• INTRODUCTION TO SPECIAL EDITION • NEWS FROM ISRAEL
• A GUIDE TO PRAYER
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
• In Closing . . .
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 16a
May 15 - 20, 2011
May 15 - 20, 2011
SPECIAL EDITION: INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:3)
INTRODUCTION TO TODAY'S SPECIAL EDITION
Dear Intercessors Across the Nation:
A "Third Intifada" has been launched against Israel by the enemy of our souls. The 1st & 2nd brought about death & destruction to both Jews & Gentiles of Israel & beyond. Our intercession is a mandate from the ONE who sits at the Right Hand of the Father. Please read & pray into the following prayer points that I just received from an intercessor on assignment in Israel.
Together in Christ,
Dai Sup Han
PrayerSurgeNow
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners is publishing this alert tonight, with permission, that has been released by Kathleen: a watchman in Zion.
We are pleased, too, to partner with PrayerSurgeNow in getting this news and the following prayer points out to you this evening.
Today's events in Israel, marking what the Arabs have termed "Nakba Day," are only the beginning of a season of turmoil on the land. Thank you for intervening, through prayer, to see this situation diffused and for peace to reign in Zion once again.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." (Psalm 133:1)
Sara Ballenger, Founder and President
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
chpp@patriot.net
NEWS FROM ISRAEL:
UPRISINGS CONTINUE ON ARAB "DAY OF CATASTROPHE"
Thank you all for your intercession on behalf of Israel on this Arab Nakba day! Your intercession has been vital and effective up to this point (5 PM). Don't stop praying. Very briefly, let me tell you of some of the events that have unfolded today.
Very early this morning, stones and firebombs began being hurled at cars and their Jewish drivers/passengers in East Jerusalem. On young Jewish man was taken to the hospital as a result of these kinds of attacks.
Around 10 AM this morning, an Arab truck driver went on a rampage in Tel Aviv; intentionally crashing into cars, motorcycles, a bus, and into a fence at an elementary school. When the driver was apprehended he reported that he simply lost control after a tire blew out. The investigators said that this was no accident, and not the result of a blown tire. Witnesses of the attack said that this Arab man was applying the gas and directing the huge construction truck at targets; shouting, "Allah hu akbar!" One man was killed in the attack and 17 others were injured.
Just before noon, in the East Jerusalem, Arab, community of Issawiya, stones thrown at the border control and police forces injured a policeman. About the same time, hundreds of Palestinian "protesters" engaged with the security forces in northern Jerusalem at the Qalandiya checkpoint.
Around 1:00 PM, thousands of Palestinians, gathered at the Lebanese border began to advance toward the Israeli border zone. The IDF and the Lebanese army fired shots in the air and halted the advance. Reports now say that 6 Lebanese have been killed there since that time. The UNIFIL forces, who years ago were entrusted with the international responsibility of keeping the border zone free of invaders, simply stood by calling for restraint on both sides; saying that everyone needed to stay calm and not react to the tensions. Now I ask you: Is that a border authority that you would like protecting your nation/people? They are worse than worthless. In reality they are facilitators for Israel's enemies.
At 1:30 PM it was reported that IDF forces opened fire at some protestors approaching the border fence near the Erez crossing, but who refused to follow orders to stop. Then, near the kibbutz of Nahal Oz at the Gaza fence line, a Palestinian man was shot, but only injured, as he was planting an explosive device.
Also near 1:30 PM a group of Syrian protesters approached the Israeli border fence near the Druse village of Majdal Shams. It appears that they were a forward unit intending to disable the fence for others to cross over. The IDF faced off with the infiltrators. In the engagement that followed, 4 Syrians did make it through and entered the Druse village. An engagement with Israeli forces in that village, has left 4 dead . . . all of them Arab. Massive riots have resulted. At this moment hundreds of Israeli police are moving into the area to help contain the rioters. The whole northern region is waiting to see how this will play out.
At 4:00 PM protesters engaged with the IDF in the Lebanese village of Maroun-al-Ras. Supposedly one man was killed in the incident, and others were injured. A television station operated by Hizbullah reported the incident, and Al-Jezeera TV has announced that a woman was also killed. Are these dependable news sources when it comes to Israel? These reported deaths cannot be verified by Israel, but the IDF has announced that any deaths that might have occurred would have been caused by Lebanese army fire, because of the IDF policies and restraints. The latest report is that 60 Arabs were injured.
Just moments ago two firefighting units were rushed to the Lebanese border near Moshav Avivm, to put out a fire that resulted from Nakba protesters there. Meanwhile, the report has just come in that 12 Syrians, who crossed into Israel have returned to the Syrian side of the border now.
So far the death toll is:
1 Israeli in Tel Aviv
1 Palestinian in Gaza
6 Palestinians killed at the Lebanon border
4 killed at the Syrian border
As expected, Syria is condemning Israel and charging her with responsibility for the deaths that have been recorded in the three northern locations of engagement today. Syria is calling for an international investigation of Israel's crimes in this matter. How ironic it is that Assad is murdering hundreds of his own people, who are protesting his rule, but yet, when Israel fires into the air or against those attacking her, she is the criminal to be charged. God HATES hypocrisy, and will soon give His opinion of Assad's charges and actions.
Many of you may have heard that in Greece, in Turkey, and in nations around the world, Israeli embassies have been confronted with angry protestors; condemning Israel and calling for her demise. At the same time the protestors are lauding the Palestinians and demanding that Israel give back the "stolen" Palestinian land. The world certain is hungry to satisfy the desires of the Palestinians at the cost of Israel! God help us!
This day and the intentions of this day on the part of the Arabs are far from over. Still, I sense that we have received the mercy of the Lord. Things could be so much worse. Blessedly, Egypt closed off the border with Israel into Eilat, before the day began. The main crossing between Gaza and Egypt has also been restrained. While the contested areas in Judea and Samaria have had to endure the wail of a 63 minute siren to mourn the establishment of Israel 63 years ago today (on the Hebrew calendar), they have been blessed with relative security so far.
Please continue to stay up on the wall of intercession. If the Third Intifada was really kicked off today, this type of uprising and violence will not be a one-day event, but will increase as the days pass. 10,000 more Israeli security forces are being mobilized for possible engagements tomorrow. Personally, I am rejoicing in the faithfulness and mercy of the Lord. In the middle of our day, it began to rain here in Jerusalem. That predicted rain had been removed from our forecast last night; but I had declared in this morning that if GOD wanted it to rain today, it WOULD RAIN, regardless of the forecast. That little shower felt like a pat on the head from our Divine Abba. He is with us. I thank Him for that precious sign of His presence . . . and I thank you for your precious love and prayers.
First Update:
The situation is still very serious, and may be much worse tomorrow (Monday). Apparently, after I sent out my notice more Syrians broke through. 100 have been captured by the IDF and returned to Syria. There are many others that may still be in Israel. The words being spoken by the leaders of this protest are that Israel's days are numbered. They do not intend to stop invading Israel until all the land is taken for their possession. KEEP PRAYING!
Thanks and much love!
Kathleen
Second Update:
A GUIDE TO PRAYER FOR ISRAEL NOW!
--Pray for protection of the Jews in Kiryat Arba, near Hebron, now that Fatah supported riots and protests have been taking place in Hebron. They are shouting threats of death to the Jews. (Jos. 15:14-19, Zech 1:16)
--Pray against the spirit of Ascendancy which is running rampant among the Palestinians seeking to seize Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. (Ps. 121 v 5-7)
--Pray that the Lord would guard the communities near Gaza and that He would thwart the influx of Egyptian Moslems, as that nation is opening up the crossing between Egypt and Gaza (bringing in terrorists and weapons) (Is. 43 v 5-7)
--Pray for Beit El [Bethel] to be protected from being overrun by Palestinian "protestors" coming out of Ramallah (Jer. 30 v 10,11).
--Pray for protection of the innocent (the Arab women and children who will be used a shields to lead in the fighters hiding behind them). Pray for protection for the precious Jewish settler families in Judea and Samaria (especially the children) (Gen. 4:10, Deut. 19:10)
--Pray for protection and wisdom to be upon the IDF, the border Police, the governmental leaders, etc. in this threat. (Psalm 91:3)
--Pray for a heavy, cold rain to fall on those who plan to do violence against the Jewish people. (Matthew 18:19)
--Pray for increased, divine intelligence for the Jewish watchmen regarding incoming threats. (Amos 3:7)
--Pray for angelic protection throughout the country and on all borders. (Psalm 34:7)
--CUT THE TRIP WIRE in these attacks! (Psalm 129:4)
--STOP THE RUNNING FUSE LINE FROM BURNING TOWARD A MAJOR EXPLOSION (Job 5:12)
--Cause the lying spirits to be unable to communicate. Contain the western media and the left wing humanist lies, along with the Islamic propaganda. (Proverbs 14:5, Luke 11:17)
--Release the Spirit of God . . . truth, justice, shalom, LIFE! (Is. 9:6, John 16:13)
--Declare the sovereignty of Jacob's God as recorded in scripture. (Psalm 89:5-17)
--Declare the Land possession scriptures according to God's plan. (Amos 9:14-15) --LIKE IN THE TIME OF BALAAM . . . PRAY THAT GOD WOULD TURN THE CURSES SPOKEN AGAINST ISRAEL INTO BLESSINGS! (Deuteronomy 23:4-5, Joshua 24:9-10)
[Submitted by: Kathleen in Israel and the CHPP intercessors]
DOMESTIC ISSUES
"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:3)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 16b-1
SPECIAL ALERT:
ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SET TO VISIT WASHINGTON NEXT WEEK
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Washington, D.C. late this week and will engage in a series of discussions with top officials throughout his stay. Please find below an overview of his itinerary, with prayer points to follow. Thank you!
1. NETANYAHU TO VISIT THE WHITE HOUSE ON FRIDAY, MAY 20TH
Barack Obama will host Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for a meeting on Friday, May 20. "The leaders look forward to discussing the full range of issues of mutual interest to the United States and Israel," the White House said in a statement.
- Please begin interceding now over the meeting that will take place at the White House on May 20th. Our very destiny as a nation rests upon our covenant with Zion. Pray that our president will NOT turn his back on Israel, but will instead lend his FULL SUPPORT to that nation when Prime Minister Netanyahu visits here this week. May the mistakes of the past -- fomented upon Israel's head of state during his last visit to the Oval Office -- not be repeated again, but will instead be washed away by the cleansing power of the Blood of the Lamb.
Pray, too, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will stand in the strength of the LORD against any and all forces that would seek to delegitimatize Israel in this hour. Amen.
- [Call forth a Davidic anointing upon the sitting "king" of Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu]
"I have found My servant David;
With My holy oil I have anointed him,
With whom My hand shall be established;
Also My arm shall strengthen him.
The enemy shall not outwit him,
Nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
I will beat down his foes before his face,
And plague those who hate him.
(Psalm 89:20-23)
2. P.M. NETANYAHU TO ADDRESS AIPAC MAY 23 AND CONGRESS ON MAY 24TH
On Monday evening, May 23, P.M. Netanyahu is expected to address an estimated 10,000 participants in the annual Conference for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The next day, Mr. Netanyahu will address a Joint Session of Congress.
The conference -- the largest annual Israel-related gathering in the U.S. capital -- comes just weeks after the announcement of a new unity government between the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority and Hamas, the terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip. (JTA)
- Please pray! Please keep Bibi Netanyahu in your prayers. Pray that he would be able to speak truth with great clarity, focus, and purpose. Pray that he would find great favor with those who will hear him speak at the AIPAC and Congress. Pray that his speech would be reported with integrity in the media war which often spins stories that are left leaning and anti-Israel. Pray that many in Congress, and among the American people will stand in unity and in strong support Israel in these days of danger and threat to this tiny nation. Continue to intercede for Prime Minister Netanyahu and the leaders of the Jewish state not to give way to international pressure to divide Jerusalem or exchange land for a false peace. (Hebrew Nation)
- The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. (Psalm 110:2)
3. OBAMA TO GIVE MIDDLE EAST ADDRESS AHEAD OF NETANYAHU
Barack Obama will give a major speech to the 10,000 supporters of Israel at the AIPAC conference on Monday morning, May 23rd, officials announced today. At that time, he will lay out his new Middle East strategy after the killing of Osama bin Laden and amid upheaval in the Arab world.
A key sticking point is whether Obama, who gained a boost in global stature with the death of the al Qaeda chief last week, will also use his coming address to present new proposals for renewed Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking, a source familiar with the administration's internal debate said. (Reuters) Read more.
- [Commentary from Hebrew Nation] What does it mean? The timing of the Obama speech appears to be like a carefully crafted chess move on the game board. Is he intending to "trump" Netanyahu, garnering world media attention, and thus taking the "wind out of his sails" from Netanyahu when he addresses AIPAC on the evening of May 23 and the US Congress on May 24? Is the timing of Obama's speech intending to apply more pressure on Netanyahu and designed to influence his addresses to AIPAC on May 23 and Congress on May 24? Sure looks that way!
- For Prime Minister Netanyahu: ". . . My arm shall strengthen him.The enemy shall not outwit him. . ." (Psalm 89:22)
- For more information on the possible implications of this unusual lineup this weekend, please go here and read an article by Caroline Glick in the Jerusalem Post titled, "Column One: Obama's newest ambush."
4. OBAMA REACHES OUT TO MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD
Meanwhile Obama will be reaching out to the Muslim Brotherhood and seeking to curry favor with them. The Obama administration has portrayed the MB as a "moderate" organization and seeks to make the MB the centerpiece of a negotiated Middle East peace process.
Debkafile reports that: Obama, President of Israel's best friend and ally, has picked the Muslim Brotherhood movement of the Middle East as his chosen partner for promoting American interests in the Arab world in place of its ousted rulers. His courtship of this organization, which he regards as moderate, was the rationale, say debkafile's Washington and counter-terror sources, behind his bold decision to get rid of Osama bin Laden, a step which his two predecessors, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, held back from although they knew where he was.
Many people forgot the vow Obama made in Cairo on June 4 to mend America's fences with the Muslim world, but he meant every word. His White House has made forging a pact between the United States and the Muslim Brotherhood their ultimate policy objective, although they do not expect to achieve it in one fell swoop.
. . . Another piece of the Obama game plan was put in place in Cairo Wednesday, May 4, with the inking of the Palestinian unity pact by Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas for Fatah and Khaled Meshaal for Hamas.
After Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu warned Abbas that the Palestinians must choose between peace and Hamas, Abbas is reported by debkafile's Cairo sources as privately asking why the Israelis complained to him. They should complain to Obama, he said. Hamas is an offshoot of the Egyptian and Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood branches. "I am only acting out his guidelines by helping the Brotherhood's integration in Middle East government." (DebkaFile) Read more.
- "Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed, saying,
"Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles."
The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, "I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain." (Psalm 2:1-6)
5. PETITION TO REJECT THE FUNDING OF TERRORISM IN PA UNITY GOVERNMENT
The Palestinians are forming a so-called "Unity Government." Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation agreement last week, in preparation for a framework of a "Palestinian state". Hamas's stated mission is the destruction of Israel and has been designated by the U.S. as a "terrorist organization."
With Hamas now poised to become part of an official government structure in Palestine, the U.S. must send a powerful message: if Hamas is involved, we will cut funding to your nation. We CANNOT support a government that includes terrorists determined to annihilate Israel.
According to news reports, the Obama Administration says it's "premature" to stop funding the PA - that Israel and the United States should "wait and see" what kind of policies this new terrorist-related government puts in place.
The American Center for Law and Justice is mobilizing legal and legislative teams to meet this challenge at the United Nations (U.N.) and in Congress. You can add your name to the ACLJ's Petition to Reject Terrorists in "Unity Government." As you do, we'll send you an important resource, our new DVD, The Export, which gives a compelling look at the Middle East and the challenges posed by radical Islam.
Click here to sign petition now.
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 16b-2
DOMESTIC ISSUES
1. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS: STOP U.S. AID TO HAMAS/FATAH!
2. U.S. CONGRESSMEN TO TURKEY'S ERDOGAN: STOP GAZA FLOTILLA
3. HOMELAND SECURITY SUBCOMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING ON BORDER VIOLENCE
4. LOUISIANA OPENS SPILLWAY AS MISSISSIPPI GUSHES THROUGH CAJUN COUNTRY
5. MISSISSIPPI RIVER CLOSING COULD COST U.S. $300 MILLION PER DAY
6. NAVY RESCINDS ORDER REQUIRING CHAPLAINS TO PERFORM SAME-SEX "MARRIAGES"
7. REP. FRANK WOLF INTRODUCES BILL EMPOWERING INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM
8. OBAMA CELEBRATES WEEK HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
9. SIMPLIFYING THE DISTRIBUTION OF POWER -- NOT A GOOD IDEA
10. CANADA'S CONSERVATIVE LANDSLIDE: BAD NEWS FOR OBAMA AND DEMOCRATS
1. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS: STOP U.S. AID TO HAMAS/FATAH!
Both Republicans and Democrats are calling for our government to cut off aid to the Palestinians since the Palestinian Authority and US-designated terror group Hamas have reached a unity agreement in the West Bank.
Top-ranking members of Congress issued warnings that the United States will risk charges of financing terrorist operatives if aid should continue. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairwoman, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) recently called attention to a 2006 law, P.L. No: 109-446, `Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act,` that conditions US aid on a `requirement that Palestinian recipients must renounce violence and acknowledge Israel`s right to exist.` These requirements were fulfilled when aid was going to the PA, then controlled by the West Bank based Fatah. Hamas has done neither. Hamas does not abide by those conditions, but instead fires thousands of rockets on innocent Israeli civilians. The chairman and others stated that the partnership between the two halves of the new Palestinian government would mean US assistance must cease. (Unity Coalition for Israel)
To learn more about this effort, and to sign a petition supporting ending aid to Hamas/Fatah, go here.
- Accolades to Congress! However, because of the anger this bill will engender in the terrorist groups by this legislative move, continue to pray for the protection of the United States and of Israel. Praise the Lord for Americans who will stand with Israel's right to exist.
- Pray for blessings to descend upon this Congress. "Those who bless you I will bless." (Gen.12:3)
2. U.S. CONGRESSMEN TO TURKEY'S ERDOGAN: STOP GAZA FLOTILLA
Members of the U.S. Congress issued a letter to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday in which they urged Turkey's premier to stop the departure of another flotilla to the Gaza Strip. "We write today to express our serious concern over reports that the so-called Free Gaza Movement and the IHH are planning to send another flotilla to Gaza in the coming weeks to provoke a confrontation with Israel", read a signed letter by 36 members of Congress initiated by Rep. Steve Israel.
"As members of the United States House of Representatives we ask you to help discourage these efforts and work with the Israeli government in a productive way as it continues to allow legitimate aid, but not weapons, to enter Gaza." The letter further stressed that the Israeli government has "a right and responsibility" to protect its people, emphasizing that the "threat facing Israel by weapons smuggled into Gaza is real." (Emet News)
- How sad for Turkey, because she has turned her back against Israel, a former ally. Now many of Israel's borders are under attack, even on the Mediterranean. Pray that this flotilla is rendered impotent and turned back to Turkey in humiliation. Also pray that Jordan is not manipulated to give up the peace it has on its border with Israel.
- "May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion." (Psalm 20:1,2)
3. HOMELAND SECURITY SUBCOMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING ON BORDER VIOLENCE
On Wednesday, May 11, 2011, the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management held a hearing entitled "On the Border and in the Line of Fire: U.S. Law Enforcement, Homeland Security and Drug Cartel Violence." Evidence was presented demonstrating the horrific, Mafia-style tactics being used inside Mexico by the cartels, and the danger to Americans as a result.
In his opening statement, Chairman Michael McCaul (TX) stated: "This administration is not giving the American people a complete picture of security on our border with Mexico. It is not 'better now than it has ever been' and the data on spillover crimes and violence is deceiving and underreported. Our state and local law enforcement on the front lines need help. Their firsthand accounts tell the real story of how we are outmanned, overpowered, and in danger of losing control of our own communities to narco-terrorists."
- Father, we thank you for our southern border states, and we thank you for Mexico. We ask you to bring peace along the border where there is no peace. We thank you for the courage of those who can speak up about everything that is happening. We ask you to show yourself to those who use and buy the drugs, those who profit from them, and those caught in the middle. End the drug trade around the world and the terrorism it fuels.
- "Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, Neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; But you shall call your walls Salvation, And your gates Praise." (Isaiah 60:18)
4. LOUISIANA OPENS SPILLWAY AS MISSISSIPPI GUSHES THROUGH CAJUN COUNTRY
Water from the inflated Mississippi River gushed through a floodgate Saturday for the first time in nearly four decades and headed toward thousands of homes and farmland in Louisiana's French-speaking countryside, threatening to slowly submerge the land under water up to 25 feet deep. As the gate was raised, the river poured out like a waterfall, at times spraying 6 feet into the air. Fish jumped or were hurled through the white froth and within 30 minutes, 100 acres of what was dry land was under about one foot of water. Snowmelt and heavy rain swelled the Mississippi, and the river has peaked at levels not seen in 70 years.
The opening of the Morganza spillway diverted water from Baton Rouge and New Orleans, and the numerous oil refineries and chemical plants along the lower reaches of the Mississippi. Shifting the water away from the cities eased the strain on levees and thwarted flooding in New Orleans that could have been much worse than Hurricane Katrina."We're using every flood control tool we have in the system," Army Corps of Engineers Maj. Gen. Michael Walsh said during a news conference on the dry side of the spillway, before the bay was opened. (Fox News)
- Father, we've learned that there is more than a flood in the midwest. There's an abundance of rain affecting water supplies, crops, herds, trades, construction and a vast portion of our economy. We ask for wisdom for all those affected to know how to respond to bring you glory in this situation.
- "It shall come to pass in that day That the Lord will thresh, From the channel of the River to the Brook of Egypt; And you will be gathered one by one, O you children of Israel." (Isaiah 27:12)
5. MISSISSIPPI RIVER CLOSING COULD COST U.S. $300 MILLION PER DAY
As many as 25 barges broke loose near Baton Rouge today. Two of them hit a bridge before they could be secured. Another danger from the Mississippi River flooding looming late Saturday is the possible shutdown of the river as a waterway for shipping. WWL-TV correspondent Maya Rodriguez reports that the costs would be staggering for closing down the big muddy river.
The Mississippi River is a vital lifeline of America's economy, but if it rises above 18.5 feet - two feet higher than it was on Saturday - the Coast Guard may have to shut down shipping traffic on the river. With 12,000 ships carrying 500-million tons of cargo annually and 700,000 cruise passengers, New Orleans is one of the busiest ports in the country. "Every day that this river is closed, the detrimental economic consequence not to New Orleans but to the entire United States is $295 million a day and it grows exponentially after the fourth day," said Gary Lagrange, CEO of the Port of New Orleans. (CBS News)
- Father, let this not be an Isaiah 23 ships of Tarshish situation. May our people, and those who would come to trade in the Heartland turn to you and give you glory in all they do.
- "Their heart cried out to the Lord, O wall of the daughter of Zion, Let tears run down like a river day and night; Give yourself no relief; Give your eyes no rest." (Lamentations 2:18)
6. NAVY RESCINDS ORDER REQUIRING CHAPLAINS TO PERFORM SAME-SEX "MARRIAGES"
Recently, the President announced that the Justice Department will no longer enforce or defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). On April 13th, the U.S. Navy directed Navy Chaplains to provide for same sex marriages on military installations in states where such "marriages" are legal and to allow Chaplains to perform such ceremonies. This is a violation of DOMA, which requires that for federal purposes "marriage is the legal union of a man and woman."
On Friday, 62 House members sent a joint letter to the Secretary of the Navy requesting an explanation. Responding to a formal inquiry from Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.), the Navy defended their position and added that chaplains who refuse to marry homosexuals must find someone who will. On Wednesday (May 11) the Navy abruptly reversed its plan, presumably awaiting final certification of the military's readiness to implement the new law.
Today, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) planned to offer an amendment to require "all" members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to agree before final certification for DADT repeal. Other possible amendments include measures to reinforce the traditional definition of marriage in the military and protections for servicemen who conscientiously oppose homosexuality. FRC has asked constituents to contact members of the Armed Services Committee. Lt. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, the highest ranking active duty Army officer to openly criticize plans to overturn DADT, retired May 1, after 35 years of service. In a remarkably candid interview, Mixon said repeal of DADT will cause problems with morale and make the military less ready and able to fight. (FRC Prayer Targets)
- Father, if ever there were clarity of the religious freedom implications of same-sex marriage, this is another clear example. We thank You that this order was rescinded. We ask that You would turn back the larger wave that would silence the proclamation of Your Word. May we proclaim Your Word now while we still have the freedom, and whatever may come.
- "Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man." (Genesis 2:22)
7. REP. FRANK WOLF INTRODUCES BILL EMPOWERING INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM
Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA) introduced legislation to amend the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), to make international religious freedom a greater priority. Wolf authored the 1998 law establishing the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Office at the State Department, headed by an ambassador at-large, and creating the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Among the new legislation requirements, the Secretary of State in coordination with the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Treasury and the U.S. Agency for International Development, must issue a one-time report to Congress on the best uses of foreign assistance to promote religious freedom and religious engagement. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
- Father, we thank You for Congressman Wolf and those who are watching on behalf of religious freedom around the world. We know persecution can encourage the spread of Christianity, and we can see it spreads further when there is freedom. God, You are the author of freedom. May we reflect this in our nation and in our foreign policy. Amen.
- "If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36)
8. OBAMA CELEBRATES WEEK HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
Invites rapper named "Common" to the White House; Offends Many
For "Police Week" President Obama and the First Lady invited a rapper to the White House who has written racist songs that call for killing cops. One of the songs celebrates a cop killer with a $1 million FBI reward on her head. So committed is the rapper, named Common, that he even named his daughter Assata Shakur, after a convicted cop killer. The White House responded that his words have been taken out of context. Common attended the same church as Barack Obama for 20 years, where the pastor was controversial black racist Jeremiah Wright. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
- We can't find words to adequately address this travesty. What an abomination!! Ask our Lord to shield our little ones from the vicious rhetoric being spewed out by Common, and others like him; and to shield their minds from a White House that refuses to demonstrate godly standards to our youth. May heaven somehow help us, and may God have mercy.
- "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." (Isaiah 5:20)
9. SIMPLIFYING THE DISTRIBUTION OF POWER -- NOT A GOOD IDEA
Introduced in March and passed out of committee in April, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011, S. 679, is an answer in search of a problem. While various nominations have garnered stalling from senators across the spectrum before installation, this legislation would eviscerate the legislative check of the Senate on the executive branch and its appointment of hundreds of officers of the United States as established by law. This legislation must also pass the House, though because it is largely dealing in matters under the purview of the Senate, the House could easily defer to the Senate on matters exclusive to that chamber of Congress. (NoisyRoom.net, The Foundry) Government efficiency within a division of power, as Sen. Tom Coburn strives to achieve with redundant government programs is a good thing. Government efficiency between separated powers is a different matter entirely. In that regard, our government was created to be intentionally inefficient.
- Father, we thank you for the vigilance of bloggers and the Heritage Foundation for watching over the activity of committees in Congress. We ask you to apply the brakes to this legislation and halt any efforts to transform our system of government into any departure from our republic as established. We pray for those sounding the alarm as they leave skid marks behind in their efforts. Awaken your people.
- "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed." (Romans 13:11)
10. CANADA'S CONSERVATIVE LANDSLIDE: BAD NEWS FOR OBAMA AND DEMOCRATS
With the blanket news coverage of Osama bin Laden's killing and the Royal wedding two days before that, little attention was paid to the astounding news which occurred in Canada on Monday. As "The Wall Street Journal" wrote today, "The federal parliamentary election on Monday dramatically reshaped Canada's political landscape." The results portend a threat to the Democrats holding on to the White House and the United States Senate next year.
In the WSJ's accompanying "pre-election" and "post-election" charts showing the make-up of the Canadian House of Commons, the Conservative Party, under Prime Minister Stephen Harper's leadership, increased its seats from 143 to 167 giving it a clear majority in parliament. Canada's Liberal Party went from controlling 77 seats before the election to now controlling 34 seats. The left-leaning New Democratic Party went from 36 seats to 102 seats. Finally, the radical Bloc Quebecois Party lost an astounding 43 seats and is now down to only 4 seats in parliament. (Christian Coalition of America)
- Father, we thank you for elections. We thank you for nations where people are free to make their voices heard through their votes. We thank you for our neighbor to the north, and for the changes that increase conservative leadership. We ask that you would indeed conserve power and influence in the minds of those who have risen higher in recent days. Remind us all that you raise up leaders for good or for ill to show your power. Declare your Name in all the earth.
- "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." (Prov. 14:34)
More News From the Hill
For more detailed and current information on what Congress has done and is doing in the House and Senate, please visit Deeper Inside the Mountain.
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
GOD OF ISRAEL (Ehlohay Yisrael)
"The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel." ( Matthew 15:31)
You, the God of Israel, are the same yesterday, today and forever. Thank You for Your divine guidance in my life, O God of Israel. He that keeps Israel (and me) never slumbers nor sleeps. What a comfort You are. Amen.
"I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, LORD, for it is good." (Psalm 54:6)
(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)
