On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XVIII, Number 25

In This Issue
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 25a
• Today is Tisha B'Av
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

Greetings!
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On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XVIII, Number 25a
August 8 - 12, 2011

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

"Many are the sorrows of the wicked, But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him." (Psalm 32:10)

1. TISHA B'AV REMEMBERED TODAY
2. STREET PROTESTORS DEMAND "SOCIAL JUSTICE"
3. ISRAEL IS FORCED TO ENTER A "PEACE PROCESS"
4. LEBANESE ARMY, IDF EXCHANGE FIRE
5. MILITARY OFFICIALS WARN OF "ARSON INTIFADA"
6. "MILLIONS" OF PALESTINIANS TO MARCH ON SEPTEMBER 20TH
7. ISRAEL SENDS AID TO SOUTH SUDAN
8. SYRIAN TROOPS PRESS SIEGE OF HAMAS
9. EGYPT MOVES FURTHER TOWARD ISLAMIC REPUBLIC

1. TISHA B'AV REMEMBERED TODAY

The Jewish fast-day of Tisha B'Av starts at sunset this Monday, Aug. 8th. It is a day when Jews remember and mourn over the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem, as well as a series of other disastrous events for the Jews that fell either on or very near this day in history. Some Jews stay up all that night reading the book of Lamentations. As the climax of that book has to do with God's faithfulness, we used it to start our time of praise. (Intercessors for Israel)

- "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

2. STREET PROTESTORS DEMAND "SOCIAL JUSTICE"

Israel is in the midst of street protests around the theme of "social justice". Yet the goal of many protestors is to return to a socialistic state with the government providing for the people and where the rich are seen as the "enemy." Israel tried this. It was not good. Are there economic problems and injustices in Israel? Yes. Do rich Israelis at times deal in an ungodly manner? Yes. Does Israel have poor, widows, orphans who should be treated better? Yes.

While the protestors are bringing many of these situations out in the open, they are demanding ungodly solutions. And some are aiming to overthrow the current government. Yet Bibi Netanyahu has done more to help Israel's overall economic situation and has cut through so much of Israel's infamous red tape that he is the one politician who should be seen as a hero in this area. There are spirits working in these protests that are not good for Israel.

- Help Israelis to do what this verse says in an even greater way. "Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." (Isaiah 1:17)

- Lord, rebuke the spirits of the wicked one who have infiltrated these protests. Abba, do not allow the spirit of chaos, which is running rampant in the nations around Israel's to come into Your nation . "The LORD rebuke you, Satan; even the LORD that has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you." (Zech. 3:2a) [Intercessors for Israel]

3. ISRAEL IS FORCED TO ENTER A "PEACE PROCESS"

One of the snares this nation is being pressured to enter is what the "peace" process has morphed into. Most of the world, including President Obama and his administration, is wanting is a "Palestine" to be established this September at the UN - regardless of whether it results in peace with Israel or not. Bibi is under tremendous pressure and is most likely being threatened behind closed doors to submit to the will of the world.

- We thank and praise You that in 1967 You miraculously restored Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria to Israel. What You have joined together let no man divide. Help the Church to understand that we are not against a Palestinian State being created - just not on the land God has promised more than 200 times in the Bible to Israel! Arise and defend this nation for Your holy name's sake.

- "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Your name give glory, for Your mercy, and for Your truth's sake. Why should the nations say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens, and He has done whatever He has pleased." (Psalms 115:1-3) [Intercessors for Israel]

4. LEBANESE ARMY, IDF EXCHANGE FIRE

Lebanese soldiers opened fire on IDF [Israel Defense Forces] soldiers patrolling the northern border Monday [August 1] near the northern village of Maayan Baruch, military sources said. No one was injured on the Israeli side, but Lebanese news agencies reported that a Lebanese soldier was injured when the troops returned fire.

A preliminary investigation shows that Lebanese forces opened fire because they thought the IDF soldiers had crossed the border. But IDF sources are insisting that the Israeli troops remained on their side. They say a Paratroopers force was on vehicular patrol when suddenly they were fired upon and returned fire with their rifles.

Immediately afterwards, the army filed a complaint with UNIFIL, saying the force was shot at without cause. The sources say the incident ended without any intent to escalate violence or dwell on the events. (YnetNews)

- Praise God that this incident did not escalate into further violence. Pray that the Lord will continue to protect the northern border of Israel, especially during this time of unrest in Syria.

"The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God who avenges me, and subdues the peoples under me; He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man." (Psalm 18:46 - 48) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]

5. MILITARY OFFICIALS WARN OF "ARSON INTIFADA"

Residents of various West Bank [Judea and Samaria] settlements have found themselves under a new threat recently-arson. According to a report published by Yedioth Ahronoth Tuesday [August 2], more than 20 fires have been maliciously set in West Bank settlements and outposts in the past few weeks.

Police investigators determined that all of the fires were the result of arson, and evidence in all cases led to surrounding Arab villages. The Judea and Samaria District Police have recently arrested six suspects. Defense establishment sources have expressed concern that the area may be facing an "arson intifada."

[They say] Palestinians have foregone hurling rocks and rioting in favor of setting fires near settlements and letting the hot weather and winds do the rest-i.e. feed the blaze as it spreads and threatens communities and wildlife alike.

Residents of northern West Bank outpost of Mizpeh Danny have had to conquer seven fires over the past three weeks; Neve Tzuf, Migron, and Givat Ronen outposts battle an average of one fire a week; and just last week, an entire neighborhood in the Kochav Yaakov settlement in the Binyamin region had to be evacuated after flames began devouring its outskirts.

"This is a genuine concern," Amiad Kadmon, Mizpeh Danny's security officer, told Yedioth Ahronoth. "This could literally burn our lives down to the ground." The IDF [Israel Defense Forces] has also voiced concerns over the new "trend": Binyamin Division Commander Colonel Saar Tzur has declared the fight against arson a top priority, boosting patrols and intelligence gathering in the sector in an effort to foil the threat.

"This is exponentially more dangerous than the sticks and stones symbolizing popular resistance," a military source said. "The Palestinians have discovered a new and powerful weapon, which both terrorizes the settlers and is a major cause of concern for us. "This is a new kind of intifada for us to learn to deal with," he concluded. (Ynetnews)

- Pray that the Lord will protect the citizens of Judea and Samaria from this new wave of attacks by Israel's enemies. Pray that anyone responsible is quickly apprehended and brought to justice.

- "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." (Psalm 34:15-17) [Reported by Bridges for Peace]

6. "MILLIONS" OF PALESTINIANS TO MARCH ON SEPTEMBER 20TH

A senior Palestinian official said on Monday [August 1] that mass marches against Israel will begin on September 20, the day before the United Nations General Assembly votes on recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Yassir Abed Rabbo-a member of the PLO [Palestine Liberation Organization] Executive Committee and adviser to Palestinian Authority [PA] head Mahmoud Abbas-told reporters that, "The appeal to the UN is a battle for all Palestinians, and in order to succeed, it needs millions to pour into streets." Speaking with Palestinians, The Media Line has seen no evidence that the idea of mass marches is as yet resonating in the streets.

Israel sees the tactic as dangerous, questioning the PA's ability to maintain the march's stated goal of non-violence. The Israeli army chief-of-staff has already warned that if marchers move toward the border or toward an Israeli community, the army will act.

Abed Rabbo accused Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of preventing a secret meeting between Abbas and Israeli President Shimon Peres in Jordan on Sunday [July 31], the purpose of which was to find a way to avoid the impending "diplomatic crisis" in September.

It has been reported that Netanyahu is offering to reverse course and accept the Obama formula of starting negotiations within the framework of pre-1967 borders modified by land swaps in return for the Palestinians dropping the U.N. option. (By The Media Line, August 2, 2011)

Editor's Note: The 1967 lines were armistice lines between Israel, Jordan, Egypt and other Arab nations prior to the Six-Day War and, in the context of a deal with the Palestinians, would essentially grant the Palestinians the entire West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and the Gaza Strip.

- Pray that the Lord will intervene to keep these marches from materializing. Pray that the UN meetings in September will not be a source of further violence. Pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu as he negotiates through this potential diplomatic crisis.

- "Daniel answered and said: 'Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and raises up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding'" (Daniel 2:20-21) [Reported by Bridges for Peace]

7. ISRAEL SENDS AID TO SOUTH SUDAN

After the new Republic of South Sudan was given statehood, Israel recognized the new republic the following day. The Israel Foreign Ministry [later] issued a statement saying that the two countries "wished to promote and strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation between their countries and peoples, on the basis of equality, mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of one another."

This statement was followed up by the fact that new ambassadors will be accredited in each country very soon. Israel immediately started airlifting aid and medical supplies to South Sudan through the NGO [non-governmental organization] IsraAID.

Also, discussion will soon be underway with the Juba administration to repatriate some 8,000 South Sudanese, mostly Christian citizens, who fled the country during the war between the north and the south in recent years to come to Israel.

It is hoped that Israeli technology and farming methods will help the newly established country to get on to its feet. The economy of South Sudan is one of the weakest in the world. There are many natural resources, which, if developed, can stabilize the country.

There is also a lot that needs to be done in the health sphere, as South Sudan has one of the highest maternal mortality and female illiteracy rates in the world. South Sudan exports timber to the international market. The region also contains many natural resources such as oil, iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, silver, and gold.

Excerpts of an article by Edgar Asher, Isranet, July 29, 2011

- Thank God that Israel is again at the forefront of bringing aid to a suffering nation. Pray that this relationship will be successful in bringing relief and prosperity to this newly established country.

- "The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you." (Deuteronomy 28:8)

8. SYRIAN TROOPS PRESS SIEGE OF HAMA

Death Toll Passes 100

Syrian forces continue to lay siege to the northern city of Hama on Monday [August 1], with activists on-site reporting that the weekend death toll has passed 100 in Hama and 140 country-wide. Tank and artillery shells falling at the rate of four per minute were reported on Sunday [July 31]. Water and electricity had been cut off to the city before the tanks rolled in.

While the latest reports of the carnage elicited condemnation from U.S. President Barack Obama, who said he was "appalled" by the government's use of violence against its people, the state-run SANA news agency praised Bashar Al-Asad's army for its "honorable and brilliant image of the military institution...through its valor in providing security and stability for all citizens."

In a statement, Obama said, "The United States will continue to increase our pressure on the Syrian regime and work with others around the world to isolate the Asad government and stand with the Syrian people."

The Obama administration has come under scathing criticism in the region for failing to provide the Syrian people with the same level of support that it gave to Egypt and Libya as they sought to oust Mubarak and Al-Qaddafi, respectively. (By The Media Line, August 1, 2011)

- Pray for an end to this violence, for restoration of order and stability. Pray that the international community will refuse to tolerate this unconscionable violation of the human rights of Syria's citizens.

- "'And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. In that day,'" says the LORD, 'I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness; I will open My eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness . .. It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.'" (Zechariah 12:3-4, 9) [Reported by Bridges for Peace]

9. EGYPT MOVES FURTHER TOWARD ISLAMIC REPUBLIC

After "prayers" last Friday, Tahrir Square in Cairo was full of tens of thousands of people, mainly Islamists, who called for the implementation of Islamic law in Egypt. Meanwhile just days later on August 1st, Egyptian army tanks entered Tahrir on the first day of Ramadan and evicted the last of the "liberal" protesters who were for the most part secularists. Shop keepers and locals cheered as those who had wanted a broad based democracy were either arrested or pushed out of the main square. Arab spring or Islamic fall? (Religious Freedom Coalition)

- Lord Jesus, "the Arab Spring or Islamic fall?" appears to be synonymous as these uprisings in so many Middle Eastern nations play out. Spiritual darkness is enveloping more and more of these nations despite the early desires for more freedom. Lord, we ask mercy for these people, and for you to draw them to You if they will, before Your warned judgement. Protect and expand Your remnant in Egypt and in all the other nations, keeping them close to You, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

- "The burden against Egypt. "Behold, the Lord rides on a swift cloud, and will come into Egypt: the idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, and the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst. I will set Egyptians against Egyptians; everyone will fight against his brother, and everyone against his neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom. The spirit of Egypt will fall in its midst:; I will destroy their counsel, and they will consult the idols and the charmers, the mediums and the sorcerers. And the Egyptians I will give into the hand of a cruel master, and a fierce king will rule over them!" says the Lord, the Lord of hosts." (Isaiah 19:1-4)


The Story of Tisha B'Av

Tisha B'Av is only one day, but its sorrow permeates the whole Jewish year. Because the Temple was destroyed, the traditional synagogue still excludes instrumental music from its services, the tallit (prayer shawl) commonly incorporates black stripes, and the daily prayers always include a plea for the Temple's restoration.

Paradoxically, Judaism remains a religion of optimism. Perhaps this is because we do not see these calamities as meaningless disasters, but believe that they are part of God's larger purpose. The mourning of Tisha B'Av is ancient, but not endless; history is steadily moving toward fulfillment. The reading of Tisha B'Av is the book of Lamentations, which contains five chapters, each of which - except chapter 3 - contains twenty-two verses. These chapters parallel the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alef-bet (alphabet). The third chapter contains sixty-six verses (three times twenty-two). Thus Jeremiah invokes the entire alef-bet seven times in his lament over Jerusalem.

At the climax of his lament the writer reveals a message of hope, saying "For rejection by ADONAI does not last forever, He may cause grief, but He will take pity, in keeping with the greatness of His grace" (Lam. 3:31-32). Scripture recognizes tragedy and grief, but its final note is always hope.

Today I will . . . pray for the full restoration of Jerusalem and of the Jewish people. I will believe in God's unchanging mercy, even when it is not apparent."

"The grace of ADONAI is not exhausted . . . His compassion has not ended [On the contrary,] they are new every morning!" (Lamentations 3:22-23)

From The Voice of the Lord: Messianic Jewish Daily Devotional. This excerpt is by Russ Resnik, the Executive Director of the UMJC.

On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 25b

FOCUS ON THE ECONOMY/WALL STREET

Note: Some of the prayer targets and intercession below were also offered throughout the week last week on our Daily Briefs. These are repeated here today, as this news is still in place, and as we invite your continued intercession over these topics. Thank you.

1. US loses AAA credit rating after S&P downgrade
2. Today: Bad Turns to Worse on Wall Street
3. U.S. Debt Reaches 100% of GDP
4. China: Obama Has Failed To Defuse 'Debt Bomb'
5. No Chance of Default, US Can Print Money: Greenspan
6. EU speeds up anti-crisis measures after US downgrade
7. Europe on Brink of 'Major Financial Collapse': Guggenheim CIO
8. World equities reel towards 8th day of losses
9. Life After Debt . . .

1. US loses AAA credit rating after S&P downgrade

One of the world's leading credit rating agencies, Standard & Poor's, has downgraded the United States' top-notch AAA rating for the first time ever. S&P cut the long-term US rating by one notch to AA+ with a negative outlook, citing concerns about budget deficits. The agency said the deficit reduction plan passed by the US Congress on Tuesday did not go far enough. The downgrade is a major embarrassment for the administration of President Barack Obama and could raise the cost of US government borrowing. This in turn could trickle down to higher interest rates for local governments and individuals. The other two major credit rating agencies, Moody's and Fitch, said on Friday night they had no immediate plans to follow S&P in taking the US off their lists of risk-free borrowers. (BBC) Read more.

- Lord Jesus, as You have warned us through the prophetic voices, our nation is on notice of being totally damaged and brought down. Our lender nations warn, rating agencies such as S&P have further warned, Your rising remnant bride has warned, 'Stop the spending of money that is NOT there!'. Yet the darkness rises and engulfs so many who hear only their wants and desires. If we. Your remnant bride, did not have You as our Rock, our Savior, our Light and Salvation, we could not keep going. We know Your Justice / Judgment must come. Thank You for letting us abide peacefully in Your secret place Lord Jesus, Amen!

- "Thus says the Lord of hosts; "Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion, everyone to his brother. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless; the alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother." But they refused to heed, shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears so that they could not hear. "Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets." Thus great wrath came from the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 7:9-12)

2. Bad Turns to Worse on Wall Street

Bad Turns to Worse on Wall Street SUMMARY: First day of trading on Wall Street after S&P's U.S. debt downgrade saw Dow dive 633 points as global debt fears provoke a selloff that, according to one strategist, 'rivals almost anything we've seen in the post-war era.' After closing out the worst week since 2008, Wall Street was once again pummeled on Monday after global sovereign debt and economic fears sent traders fleeing equities with few shelters in sight. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 635 points, or 5.6%, to 10,810, the S&P 500 tumbled 79.9 points, or 6.7%, to 1,119 and the Nasdaq Composite dipped 174.7 points, or 6.9%, to 2,358. The FOX 50 sank 50.7 points, or 5.9%, to 814. The VIX, often referred to as a fear gauge, spiked 45% to a 52-week high. (Fox News) Read more.

- Lord, this is a very hard time for so many, financially. It seems that you are shaking all that can be shaken. We thank you that you are our Rock, and Stability in the midst of chaos and instability. We pray, Lord, that this situation would cause many to realize that they cannot depend on their own resources, or the government, and would call out to you. We pray that many will call upon you, and receive you as Savior and Lord, and walk in the wisdom that you provide. Amen.

- " . . . neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee." (2 Chron. 20:12)

3. U.S. Debt Reaches 100% of GDP

Obama demanded and got lots more borrowed money to spend. Now, as a result of the debt ceiling increase signed into law by Obama, the United States has joined a handful of nations whose debt is greater that their entire economic output. The small club of nations owing 100% of more of GDP, which the USA now belongs to includes: Japan (229 percent), Greece (152 percent), Jamaica (137 percent), Lebanon (134 percent), Italy (120 percent), Ireland (114 percent) and Iceland (103 percent), according to the International Monetary Fund. (Religious Freedom Coalition)

- Lord, we have seen foolish actions on the part of our government, and the list of sins across our nation overwhelms us. We who love You can only place our nation at Your feet, and plead for mercy. Please hear our cries of repentance, as we yield to You and purpose to make a new begining in our way of handling our personal finances, as well as our national debt. Lord, hear our cry. Amen.

- "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known My name." (Psalm 91:14)

4. China: Obama Has Failed To Defuse 'Debt Bomb'

Chinese Government Downgrades US Debt

China warned Wednesday that tortured efforts to raise the US debt ceiling had failed to defuse Washington's "debt bomb", and that it would further diversify its currency holdings away from the dollar. (Dawn.com)

- If our eyes are set upon the world system, this cannot be good news. But as believers, we fix our eyes upon Jesus -- the Author and the Finisher of our faith. Thank Him tonight that He WILL provide, if we but trust in Him [not China] to do so. Praise God!

- Please meditate upon Habakkuk 3:16-18.

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines . . . yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior."

5. No Chance of Default, US Can Print Money: Greenspan

"The United States can pay any debt it has because we can always print money to do that. So there is zero probability of default" said Greenspan on NBC's Meet the Press "What I think the S&P thing did was to hit a nerve that there's something basically bad going on, and it's hit the self-esteem of the United States, the psyche" said Greenspan. Austan Goolsbee, the chairman of the White House's council of economic advisors, hit out at S&P on the same show, insisting the credit ratings agency had got its math wrong. "Well, the basic case is they made a $2 trillion math error and forgot to check their work," he said. "So rating agencies that didn't make a $2 trillion math error reaffirmed the AAA status. You saw Warren Buffet say that, if they had a AAAA, he would put U.S. Treasurys in AAAA status."

Greenspan said the current sense of crisis that has unnerved investors is about the euro zone, not the US. 'The United States was actually doing relatively well, sluggish but going forward until Italy ran into trouble," he said. "That destabilized the European system, and the crisis re-emerged. Europe is very critical to the United States in the sense not only do we have a fourth of our experts there, but more importantly, significant proportion of the foreign affiliate profits, in fact half of U.S. corporations, are in Europe." (CNBC) Read more.

- At this rate, our money will not be worth the paper it is printed upon. Lift up those who are now in leadership at the treasury (Secretary Timothy Geithner) and elsewhere, that they "come down to earth," wake up, and determine our fiscal policy in line with our reality. NO MORE DEBT!

- "The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously . . ." (Psalm 37:21)

6. EU speeds up anti-crisis measures after US downgrade

The European Central Bank (ECB) has said it will buy Italian and Spanish bonds and eurozone countries aer to hold special parliamentary sessions in order to speed up reforms after the recent escalation in the financial crisis. Italy and Spain, whose borrowing costs recently spiked to near-bailout levels have also announced fresh debt-reduction measures.

ECB officials and EU leaders held a series of telephone conferences over the past three days in various formats including the G7, the G20, France-Germany and France-Germany-US in a bid to allay market fears after the Standard & Poor's ratings agency downgraded US debt from AAA to AA+ on Friday (5 August) in a historic move. The French and German leaders in a statement urged eurozone legislatures to hold extraordinary sessions to ratify a July deal on expanding the powers of the bloc's 440 EU billion bailout fund, the EFSF. "In particular, they stress the importance that parliamentary approval will be obtained swiftly by the end of September in their two countries," they said. Spain, Italy and Belgium followed suit by announcing that MPs would meet early to vote on the package. (EU Observer) Read more.

- God, we ask that You curtail the hidden secret groups who are playing with the world financial markets as they would play a game of chess. Limit their ability to destroy, and steal, and kill. Hold them accountable for the misery they are causing billions of people the world over. Close the door to them. Thus far and no more. In Jesus Name.

- "Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images and idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land were put away." (II Kings 23:24)

7. Europe on Brink of 'Major Financial Collapse': Guggenheim CIO

Europe is a "train wreck" and on the "brink of a major financial crisis," Scott Minerd, CIO of the fixed-income firm Guggenheim Partners, told CNBC Tuesday, Aug. 2.

- Lord, as Europe struggles with economic woes, we pray for a move of Your Spirit over them. Only in You is true hope to be found, so we ask for a move of Your mercy and repentance across the globe.

- "And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21)

8. World equities reel towards 8th day of losses

World stock markets fell for the eighth straight session on Friday to the lowest since late 2010, with more losses feared if policymakers do not come to the rescue soon to stabilize the euro zone's debt crisis and prevent the U.S. economy from sliding back into recession. (Reuters)

- Father, as the whole world seems to be reeling, financially, we thank you that you have promised to meet all of our needs. We pray for that "peace that passes all understanding" for those whose hearts are failing them with fear. May all come to realize that You, our Creator, are the Answer, and may they humble themselves and call upon you, in their day of trouble. Amen.

- "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." (Psalm 20:7)

9. Life After Debt . . .

The Senate clock had just ticked past 12:16 p.m. when the debt ceiling votes were announced. By 12:17, members were already streaming out the exits, suitcases in hand. Like the House, these leaders were eager to leave the toxicity of this debate behind and spend the next five weeks recovering at home. While Congress seems to have escaped Washington, it can't escape this deal--which is loathed the whole world over. If the compromise was unpopular here, it is absolutely despised overseas. Even Chinese and Russian leaders took turns blasting the U.S. on Tuesday for what it called a "madcap farce." Speaking at a youth camp yesterday, Vladimir Putin called out the American government for "living beyond their means" and then "transferring part of the problems onto the world economy."

And unfortunately, those problems aren't going away anytime soon. Erskine Bowles, who co-chaired the President's deficit reduction commission, was blunt about the minefield that lies ahead. "This is just phase one. This doesn't' stabilize the debt or reform the tax code or slow the rate of growth of health care. There's lots of work left to do." That "work" will be waiting for Congress when it reconvenes in September. If Americans thought the debt talks were intense, imagine hashing out another budget, organizing a Super Committee for another $1.6 trillion in cuts, and reforming the tax code--all of which will be necessary, thanks to the gaping holes in the debt compromise.

Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) joined me on American Family Radio yesterday to talk about how successful the deal will be in paying down the deficit (hint: not much). His staff crunched the numbers over the next 10 years and found that the debt would have been a little under $28 trillion if Congress hadn't passed yesterday's bill. Now that the Budget Control Act is law, the debt will "only be" $25 trillion. Yet Washington is patting itself on the back as if it solved something? "This is akin to a family 'saving' $100,000 by deciding not to buy a Lamborghini and instead getting a fully-loaded Mercedes [when they can only afford a Honda]," Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas) blogged Tuesday.

And to top it all off, liberals want to come back from recess and raise taxes to pay for it! While Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) insists the deal makes it "impossible" to do so, everyone from Senate Republican Mike Lee (R-Utah) to President Obama disagrees. For starters, the Bush tax cuts are set to expire in two years, rocketing everyone's taxes by a whopping $3.5 trillion in 2013. This "revenue raising," as the White House likes to call it, could also take shape in the new Super Committee created by Congress this month. On Sunday, President Obama told the Committee it had to pair new spending cuts with higher taxes. But as far as Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) is concerned, Democrats got plenty of new taxes in ObamaCare and other loopholes. We'll see if his argument holds when the two sides get together next month. (Family Research Council)

- Pray for Speaker Boehner 's work so that it bears good fruit - that there are no new taxes raised when Congress reconvenes in September. Pray that these members will stand for debt reduction and not compromise on this vital issue. Ask the Lord to distract the media so that this work can continue. Pray for all the senators and representatives who have worked so hard to resolve this debt problem. Let President Obama's maneuvers be exposed as he and his administration work on the destruction of America's financial solvency.

- 'The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the Lord."
(Proverbs 21:31)

On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 25c

1. OBAMA SIGNS DEBT BILL INTO LAW
2. ABSENCE OF WHITE HOUSE LEADERSHIP EVIDENT IN DEBT DEAL
3. THE BUDGET CONTROL ACT OF 2011 VIOLATES CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER
4. SUPER COMMITTEE TO FIND NEW CUTS BEFORE 2013
5. JOE BIDEN LIKENED TEA PARTIERS TO TERRORISTS
6. TEA PARTY CHANGED THE DEBATE
7. OBAMA'S JOB-KILLING REGULATIONS
8. CONSERVATIVES TARGET OBAMACARE
9. CONGRESS NOW IN RECESS . . . SORT OF . .
10. JUDGE BLOCKS KANSAS LAW AIMED AT PLANNED PARENTHOOD
11. CONGRESS VOTES TO ESTABLISH AN ENVOY FOR RELIGIOUS MINORITIES
12. HOUSE ENDS PAGE PROGRAM
13. NATO: DOWNED MILITARY HELICOPET TARGETED TALIBAN LEADER

1. OBAMA SIGNS DEBT BILL INTO LAW

Treasury won an immediate reprieve of $400 billion in new borrowing authority Tuesday, as the Senate gave final approval to a hotly contested debt and deficit-reduction agreement hammered out with the White House Sunday night. (POLITICO)

- Father God, we repent for the destructive acts that the House and the Senate have brought upon the American people. Forgive them for hearing and obeying the voice of evil, creating works that can only end in more destruction. God, send divine help to those who are calling out in the Name of Jesus for mercy and protection. May there be a decisive separation between the good and the evil, where the good reap righteousness and the evil reap separation from God at the end of the age for their deeds. In Jesus Name.

- "The devil comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. Jesus comes that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

2. ABSENCE OF WHITE HOUSE LEADERSHIP EVIDENT IN DEBT DEAL

In the seven months leading up to the deadline for the U.S. debt ceiling, not once did Obama or anyone on his staff propose a plan to deal with the impending disaster of a default by the government. His only participation was to reject all plans that did not significantly raise taxes. As nations such as China were discussing dumping U.S bonds, Obama was busy pandering to the homosexual lobby which donates heaveliy to his campaign for reelection. Finally Speaker John Boehner walked out of talks with Obama saying Obama "would not take yes for an answer." The Speaker and liberal Senator Harry Reid then negotiated an agreement. Americans watched and understood the lack of leadership, as Obama's favorable ratings dropped to their lowest ever. (Religious Freedom Coalition)

- Abba Father, You know if leadership was really missing here or was this destructive demand for more debt and higher taxes on working people who are already down and struggling to survive, part of the plan? You Father know the heart of people and You know the darkness that exists within some souls. Oh Abba Father forgive each and every one of us as we have allowed our nation to get to this condition. There is such an overwhelming evil spirit of entitlement, whether almost dependency or just for the best of everything regardless of cost to others. We cry out in repentance before You Lord, forgive us and have Mercy!

- "Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless." (Isaiah 10:1-2)

3. THE BUDGET CONTROL ACT OF 2011 VIOLATES CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER

In a Constitutional Republic of the sort that we thought we had, the process by which laws are made is at least as important as the laws that are enacted. Our Constitution prescribes that law-making process in some detail, but those who voted for the "Budget Control Act of 2011" ("BCA 2011") were wholly unconcerned about trampling upon required constitutional processes on the way to the nirvana of "bi-partisan consensus "to avert a supposed crisis. At least two titles of the bill now being rushed through Congress are unconstitutional.

The Budget Control Act of 2011 establishes a joint select committee of 12 members, six from the House and six from the Senate. Three of the six House members are appointed by the Speaker of the House and three are appointed by the House minority leader. Three of the six Senate members are appointed by the majority leader and three by the leader of the minority.

Title IV of the Budget Control Act vests in that joint select committee the power to draft legislation to reduce the deficit by at least $1.5 trillion over the period of fiscal years 2012 to 2021. Here, members of Congress yield their individual legislative duties and responsibilities to a "Super Congress" selected not by the people -- but by Republican and Democrat leaders.

The Budget Control Act of 2011 departs from that commitment vesting incredible power in the joint committee, virtually guaranteeing that deficit reduction legislation will be "carefully and fully considered," if at all, only by 6 of 100 elected senators and 6 of 435 elected representatives. (The American Thinker) [Note: please be sure to read this article in its entirety.]

- Oh Abba Father, we fall on our faces to repent mightily before Your exalted throne in abject horror over how Your God given principles for our nation's constitution by one swift act have been decimated. We have been mightily betrayed by those whom we elected to serve us. This kind of centralized power has historically been proven to lead only to tyranny. Abba Father please have mercy upon us and guide our lives as we live in this time of every growing darkness. Protect us Lord, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

- "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14: 12)

4. SUPER COMMITTEE TO FIND NEW CUTS BEFORE 2013

Is this Super Committee . . . Constitutional?

The "Super Committee" ("Super Congress") (Boehner-McConnell-Reid) will be formed with 12 members, from both parties, picked by the leadership. The 'Committee' is responsible for finding new cuts of $1.5 Trillion to recommend in 2013, again to be enacted over a 10 year period. The 'Committee' comes to conclusions and submits them to the rest of the Congress for a up or down vote; no amendments, no discussion, no points of order, cannot be changed and/or cannot be filibustered.

Either way, Folks - this bill is a disaster of mega proportions. The acceptance of this 'Super Committee' - now taking on the name of "Super Congress" - will wind up being a dictatorial body with ramifications that will destroy the Constitution as we know it, not only with financial matters but with all issues which are under attack within our nation today. As we move forward, remember that this was the idea of Boehner-McConnell-Reid and sadly the American people seem to be unaware of where we are headed. Many have simply chosen to trust in a GOP leadership that has all too often given up with excuses such as they only did 'as good a job as they could' - and that, very simply, just isn't anywhere close to good enough. (Texas Conservative Digest)

- God, we cry out to You for protection and guidance as this Committee is indeed moving us into the tribulations of the new world order preceding the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ. We pray this Super Congress will not be preemptive in drawing the world to a close before God's perfect timing. Move upon the hearts of all mankind to repent, forgive, and turn to God for salvation of their souls. In Jesus Name.

- "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)

5. JOE BIDEN LIKENED TEA PARTY MEMBERS TO TERRORISTS

Vice President Joe Biden joined House Democrats in lashing tea party Republicans Monday, accusing them of having "acted like terrorists" in the fight over raising the nation's debt limit, according to several sources in the room. Biden was agreeing with a line of argument made by Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) at a two-hour, closed-door Democratic Caucus meeting. "We have negotiated with terrorists," an angry Doyle said, according to sources in the room. "This small group of terrorists have made it impossible to spend any money."

Biden, driven by his Democratic allies' misgivings about the debt-limit deal, responded: "They have acted like terrorists." Biden's office initially declined to comment about what the vice president said inside the closed-door session, but after POLITICO published the remarks, spokeswoman Kendra Barkoff said: "The word was used by several members of Congress. The vice president does not believe it's an appropriate term in political discourse." Biden later denied he used that term in an interview with CBS. "I did not use the terrorism word," Biden told CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Scott Pelley.

The vice president's hot rhetoric about tea party Republicans underscored the tense moment on Capitol Hill as four party leaders in both chambers work to round up the needed votes in an abbreviated time frame. The bill would raise the debt limit by as much as $2.4 trillion through the end of next year and reduce the deficit by an equal amount over the next decade.

Biden told Democratic lawmakers that the deal would take away the tea party's "weapon of mass destruction" - the threat of a default on U.S. debt obligations. (POLITICO)

- How interesting that the political party that refrains from calling real terrorists by their proper name can call patriotic Republicans by the wrong name! How intemperate! The Vice President does not enhance the dignity of his office with such easy name-calling, and he should be ashamed. Pray that the Holy Spirit brings the weight of repentance upon Joe Biden. Does he really enjoy his role in the Obama administration? As a matter of fact, Mike Doyle needs to apologize also to the Tea Partiers. Pray that both of these men come to know the Truth which will set them free!

- "Let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile; Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it." (I Peter 3: 10b, 11)

6. TEA PARTY CHANGED THE DEBATE

The Tea Party movement has taken it on the chin this week. From splits in the GOP over strategy to accusations on the left of "terrorism," "hijackings," "muggings" and "jihad." I know many conservatives don't like the debt limit deal; I'm not happy with it either. But the Tea Party scored a big victory in the debt limit debate: The conversation in Washington has changed from how much Congress can spend to how much it should cut.

The momentum is on our side now. The so-called "super committee" of 12 must present a plan to Congress by Thanksgiving for another $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction measures. As Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) argued this week, this debate will continue into 2012, and will likely dominate the presidential campaign. And fiscal conservatives are taking the initiative.

Hats off to Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Tom Coburn (R-OK) for introducing legislation this week to save the taxpayers $600 billion. That's half of the $1.2 trillion the "super committee" needs. Where did Hatch and Coburn find those savings? By gutting Medicare? No. By slashing Social Security? No. By decimating the Defense budget? Nope.

They found those huge savings by cutting the federal bureaucracy. The Hatch/Coburn bill would impose a three-year freeze on salaries for government workers ($140 billion over 10 years), cut federal travel budgets by 75% ($15 billion), reduce the federal workforce by 15% over the next ten years through attrition ($225 billion) and cut 15% of contract workers over ten years, saving an additional $230 billion.

The recession has forced companies to downsize and families to cut their budgets. But no matter how bad things get on Main Street, there never seems to be a recession in Washington. For all of Obama's talk about "shared sacrifice," it is long past time for Big Government to start sharing in the sacrifice! (Gary Bauer)

- Praise the Lord for the findings of Senators Orrin Hatch and Tom Coburn and for their persistence in locating cuts in the federal bureaucracy. Americans loathe bloated bureaucracy. Notify your senators to support Hatch and Coburn. If you have very liberal senators, remind them that the Hatch/Coburn legislation cuts nothing that liberals are always accusing conservatives of doing. Be like Paul Revere and cry: cut the bureaucracy!

- "The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought and strengthen your bones. You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." (Isaiah 58: 11)

7. OBAMA'S JOB-KILLING REGULATIONS

Kudos to Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), who is leading the fight in Congress to roll back Obama's job-killing regulations. This week, the senator released a report noting that the federal bureaucracy had issued more than 600 new rules and regulations with an estimated cost of nearly $10 billion -- in the past month alone! (Gary Bauer)

- Throughout Your Word, Lord, honest labor is honored and praised. Sadly we come before You Lord to repent for our nation for electing officials who are going to extremes to defeat this concept of work, to corrupt and destroy what our nation historically has been. You blessed this nation Lord, yet not only are new discoveries being regulated out of existence but so are all the jobs related to them. Oh Lord, we repent for our folly of voting men and women into office who do not understand the principles of both big and small business. Have mercy on us, Lord, as we have encouraged our own destruction as a nation. Amen.

- "In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty. The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is folly." (Proverbs 14:23-24)

8. CONSERVATIVES TARGET OBAMACARE

If the "super committee" fails to come up with a plan that is approved by Congress, a trigger mechanism kicks in with automatic cuts to a variety of programs. Politico reports that congressional conservatives already have identified 15 provisions in ObamaCare that could be subject to these triggered cuts, and they are asking the Congressional Budget Office to look for more.

Liberals are furious. "The fact that the programs are vulnerable at all means Obama and congressional Democrats did not succeed in their attempts to shield the health reform law from the debt-deal trigger," Politico notes.

While conservatives may use the threat of triggered cuts as a bargaining chip, the super committee could look to ObamaCare for additional savings. Politico adds, "But the health law's funding could be slashed even if the committee is able to avoid the triggered cuts. The committee can pull funding from almost any piece of the law." (Politico)

- Americans, applaud Congress for finding where cuts can be made to ObamaCare. Praise the Lord that He does not want Americans to suffer burdensome debt. Pray that Congressional Budget Committee easily finds more places to cut the debt in spite of White House attempts to hide any measures that add to the "nanny" state. Americans have made known that they do not approve of the ObamaCare law. Pray for honesty in the media in reporting on these cuts. Ask the Lord to keep the focus of the conservatives on the target: reduced spending, across the board.

- "Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate; For the Lord will plead their cause, and plunder the soul of those who plunder them." (Proverbs 22: 22, 23)

9. CONGRESS NOW IN RECESS . . . SORT OF . . .

Debt Concerns Still Loom

Summary: Before leaving for a month, steps were taken in both chambers to prevent presidential recess appointments. But the mischief-making is far from over.

After passing a debt-ceiling "compromise" earlier this week, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives quickly adjourned until the first week of September. Republicans saw to it that a procedural tactic was invoked to prevent Obama from making recess appointments while Congress is away. Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress can invoke "pro-forma" sessions, where no formal business is conducted and "neither chamber can adjourn for more than three days without consent of the other."

In session and out, Obama has continued to offer up highly controversial nominations, especially for the bench. Republican senators, while still holding minority status, have thwarted only those nominees deemed as extreme. Yet voters might take issue with the Senate's confirmation by unanimous consent of more than 25 executive and judicial nominees, including ambassadors and two superior court judges. The "pro-forma" sessions will stop appointments like that of Donald Berwick, the controversial head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, who was appointed in July 2010. Yet, with the overall approval of Congress at historic lows, the pro-forma move is seen as pragmatic. (CitizenLink)

- Thank You, Lord, for giving the congress the foresight to block possible unethical actions by the president , in their absence. We give You the credit for this. We ask that You would raise up more men and women who are committed to You, in our government.

- "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)

Publishing notice: Now that Congress has gone into its long recess period for the summer, we will stand down from publishing "On Capitol Hill This Week" until Labor Day weekend. During this time, we will instead publish The Daily Brief every weekday. Thank you for continuing to support our work in prayer and in giving. Amen!

10. JUDGE BLOCKS KANSAS LAW AIMED AT PLANNED PARENTHOOD

A judge has blocked a Kansas law that would stop federal family planning money from going to Planned Parenthood, officials confirmed on Monday, and Kansas plans to appeal the decision. A similar law cutting Medicaid dollars for Planned Parenthood in Indiana was blocked by a federal judge there in June. Indiana has appealed that ruling, saying the issue was an administrative matter that did not belong in the courts.

"It appears that the Court declared a duly-enacted Kansas statute unconstitutional without engaging in the fact-finding one would expect before reaching such a conclusion," Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said in a statement. (Reuters)

- Lord we ask that You would over rule the judge's wrong choice. We ask for wisdom, guidance, and favor for those who are fighting for the rights of the children to be allowed to live their lives. We ask that the lies of those who would take their life be exposed. Lord speak to those mothers, and help them to have love and compassion for their babies.

- "Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered!" (Psalm 68:1)

11. CONGRESS VOTES TO ESTABLISH AN ENVOY FOR RELIGIOUS MINORITIES

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted for the nation to establish an envoy to protect the rights of religious minorities in the Middle East and South Asia. As reported in the AFP, the measure-which requires Obama to set up the envoy post-will task the envoy with pressing for minority rights, particularly in Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

According to the report, lawmakers "voiced concern for the safety of Egypt's Coptic Christians," as well as other Christians in the Middle East. Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey was quoted as saying the fate of Egypt's Christians is "the bellwether of the rights for religious minorities in the Middle East." Rep. Frank Wolf, who sponsored the bill, stated: "In Afghanistan and Pakistan, countries where the United States has invested its treasure and the lives of countless brave American soldiers, persecution of Christians runs rampant." (Agence France Presse)

- Thank You, Lord, for hearing the prayers of Your people. We give You the praise and thanksgiving due unto Your name. Amen.

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

12. HOUSE ENDS PAGE PROGRAM

Speaker John Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi announced Monday that the House will end the page program. A storied tradition that brings young people to work in the Capitol, the page program has been around nearly as long as Congress itself. But it has also been the source of sex scandals involving Members of Congress and is expensive - costing $5 million a year, or about $69,000 to $80,000 per page. And, with the advent of email, some say it is no longer necessary. (Congress.org)

- In this hour when desparate measures must be taken to rein in our budget, we understand this move. Nevertheless, we will miss this time-honored tradition on Capitol Hill. Perhaps, in time, our youth can return to "work" on the Hill, but for now . . . so be it.

- "To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven ." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

13. NATO: DOWNED MILITARY HELICOPET TARGETED TALIBAN LEADER

The 38 international military coalition members who were killed over the weekend when their Chinook helicopter crashed were on a mission targeting a Taliban leader in the Tangi Valley, NATO said on Monday. A total of 30 American troops, seven Afghan soldiers and an Afghan interpreter died in the crash. The U.S. service members aboard the helicopter included five aircrew and 25 personnel from the U.S. Special Operations Command, NATO's International Security Assistance Force said in a statement.

"The operation began as a security search for a Taliban leader responsible for insurgent operations in the nearby Tangi Valley," the statement continued. "After commencing the search, the initial security force on the ground observed several insurgents, armed with rocket propelled grenade launchers and AK-47 assault rifles, moving through the area. The security force and insurgents exchanged small arms fire, resulting in several enemies killed."

An investigation is under way to determine the exact cause of the crash. (Fox News)

- We are sorry to close this weekend's edition of the OCAP on such a sad note. Please join us in asking our Lord to comfort all who are grieving the deaths of some of our military's finest heroes. May each family member and friend now experience "the peace that passeth comprehension in Christ Jesus," in their time of distress. Amen.

- "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)

THE RECOGNIZE JERUSALEM ACT

This September the Palestinians will be going to the UN in a bid for statehood. Yet recent developments in negotiations could bring the future of Jerusalem into question even sooner.

"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," Ha'aretz reported earlier this month. However, as the EU, UN, Russia and US Quartet members gathered in Washington last Monday, they could not even issue a statement regarding how to move forward.

The peace plan under current consideration would be based on Obama's Middle East Policy speech on May 9 which called for a two state solution with borders based on 1967 lines (pre-1967 war lines, i.e. 1949 Armistice Lines) with mutually agreed upon land swaps. This means Jerusalem is on the chopping block. Now is the time to ensure Jerusalem remains united under Israeli sovereignty. Since 1967 Israel has ensured that their Holy City has remained open to people of all faiths. For the past 44 years, the city has thrived under Israeli rule. The Holy sites and freedom of religion have been protected. Ironically, the most holy site to the Jewish people - the Temple Mount - is the least free place in the entire city. In an act of goodwill in 1967, Israel handed over control of the Temple Mount to the Muslim waqf (Muslim religious authorities) and to this day, Jews and Christians are prohibited from praying on the Temple Mount.

Act today for Jerusalem's future. Log on to www.recognizejerusalem.com and petition your Representative to sign on to the Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act of 2011. This bill would officially recognize Jerusalem as the united capital of Israel and would relocate the US Embassy there. This act would honor a commitment the US made to Israel in 1995, and would signify to the world that the US stands with its allies. Jerusalem is not a bargaining chip - it is the eternal, undivided capitol of the State of Israel.

Washington needs to hear your voice.

For more information: 1901 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 901, Washington, DC, (202-280-1178) www.recognizejerusalem.com

- Dear Heavenly Father, we come before Your Throne to beg for forgiveness for not implementing the law long passed to relocate our nation's embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to the true capital of Israel, Jerusalem. We acknowledge that Jerusalem is not only Israel's capital city but is Your compass around which the world revolves and that Israel is Your special land and people, Yours alone! We seek Your intervention upon the people in congress for the passage of this congressional bill to do what should have been already done. In Jesus our Messiah's name, Amen!!

- "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; May they prosper who love you." (Psalm 122:6)

This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

LORD MY ROCK (Adoni Tsuree)

"Blessed be the LORD, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle . . ." (Psalm 144:1)

How blessed I am to know that You are my Rock and my fortress. You are the One who equips me to do Your work. Thank You that You equip the called -- not call the equipped. Today, help me to realize that You have provided for my every need - one step at a time. Lord my Rock, how I thank You!

(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)