In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 20a-1
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 20a-2
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 20a-3
• 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, Number 20a
July 26 - 30, 2010
* * DOMESTIC ISSUES * *July 26 - 30, 2010
"And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." (Romans 16:20)
IN MEMORIAM:
This edition of "On Capitol Hill This Week" is dedicated to the memory of one of the founders of our ministry: Rev. Opal, "Toots," Bates, who passed away on June 25, 2010, at the age of 89 years old. Toots was preceded in death by her dear husband, Rev. Ray Bates.
In addition to helping to found Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, Rev. Bates also founded the first chapter of AGLOW in Washington, D.C., as well as the D.C. Branch of the End-time Handmaidens and Servants. She was also one who shared our passion to see the nation of Israel prosper, according to the will of God.
This most gracious lady will be missed by many saints here in the Washington area, and we join with them today in honoring the memory of the many years she gave for the advancement of the Kingdom of God in our nation. Amen.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." (Psalm 116:15)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 20a-1
ON THE HILL:
1. NEW INFORMATION SURFACES ABOUT ELENA KAGAN
2. DISCLOSE ACT ON SENATE FLOOR THIS WEEK
3. CONGRESS EXTENDS EMERGENCY JOBLESS BENEFITS
4. REP. FRANK WOLF ADDRESSES OBAMA'S HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD ON HOUSE FLOOR
5. CONGRESSMAN BARNEY FRANK WANTS TO LEGALIZE INTERNET GAMBLING
6. STUDENTS TOLD TO STOP PRAYING IN FRONT OF U.S. SUPREME COURT
7. 100 DAYS TO DECIDE: STAGE SET FOR VOLATILE ELECTION SEASON
1. NEW INFORMATION SURFACES ABOUT ELENA KAGAN
Congress is pushing to wrap up some, must pass items in the next two weeks. Those include the confirmation of Solicitor General Elena Kagan as a Supreme Court Justice. Kagan's nomination was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday and is being readied for a Floor vote. Amazingly, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who at one time was considered a staunch conservative, voted for Kagan's confirmation in committee and cited the Constitution as the reason for his vote.
For Sen. Graham to say that he had a constitutional obligation to vote for Ms. Kagan is in itself extremely troubling. Even more troubling is the fact that he seemed to ignore her extreme political views, including her perspective on free speech and the sanctity of human life. NRB has been focusing on her perspective regarding First Amendment issues. Sanctity of life issues have been discussed in detail by Chairmaine Yoest, Ph.D., President & CEO of Americans United for Life (AUL). Their startling report will be of interest to many NRB members.
According to Dr. Yoest, when the partial-birth abortion issue (PBA) came up for discussion in the Clinton White House where Kagan was working, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) said they could identify no circumstances under which [partial birth abortion/D&X] procedure would be the only option to save the life or preserve the health of the woman. The AUL report cites a memo where Kagan called ACOG's definition a disaster in light of the Clinton Administration's policy work on the matter. Later it was discovered that Kagan actually added a sentence to ACOG's definition, with the effect of profoundly altering the meaning of the ACOG statement.
Her sentence, which followed the original ACOG statement (above), said: An intact D&X, however, may be the best or most appropriate procedure in a particular circumstance to save the life or preserve the health of a woman. Apparently, ACOG's Executive Board accepted the addition, without input from their organization's select panel (which had drafted the original medical report on PBA), and without a vote from members of the organization. The additional language Kagan added to ACOG's definition remained an important part of the defense of partial-birth abortion from that point forward and was used by those who filed suit against state partial-birth abortion bans in the years that followed.
During the recent confirmation hearing for Kagan, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) was clearly disturbed by these revelations. He questioned Kagan about them, and she essentially told the Senator that she doubted that her involvement had influenced ACOG. Yet the AUL report makes it clear that Kagan did, in fact, lobby ACOG while working for the Clinton Administration. (National Religious Broadcasters)
- Ms. Kagan has been displaying the audacity of her ambitions but shows a bitter lack of spiritual matters and the Hebrew Scriptures. Praise the Lord that this information has been revealed. Apparently, Ms. Kagan is not above lying and/or diminishing the truth, for her response to Sen. Hatch is the opposite of the truth. Sen. Graham also needs some prayer (he is a Christian) if he thinks Ms. Kagan is worthy of being a justice on the Supreme Court. This nomination is one we have to fight on our knees! Pray that the Senate does not "turn away their ears from the truth" so that they "shall be turned into fables." (2 Timothy 4:4)
- "He that speaks the truth shows forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit." (Proverbs 12:17)
2. DISCLOSE ACT ON SENATE FLOOR THIS WEEK
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has filed a cloture petition for the DISCLOSE Act (S.3628). This is a procedural motion in the Senate that allows the majority party to bring a particular piece of legislation to the Floor for a vote, in a specified period of time. The cloture vote will take place next Tuesday, July 27, 2010, and Majority Leader Reid will need 60-votes to gain cloture and move to a final vote on the issue.
NRB opposes the DISCLOSE Act because of fundamental First Amendment concerns. Dr. Frank Wright, NRB President & CEO, sent a letter stating NRB's position to the full House of Representatives, and NRB's Sr. Vice President & General Counsel, Craig Parshall, wrote a summation of the legislation in the June 17th issue of NRB Today. The Senate version of the DISCLOSE Act originally had more direct concerns for broadcasters since it mandated the amount of money that stations could charge for political ads. That language has been removed, and this week, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) released a new version of the bill that is now more similar to the House version, which has already passed that chamber. However, the Senate version is troubling because it still requires the disclosures of donor lists as small as $600 in a given year, particular to a specific political advertisement. NRB will keep members updated, and continues to express opposition on Capitol Hill.
Background in House: H.R. 5175 : Introduced April 29, 2010; Reported as amended by Committee on House Administration and discharged by House Judiciary Committee on May 25, 2010. Debated in House of Representatives on June 24, 2010, where it passed 219-206. (National Religious Broadcasters)
- Pray! pray! pray! against this cloture move by Sen. Harry Reid to force the listing of all donors to political campaigns. This Act is being pushed by the president. Why does he need to know? Senators Reid and Schumer seem to be working hand-in-glove with the president. All these people seem to forget that they each swore to uphold the Constitution. Pray for their souls.
- "For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world and lose his soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26)
3. CONGRESS EXTENDS EMERGENCY JOBLESS BENEFITS
Congress has approved a six-month extension of emergency jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed. The House gave the measure final approval and sent it on to the White House. The bill will revive a program that provides up to 99 weeks of income support to those who have exhausted state benefits, immediately restoring aid to nearly 3 million people who have seen their checks cut off since the program expired June 2. (AP)
- Offer praise that a compromise has been reached that is acceptable to both parties, so our citizens do not have to go hungry during this current downturn. Ask our Lord to bless His own, causing the current allocation of $309/month to stretch supernaturally, meeting all needs in affected households. Praise God for the United States of America -- which is STILL "one nation under God."
- "When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me." (Psalm 94:18)
4. REP. WOLF ADDRESSES OBAMA'S HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD ON HOUSE FLOOR
This week Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA) made, on the floor of the House, a statement critical of the human rights record of President Barack Obama. The congressman said: "These most cherished ideals, which are at the very heart of the American experiment, have time and again been sidelined in this administration's foreign policy. This is a grievous mistake which has dire implications for the world's dissidents and democrats who yearn for freedom and look to America to be their advocate." Read more at Congressman Wolf's Internet site. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
- Offer praise for the boldness of Congressman Frank Wolf, who is speaking truth on the House floor, and who has a passion to see the rights of dissidents and democrats defended overseas. Pray that his remarks will not fall upon deaf ears, but that the Obama administration will begin to take heed and to take action on behalf of those who are otherwise helpless to defend themselves. This would entail an entire policy change; pray!
- "He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor." (Psalm 72:4)
5. CONGRESSMAN FRANK WANTS TO LEGALIZE INTERNET GAMBLING
Congressman Barney Frank has offered a bill that would legalize Internet gambling. During the George W. Bush Administration this and may other organizations worked to pass a law that effectively banned Internet gambling. Apparently Congressman Franks would allow gambling addicts to bet away their homes online while intoxicated at 3:00 AM, so the government can make a few bucks. Franks' bill would tax online gambling while making it legal in all 50 states regardless of the state laws. Franks claims his HR 4976 would net the government $42 billion over ten years. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
- Pray as we abhor, decry, and condemn this money making scheme and send it back to the pit it came from. Pray for a shocking conviction to come over those who scheme and dream up such abominations, all in the name of greed and dishonest gain. Intercede and decree that unrest and confusion will enter into every camp that would demolish American homes and families by law. Pray that common sense, virtue, and values would return to American life, leaving the threat of terrible perverseness, instability, and lack of reason behind.
- And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: . . . "The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. (Deuteronomy 28:2,7)
6. STUDENTS TOLD TO STOP PRAYING IN FRONT OF U.S. SUPREME COURT
In another stunning example of just how far things have gone in our country when it comes to government's hostility to religion, a group of students were told by officials to stop praying outside of the US Supreme Court.
The group of 15 Christian school students, there on a trip from Arizona, were confronted by a Supreme Court police officer and told that their praying was against the law.
According to a spokesman with the Alliance Defense Fund, the officer's interruption of their prayer was "abrupt", and that "they were told to stop praying because they were violating the law and they had to take their prayer elsewhere." (Christian Coalition of America) Read more.
- Thank and praise God that we and our children are not giving up, we will never become silent, and will not stop praying for the land that we love. Intercede for an intense and determined reversal of the preposterous media mindset, government positioning, and cultural scheming that keeps Americans "on guard" about freedom of religion and the right to pray. Pray! Pray for this culture of corruption to be turned on its head and to re-turn to a culture of prayer! Ask that prayer be so integrated, once again into our society, that it will be abnormal to do less than pray, diligently and vigilantly.
- "O You who hear prayer, To You all flesh will come." (Psalm 65:2)
7. 100 DAYS TO DECIDE: STAGE SET FOR VOLATILE ELECTION SEASON
With just 100 days to go until midterm elections, congressional Democrats ramp up their efforts to ensure reelection while Republicans polish their plan of attack.
One year after anger over a proposed health care overhaul lit a fire at town halls and ignited the Tea Party movement, the stage is set for a volatile midterm election season, but Republicans appear more inclined to campaign on an anti-Democratic agenda rather than a pro-GOP platform. An anti-Washington mood in the country could help Republicans regain control of Congress in November. They have relentlessly attacked Democrats on their massive spending initiatives, including the stimulus package, and argued that it has failed to fix the economy, the No. 1 issue for most voters. Democrats counter that their policies helped the country avoid another Great Depression. (Fox News) Read more.
- Pray for a complete halt and reversal of all spending and that only God's Establishment take root in the House and Senate. Ask that His key leaders rise to this opportunity and occasion to lead this country back to its moorings, and to the Rock of its firm foundation which has thus far brought us through many a battle. Intercede that the soundest of strategies will be given to those who, in God's eyes, will move and work to take America back and then take her forward, into her destiny.
- Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the LORD helped us." So the Philistines were subdued and did not invade Israelite territory again. (1 Samuel 7:12-13)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 20a-2
AT THE WHITE HOUSE:
1. OBAMA DEBT COMMISSION WILL CALL FOR TRILLIONS IN TAX HIKES
2. JUDGE HEARS ARGUMENTS OVER ARIZONA IMMIGRATION LAW
3. OBAMA'S PICK FOR TOP POST AT JUSTICE: SOFT ON TERRORISM
4. OBAMA ADVISOR: U.S. "IDEAL PLACE FOR RENEWAL OF ISLAM"
5. PLO FLAG TO FLY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
1. OBAMA DEBT COMMISSION WILL CALL FOR TRILLIONS IN TAX HIKES
Obama debt commission member, Republican Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, launched a scary trial balloon on ABC News. Gregg suggested the debt commission will likely recommend a massive $26.7 trillion tax increase. Here are Gregg's actual words:
"Everything has to be on the table - there's no question about that . . . Erskine Bowles, one of the co-chairmen of the commission, has suggested a 75-25 split -- 75 percent of the savings being in spending, and 25 percent in revenues . . . I think it's likely that there will have to be a revenue component, but it should be significantly, dramatically -- and a 3-1 ratio is pretty dramatic -- dramatically less than the initiatives in the spending side of the ledger."
According to an analysis by Americans for Tax Reform if Bowles wants $3 in spending cuts for every $1 in tax hikes then the tax increases will be larger than anyone expects. (CNSNews.com)
- Thank God that His love is fathomless, but America's debt is not! The Lord still knows the way through any wilderness. Will America follow? Praise God, that He is our wisdom, our supply, our high tower, and our chief defender! Ask Him for His plan to unfold as He has said He would never leave nor forsake us! Unlike our government, God's love defends and protects; it covers a multitude of sins. Oh, the riches of our God's love for us. Intercede that the church will arise and foil the plans of America's enemies, standing on the solid ground of God's Word.
- And others said, "We have had to borrow money on our fields and vineyards to pay our taxes. When I heard their complaints, I was very angry. After thinking it over, I spoke out against these nobles and officials. (Nehemiah 5:4,6-7)
2. JUDGE HEARS ARGUMENTS OVER ARIZONA IMMIGRATION LAW
Opponents say the law will lead to racial profiling and trample on the rights of the hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants in Arizona. Supporters say the law is a necessary response to combat the litany of problems brought on by illegal immigration and the federal government's inability to secure the border.
The Arizona immigration law came under new legal scrutiny in a packed courtroom Thursday as a federal judge considered whether the crackdown should take effect next week amid a flurry of legal challenges. Judge Susan Bolton did not issue a ruling after two court hearings stemming from lawsuits brought against the law, which has reignited the national immigration debate.
The hearings drew considerable interest as Republican Gov. Jan Brewer and the Justice Department's top lawyer in Arizona both attended, along with dozens of spectators. Bolton has been asked to block the law from taking effect as she hears several lawsuits that question the constitutionality of the measure.
Bolton, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton, repeatedly questioned Justice Department attorney Edwin Kneedler to explain how specific provisions of the law intruded on federal authority as he had argued. "Why can't Arizona be as inhospitable as they wish to people who have entered the United States illegally?" she said.
Without prodding from attorneys, the judge also pointed out to lawyers the everyday realities of Arizona's immigration woes, such as signs that the federal government erected in a wilderness area south of Phoenix that warns visitors about drug and immigrant traffickers passing through public lands. She also noted the immigrant smuggling stash houses that are a fixture on the news in Arizona. "You can barely go a day without a location being found in Phoenix where there are numerous people being harbored," Bolton said.
Kneedler said the law's requirements that law enforcement check on people's immigration status set a mandatory policy that goes beyond what the federal government requires and would burden the federal agency that responds to immigration-status inquiries. (AP) Read more.
- Offer praise that the Lord has raised up a judge with a common-sense view of the immigration debacle in the State of Arizona. Thank Him for the righteous decision she will render shortly in this case. Pray - for this decision will have national impact, in time.
- ". . . judgment belongs to God." (Deut. 16:20)
3. OBAMA'S PICK FOR TOP POST AT JUSTICE: SOFT ON TERRORISM
President Obama has picked James Cole to become Deputy Attorney General in the Department of Justice (DOJ). If confirmed by the full Senate, Cole will actually be running the day-to-day operations of the Department of Justice. His nomination was approved by the Democrat-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee on July 21. No Republican on the committee voted for him.
Cole has a long history of being soft on terrorism and opposes our military's policy of detaining terrorists at GITMO. In addition, a year after 9/11, Cole wrote an editorial in the Legal Times (September 9, 2002) that was highly critical of Attorney General John Ashcroft and his response to the Islamist terrorist attack on America. According to Cole, the 9/11 attack was a "crime" rather than an act of war - and claimed that the DOJ had no right to treat terrorists as enemy combatants instead of common criminals. . . Clearly, Cole lives in an alternate reality when it comes to Islamic terrorism.
TAKE ACTION: Urge your two Senators to vote against the confirmation of James Cole to become Deputy Attorney General. (Traditional Values Coalition) Read more.
- Please intercede for the Department of Justice. Ask for righteous leaders only, with wisdom to discern and snuff out both the dangers to our nation and the twisted perversions that lie at our door. Pray for an equipping in truth and wisdom that will enable the American people to speak up and speak out, securing goodness and righteousness for all. Pray that we never again tolerate terrorist sympathizers who invade our country and allow the blurring of civil law and military duty to exist.
- "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous." (Joshua 1:5-7a)
4. OBAMA ADVISOR: U.S. "IDEAL PLACE FOR RENEWAL OF ISLAM"
Religion aide closely linked to imam seeking to build Ground Zero mosque
A religion adviser to President Obama has close ties to the imam who wants to build a 13-story Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero. The two have been documented together discussing America as "the ideal place for a renewal of Islam," WND has learned. In February, Obama named a Chicago Muslim, Eboo Patel, to his Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Patel is the founder and executive director of Chicago-based Interfaith Youth Core, which says it promotes pluralism by teaming people of different faiths on service projects. (World Net Daily) Read more.
- Father God, You are in absolute control of America and all its enemies. They can only go so far, and no further with their schemes to establish the Islamic caliphate on earth. Their lineage originates with Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus and committed suicide and is forever cut off from God. Lord God, we plead for the souls of these people should any repent of their sins and turn from their wicked ways. Otherwise, block their plans, schemes and evil deeds of this criminal few with the blood of Jesus, which is the final authority over men. In Your Name, amen.
- "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." (Rev. 12:11)
5. PLO FLAG TO FLY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
The United States State Department has announced to the Palestinian Authority/Palestinian Liberation Organization Mission representative in the United States that its status will be upgraded from a 'bureau' to that of a "general delegation' and that this change will allow the office in which the representation is situated to fly the PLO, now also the Palestine Authority, flag at its entrance.
The upgrading, besides allowing the flag to be flown, also grants certan privileges to the delegation staff, such as diplomatic immunity, although it is not equal to embassy status. . . (Israel National News) Read more.
- We were founded on Godly principles. God's hand of protection has been on us as a Nation, or we would have seen many more terrorist attacks since 9/11. However, with this news, I believe this could be the thing that very well causes God to completely remove His hand of protection from America.
Woe be unto us, as a nation, indeed! More than ever before we need to fall on our knees as a nation and beg for repentance.
- "Those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off. " (Psalm 37:22)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 20a-3
MORE NEWS FOR PRAYER:
1. BP WORKER TESTIFIES OIL-RIG ALARM PARTIALLY DISABLED BEFORE BLAST
2. ACLJ FILES SUIT TO BLOCK GROUND ZERO MOSQUE
3. THE GROUND ZERO MOSQUE AND THE CALIPHATE
1. WORKER TESTIFIES OIL-RIG ALARM PARTIALLY DISABLED BEFORE BLAST
The fire alarm system on the Deepwater Horizon was disabled prior to the catastrophic explosion that caused the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, rig worker testifies in front of federal panel.
Long before an eruption of gas turned the Deepwater Horizon oil rig into a fireball, an alarm system designed to alert the crew and prevent combustible gases from reaching potential sources of ignition had been deliberately disabled, the former chief electronics technician on the rig testified Friday. Michael Williams said he understood that the rig had been operating with the system in "inhibited" mode for a year to prevent false alarms from disturbing the crew.
Williams said the explanation he got was that the leadership of the rig did not want crew members needlessly awakened in the middle of the night. The Coast Guard and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, until recently called the Minerals Management Service, are conducting the hearing. (Fox News) Read more.
- Offer praise that more hidden things are being revealed about the true cause of this disaster. Continue in prayer until all has been revealed, and those responsible will be brought to justice.
- "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)
2. ACLJ FILES SUIT TO BLOCK GROUND ZERO MOSQUE
A message from Jay Sekulow, Founder, American Center for Law and Justice; Friday, July 23, 2010
Our team in New York City has taken an important step in the effort to prevent that mosque from being built. Today, we submitted additional written testimony to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) urging city officials to landmark the site where the landing gear of one of the hijacked planes from 9-11 crashed through the roof of the building. We are urging city officials to landmark the site because it "stands as a symbol of America's strength and survival in the face of brutal, sadistic terrorism."
This is about preserving a site in the shadow of the Twin Towers - where thousands of Americans were murdered. To permit a mosque to be built on this site is not only offensive to many Americans
- including family and friends of the 9-11 victims, it is simply wrong.
We urge city officials to reject the pressures of political correctness and embrace common sense. This is not the place to build a mosque. It's time to approve a landmark designation that will preserve the historical integrity of this building. [You can read the ACLJ letter here.]
- Pray that this petition is met with favor by the members of this Commission. Bind a spirit of delusion off the governing authorities and loose the spirit of a sound mind. Forgive those who are cursing this case, for they know not what they do, and ask the Lord to cancel the effects of their words through the power of the Blood of Jesus Christ. Amen.
- "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me," Says the LORD. (Isaiah 54:17)
3. THE GROUND ZERO MOSQUE AND THE CALIPHATE
A fight is brewing over the proposed 13 story mosque, called the Cordoba House, near ground zero. Mayor Bloomberg and the left-wingers love the idea because, they claim, it shows our "diverstiy." Apparently Bloomberg and company have no idea why Muslims have named it the Cordoba House. It is named after the mosque in Cordoba, Spain from which the invading Islamic army of a Caliphate ruled over Spain. The Cordoba mosque was built on top of a church to mark victory over Christianity, just as a mosque was built on the ruins of the Temple mount to symbolize Muslim victory over Jehovah. Now the Muslims are using the name as a symbol of victory for the 9-11 terror attack on the United States. And where is the $100 million coming from to build the Cordoba House? The "organizers" refuse to say. See this short but powerful expose video on the the planned Ground Zero mosque. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
- Both William Murray (Religious Freedom Coalition) and Jay Sekulow (ACLJ, above) are right on with valid information about this proposed mosque! Would that all America could hear the words of these two men. Pass these words along to your friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. Those of you in the NYC area and those visiting there should probably prayer walk around the site, and claim the land for the Lord. Pray against the building of the mosque. We can win this battle against Satan.
• "The Lord sits upon the flood [in this case, the flood -f Islam into the USA] : yea, the Lord sits as King forever: The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace." (Psalm 29: 10,11)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 20b
* * INTERNATIONAL ISSUES * *
1. NORTH KOREA WARNS OF NUCLEAR RESPONSE TO NAVAL EXERCISES
2. OBAMA SPENT $23 MILLION BACKING PRO-ABORTION KENYAN CONSTITUTION
3. INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN SEEM TO BE WORKING
4. OBAMA SILENT ON STONING DEATH RULING IN IRAN
5. NETANYAHU, MUBARAK DISCUSS "CONDITIONS FOR PEACE"
6. U.S.: BORDERS CAN ONLY BE DECIDED BY DIRECT TALKS
7. ANOTHER FLOTILLA OF SHIPS EXPECTED THIS WEEK
1. NORTH KOREA WARNS OF NUCLEAR RESPONSE TO NAVAL EXERCISES
North Korea said it would counter U.S. and South Korean joint naval exercises with nuclear deterrence after the Obama administration said the government in Pyongyang shouldn't take any provocative steps. North Korea will legitimately counter with their powerful nuclear deterrence the largest-ever nuclear war exercises to be staged by the U.S. and the South Korean puppet forces the National Defense Commission said, according to the Korean Central News Agency. The maneuvers, which involve 20 vessels and 200 aircraft from the U.S. and South Korea, pose a threat to the country's sovereignty and security, Ri Tong Il, an official with North Korea's delegation to the Asean Security Forum, told reporters in Hanoi yesterday.
Ri's comments came after North Korean Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun sat in the same room with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Hanoi for a security meeting of Asia's largest powers. Clinton condemned North Korea for being on a campaign of provocative, dangerous behavior, urging Kim Jong Il's regime to change. Still, the door remains open for North Korea, Clinton later told reporters. "We are willing to meet with them, willing to negotiate, to move toward normal relations if North Korea commits itself to giving up its nuclear weapons program, she said.
U.S. State Department spokesman Philip J. Crowley said in Washington yesterday that North Korea would be better served by reflecting on the current situation, not taking any further aggressive actions or provocative steps. (BLOOMBERG) Read more.
- The enemy of man never changes, accusing the victims of being the perpetrators of wickedness! If North Korea wants peace, then the country should work for peace in the whole peninsula, especially in its own country. Pray that Secretary of State Clinton is not deceived by the lies and deceptive faces that she encounters. Pray for our battleship and its many crew members as they participate in these naval exercises. Ask the Lord to cover the people of both North and South Korea. Pray for physical and spiritual strength for the people of South Korea.
- "For the Lord knows the way of the righteous but the way of the ungodly shall perish." (Psalm 1: 6)
2. OBAMA SPENT $23 MILLION BACKING PRO-ABORTION KENYAN CONSTITUTION
Obama is apparently so committed to the abortion industry that he's using American tax dollars to help Kenya adopt a constitution that enshrines abortion as a constitutional right.
Fox News recently reported that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has estimated that more than $23 million of taxpayer dollars had been used in support of the new pro-abortion Kenyan constitution. The use of taxpayer dollars to lobby for abortion overseas is a violation of the Siljander Amendment. According to New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith, "U.S. law is being violated with impunity." Smith said the U.S. shouldn't be funding either side, but in reality, "we're bankrolling the 'yes' campaign."
Smith noted: "If violations of the law have occurred, which on the face of it they have, the information must be brought before law enforcement. Not even presidents are above the law."
The pro-abortion Kenyan constitution wasn't even written by Kenyans. It was written by U.S.-funded Non-Governmental Organizations in cooperation with Planned Parenthood. TVC has joined with more than 175 other organizations through the World Congress of Families to protest the passage of the pro-abortion constitution on August 4. In a petition to the Kenyan people, the World Congress of Families states: We declare our solidarity with those Kenyans who are standing up for the most vulnerable among us - the unborn child and his or her mother - and support the 'No' campaign." TVC stands in solidarity with this effort to protect the unborn in Obama's ancestral homeland. He obviously won't. (Traditional Values Coalition)
[Your organization can sign this petition by going here.]
- The constitutional crisis that Kenya now faces has been engineered by Obama and his Cousin, Odinga. As Americans, we weep in REPENTANCE that $23 million of our own tax money has been invested into the nation of Kenya, in order to sway these voters to vote FOR "CHANGE," as ours did here. We understand that that "change," if adopted, will sanction the shedding of innocent blood through government-funded abortions AND the gradual, but certain, implementation of SHARIAH LAW in the nation of Kenya.
Stand in the gap for our nation, as we cry out for mercy to God for this heinous deed. Ask that, by His grace, the curse of the government - sanctioned shedding of innocent blood not fall upon the people of Kenya. Sever the cords in the spirit of any and all wicked alliances between the governments of Kenya and the United States, and pray that captives be set free to find our Messiah. Pray!
- "The LORD is righteous; He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked." (Psalm 129:4)
3. INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN SEEM TO BE WORKING
Reports indicate that recent sanctions put on Iran by the UN, US and EU, are having an effect, but Iran is still pursuing a nuclear program. Even Russia's President Medvedev is concerned and wants clarity from Iran as to what they are really producing. (Intercessors for Israel)
- Thank You for the effect that the sanctions are having. Help the Iranian people see the disaster that is coming upon their nation and rise up against their wicked leaders (Psalm 55:9). Save multitudes of Iranians and set them free from anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism.
- "Abba, do as You said You would do in Iran: I will set my throne in Elam [where modern day Iran is located], and will destroy from there the king and the princes, says LORD. " (Jeremiah 49:38)
4. OBAMA SILENT ON STONING DEATH RULING IN IRAN
This weekend worldwide protests are being held against the Iranian court decision to stone a woman to death who confessed to adultery under torture. Obama, who is trying to "dialog" with the strict Islamic state, has said nothing about death by stoning, or the fact that in a Sharia court of law a woman has far fewer legal protections than a man. The problem may be his "diversity" views. Obama apparently can't criticize a stoning death sentence because it is an integral part of Islam. However, he can make critical remarks about evangelical Christians who believe homosexuality is a sin. How strange. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
- Please pray that we will never give support to inhumane practices, but will cry out night and day for those who cannot speak for themselves. Intercede and pray against the "mixture" in the values department of this administration. Stand up for the work of the cross, praying for it to visit the nations of the world, bringing forth righteous peoples and governments, rescue, and redeeming hope to mankind, God's creation.
- "So, my friends, this is something like what has taken place with you. When Christ died he took that entire rule-dominated way of life down with him and left it in the tomb, leaving you free to "marry" a resurrection life and bear "offspring" of faith for God." (Romans 7:4)
5. NETANYAHU, MUBARAK DISCUSS "CONDITIONS FOR PEACE"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met Sunday [July 18] in Cairo to discuss the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. Egypt's state-owned news agency reported that the two discussed Cairo's stance, which is that "the conditions necessary for the actualization of the two-state vision must be prepared." The meeting lasted over two hours, with the intermittent participation of Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman and Netanyahu aides Uzi Arad and Yitzhak Molcho.
"President Mubarak represents the aspiration to expand the circle of peace and maintain stability and security for all of the region's people. Once again, I find in him a partner for the achievement of these important goals," Netanyahu said after the meeting. But Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul-Gheit was less optimistic. He said the conditions for moving to direct peace talks were still "lacking."
Earlier, Mubarak met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the US's special envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell. Egypt's news agency reported that Mubarak spoke with Abbas about the terms necessary for the implementation of the two-state solution, as well as recent meetings between the Palestinians and US officials on the subject.
Reports of Mubarak's poor health have proliferated recently, and rumors are that the meetings, which were scheduled for last week, were postponed due to illness. The reports said he was to travel to Germany to receive medical treatment, but state-owned television insisted on showing live broadcasts of the president in an area north of Cairo. (YnetNews) Read more.
- Although strained at times, the relationship between Israel and Egypt is a vital one for stability in the region. Pray that the Lord will protect it and give wisdom to these two world leaders going forward.
- "Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all." (Proverbs 28:5)
[Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
6. U.S.: BORDERS CAN ONLY BE DECIDED BY DIRECT TALKS
The US reemphasized on Wednesday [July 21] that only the Israelis and the Palestinians, within the context of direct negotiations, can resolve the issue of borders. In response to a question asking if the US had a "map per se" ready to present to the parties, spokesman Philip Crowley, in comments posted on the State Department Web site, said, "We will play a constructive role, but ultimately this is something that the parties themselves have to resolve."
The comments came as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for talks to be based on the principle of the 1967 borders. According to the Jerusalem Post, Abbas was quoted by some Fatah party members as saying in a meeting on Wednesday that progress on the issue of borders in the proximity talks was key, that they can't enter direct talks "without clarity."
Abbas' comments came as he reportedly said that Obama was being unclear in his answers to Palestinian questions, despite calling for an unconditional return to direct peace talks. Abbas reportedly said, "We want clear answers to questions we presented to the Americans, especially regarding security, borders and the status of Jerusalem. We continue to insist that any negotiations with Israel be based on recognition of 1967 as the future borders of the Palestinian state."
In the past, the Palestinians have accepted the concept of agreed-upon-land-swaps with Israel, although it appears they could want the equivalent of 100% of the territory in the 1967 borders, namely East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank [Judea and Samaria]. While certain areas such as the major settlements may be left in Israeli hands, equivalent territory elsewhere would maintain the percentage of territorial exchange.
Crowley said in the press briefing that the US has had conversations with the Palestinians and Abbas in recent days, but refused to reveal specifics. He did, however, reveal a general talking point. "Our message to both parties is let's get to direct negotiations as quickly as possible, where, in fact, we can address the fundamental issues and the process, including borders."
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, July 21, 2010)
- Pray that any discussions regarding the future of Israel be predicated on its right to exist as a Jewish state in the region with the safety and security of the Israeli people foremost in all decision-making. Pray that the Lord Himself will direct any such talks.
- 'I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them,' says the Lord your God." (Amos 9:15)
[Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
7. ANOTHER FLOTILLA OF SHIPS EXPECTED THIS WEEK
This coming week another flotilla of ships expected - this time from Lebanon - which will try to break Israel's lawful sea blockade of Gaza. One of the ships will be full of women and journalists. This is obviously a set-up to continue and drag Israel through the mud of world opinion. (Intercessors for Israel)
- Thank You that since Israel has taken away much of the land blockage, most nations - including the US, UN and EU - see no need for these new flotillas. May they stand by that opinion regardless of what happens when Israel stops these ships.
- God, arise and defend Israel's right to defend herself.
- "Arise, LORD; let not man prevail: let the nations be judged in Your sight. Put them in fear, LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. . ." (Psalms 9:19-20)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
ONE (Eh-khahd)
"And the LORD shall be king over all the earth; on that day, the LORD shall be One and His name One." (Zechariah 14:9)
Hear O israel, the Lord, our God, is ONE. He is Eh-khahd. How glorious is that word - Eh-khahd!
United . . . Only . . . Altogether . . . One. You are Eh-khahd, a United One. There is no one like You. How I praise Your name!
(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)
