In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 22a-1
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 22a-2
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 22a-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 XVIII, Number 22a
July 11 - 15, 2011
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 22a-1
Praying for Israel
1. UPDATE: FLY-IN AT TEL AVIV AIRPORT
2. UPDATE: FLOTILLA
3. UPDATE: QUARTET MEETING AND RELATED ISSUES
4. AIPAC APPLAUDS CONGRESSIONAL WARNING ON PALESTINIAN AID
5. NETANYAHU QUESTiONS MARITIME BORDERS PROPOSED BY LEBANON
1. UPDATE: FLY-IN AT TEL AVIV AIRPORT
129 protesters, who arrived in Israel with the intention of creating disruption through the "Welcome To Palestine" effort, are now awaiting deportation. Four protesters have been granted permission to remain in Israel for a limited time.
Meanwhile, some 39 invaders, who made it past the security at Ben Gurion airport, by intentionally lying to interviewers, proved Israel's concern to be valid. These slippery protesters made their way into Judea and Samaria (the so called West Bank) and joined with local Palestinian Moslems, and with humanist Israeli organizers in initiating actions against the Israeli security forces operating at checkpoints.
The Israeli forces followed their prescribed guidelines of resisting the tantrums and the provocation tactics; arresting the troublemakers quickly. Very likely these foolish protesters will be seen as brave heroes in the eyes of their supporters for successfully breaching the Israeli security, but they are nothing more than blind supporters of terror and rebellion. (Kathleen Mitchell)
- Praise the Lord that this influx of disruptors seems to be winding down. Keep pressing in, to hold down this threat. It could pop up at any time. Pray that the security forces will not become weary of watching for, and dealing with, these continuous threats of protest and infiltration . . . which could cause them to let their guard down. Pray that they will not be distracted by these rebellious acts designed for Israeli entrapment, and in doing so miss a more serious infiltration or attack. Pray that the Lord would send His hornets to sting all those who continually attempt to sting Israel.
- "They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear. . . But God will shoot them with his arrows; they will suddenly be struck down." (Psalm 64:4,7)
2. UPDATE: FLOTILLA
The French ship, Dignity, has been held in the Crete port since Thursday. Prior to that venue, this ship had been floating around in international waters; waiting for the arrival of the other 9 ships, which were scheduled to be in the run against Israel for Gaza. Eight of those expected ships remain legally locked up in Greek ports, while the 9th ship is docked in Turkey; making repairs after supposed sabotage. Now the Destiny has been released to move about in Greek waters. The leaders on board still intend to make a run for Gaza, but only time will tell if that will happen.
Blessedly Lloyd's of London had refused to insure any boats in the Flotilla, making this voyage very risky for ship owners. Legal implications for participants, who could be seen as supporting an internationally declared terror organization (Hamas), also became a deterrent. Furthermore, the chief Red Cross official in Gaza, Mathilde Redmatn, had declared some time ago that: "There is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza. If you go to the supermarket, there are products. There are restaurants and a nice beach." The government of Greece offered to take help take the goods off the 8 impounded ships and personally ship all the supplies to Israeli ports to Gaza by land for the movement.
Are we surprised that the organizers of WELCOME TO PALESTINE refused? This was not about helping the people of Gaza. If that were the case, these humanitarian activists would be protesting the abuses by Hamas against the people in Gaza. They would be addressing the massive human rights violations, oppression, murder, and corruption being conducted by Hamas against the Gazans. Instead, the political agenda of the "activists", which is to defeat and condemn Israel, has these humanists working in league with the terrorist Moslems . . . the true abusers, the actual human rights violators and the genuine criminals in the region. (Kathleen Mitchell)
- Let's have a shout of praise for the Lord; causing truth to finally be spoken in a credible way! Praise Him for keeping this flotilla firmly contained within His hand. Pray that the fear of the Lord will seize the hearts and minds of those foolish enough to think that they can ever arrogantly poke God in the eye, and walk away intact . . . and ignorant enough to boldly declare victory of their will over His way, will and word. Pray for the Spirit of Truth to convincingly expose the true victims and the true perpetrators. Pray that there will be an increasing number of human beings willing to receive and to believe the truth.
- "All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done." (Psalm 64:9)
3. UPDATE: QUARTET MEETING AND RELATED ISSUES
On Monday, the Quartet will be meeting in Washington to discuss the steps to bring forth the Palestinian State without the PA going to the General Assembly in September. On Tuesday the Arab League will be meeting to also discuss this situation. On Friday the Palestinian Authority has a deadline to meet. That day is the deadline for submitting their petition for Statehood to Ban Ki Moon in order for the General Assembly to take up this plea on the September agenda.
While the Quartet has previously indicated its disapproval of the unilateral PA declaration of a state, the members of the Quartet will likely come up with more pressure to apply against Israel during Monday's session. Over a lavish dinner in Washington on Monday, July 11th, the EU, the USA, Russia and the UN may come up with new ways to carve up Israel and to hand her territory over to those, who intend to kill, and to totally eliminate the Jews from all of their inheritance and historical homeland.
Currently, the demand of the Quartet to Israel is that negotiations with the PA begin now with the 1967 borders as the baseline for establishing the final peace borders . . . with Israel surrendering land required by the Palestinians. The PA's demands are for Israel to enact an immediate and total freeze of all construction in Judea, Samaria, and Jerusalem; along with implementation of the 2 State Solution based on the pre-1967 borders.
Netanyahu is holding to the demands that: #1. The PA and the Arab world must certify that Israel has the right to exist as the Jewish State, #2. Israel maintains borders, which can assure her security (including the Jordan Valley), #3. Jerusalem is to remain as the undivided capitol of Israel, #4. Israel refuses the return of the Palestinian "refugees". Given this huge logjam, what will the Quartet dream up to force Israel to comply? (Source: Kathleen Mitchell)
- Pray for this meeting of the Quartet to be cancelled as an act of God's mercy. For them to follow through with their intention (to devise more evil against Israel) will mean that more judgment will fall upon their nations. Pray for Obama and Hillary Clinton (USA), Katherin Ashton (EU), Sergei Lavrov (Russia), and Ban Ki-moon (UN) to be totally divided and thwarted in all their efforts against Israel. Pray for the Arab League to also be unable to devise plans of agreement against Israel. Divide their tongues, minds, and affections, so that these meetings fall into chaotic discord. Pray that the Lord would shut down this Palestinian bid to the UN General Assembly, and that He would never allow any Palestinian terror state to EVER form. Pray that not one inch of Israeli land will be lost and that the fullness of her promised inheritance will soon come into her possession. (Kathleen Mitchell)
- They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, "Who will see it[b]?" They plot injustice and say, "We have devised a perfect plan!" Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.
But God will shoot them with his arrows; they will suddenly be struck down. He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn. (Psalm 64:5-8)
4. AIPAC APPLAUDS CONGRESSIONAL WARNING ON PALESTINIAN AID
AIPAC welcomed Friday's passage of House Resolution 268 threatening to restrict U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) if its leaders continue to evade direct negotiations with Israel and seek statehood at the United Nations. The measure also calls on President Obama to consider suspending American financial assistance to the PA as a result of its reconciliation with Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization sworn to Israel's destruction.
Following last week's passage of a companion resolution in the Senate, AIPAC appreciates Congress's support of Israeli efforts to forge a lasting peace with the Palestinians through direct negotiations and without the threat of violence.
The resolution in the House -- introduced by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) and House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) -- passed by an overwhelming vote of 407-6. The companion resolution in the Senate (S. Res. 185) passed last week by unanimous consent. (American Israel Policy Action Committee)
To read the House Resolution, go here.
To read the Senate Resolution, go here.
- Capitol Hill Prayer Partners joins AIPAC in applauding this strong move by both hiouses of Congress. May our Lord yet grant our people mercy, as the majority stands with Israel, confirming her right to exist. Praise God!
- "In wrath, remember mercy." (Hab. 3:2)
5. NETANYAHU QUESTiONS MARITIME BORDERS PROPOSED BY LEBANON
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded on Sunday to a recent dispute on Israel's maritime border with Lebanon, saying at a cabinet meeting that the lines delineated in a Lebanese proposal are significantly further south than those recognized by Israel and determined in previous deals.
"The lines declared by Lebanon contradict both the maritime border agreement signed by Israel and Cyprus, as well as the border agreement signed between Lebanon itself and Cyprus," Netanyahu said at the meeting, adding that Israel is actively working to clarify the border based on international maritime law.
The cabinet meeting was convened days before Israel plans to submit coordinates to the United Nations its take on where its maritime economic border with Lebanon should be, as the two countries scramble for gas reserves estimated to be worth billions of dollars. Last August, Lebanon submitted to the United Nations its version of where the maritime border should be - the exclusive economic zone. In November, it submitted its version of its western border, with Cyprus. The United States has endorsed the Lebanese proposal. The Lebanese proposal does not include the large Tamar and Leviathan gas prospects, operated by Delek Energy and U.S. company Noble Energy. But the National Infrastructure Ministry found that the proposal contains reserves with a potential value in the billions of dollars.
Israel has rejected the possibility of indirect talks via the United Nations to resolve the issue, calling on Lebanon to begin negotiations on all border issues, not just the maritime border. The foreign and infrastructure ministries believe that Lebanon is claiming vast offshore territories that belong to Israel under international law. "It's important to provide the UN with the Israeli version of the border as soon as possible, to react to Lebanon's unilateral move," a senior Foreign Ministry official told Haaretz. "Not responding could be interpreted as a tacit agreement. We must act fast to ensure Israel's economic rights in these areas." Israel has become even more concerned about the positioning of the border after learning recently that a Norwegian company has begun searching for gas in the area. The search is due to be completed within months, and the Lebanese government hopes to use the findings to license international energy companies to probe areas that could be in Israel's exclusive economic zone. (Haaretz)
- Knowing that Hizbollah controls Lebanon, we can logically conclude that Lebanon is busily usurping borders that belong to Israel in a power grab for energy resources. Deception is a tactic of Islam, and the stated goal of Islam is the destruction of Israel and the Jews. Pray that this latest ploy against Israel immediately falls apart and that the UN -- and the United States -- side with Israel.
- "No weapon formed against you will prevail, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. . ." (Isaiah 54:17)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 22a-2
Praying for the Nations
1. EGYPTIAN GAS PIPELINE BLOWS UP
2. SOUTH SUDAN CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE
3. U.S. TO YEMEN PRESIDENT: TIME TO GIVE UP POWER
4. U.S. SUSPENDS PAKISTAN MILITARY AID
5. CHINA WARNS U.S. AFTER POLITICIANS MEET DALAI LAMA
1. EGYPTIAN GAS PIPELINE BLOWS UP
An explosion on Egypt's natural gas pipeline in the Sinai Peninsula has interrupted the flow to Israel and Jordan for the third time since February. The flow of gas, which represents 40% of Israel's needs, had resumed only recently after the last blast. This blast occurred a short distance from the Suez Canal. The contract with Israel has been a controversial issue in Egypt, especially since the fall of [former-President] Hosni Mubarak. Some contend that the contract fails to uphold the rights of the Egyptian people. The gas contract has been viewed in Israeli circles as a barometer of future relations with Egypt under its post-Mubarak successor regime. (Excerpts of an article by The Media Line, July 4, 2011)
- Pray that the natural gas will be restored quickly for Israel and that these attacks will cease. Pray that all the people in Egypt will have a desire to bless Israel and then do so.
- "He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many against me." (Psalm 55:18)
2. SOUTH SUDAN CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE
South Sudan celebrated its first day as an independent nation Saturday, raising its flag before tens of thousands of cheering citizens elated to reach the end of a 50-year struggle. "The eyes of the world are now on us," said South Sudan President Salva Kiir, who was inaugurated during a scorching midday ceremony. Kiir stressed that the people of South Sudan must advance their country together, and unite as countrymen first, casting aside allegiances to the dozens of tribes that reside here. The U.S. and Britain, among others, announced their recognition of South Sudan as a sovereign nation. (Fox News) Read more:
- Offer a mighty wave of intercession for the protection of the newest nation on earth, for she surely has enemies round about her. Lift up President Kirr, that he would make wise decisions for his people. Pray for the protection of believers in South Sudan, and pray, too, that this nation would be a friend of Israel, which will bring blessings to this land. Pray!
- "Who should not fear you, King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise leaders of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you." (Jer. 10:7)
3. U.S. TO YEMEN PRESIDENT: TIME TO GIVE UP POWER
Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh must "expeditiously" sign a deal that would have him transfer power to his vice president and step down, the White House counterterrorism chief told Saleh in a meeting at a hospital where the Yemeni leader is being treated for serious injuries.
It was the strongest and most public sign yet of U.S. pressure on Saleh, whose rule is being challenged by a five-month-old popular uprising. Yemen's president has promised several times in the past to sign the deal, brokered by Gulf Arab countries led by staunch U.S. ally Saudi Arabia, then balked at the last minute.
White House envoy John Brennan met Saleh at a hospital in Saudi Arabia where Saleh is recovering from wounds sustained in a June 3 attack on his presidential compound in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital. Brennan also told Saleh, Yemen's leader of nearly 33 years, that "assistance will flow to Yemen" when the deal is signed and implemented. (Fox News) Read more.
- Yemen is the next card to fall in the series of dominoes in the Arab Spring/ Summer of change. There most likely is much more to this story than meets the eye, but for now, please pray for: 1) Protection for the people of Yemen; 2) Stability in the time of the transition of power; 3) Wisdom for its new leaders; and 4) Continued cooperation with the U.S. in the ferreting out of terrorist cells.
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
4. U.S. SUSPENDS PAKISTAN MILITARY AID
DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WORSEN
The Pakistan military declared it did not need US military aid as the White House confirmed that it would withhold some $800m (£498m) in assistance to the country's armed forces. The row will worsen the already poisonous relationship between the two "allies", which since the unilateral US raid to kill Osama bin Laden in May has lurched towards breakdown.
Cyril Almeida, a columnist with Pakistan's Dawn newspaper, said the country was in danger of becoming internationally isolated, while US policy towards Pakistan was muddled. "The US can't decide they if they want to stay in this relationship or cut Pakistan off," he said. "These leaks and pressure tactics just confirm to the army generals the view that America is no friend of Pakistan and it wishes Pakistan harm." (Guardian UK) Read more.
- Oh, dear . . . what will happen next? Pakistan has nuclear weapons; and its borders include the difficult region on its northern edge with Afghanistan -- difficult to penetrate and easy for terrorists to
take refuge. Only our Holy God can sort out the puzzle of how the U.S. must position itself with this strategic nation. Thank God we serve the God who is Omniscient! May His will prevail for the people of Pakistan and the United States.- May our leaders be graced with the fear of the LORD. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)
5. CHINA WARNS U.S. AFTER POLITICIANS MEET DALAI LAMA
CHINA warned the United States not to interfere in its internal affairs after senior US politicians met in Washington exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, a man Beijing reviles as a separatist. 'The affairs of Tibet are a purely Chinese internal matter, and China resolutely opposes any country or any person interfering in China's internal affairs on the issue of Tibet,'Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.
'The words and actions of the Dalai Lama over the last decades shows that he is not purely a religious figure, but is a political exile who has long engaged in activities to split China under the pretext of religion,' Mr Hong added. 'China urges relevant US lawmakers to stop conniving in and supporting the Dalai clique's anti-Chinese splitist activities,' he said, in a short statement carried on the ministry's website (www.mfa.gov.cn).
The US State Department said the Dalai Lama met on Wednesday with Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Maria Otero, but that it remained to be decided whether he would have any meetings at higher levels. On Thursday, House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner, Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and other senior US lawmakers also met the Dalai Lama, a Nobel Prize laureate. (AP)
- Father we take up the sword of Your Spirit and cut into all the multiple layers of this situation that has continued between China and the Dalai Lama of Tibet for more than 50 years. We bind and rebuke the darkness on both sides of this confrontation in Jesus Name, as well as the ignorance of those in other nations receiving and praising works of darkness but that seem to be light. We call forth that the lies and deceit be exposed to Your Light so that all people can hear and see what truly is involved here in all its layers. We petition You to confront and save all who can hear and receive Your salvation and we call all negative forces to be shattered and of no effect, in the mighty name of Jesus!! Amen and Amen.
- "A true witness delivers souls, But a deceitful witness speaks lies. In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence and His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life to turn one away from the snares of death." (Proverbs 14: 25 - 27)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 22a-3
Special Prayer Request:
Space Junk Could Come Dangerously Close to Atlantis
NASA is monitoring a piece of space junk that might come dangerously close to the shuttle-station. The object will make its closest approach Tuesday -- right in the middle of a planned spacewalk.
Mission management team leader LeRoy Cain says the size of the space junk is unknown. He says the object might stay at a safe distance but experts won't know until Monday. If necessary, Atlantis' thrusters will move the linked craft.
Less than two weeks ago, space station astronauts had to take shelter in their lifeboats because of a piece of junk. It missed by 1,100 feet, the closest encounter yet. (Fox News) Read more.
- Begin to intercede over this potentially dangerous news. Thank the LORD that He is the God of the heavens and the earth, and that He is in control. Pray for wisdom for the officials at NASA as they consider how to respond to this potential threat to our last space mission. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
- "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands." (Acts 17:24)
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 22b
DOMESTIC ISSUES
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 22b-1
Focus on the Economy
1. TALKS ON DEBT CRISIS CONTINUE
2. BOEHNER FIGHTS FOR SMALL BUSINESS IN NEW BUDGET DEAL
3. OBAMA OFFERS TO RAISE MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY AGE IN DEFICIT-REDUCTION TALKS
4. OBSCURE CONSTITUTIONAL CLAUSE MAY HELP U.S. AVERT DEFAULT
5. AS STIMULUS FADES, UNEMPLOYMENT RISES
6. "THERE ARE 14 TRILLION REASONS WHY TO CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE"
1. TALKS ON DEBT CRISIS CONTINUE
With lawmakers on Monday holding their third round of bipartisan talks since last week, Obama urged both sides to give ground. He called out Democrats for resisting entitlement cuts and Republicans for resisting tax increases. "If each side wants 100 percent of what its ideological predispositions are, then we can't get anything done," he said. He particularly criticized rank-and-file Republicans for allegedly hamstringing House Speaker John Boehner, claiming those members have complicated the talks by taking "irresponsible" positions. The president spoke at a press conference Monday before entering the meeting in the afternoon.
But Boehner, minutes before the meeting began, said the reality is that a deficit-reduction package that raises taxes simply cannot pass the House. "Adding tax increases to the equation doesn't balance anything," Boehner said. "The American people understand that tax hikes destroy jobs." (Fox News) Read more.
- Last March, our nation faced another possible government shutdown over the issue of passing the Budget for 2012. And now . . . here we are again. At that time, when all hope seemed to be lost, we asked you to pray for a last-minute breakthrough in those talks. We published our alert (the Daily Brief) at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 8.
Here is the prayer we prayed then: - Offer praise that talks ARE continuing, and take up the Word of God -- His Hammer -- and decree that every blockade to the resolution of this impasse is shattered and destroyed, so that a final decision can be reached on the budget of our country.
- "Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?" (Jer. 23:29)
ABC News then reported what happened next:
Barely more than an hour before a midnight deadline, officials announced a deal to avert a government shutdown.
"We will cut $78.5 billion below the Obama's 2011 budget proposal, and we have reached an agreement on the policy riders," House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said in a joint statement." Read more.
Let's repeat this prayer strategy now, trusting our God to break the blockade in these negotiations over the issue of our national debt. Amen.
- "Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?" (Jer. 23:29)
2. BOEHNER FIGHTS FOR SMALL BUSINESS IN NEW BUDGET DEAL
Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) headed down Constitution Avenue for another meeting at the White House today, but he made his position very clear in advance: The GOP will reject any deal that punishes successful Americans with higher taxes. Obama, meanwhile, wants to heap more responsibility for Congress's mess on the middle class. The White House says it wants to target "millionaires" with higher taxes, but this Marxist Obama defines "millionaire" as someone making $250,000.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that one of the proposals batted around during the debt talks is a plan to cap itemized deductions for families earning over $250,000. "The legislation Obama has asked for," repeated Boehner, "which would increase taxes on small businesses and destroy more American jobs, cannot pass the House." (Family Research Council)
- We bind up spirits of greed, power, and attempts at class warfare and class envy. We speak strength to stand firm to the members of Congress and their leaders. Bless them with wisdom as they face wicked pressures.
- "Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath." (Prov. 29:8)
3. OBAMA OFFERS TO RAISE MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY AGE IN DEFICIT-REDUCTION TALKS
Marxist Obama has offered to raise the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67 as part of a larger deficit-reduction package, a move sure to anger congressional Democrats who want to exclude entitlement programs from the ongoing talks.
Bipartisan talks that began Monday afternoon have ended. It's unclear what exactly was discussed, but two sources outside the White House confirmed to Fox News that Obama, during an earlier meeting with lawmakers Sunday night, offered to raise the eligibility age. There was also discussion of moving to a system that ties the Medicare qualification age to actuarial tables rather than a determination by Congress.
However, lawmakers could not agree on the subject since it would have been part of a deal that included tax increases -- something Republicans vehemently oppose. (Fox News) Read more.
- Continue in prayer, asking that, as both sides begin to make concessions to find common ground in these talks, they will not consider any reckless options but only be led by the Spirit of God to make wise decisions for our people. Amen.
- "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." (Psalm 32:8)
4. OBSCURE CONSTITUTIONAL CLAUSE MAY HELP U.S. AVERT DEFAULT
The White House could resort to an little-known line in the US constitution to prevent a ruinous default if Democrats and Republicans do not agree to raise the debt ceiling by August 2, experts say. The 143-year-old clause, written to address still-potent divisions after the bloody Civil War, has been dredged up by legal scholars as well as the US Treasury secretary to suggest how a debt debacle might be avoided. But resorting to it could spark a constitutional crisis over just who -- the Congress or the White House -- controls the power of the federal purse, analysts say. (AFP) Read more.
- This clause was passed in the 1860's after the Civil War to help the North pay its debt after the war. But the question that arises is who is in control of America's pocketbook: Congress or the White House? Continue to pray for the Lord to show Congress how to reduce the debt by cutting and capping. Implore the Lord's mercy on our nation. Let us show clean hands and a pure heart as a nation so blessed by the Lord. Remember in your prayers that we were founded as a nation "of the people, for the people, and by the people." This "obscure clause" does not sound like the answer.
- "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)
5. AS STIMULUS FADES, UNEMPLOYMENT RISES
Both the markets and the White House were "stunned" Friday when unemployment rose to 9.2% and the economy created only 16,000 jobs in June. To put the number of new jobs in perspective, it takes 125,000 new jobs a month just to cover population growth. Liberal Democrats will scream for even more government spending, but that is always just a short term solution. Real job growth comes through private investment which the Obama Administration is discouraging through regulation and the threat of new taxes on business. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
- Abba Father, we bring before you the needs of the unemployed of this nation. We include those who have hunted for jobs, those still searching or in despair who have given up as it has been so long, the partially employed or underemployed. We also lift up all the farmers and ranchers across our nation who have lost their means of livelihood due to the horrific floods, fires or extreme drought. We repent for what personally and corporately this nation has done before You that is impacting this situation and seek Your face in forgiveness and petition for all impacted by this huge number without the dignity of work. . In Jesus' Name.
- "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food, though the flock may be cut off from the field and there be no herd in the stalls; Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength. He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills."(Habakkuk 3:17-19)
6. "THERE ARE 14 TRILLION REASONS WHY TO CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE"
the debt ceiling crisis debate and in the effort to pass legislation -- initiated by the House of Representatives' Republican Study Committee and the leader of Let Freedom Ring, Colin Hanna -- called Cut, Cap and Balance.
Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ) wrote in yesterday's "The Washington Times" that there are 14 trillion reasons why to pass the "Cut, Cap, and Balance" legislation. The national debt limit is currently at $14.294 trillion and the Obama administration claims that it must be raised before August 2nd.
Congressman Schweikert writes: "In less than two years, President Obama has added more than $3.7 trillion to our national debt. It previously took the U.S. from the birth of our nation until 1992 to accumulate this much debt. In fact, under Mr. Obama's proposed 2012 budget, our debt would increase to a record $25.7 trillion by 2021"..(Christian Coalition). Read more.
- Pray that neither John Boehnner (House Majority leader) nor the Congress would be deceived by the president into believing that Obama would honor cutting entitlements just to get the American people on his side for re-election purposes. Pray the Congress will stand firmly like P. M. Netanyahu of Israel against Obama's encroachments. Americans know how to sacrifice when necessary, and we must stand against empty promises. Entitlements are not for the president to dole out; instead, they under the governance of the American people. Ask the Lord to intervene in this matter and for Americans to say "No" to the raising of the national debt ceiling.
- "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6: 12)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 22b-2
1. NBC RESPONDS TO MEMBERS' LETTER [REPORTED LAST WEEK]
2. CONGRESSMAN HUNTER: DO NOT CERTIFY DADT REPEAL
3. DEMOCRATS FILE BILL FOR TAX-FUNDED ABORTIONS AT MILITARY BASES
4. H.R. 2023: PUBLIC EXPRESSION OF RELIGION ACT
5. LEFT-WING CRITICS PUSH OBAMA TO CHANGE FAITH-BASED HIRING RULES
6. KEVIN JENNINGS' OFFICE IS CLOSED
7. OBAMA STIMULUS FUNDED 'GUNS-TO-DRUG-LORDS' PLAN
1. NBC RESPONDS TO MEMBERS' LETTER [REPORTED LAST WEEK]
Letter Disapproved of "Under God" Omission
Congressman Forbes recently joined with 107 Members of Congress, including many Congressional Prayer Caucus Members, in sending a letter to NBC Universal expressing disapproval over the network twice-editing the words "under God" from a video montage that aired during the U.S. Open.
The letter asked what steps NBC has taken to prevent America's religious heritage from being obscured in that manner again, and it requested that NBC implement a policy to ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance is not altered in future broadcasts.
Last week, Congressman Forbes received a response from NBC Universal. I thought you might be interested in reading the text of their letter. You can see the original copy here.
- We thank the Lord for these members of Congress who have taken swift action to call NBC to account for their actions; and we are grateful for NBC's quick action in response. Pray that this omission never happens again on our national airways. Amen.
- " . . . if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)
2. CONGRESSMAN HUNTER: DO NOT CERTIFY DADT REPEAL
Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), a Marine veteran, has joined 31 other members of Congress to ask the President to delay the certification of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal until the military has an opportunity to clear up the mass confusion sparked by the policy change. "Merely providing 'training and educational' briefs to our service members is not enough to justify moving forward with certification when consequential policy and regulatory changes associated with implementation must be reviewed by Congress under its oversight function . . . It is imperative that Congress have the ability to exercise its authority . . ." Anything less, he writes, is irresponsible. (Family Research Council)
- Father, we heartily pray for the maintaining of the balance of powers between Congress and the White House. We thank you for Congressman Hunter and the other members of Congress who have written this request that this certification be delayed until a full review of the consequences of the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell can be undertaken.
We bind up the efforts of the administration to overreach and ignore the Constitutional and the House's oversight function. We thank You that You are the God of miracles, and we ask Your hand of divine intervention in the matter of defeating this repeal, in Jesus' Name, amen.
- "Woe to him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong . . ." (Jeremiah 22:13a)
3. DEMOCRATS FILE BILL FOR TAX-FUNDED ABORTIONS AT MILITARY BASES
Jody Duffy, a former U.S. Army officer, is responding to a new bill Democrats in Congress have filed that would re-institute a Clinton-era policy that allowed abortions at taxpayer-funded U.S. military base hospitals. This bill, called the "MARCH for Military Women Act", is in the Senate as S.1214 and in the House as H.R. 2085.
Current law in effect since 1996 prohibits the performance of abortion by Department of Defense medical personnel or at DOD medical facilities. A separate provision prohibits the use of DOD funds for abortion except to save the life of the mother. But the MARCH for Military Women Act would lift the current bans and abortion advocates have tried for years to force military base hospitals to do abortions on female service members. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more.
- The enemy of man and God is out doing his work again!. Many military pregnancies occur because of date rape. This is the problem that the military must address and solve. Abortions cause great stress on the women, impairing their ability to carry out their assignments. Pray that God's love for all of mankind will erect impenetrable barriers against the passage of these bills. Pray that the "MARCH for Military Women Act" will itself be aborted in both the House and the Senate . . . never to see the light of day.
- "Therefore, brothers, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle." (2 Thess. 2:15)
4. H.R. 2023: PUBLIC EXPRESSION OF RELIGION ACT
The Public Expression of Religion Act (H.R. 2023) would ensure that the legal system is not used to extort money from state and local governments through frivolous lawsuits against public expressions of religion. Under current law, if a state or local government is sued for a public expression of religion that allegedly violates the Establishment Clause, and loses at any stage of the proceeding, it can be required to pay the legal fees of the suing party in addition to its own legal fees. These costs- born by local taxpayers-can be exorbitant, and the very threat of a lawsuit often causes state and local governments to yield to pressure and remove the public expression of religion, even if they are constitutional.
H.R. 2023 will limit the remedies available to the suing party in these cases, so the only relief available would be that the state or local government would be required to stop its public expression of religion if the court deems it unconstitutional. The result would be a decrease in frivolous lawsuits and the assurance that state and local governments are not intimidated into halting constitutional public expressions of religion. H.R. 2023 is sponsored by Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN).
- We ask for the successful passage of this bill to protect the free expression of religion in our land. We call down all devices of the enemy to hinder this and other freedoms which our Founding Fathers considered sacred. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "For, lo, thine enemies, O lord, for lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered." (Psalms 92:9)
5. LEFT-WING CRITICS PUSH OBAMA TO CHANGE FAITH-BASED HIRING RULES
The left-wing movement, led by some radical clerics and lawmakers, are once again trying to stop faith-based organizations that receive federal funds from hiring and firing employees on the basis of religion. These same hypocritical leftists do not want to allow employees who are forced to pay union dues to stop paying such dues.
"USA Today" had the following quote by Christian Coalition of America's Michele Combs regarding this latest attempt to squash the First Amendment rights of people of faith: "We will do whatever we can to make sure this stays."
The article continued: "Michele Combs . . . (said) charitable organizations should have the right to employ those who share their groups' values. 'That's our freedom,' she said, 'to hire and fire people of our faith' . . . (Christian Coalition) Read more.
- Suddenly the Left is very concerned about Freedom of Speech, but in reality the Left's cries represent another tactic to shut down Christianity in America. Imagine having to hire a homosexual to work in a Christian school? The policy that President George W. Bush supported and was passed by Congress in 2000 stated quite clearly that a religious group could reject hiring anyone with values opposed to its faith but could not withhold help from anyone. Please pray against any measures taken by the Left and/or Obama to change this law. Ask the Lord to impress on Obama's mind that any executive order undoing the Most Honorable President Bush's policy would be politically harmful to Obama.
- ". . . that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8: 4)
6. KEVIN JENNINGS' OFFICE IS CLOSED
It took 18 months of protest, but FRC can finally celebrate a major victory at the Office of Safe and Drug-free Schools. The agency, which (until two weeks ago), was headed by radical homosexual activist Kevin Jennings, has been eliminated. In a statement, the Deputy Secretary for Education announced that Congress had cut the Office's funding by almost $80 million, and it could no longer operate at the level which the Department had grown accustomed.
Starting this summer, its duties will be absorbed by another program--knocking the Office's LGBT indoctrination campaign down several rungs on the Department's ladder. For more than a year, FRC had fought the administration on Jennings's appointment, which seemed to be a front for advancing the homosexual agenda in American classrooms. With the help of 53 Congressmen, FRC battled for Jennings's removal, even launching a special website to inform parents about his real motives. Now, a year and a half after his appointment, the Office of Safe and Drug-free Schools is finally where it belongs: on the cutting room floor. (Family Research Council)
- Praise You, Lord, for Your mighty hand in this matter. We praise You that there are organizations and citizens who will stand and petition unjust officials just as the widow petitioned the unjust judge in Luke 18, and that You are a God who hears and who answers!
- "I tell you that he (God) will avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?" (Luke 18:8)
7. OBAMA STIMULUS FUNDED 'GUNS-TO-DRUG-LORDS' PLAN
SPENDING BILL GAVE $10 MILLION OF TAXPAYERS' FUNDING TO EFFORT
Just a day after U.S. Rep. Allen West, (R-Fla)., called for Attorney General Eric Holder's removal, alleging a White House connection to the "Project Gunrunner" that allowed weapons to be delivered to Mexican drug lords, confirmation has come that the program originated at the highest levels of the Obama administration. The link is the $10 million in taxpayer dollars designated to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for Project Gunrunner in Obama's 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, otherwise known as the Stimulus Bill.
Gun Owners of America President Larry Pratt believes stimulus money was given to a drug dealer to buy guns. "Ten million dollars, and one of the ways they were spending it was a paid FBI informant who was a drug dealer they had flipped. So he was buying lots of guns with that stimulus money," Pratt said. Pratt said that the stimulus bill enhanced one industry in particular: "We can say there's one thing that was stimulated by the stimulus bill and that was the Mexican undertaker business. Mexican authorities say that 150 people were murdered using these guns." (WorldNetDaily) Please read more! Impeachment anyone?
- Pray that this scandal will be completely exposed in the media so there is no way that the "highest levels of the Obama administration" can excuse themselves nor explain away this wickedness, or crime against Americans. Ask the Lord to give the American people a sensitivity to this travesty so that this crime cannot be ignored. Ask the Lord to either renew Eric Holder or to remove him Unfortunately this man has been an obstacle to justice in the USA.
- "From you comes forth one who plots evil against the Lord, a wicked counselor." (Nahum 1:11)
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 JACOB (Ehlohay Yahahkov)
"May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you."
There is only One who knows my thoughts, who hears my heart, who can answer my prayers. The same God who led Jacob is the same God who leads me. There is much comfort in knowing You, God of Jacob. Amen.
(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)
