On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 21

In This Issue
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 21a
• Focus on the Debt Crisis
• A July 4th Message From the Senate Chaplain
• More News From the Hill
• 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 XVIII, Number 21a
July 4 - 8, 2011

DOMESTIC ISSUES

"Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." (James 5:8)

Please note: This edition of the OCAP is also available on our blog. You can visit our blog by going here. Thank you!

As you will note below, Senator Harry Reid is keeping the Senate in session all week this week, so we too will remain "in session" . . . praying for our leaders as they work to serve us all.

This special edition of "On Capitol Hill This Week" (No. 21a) will focus on domestic issues; the sequel (No. 21b) will be published tomorrow and will highlight international news for prayer. Thank you!!

On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 21a

1. WHITE HOUSE RURAL COUNCIL ESTABULISHED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER
2. 49 LAWMAKERS CALL FOR JUDICIARY COMMITTEE INVESTIGATION
3. OBAMA ASSUMES THE OFFENSIVE IN JEWISH VOTE
4. "CHRISLAM" BEING ADOPTED BY CHURCHES IN AMERICA
5. TERROR TRAINING CAMPS OPERATING INSIDE THE UNITED STATES
6. DEBRIS NARROWLY MISSES INTERNATOINAL SPACE STATION
7. THE DALAI LAMA TO VISIT WASHINGTON, D.C. THIS MONTH

1. POWERFUL WHITE HOUSE RURAL COUNCIL ESTABULISHED BY PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER

While we were distracted with the "smoke and mirrors" Anthony Weiner scandal, Obama quietly issued a sweeping executive order on June 9th to establish a powerful White House Rural Council that will exert broad municipal powers over the food, fiber, and energy production in rural America.

How much power can Obama amass by executive order? The WH Rural Council members include some of the powerful people in America; including the Defense secretary, Attorney General Eric Holder, and the head of Homeland Security. The plan calls for the federal government to control almost every aspect of rural farmland America. [Reported by: Hebrew Nation News Alerts]
To read the Executive Order, go here:

- Be sure to read the executive order established by the White House. Seemingly benign and supportive of rural communities, the order needs much analysis and should be presented to the communities without guile and deception. Please inform friends and relatives who live in rural areas in the USA, for they need to be aware of this new federal order. No one hears rural members complaining about their lot, for they are a hardy and independent group of people. Pray against the action of this order from the President. The list of the members of the council includes almost every department/agency of the federal government. Let's abort this order before it is truly born.

- "And God said, 'See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food." ( Genesis 2: 29)

2. 49 LAWMAKERS CALL FOR JUDICIARY COMMITTEE INVESTIGATION

Cite Evidence They Call 'Contradictory' to Kagan's Confirmation Testimony

Forty-nine members of the U.S. House of Representatives--including the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, the chairman of the Republican Policy Committee and two presidential candidates--are pointing to evidence they say is "contradictory" to Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan's confirmation testimony and calling for the House Judiciary Committee to investigate the matter.

The lawmakers also say they believe that evidence already made public shows that Kagan must recuse herself from any court cases involving the health care bill signed into law by President Barack Obama while she was serving as Obama's solicitor general.

"We respectfully call upon the House Judiciary Committee to promptly investigate the extent to which U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan was involved in preparing a legal defense of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) during her tenure as Solicitor General," the 49 lawmakers wrote in a letter to Rep. Lamar Smith (R.-Texas), the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and Rep. John Conyers (D.-Mich.), the ranking member of the committee.

"Contradictory to her 2010 confirmation testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, recently released Department of Justice (DOJ) documents indicate that Justice Kagan actively participated with her Obama Administration colleagues in formulating a defense of PPACA," the letter said. (CNSNews.com) Read more.

- Offer praise that the legislative branch is exercising the oversight required by the Constitution over the other two branches of our government. Lift up this request on the part of these 49 members, and ask that a hearing and an investigation will be held, so that the Supreme Court may operate free of any outside entanglements to decree just decisions for our peopele. Pray!

- "For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil." (I Peter 3:12)

3. OBAMA ASSUMES THE OFFENSIVE IN JEWISH VOTE

Obama plans to take a more assertive stance against his critics with his approach towards Israel, the Washington Post reported this weekend. The US administration has assembled a special team composed of senior Jewish figures and advisers who will tackle criticism against Obama in the media.

Obama's policies towards Israel have raised harsh criticism among many members of the Jewish community in the US. Obama's frequent political wranglings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as his policy towards the Arab world, quickly raised concern that the US president wishes to confront Israel on issues related to the peace process in order to appease the Arab countries and change the regional balance of power. This situation has affected relations between the White House and Jewish lobbies in Washington, causing them to turn turbid.
With the upcoming 2012 elections, it has been assumed Obama will try to win the Jewish Democratic vote once again. However the Washington Post stated the White House is prepared for battle.

Washington's new strategy is designed to address the overwhelming criticism by Jewish voters - something which can no longer be ignored. It will include opinion pieces, banners and an attempt to emphasize past presidential decisions which did not receive media attention.

Many Jewish figures have already spoken with senior Obama adviser David Axelrod, the Washington Post said, to form a proper modus operandi to handle intensive criticism. The campaign will probably mention the growing security cooperation between Israel and the US during Obama's term. (Israel National News) Read more.

- In 2008, 80% of the Jewish vote in the USA went to Obama. However, Obama's declaration that Israel should go back to the 1967 borders and his willingness to negotiate with terrorists determined to destroy Israel have caused Jews to question Obama's motives. Pray that Jews will continue to seek the truth of this president's intentions towards Israel and will not be deceived nor "sweet talked" into believing any lies about Israel. Ask the Lord to move upon the hearts of Jewish voters to support only candidates who stand for an undivided Israel. Pray!

- "Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end; upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it qnd establish it with judgment and justice . . . " (Isaiah 9: 7)

4. "CHRISLAM" BEING ADOPTED BY CHURCHES IN AMERICA

Joint "Christian-Moslem" Service Was Held at National Cathedral on June 26th

On June 26, 2011, churches in 26 states in America invited Islam to come into their churches. They removed crosses and everything that offends Islam and put the Koran next to the bible on church pulpits. NTEB has reported extensively on the growing Chrislam movement. Chrislam, started in part by Rick Warren of Saddleback Church's embrace of Christianity and Islam, has grown dramatically and now has infected many hundreds of churches and denominations all across America. A new group called Faith Shared is now spearheading the move to merge Christianity with Islam, and in the process, will be provoking the very judgment of God down upon us as a nation. [Reported by: Hebrew Nation News Alerts]

- Pray for these churches; the Lord knows the names of the defiled churches who are embracing Islam, as well as the names of the ministers and the congregation members who are being deceived and mislead. He is weeping over His church.

Ask the Lord to send cleansing angels into these churches to remove the putrefaction that occurs when God's Word is compromised. Pray for the removal of these pastors from their position of influence on their congregations. Pray that the uncompromised, full Gospel will be taught in these pulpits instead. Pray!

- "For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation; ungodly men. Who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ." (Jude 4)

5. TERROR TRAINING CAMPS OPERATING INSIDE THE UNITED STATES

The "Moslems of America" organization is giving training in weapons, stealth and tactics, hand to hand combat, shooting of assault rifles, murdering guards, setting off explosives, kidnapping, and car-jacking. The training camp, located in upstate New York, is known as "Islamberg". The leader claims that moslems make up the majority of Americans in the US, that America belongs to the moslems and they stand ready to defend themselves against the enemies of their cult of Islam. Watch this video showing compelling evidence of the cultist Jihadists training in homeland USA. Why are these communities being left to flourish in the U.S?

Watch video now (4 minutes) [Reported by: Hebrew Nation News Alerts]

- This and other terrorist training camps, operating inside our borders, must be shut down. Pray that many others will learn of this news, and that Congress would then take action to see that these cells -- bent on the destruction of our nation -- be made illegal and shut down. Decree that the funds that fuel these camps be dried up, and especially, pray for the salvation of all who are engaged in these activities. Amen.

- "Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, From the rebellion of the workers of iniquiy . . . But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; Suddenly they shall be wounded. So He will make them stumble over their own tongue; All who see them shall flee away." (Psalm 64:1,7-8)

6. DEBRIS NARROWLY MISSES INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

A piece of space debris narrowly missed the International Space Station on Tuesday in a rare incident that forced the six-member crew to scramble to their rescue craft, space agency officials said. The high-speed object hurtled toward the orbiting lab and likely missed it by just 1,100 feet (335 meters). The crew moved to shelter inside two Soyuz spacecraft 18 minutes before the debris was expected to pass, NASA said.

"It was probably the closest object that has actually come by the space station," said the US space agency's associate administrator for space operations, Bill Gerstenmaier. "We didn't have any information that it was coming until it was very, very close." The size of the space junk remains unknown and no harm was done by its fly-by. (AFP)

- Father, thank You for protecting the International Space Station and the crew from this debris. May they determine why they had no knowledge the debris was coming until it was very close. We plead the blood of Jesus over the crew that no harm shall befall them.

- In Him all things consist (cohere, are held together)

- upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. (Colossians 1:17, Hebrews 1:3)

7. THE DALAI LAMA TO VISIT WASHINGTON, D.C. THIS MONTH

Note: The Dalai Lama will be giving "A Talk on World Peace" at the West Lawn of the US Capitol on Saturday, July 9th, 2011, starting at 10:00 a.m. EST.

- Pray that any occult spirits from the Dalai Lama and monks of Tibetan Buddhism will be bound and unable to bring harm to Washington, D.C. or the U.S.A. May they and those they seek to influence or have influenced in the past be set free from the power of darkness and come to know the light of life in Jesus Christ!

(Excerpted from the Vision for Asia; Reported by John Robb, International Prayer Connections; June, 2011)

- "The Lord is . . . not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

Focus on the Debt Crisis
1. SENATE CANCELS JULY 4 RECESS
2. DEBT DEAL NEEDED BY MID-JULY TO AVERT DEFAULT
3. BATTLE LINES HARDEN FOR OBAMA, SENATE GOP
4. CONRAD READY TO PRESENT DEMOCRATS' BUDGET AS SOON AS NEXT WEEK
5. CORNYN: OBAMA BYPASSING CONGRESS ON DEBT LIMIT IS "CRAZY TALK"
6. DEBT INCREASED MORE UNDER GEITHNER THAN ANY OTHER TREASURY SECRETARY
7. OBAMA: IT'S KIDS VERSUS CORPORATE JETS ON DEBT-CEILING TALKS

For all the headlines listed below, we offer this prayer to our King of Kings and our Lord of Lords:

- Lord, when we as individuals do not pay our debts, but continue to spend recklessly by accumulating more debt, the consequences are painful and significant. We ask that our leaders will be responsible, and not increase our debt ceiling, but rather cut wasteful spending now. May they seek Your wisdom, eliminating expenditures on frivolous projects, and redirecting those funds to meet the needs of our own people. We ask that our legislators and leaders will truly choose to do what is best for our country, and not for their own political aspirations. As they humble themselves before You, You will lift them up.

- "Those who trust in their riches shall fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 11:28;16:7)

1. SENATE CANCELS JULY 4 RECESS

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced Thursday morning that he will cancel the chamber's July 4 recess so that lawmakers can focus on stalled deficit-reduction negotiations. Reid will schedule a vote on Tuesday, July 5, forcing senators to cancel their travel plans and show up to the Senate floor.

The move follows Obama's challenge to Congress during a news conference Wednesday to skip its summer recesses until lawmakers reach an agreement to raise the national debt limit. The Senate's action puts pressure on the House to cancel its recess, scheduled for the week of July 18.

House lawmakers are scheduled to be in session next week, having spent the past week at home meeting with constituents during a pre-July 4 recess. (The Hill)

2. DEBT DEAL NEEDED BY MID-JULY TO AVERT DEFAULT

Negotiators will need to reach agreement on raising the U.S. debt limit no later than July 22 so that legislation can get passed in time to stave off a default on U.S. debt, two Democratic officials familiar with the talks said. The Senate yesterday canceled its July 4 recess to remain in session next week during debt-limit talks after Obama a day earlier called on Congress to stop taking vacations while the debt-ceiling talks are unresolved. (Bloomberg) Read more.

3. BATTLE LINES HARDEN FOR OBAMA, SENATE GOP

Time for Debt Deal Running Short

Senate Republicans revolted against the White House Thursday as the fight over raising the debt ceiling turned sharply more bitter and bled into other issues. Just one week after House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) left talks led by Vice President Biden, negotiations to reduce deficits appear to be in ruins.

GOP senators on Thursday sniped from the floor at Obama's lack of leadership and sought to stop any progress in the chamber. The Republicans were stung by Obama's Wednesday press conference, when he unfavorably compared GOP lawmakers to his school-age daughters, who he said get their homework done on time.

In response, Republicans blocked Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's (D-Nev.) request to bring legislation authorizing U.S. military action against Libya to the floor, and walked out of a planned markup of legislation implementing a free-trade agreement with South Korea. They also mocked and scolded the president for his leadership record and his call for them to get to work.

Sen. Jon Cornyn (R-Texas) lambasted Obama for attending Philadelphia fundraisers a day after telling Congress to get to work on a debt deal. Cornyn, the chairman of the Senate Republican campaign committee, said Obama should be embarrassed by his lack of leadership. "Instead of going to Philadelphia tonight and raising money . . . why doesn't he call . . . [congressional leadership] into his office and just do his job? Just do his job?," Cornyn asked on the Senate floor.

Tensions are intensifying with both sides running out of time to reach a deal to raise the debt ceiling. The Treasury Department has said it will no longer be able to pay the nation's creditors after Aug. 2 without a higher borrowing limit.

Senate Democrats canceled their July 4 recess week to provide more negotiating time, as lawmakers and Obama try to work out a deal with less than a month to go. Economists have warned that a failure to raise the debt ceiling could set off another recession by raising interest rates and lowering the dollar's value. (The Hill) Read more.

4. CONRAD READY TO PRESENT DEMOCRATS' BUDGET AS SOON AS NEXT WEEK

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) said Wednesday afternoon that Democrats have reached an agreement on a budget plan and plan to unveil it as soon as next week. "We've reached an agreement after weeks of work," Conrad told The Hill. "I think it's big." Conrad said it would reduce the deficit by more than $4 trillion over the next 10 years. I'm not going to go into any of the details until I have a chance to lay out the whole thing for people but it's a very significant debt reduction plan," he said. "It's actually somewhat bigger than the fiscal commission."

Conrad's announcement ends a long, tense wait for the Democratic budget plan that had been tied up by an intra-party dispute between liberals and centrists on the budget panel. The imminent introduction of a Senate Democratic budget plan shows that the party is unifying in preparation of a showdown with Republicans over the national debt limit.

The introduction of a Senate Democratic budget will address a persistent criticism from Republicans in recent weeks. Freshmen Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) on Tuesday protested the lack of a Democratic budget plan by objecting to all routine requests to proceed with Senate business. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) has taken to the Senate floor almost daily over the last few weeks to rail about the missing Democratic budget. "Seven hundred and ninety is the number of days it's been since the Senate has passed a budget," Senate Republican Policy Committee Chairman John Thune (S.D.) said Tuesday, repeating what has become a Republican mantra. "[Over] the 790 days since the Senate Democrats have passed a budget, the debt has actually gone up $3.2 trillion. So we have a debt and a spending problem in Washington, D.C., not a revenue problem," he said. (The Hill) Read more.

5. CORNYN: OBAMA BYPASSING CONGRESS ON DEBT LIMIT IS "CRAZY TALK"

Sen. John Cornyn warned Obama on Sunday to not even consider interpreting the Constitution's Fourteenth Amendment to bypass Congress and raise the debt limit without its approval. "That's crazy talk. It's not acceptable for Congress and Obama not to do their job and to say somehow Obama has the authority then to basically do this by himself," Cornyn, R-Texas, a former judge on the Texas Supreme Court, told "Fox News Sunday."

The proposal that Obama re-interpret Section 4 of the Fourteenth Amendment to justify raising the $14.3 trillion debt limit has been gaining traction in Democratic circles since Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner told reporters that the Constitution's language could support the president's raising the limit without congressional approval. (Conservative Byte) Read more.

6. DEBT INCREASED MORE UNDER GEITHNER THAN ANY OTHER TREASURY SECRETARY

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner oversaw the largest increase in the national debt of any Treasury secretary in American history, presiding over a $3.7 trillion increase in the debt.

According to data from the Treasury Department's Bureau of the Public Debt, the national debt has increased $3,723,575,990,130.10 from Jan. 26, 2009 until June 30, 2011, Geithner's entire tenure to date as Treasury secretary.

In fact, the debt accrued under Geithner is greater than all federal debt accrued in the first 204 years of the nation's history. The national debt did not reach $3.7 trillion until October 1991, according to historical Treasury data that reaches back to 1791. (CNSNews.com) Read more.

7. OBAMA: IT'S KIDS VERSUS CORPORATE JETS ON DEBT-CEILING TALKS

If Obama's news conference accomplished anything on Wednesday afternoon, it underscored, in striking tones, his strategy for winning the debt ceiling fight with Republicans: Make it a clash of classes.

In Obama's Marxist inspired world, Democrats are for kids and Republicans are for corporate jets. That is a sharp distinction that could help put the GOP on defensive, but it may not be enough to persuade Republicans to change their posture on the debt-ceiling talks.

Republicans have cast Obama as a tax-raiser and a Big-Government spender. This was his jujitsu move to turn their arguments against them. With a hint of disdain, Obama even dredged up the death of Osama bin Laden to score a political point.

In his first full-scale news conference since March, the president insisted that Democrats had compromised in private talks by agreeing to billions of dollars in budget cuts that would hurt their voters. But, he said, Republicans were refusing to bend by not agreeing to eliminate tax breaks to owners of corporate jets and profit-rich oil companies. If Republicans get their way, Obama said, the end result would be unbalanced deal that lifts the debt limit but forces the government to make deeper-than-necessary cuts. (National Journal) Read more.

- Lord, we are incensed at the continual attempts to breed conflict between people of lower income and those who have built businesses that created wealth. We pray that You will stop this manipulation and cause truth to be the basis of the debate over debt.

- "For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil." (James 3:16)

A July 4th Message From the Senate Chaplain

U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black, was guest preacher for Charles Stanley on In Touch. On this Independence Day, Dr. Black's message, entitled "True Freedom Comes from God," is an inspiration to us all.

You can hear his words of truth by going here.

Thank you, Chaplain Black!
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.

On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 21b

1. U.S. SENATE: CUT AID IF PALESTINIANS DECLARE STATE
2. U.S. "WELCOMES" DIALOGUE WITH MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD
3. MIDEAST QUARTET TO HOLD SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON ON JULY 11
4. GREECE, TURKEY AND ISRAEL JOIN HANDS TO STOP FLOTILLA
5. AFTER FLOTILLA, ISRAEL PREPARES FOR PRO-ARAB FLY-IN
6. SYRIA FAILS TO DEFLECT CRITICISM ONTO "ISRAELI OCCUPATION"
7. IRAN'S TENTACLES SPREAD FROM SYRIA TO SUDAN: IDF

1. U.S. SENATE: CUT AID IF PALESTINIANS DECLARE STATE

The US Senate approved a bill Wednesday [June 29] that calls for suspension of American aid to the Palestinian Authority [PA] if it insists on carrying out a plan to gain UN recognition for its statehood declaration in September. The bill was approved by all 89 senators present. Its initiators are the Jewish and Democratic Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland and Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine.

It stipulates that the Senate opposes "any attempt to establish or seek recognition of a Palestinian state outside of an agreement negotiated between leaders in Israel and the Palestinians." Cardin explained that the Senate has conveyed a clear message to the international community with the bill, which states that UN recognition of a Palestinian state at this stage does not promote peace. An accord is achievable through negotiations alone, he said.

The bill also "urges the President to consider suspending assistance to the Palestinian Authority pending a review of the unity agreement between Fatah [Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's party] and Hamas." The two factions signed a deal ending a longstanding rivalry between them, but the agreement has run into difficulty due to a vetting process for leaders of a future unity government.

The Senate bill also determines that "United States law precludes assistance to a Palestinian Authority that shares power with Hamas unless that Authority and all its ministers publicly accept the right of Israel to exist and all prior agreements and understandings with the Governments of the United States and Israel."

A similar bill is scheduled to come up before the House of Representatives, where 293 members have already signed off on its approval.

Israeli officials on Wednesday expressed their satisfaction with the Senate's decision, viewing it as a support for the stand presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his speech to the US Congress. In the past few months, Israel has been pressuring American lawmakers to press the White House and threaten the Palestinians with economic sanctions if they decide to turn to the UN and declare statehood. (Israel National News)

Editor's Note -- from Bridges for Peace: Despite the strong language issued in the US Senate resolution, it does not require aid to be cut off should the Palestinians go to the UN for unilateral statehood, only that it would have "implications" for the aid, and that the Senate will "consider restrictions" of aid should the Palestinians take that step. A full text of the bill can be found here.
[Reported by: Bridges for Peace]

- Praise God for this strong move from the US Senate! Pray that this will serve as a strong deterrent to the Palestinians' push to bypass negotiations. Pray, too, for swift passage of this bill in the House. Amen.

- "Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever . . . And gave their land as a heritage, for His mercy endures forever; a heritage to Israel His servant, for His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 136:1, 21-22)

2. U.S. "WELCOMES" DIALOGUE WITH MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday that the Obama administration wants to open a dialog with the Islamist Moslem Brotherhood. "We believe, given the changing political landscape in Egypt, that it is in the interests of the United States to engage with all parties that are peaceful and committed to nonviolence, that intend to compete for the parliament and the presidency," Clinton told reporters in Budapest, Hungary. "And we welcome, therefore, dialogue with those Moslem Brotherhood members who wish to talk with us." Clinton added the desired dialog "will continue to emphasize the importance of and support for democratic principles, and especially a commitment to nonviolence, respect for minority rights, and the full inclusion of women in any democracy. You cannot leave out half the population and claim that you are committed to democracy."

Mahmoud Ghozlan, a spokesman for the Moslem Brotherhood, told CNN he had heard of the U.S. interest in dialogue only from media reports. "The U.S. administration has supported dictators for decades and authorized torture, repression and colonization. The U.S. is hated in the Middle East region more than any other country according to polls published in the U.S," Ghozlan said. "If the U.S. is serious in opening a dialogue, they must first respect the people's choices for a true democracy, independence and respect their choice of leaders," Ghozlan continued, "We would welcome the open dialogue, if they are serious and transparent."

The international media frequently quotes former brotherhood leaders who say the group's new Freedom and Justice party is not theocratic and supports democracy in English-language interviews, but current leaders openly advocate the imposition of sharia law in Egypt's Arabic press. "Terms like civil or secular state are misleading," the brotherhood's Sobhi Saleh told Egyptian Arabic daily Al Masry Al Youm. "Islamic Sharia is the best system for Muslims and non-Muslims." (Israel National News) Read more.

- Our Jehovah Nissi, (our banner), we thank You that You love and protect Your own people. We know that the Moslem Brotherhood has a track record of violence against both Christians and Jews, the very "apple of Your eye". We ask, therefore, that You will expose their agenda and bring it to light and uncover their true goals; and give us leaders who truly love America and love You! Amen! We pray that no meetings ever take place between the USA and the Brotherhood. We ask You, Lord, to expose the gravity of such meetings. In Your Name, amen.

- "Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you. To deliver you from the way of evil; from the man who speaks perverse things." (Proverbs 2: 11, 12)

3. MIDEAST QUARTET TO HOLD SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON ON JULY 11

U.S., EU to present Mideast peace plan in last push to prevent Palestinian UN bid

In a last-minute effort to stop the Palestinians from seeking unilateral recognition at the United Nations in September, the Mideast Quartet is planning to present a new international peace plan at a summit in Washington on July 11, senior Israeli and European officials said Tuesday (June 28). The Quartet's envoys - representing the United States, the European Union, the United Nations, and Russia - will be mapping out a peace plan based on U.S. President Barack Obama's Mideast speech on May 19, which is supposed to present an alternative to the Palestinian move at the UN.

The summit will be taking place at a very critical time - only four days before the appointed date that the Palestinians set to officially appeal to the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and to send him Palestine's request for full membership at the UN. The Palestinians must appeal to the UN chief on July 15 if they wish to have sufficient time to suggest the subject for a vote during the UN General Assembly session in mid-September.

The Quartet summit will convene following heavy pressure on the U.S. government by the EU, in particular by Germany, France, and Britain, to present an international peace plan. Due to European pressure, the U.S. agreed to host the summit, but the Obama administration is still trying to stop the Palestinian move by other means. U.S. envoys Dennis Ross and David Hale conducted two rounds of talks in recent weeks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in an effort to draw up a formula for a compromise which will be used to invite both sides to engage in direct negotiations in the United States. (Ha'aretz) Read more.

- On one hand, it is perhaps good that an alternative to the planned vote at the U.N. on September 15th -- to unilaterally declare a Palestinian state -- is beginning to surface. Pray that, however the Lord would move, this vote is canceled entirely at the United Nations. In the meantime, please pray, too, concerning this report. Pray that the location for this summit will be moved from the USA to another country. The last thing we need in America is specific plans to divide the land of Israel. Repent to the Lord on behalf of our nation for the evil we have allowed to enter our land. With a map, lay hands on Washington, D. C., and declare that no meeting bringing any kind of harm to Israel will take place on July 11 next week . Pray for the wisdom of God to prevail!

- "In those days there was no [righteous] king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 21: 25)

4. GREECE, TURKEY AND ISRAEL JOIN HANDS TO STOP FLOTILLA

Greece Stands up to Illegal Gaza Flotilla -Arrests American Captain

Greek authorities, showing "unusual maritime courage at a moment of high national stress," according to one State Department source, have arrested the civilian captain of a US-flagged ship bound for the Gaza strip and aimed at challenging Israel's maritime blockade of the Palestinian territory bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Israel's blockade has been held to be legal under international law, and numerous governments--from Washington to Europe--have warned flotilla organizers they face arrest should they pursue this challenge. That is what happened.

According to the organizers of the voyage, John Klusmire, an American citizen and captain of The Audacity of Hope, was jailed on July 2 charged with disturbing sea traffic, endangering the lives of those on the ship, and disobeying a police order to remain at dock. [Reported by: Hebrew Nation News Alerts] Read more.

And more . . .

- Join us in Prayer! We praise Abba Father that the nation of Greece is taking a stand against this illegal flotilla aimed at starting a flashpoint conflict with Israel. The Gazans admit that aid flotillas are unnecessary. Abba, we ask for special favor and blessing to be poured out on the nation of Greece for their bold and courageous stand they have taken against this illegal flotilla. (HNN)

- "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!" (Psalm 150:6)

5. AFTER FLOTILLA, ISRAEL PREPARES FOR PRO-ARAB FLY-IN

As the planned Freedom Flotilla 2 continues to fizzle, Israel is preparing for another provocation, this time in the form of a planned 'fly in' to Ben Gurion Airport by pro-Arab activists.. . The PA is urging activists to converge en masse on Ben Gurion International Airport on July 8.

A report by AFP on Monday confirmed the planned fly in, saying pro-PA activists are planning to arrive by the hundreds at Ben Gurion Airport on Friday "to protest against Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip." The report noted Israel was making intense preparations for the fly in, and that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu had ordered Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch to coordinate all law enforcement and aviation authorities. "This planned provocation will be dealt with in accordance with Israeli law and international law and conventions," said a statement from the Prime Minister's Office quoted by AFP. (Israel National News) Read more.

- Offer praise that the planned flotilla is, indeed, fizzling out; and that the Israeli authorities have always dealt with threats to their own security with great wisdom. Ask the Lord to grant His continued grace and wisdom to Prime Minister Netanyahu, Public Security Minister Aharonovitch, and all others in authority in Israel, as they plan to confront the Arab fly-in at Ben Gurion Airport on Friday. Pray!

- "For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6)

6. SYRIA FAILS TO DEFLECT CRITICISM ONTO "ISRAELI OCCUPATION"

Syria attempted to shift international focus from President Bashar Al Assad's brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters in his country by raising Israel's 'occupation' of the Golan Heights "The real role of the Security Council is to end the illegal occupation of Israel and the Golan," Syrian ambassador to the United Nations Bashar Jaafari argued after Western ambassadors raised Assad's repressive tactics during the council's biannual meeting to renew the mandate of the UN separation force in the Golan.

The discussion veered to Assad's domestic woes after Ron Prosor, Israel's ambassador to the UN, accused Syria of sending protesters to the border to provoke Israel and violate its territory. Prosor said the violence and unrest in the Golan Heights during recent Nakba and Naksa day protests could not have happened without the active involvement of Assad's regime, whom Prosor accused of seeking to divert international attention away from internal events in Syria.

France's permanent representative to the UN, Gerard Aruad, also took aim at Syria and steamrollered over Jaafari's objections calling them 'hypocritical' before going on to lambast Assad's brutal police crackdown at great length.

Britain's ambassador also expressed concern over the violence employed by the regime and the riots at the Israeli-Syrian border. Germany's ambassador joined Britain its its concerns about the incidents at the border.

- US Ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, said, "the US is concerned by reports the Syrian government played a role in organizing the riots to divert attention from the killing of demonstrators in Syria." Over 1,300 Syrians have been killed by Bashar Assad's regime since protests broke out in his country earlier this year.

Russia and China blocked Western moves to censure Syria during the meeting. (Israel National News)

• This report from the UN deserves praise to the Lord God. The countries who form the Security Council have not been distracted by the lying and deception of Assad and his regime! For far too long, Assad has played "footsies" with Russia. Continue to pray for the safety of the Syrian citizens and for the toppling of Assad and his Allawee regime . Pray also for Syria to cleanse itself of the tainting of Islam, for Syria is the first country to receive the Gospel when Saul/Paul went to Damascus to pursue the believers of Jesus.

- "The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out." (Proverbs 13: 9)

7. IRAN'S TENTACLES SPREAD FROM SYRIA TO SUDAN: IDF INTELLIGENCE CHIEF

Iran is spreading its tentacles and is directly helping Syrian President Bashar Assad, aiding the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and assisting Sudan, IDF Intelligence Major-General Aviv Kochavi told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Security Committee Tuesday.

The Islamic Republic is "infiltrating and aiding organizations and governments" in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Yemen and Sudan, as well as Gaza, Kochavi stated. He explained that Iran is worried about the Arab Spring uprisings, particularly in Syria, where the surge could cost the Islamic Republic its important ally if Assad is toppled.

The head of Military Intelligence confirmed previous reports that Iran is actively supplying Assad's secret police and army with techniques and equipment to suppress the demonstrations that threaten his regime. He also said that Iran is directly trying to influence Egyptian politics through the Muslim Brotherhood, which spawned the Hamas terrorist organization.

The Knesset committee also heard that Iran was involved in the border infiltrations from Syria into the Golan Heights last month. (Israel National News)

- As intercessors, stand watch with the Israelis as they survey the scope of Iran's nefarious activities. Iran is a danger not only to Israel, but also to many other nations on the planet Earth. Watch and pray . . . pray.

- "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts . . ." (Hab. 2:1)

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

The Price They Paid . . .

The Declaration of Independence was approved JULY 4, 1776.

John Hancock signed first, saying "the price on my head has just doubled."

Benjamin Franklin said "We must hang together or most assuredly we shall hang separately."
Of the 56 signers:

17 served in the military;

11 had their homes destroyed;

5 were hunted and captured;

Abraham Clark had two sons imprisoned on the British starving ship Jersey;

John Witherspoon's son was killed in battle;

Francis Lewis' wife was imprisoned and died from the harsh treatment;

many, such as Thomas Nelson and Carter Braxton, lost their fortunes;

and 9 died during the War.

When Samuel Adams signed the Declaration, he said: "We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come."

John Adams wrote: "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary Festival.

It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.

It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this time forward forever more."

John Adams continued: "You will think me transported with enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.

Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means.

And that Posterity will triumph in that Days Transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not." [Source; American Minute with Bill Federer: July 4]

This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

HOLY (Kadosh)

For this is what the high and lofty One says- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." (Isaiah 57:15)

Holy is Your Name; Holiness befits You. Thank You that it is not on my merit that I can approach You, but it is because of the shed Blood of Yeshua, Jesus, that I can approach Your throne of grace, and have the privilege to call You Holy -- Kadosh.

"All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name." (Psalm 66:4) (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)