON IRAN THREAT
9. CONGRESS STIFFENS SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN
10. NETANYAHU TO VISIT WHITE HOUSE ON JULY 6
11. UNDERSTANDING BLESSES AND CURSES
12. U.S.-ISRAELI RELATIONS SUFFER "TECTONIC RIFT"
1. US/ ISRAEL WARSHIPS IN SUEZ MAY BE PRELUDE TO FACEOFF WITH IRAN
Egypt allowed at least one Israeli and 11 American warships to pass through the Suez Canal as an Iranian flotilla approaches Gaza. Egypt closed the canal to protect the ships with thousands of soldiers, according to the British-based Arabic language newspaper Al Quds al-Arabi. (Israel National News) Read more.
- Praise the Lord that He led Egypt to heed the requests of Israel and the USA to open the Suez Canal to warships coming to the aid of Israel. Pray now that Egypt will now find all sorts of excuses to impede the progress of Iranian ships through the canal - such as demanding that all papers be written in Arabic rather than in Farsi, the language of Iran. The Lord knows many ways to put "red tape" in the way of the Iranian menace. Continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
- "And who is like Your people Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people--to make for Yourself a name by great and awesome deeds, by driving out nations from before Your people whom You redeemed from Egypt?" (1 Chronicles 17:21)
2. TURKEY BANS ENTRY OF IDF AIRCRAFT
Turkey relations reaches new peak: The Yedioth Ahronoth daily has learned that Ankara prevented an Israel Defense Forces aircraft making its way to Poland to fly in its airspace. The cargo plane was carrying more than 100 officers and non-commissioned officers to a tour of memorial sites and concentration camps. (Ynet News) Read more.
- Turkey is working very hard to align herself with the Islamic nations; formerly Turkey had been a friend to Israel. Pray for this nation, who had wanted to become a member of the EU. Now one wonders why. Did she purpose to turn the EU into an Islamic confederation? If the Israeli aircraft had been in trouble, would Turkey have been so coldhearted? Pray against any hidden agreements between Turkey and Iran.
- "What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the Lord has founded Zion, and the poor of His people shall trust in it." (Isaiah 14: 32)
3. U.S. SAYS GAZA FLOTILLAS "IRRESPONSIBLE"
The US State Department on Wednesday [June 23] released a statement against additional flotillas to the Gaza Strip, calling them "irresponsible." The statement said: "Mechanisms exist for the transfer of humanitarian assistance to Gaza by member states and groups that want to do so. Direct delivery by sea is neither appropriate nor responsible, and certainly not effective, under the circumstances."
The statement added, "We, along with our partners in the Quartet, urge all those wishing to deliver goods to do so through established channels so that their cargo can be inspected and transferred via land crossings into Gaza. There is no need for unnecessary confrontations, and we, along with our partners in the Quartet, call on all parties to act responsibly in meeting the needs of the people of Gaza." (YNet News) Read more.
- Praise and thank the Lord that He has heard the cries of millions around the world, asking Him to move on the American government to stand with Israel during this time and beseeching Him to keep the Iranian aid ship from ever leaving harbor.
- "Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 136:26)
[Source: Bridges for Peace]
4. LEBANESE FLOTILLA EXPECTED THIS WEEKEND
The Lebanese flotilla has been green-lighted, and the Israel Defense Forces [IDF] is already preparing to intercept the vessels as they make their way to the Gaza Strip over the weekend. The army said the same commandos who took part in the deadly raid on the Turkish ship in late May will also be called to stop the Lebanese vessels.
"We are preparing for several scenarios. It is not yet clear which boats, if any, will make their way towards Gaza or who will be on board. In any case, we will prevent any vessel from reaching Gaza," an IDF official said Monday [June 21]. Head of the General Staff's Operations Division Colonel Itzik Turgeman said the Lebanese flotilla is expected to arrive over the weekend. (Ynet News) Read more.
UPDATE: Hamas expects eight more Gaza flotillas after World Cup Mahmoud Zahar, a major Hamas figure in Gaza, warned that Israel should expect more flotillas over the next two months in an interview with British paper The Independent on Monday. Zahar was quoted as saying "after the Mondial [World Cup] at least eight ships will come from the Gulf," but did not specify which states. (ICEJ NEWS)
- Pray that the Lebanese will follow the example of the Iranians and withdraw their ships. Also pray, however, for protection and wisdom for the IDF if they are forced to intercept this latest flotilla. Pray that the Lord will arise and vindicate Israel as the efforts to delegitimize the nation are increasing daily.
- "Arise, O Lord, do not let man prevail; let the nations be judged in Your sight." (Psalm 9:19)
5. MIDEAST QUARTET WELCOMES ISRAELI GAZA POLICY
A few key members of the international community have generally welcomed Israel's new Gaza policy, in which Israel agreed to let into the Gaza Strip all non-military items and some construction materials while maintaining the arms blockade of Gaza. Israel took international thoughts into account during the planning process for the policy, including meetings with Middle East Quartet envoy and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Israeli Prime Minister's Office spokesman Mark Regev told Bridges for Peace that they met with Blair for "quite some time" on Sunday [June 20] as well as the end of last week. "He's been very instrumental in coordinating between Israel and the international community to get these policy changes through," said Regev. When asked if their Gaza policy had the stamp of approval from the international community, Regev said, "I believe that's true." [Source: Bridges for Peace]
- The fact of the matter is that there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Pray that the truth of the situation would be widely revealed, relieving international pressure on Israel.
- "There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel-that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21)
6. PA INTENSIFIES CAMPAIGN DENYING ISRAEL'S EXISTENCE
Ignoring its renewed commitment to "work against incitement of any sort" during the proximity talks, official Palestinian Authority [PA] TV continues to educate its people to envision a world without Israel, in which all of Israeli cities and regions are presented as "Palestinian."
Today [June 21], PA TV broadcast an educational documentary that had been taken off the air six months ago. It describes the Israeli cities of Haifa, Acre, Ashkelon, Jaffa and the Sea of Galilee as Palestinian. PA TV is under the direct control of the office of PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
The following is the transcript-"The West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and Gaza have another section in Palestine which is the Palestinian coast that spreads along the [Mediterranean] sea, from Ashkelon in the south, until Haifa, in the Carmel Mountains. Haifa is a well-known Palestinian port. [Haifa] enjoyed a high status among Arabs and Palestinians especially before it fell to the occupation [Israel] in 1948. To its north, we find Acre. East of Acre, we reach a city with history and importance, the city of Tiberias, near a famous lake, the Sea of Galilee. Jaffa, an ancient coastal city, is the bride of the sea, and Palestine's gateway to the world." [PA TV (Fatah), June 21, 2010, and dozens of time 2007-2009] (Palestinian Media Watch:June 21, 2010)
- Pray that the Lord will open the eyes of the international community to see the reality of the Palestinian educational system and the intention to indoctrinate a generation of youth to hate Israel and refuse legitimacy to the nation.
- "For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is destruction; their throat is an open tomb; they flatter with their tongue. Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You." (Psalm 5:9-10)
[Source: Bridges for Peace]
7. ISRAEL LAUNCHES SPY SATELLITE
The defense establishment launched another spy satellite to space Tuesday evening [June 22], thereby boosting Israel's intelligence-gathering capabilities, mostly at distant theaters. The latest satellite, Ofek 9, will be the sixth one to be deployed simultaneously.
"When we wish to examine targets, we need our own satellites to do the job," a senior defense official said. "The new satellite will enable us to perform frequent activity at higher resolution." The satellite was launched from the Palmachim Air Force base in central Israel, in line with a pre-determined plan unrelated to recent developments, officials said.
The Defense Ministry issued an official statement, saying that the Ofek 9 satellite "was launched and successfully injected into orbit by means of a Shavit satellite launcher. In the next phase, the satellite will undergo several tests for validation of its serviceability and satisfactory performance," the statement said, noting that Ofek 9 is an "advanced technology remote sensing satellite." (YNet News) Read more.
- Praise the Lord for this additional intelligence-gathering resource. Pray that it will fulfill its purpose to further protect the nation and people of Israel.
- "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and Your glory above all the earth; that your beloved may be delivered, save with Your right hand, and hear me." (Psalm 108:5-6)
[Source: Bridges for Peace]
8. CIA DIRECTOR ISSUES STARK WARNING ON IRAN NUCLEAR THREAT
Panetta: Tehran has fuel for two bombs, sanctions not enough
CIA Director Leon Panetta gave a stark assessment of Iran's nuclear program in an interview with ABC's "This Week" on Sunday, insisting that the Islamic Republic already possesses enough enriched uranium to produce two atomic weapons within the next two years, and that a series of new sanctions are "probably not" sufficient enough in themselves to deter Tehran from pursuing nuclear capabilities. (ICEJ News)
- Lord of Hosts, if it is Your will for Israel to deal with this threat militarily - help her to know when and how to do it. Provide all of the accurate intelligence for Israel to be able to plan her tactics.
- You [Israel] are My battle axe and weapons of war: for with you will I break in pieces the nations, and . . . destroy kingdoms; with you will I break in pieces . . . the chariot and his rider; With you also will I break in pieces man and woman...and with you will I break in pieces captains and rulers. And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, says LORD. (Jeremiah 51:20-24) [Source: Intercessors for Israel]
9. CONGRESS STIFFENS SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN
Last week, the US Senate passed tough new sanctions targeting Iran's Revolutionary Guard and imports of gas and other refined energy products as Iran's government continued to defy demands it abandon its nuclear ambitions. The US House of Representatives is expected to pass a similar bill and then all will be presented to Obama for his signature. He will find himself in a bind - as he really does not want this to pass yet it would most likely be political suicide if he vetoes these sanctions. Miraculously, the EU is also considering more stringent sanctions on Iran.
[Prayers offered by Intercessors for Israel]
- Abba, please let the US House of representatives pass their version overwhelmingly - just as the Senate did.
- May the fruit of all this increased pressure on Iran cause them to make mistakes - both politically and in the furthering of their nuclear program.
- Expose Obama's true heart in this situation.
May the US sanctions - which are aimed at any businesses doing business with Iran in questionable areas - bit hard against EU corporations that are still supplying Iran with too much technical know-how and hardware.
- Blessed is the nation whose God is LORD; and the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. (Psalm 33:12)
10. NETANYAHU TO VISIT WHITE HOUSE ON JULY 6th
One of the positive fruits that came out of that flotilla mess was the cancellation by Netanyahu of his June meeting with US President Barak Hussein Obama. Another meeting is scheduled for July 6th. Many of us see this as a trap for Israel's Prime Minister.
- We declared over this July meeting this verse from this Shabbat's Torah portion:
Surely there is no divination against Jacob, neither is there any witchcraft against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What has God wrought! (Numbers 23:23)
- If this meeting is not also cancelled, we hold Bibi into the anointing You have provided for him - specifically for this time with Obama.
- Use him to speak a prophetic word to Obama and to America.
- LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing. He makes the thoughts of the people of none effect. The counsel of LORD stands forever. The thoughts of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is LORD; and the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. (Psalms 33:10-12)
- Prepare Netanyahu by surrounding him with anointed advisors (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22).
- Open his ears to hear their advice and not think that he can handle this on his own.
- Reveal Obama's true intentions concerning what he is willing to do to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
- Wake up American intercessors today about how crucial this meeting is to the destiny of their nation - and give them wisdom and perseverance to see their nation stand with and bless Your nation Israel.
- Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers. The snare is broken; we are escaped. Our help is in the name of LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Psalms 124:7-8)
[All of these prayer points come from Intercessors for Israel.]
11. UNDERSTANDING BLESSES AND CURSES
In order to understand the vital need for prayer for Netanyahu's next visit to the Oval Office, go here.
THIS WEEKEND, AS WE ALL PREPARE TO CELEBRATE OUR NATION'S FOUNDING, LET US NOT FORGET TO PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM. AMEN.
- "I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Gen. 12:3)
12. U.S.-ISRAELI RELATIONS SUFFER "TECTONIC RIFT"
Michael Oren, Israel's ambassador to Washington, told foreign ministry colleagues at a private briefing in Jerusalem that they were facing a long and potentially irrevocable estrangement. Sources said Mr Oren told the meeting: "There is no crisis in Israel-US relations because in a crisis there are ups and downs. [Instead] relations are in a state of tectonic rift in which continents are drifting apart." (Telegraph UK) Read more.
- As above, PRAY!!!! - "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out My indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, says the Lord GOD." ( Ezekiel 22:30-31)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
GOD OF ALL GRACE (Ehlohay Ha-Khesek)
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (I Peter 5:10)
Dear God,
I know that You are waiting for me at the finish line of this trial. As I persevere, thank You for perfecting and establishing me in Messiah. Thank You, Lord, for always bringing me through victoriously. Thank You that success is not dependent on my strength, but my reliance of Your strength and Your grace. How lovely is Your name, O God of Grace.
(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)
