Today's News for PrayerGreetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 29
October 3 - 7, 2011
October 3 - 7, 2011
DOMESTIC ISSUES
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." (Isaiah 6:3)
1. FEDS WARN OF POSSIBLE REVENGE ATTACKS
2. OBAMA ORDERS AL-AWLAKI'S ASSASSINATION
3. SUPREME COURT TO WEIGH CHURCHES' HIRING RIGHTS
4. HALT ACT: IMMIGRATION LAWS TO BE OBEYED, UNDER THE CONSTITUTION
5. FCC POWER GRAB: WILL CONTROL THE INTERNET
6. SECRET RECORDINGS RAISE CONCERN ON THE ATF OPERATION
7. ISSA TO LAUNCH PROBE INTO OBAMA'S ACTIONS WITH SOLYNDRA
1. FEDS WARN OF POSSIBLE REVENGE ATTACKS AFTER AMERICAN CLERIC'S DEATH
State Department Issues Travel Alert
Federal authorities are warning that the killing of American-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki in a CIA-led strike on his hideout in Yemen early Friday may trigger revenge attacks inside the United States and against U.S. citizens traveling overseas. The death of the cleric, a digital jihadist, who inspired countless plots in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia "could provide motivation for homeland attacks," a joint FBI and Department of Homeland Security bulletin issued late Friday said.
And the State Department on Saturday put U.S. citizens across the globe on alert for potential retaliation. "The death of Awlaki, in the near term, could provide motivation for anti-American attacks worldwide from individuals or groups seeking to retaliate against U.S. citizens or interests because of this action," the State Department said in the travel alert. "In the past Awlaki and other members of AQPA have called for attacks against the United States, U.S. citizens and U.S. interests," the alert reads. "Awlaki's standing as a preeminent English-language advocate of violence could potentially trigger anti-American acts worldwide to avenge his death."
The air strike also killed Samir Khan of North Carolina, who edited a Jihadi Internet magainze. The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., warned in an interview with Fox News Radio on Friday that the cleric's death was bigger than that of the Al Qaeda network's leader.
"This is as significant as any kill we can imagine. Believe it or not, this is more significant than the killing of Bin Laden," King said, adding that there could be fallout. "It's a great victory for the U.S. in the long run. In the short term though, we have to realize he had a strong following in this country so we have to be very much on our guard as far as a revenge killing," he said. (Fox News) Read more.
- Gracious Lord, we ask You to protect the US from all revenge attacks that may be planned by wicked men. Please give our intelligence sources unusually sharp knowledge of harmful actions planned to hurt Americans. We speak a confusion to their plans and disunity to their organizations. We look to You, our Lord, for our safety.
-"Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just; for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins." ( Psalms 7:9)
2. CROSSING THE RUBICON - OBAMA ORDERS AL-AWLAKI'S ASSASSINATION
This week two very bad men, terrorists Anwar al-Awlaki and Samir Khan, were killed by missiles fired from a CIA operated Predator drone in Yemen. Both were natural born U.S citizens, which poses a question. What safeguards exist when the man setting the guidelines is the man issuing the death warrants? The answer of course is that there are none. Because they are U.S citizens, both men should have been tried for treason in abstensia before a military tribunal. The death sentence should have then been given to the Commander in Chief to carry out. A record would then exist to justify the executions. Rather than that process, we have one single sheet of paper signed by Barack Obama saying, "Kill these guys." The lack of visible process concerns me. (William Murray; Religious Freedom Coalition)
- Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You that two wicked men have left this earth; but we ask that You would restore a proper process to actions like these. We pray that Americans would not be so caught up in the elimination of these men that they would ignore the fact that due process was by-passed by this man in the Oval Office who has all too often abused his power.
- "For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth." (Psalm 37:9)
3. SUPREME COURT TO WEIGH CHURCHES' HIRING RIGHTS
COURT OPENS TODAY The Supreme Court on Wednesday (Oct. 5.) will hear one of most important religion cases in decades, centered on the degree to which religious institutions should be exempt from anti-discrimination laws. The case started at a Lutheran elementary school in Michigan where a teacher claimed she was fired in violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act. The question before the justices concerns the "ministerial exception," a 40-year-old legal doctrine that protects churches and other religious institutions from government interference in their employment decisions. Few would dispute that a religious congregation should be unfettered when it chooses to hire or fire clergy. But what about other church employees? (Washington Post) Read more.
Note: Please see section B (Legislation/Judiciary) for much more news at the Supreme Court.
- As the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments about this case on Wednesday this week, lift up all nine justices, asking our Lord to grant each one His wisdom, His counsel, and His truth. Even those who do not know Him may yet hear him, according to the promise of His word. Praise God!
- "Those who err in mind will know the truth, and those who criticize will accept instruction." (Isaiah 29:24)
4. HALT ACT: IMMIGRATION LAWS TO BE OBEYED, UNDER THE CONSTITUTION
75 members of the Immigration Reform Caucus sent a letter to President Obama in regard to the recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcement to bypass Congress and use prosecutorial discretion to achieve amnesty for individuals who are illegally residing in the U.S. The letter calls the Administration to task for implementing a policy akin to amnesty whereby individuals that meet certain criteria, such as enrollment in four year colleges and clean criminal records, will not be prosecuted and deported. Many of the same members also cosponsored the HALT Act, a bill to end any current or planned administrative actions that will result in mass legalization of illegal immigrants and that imply immigration laws should not be fully enforced. A copy of the letter to Obama is available here.
a) The Heritage Foundation reports:
"But this is also another example of the contempt that the President has for the separation of powers embedded in our Constitution. His assigned duty under the Constitution is to enforce the laws passed by Congress - not to act as a super legislator who implements his own laws when a particular bill he supports fails to pass in Congress. More than a flagrant abuse of the doctrine of 'prosecutorial discretion,' it amounts to lawlessness."
- Offer praise that, once again, this Congress is doing its job by demanding that the executive branch abide by the laws of the Constitution. This type of congressional oversight is exactly what the Founding Fathers foresaw, so that our federal government would, indeed, be governed by a system of checks and balances. Offer a prayer that the Obama administration would take heed and abstain from this illegal action regarding our existing immigration laws, now on the books. Pray!
- " . . . and those who criticize will receive instruction." (Isaiah 29:24b)
5. FCC POWER GRAB: WILL CONTROL THE INTERNET
They actually did it. Last week, the FCC published its net neutrality order in the Federal Register, stating that effective November 20 the federal government will begin regulating the Internet. Americans didn't want this. Congress rejected it decisively -- it only had 27 sponsors last year. The courts rejected it -- they said the FCC did not have the power to do this. And voters rejected it, defeating all 95 of the candidates who campaigned on the issue. That's right a perfect zero for 95. But unless the Senate votes to overturn this order before it takes effect November 20, we will start down the path to a government regulated and government controlled Internet.
Under a special procedure called the Congressional Review Act, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is committed to forcing a Senate vote. Harry Reid can't keep this off the floor, and it can't be filibustered. We'll need 51 votes to succeed. This is a key test for the U.S. Senate. Will they stand up to one of Obama's power grabs, or will they sit on their hands? And if they sit on their hands, why should voters re-elect legislators who refuse to legislate? (Internet Freedom Coalition) Read more. Important article!
- Inside sources have told us that the Obama administration is modeling its internet policy based upon the policy followed by Venezuelan dictator, Hugo Chavez.
- Pray that the government allows us to remain free, and that all of our communications and our freedom of speech be preserved. PRAY against this power grab by the FCC and for passage of Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison's bill: S.J. Res. 6 -- "the Congressional Review Act Disapproval Resolution." Pray, too, for passage of H.R. 96, the "Internet Freedom Act" sponsored in the House by Rep. Marsha Blackburn. Pray! Read more
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
6. SECRET RECORDINGS RAISE CONCERN ON THE ATF OPERATION
CBS News secured new recordings involving the ATF Scandal and the death of a US Boarder Patrol Agent. The recordings deal with a conversation between lead investigator Hope MacAllister and primary gun dealer Andre Howard. The conversation deals with how Howard was told to let guns "walk" out and go to Mexico. They also discuss how one gun given to Mexico was used in the killing of US Boarder Patrol Agent Brian Terry. The "Fast and Furious" Scandal involving the ATF is currently being investigated by Congressman Darrell Issa.
To listen to the audio of the conversation. (Source: CBS News)
- Intercede to mop up campaign fraud, the expensive trickery that promotes it, and all other mindless decisions like these. Pray for The White House to become clean, white as snow, and for God to, once again, have His rightful place therein. Ask that He use His chosen vessels to investigate and cleanse this house of scandal and disgrace to again become a "White" House of Purpose and Destiny.
- "The hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way. So we arrived in Jerusalem . . ." (Ezra 8:31)
7. ISSA TO LAUNCH PROBE INTO OBAMA'S ACTIONS WITH SOLYNDRA
Congressman Darrell Issa has announced his committee would start looking into the connections between the Obama Administration and Solyndra. Issa feels the government is in the business of picking winners and losers when it shouldn't be there in the first place.
Issa said the committee was mainly looking at whether or not the White House help secure special loans for the company. Issa says that this loan program was favored by the current admin because they could loan groups money and then the said groups could donate to political campaigns. The investigation comes on the heels of Solyndra closing and filing for bankruptcy. The company had secured a $535 million low-interest loan from the Obama Administration. (The Hill)
- Intercede to mop up campaign fraud, the expensive trickery that promotes it, and all other mindless decisions like these. Pray for The White House to become clean, white as snow, and for God to, once again, have His rightful place therein. Ask that He use His chosen vessels to investigate and cleanse this house of scandal and disgrace to again become a "White" House of Purpose and Destiny.
- "The hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way. So we arrived in Jerusalem . . ." (Ezra 8:31)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 29a-2
1. HOUSE COMMITTEE HOLDS PLANNED PARENTHOOD ACCOUNTABLE
2. NEW JOBS BILL OVERRIDES STATES' RIGHTS
3. $600 MILLION PAID TO DEAD FEDERAL WORKERS
4. CONGRESSMAN YOUNG: ROLL BACK ALL FEDERAL REGS FOR PAST 20 YEARS
5. CHAPLAINS ALLOWED TO PERFORM SAME-SEX MARRIAGES
6. CONGRESS AUTHORIZES EXTENSION OF USCIRF
7. "AMERICAN JOBS ACT" - REDUCES TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR CHARITABLE GIVING
1. HOUSE COMMITTEE HOLDS PLANNED PARENTHOOD ACCOUNTABLE IN HEARING
Planned Parenthood, the most infamous organization in American history -- besides the Klu Klux Klan -- is finally being held accountable for its corruption over the past several decades by a committee in the United States Congress. The heinous group has killed millions of children in its abortion mills over the past several decades since the most infamous Supreme Court decision in history, Roe v. Wade, in 1973. Even as America's abortion rate is going down, Planned Parenthood performs more abortions each year.
What is truly shameful is that the Republicans in Congress still have not been able to stop the flow of federal tax dollars to Planned Parenthood . . . Hopefully, that is about to change under Speaker of the House John Boehner, a dedicated prolifer from Ohio. Congressman Cliff Stearns, R-FL, the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Investigations Subcommittee, has demanded that Planned Parenthood fork over documents from the past decade in his committee's probe to see the ways in which the organization is spending public money on abortions. Using federal money for killing unborn children is a violation of federal law. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more.
- Pray that this committee's efforts will meet with success, and pray for their protection, as well as that of their loved ones.
- "For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil." (I Peter 3:12)
2. NEW JOBS BILL OVERRIDES STATES' RIGHTS
With the introduction of The American Jobs Act, Americans may soon witness a rerun of the Obama healthcare struggle. Much like its predecessor, president Obama's newest bill contains certain provisions that would appear to benefit those who wrote the bill more than those for whom the bill was supposedly written.
For instance, buried deep, deep on page 133 of the bill, it states:
SEC. 376. FEDERAL AND STATE IMMUNITY.
(a) Abrogation of State Immunity- A State shall not be immune under the 11th Amendment to the Constitution from a suit brought in a Federal court of competent jurisdiction for a violation of this Act.
Come again? Under the bill's authority, states are not immune from federal prosecution if they "violate" the act. In the event this bill passes, it will override a state's sovereign authority as defined and protected under the 11th amendment: "The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State." By what authority does a bill that seeks to "create jobs" and concern itself with things such as "payroll relief" and "teacher stabilization" have the right to override the 11th amendment?
And there is more:
(A) WAIVER- A State's receipt or use of Federal financial assistance for any program or activity of a State shall constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity, under the 11th Amendment to the Constitution or otherwise, to a suit brought by an employee or applicant for employment of that program or activity under this Act for a remedy authorized under Section 375(c) of this Act [emphasis added]. More:
- Father, when You bring us to it, You take us through it! Thank You for exposing these flagrant attempts of shameless activity. We praise you for You bring victory over oppression and lies. You lift up Your truth into the light and the darkness of those who would dare to even think this way has to flee! Set our face like flint for this and every battle, Lord. We give you the glory, now and forever.
- "The righteous is delivered from trouble, And it comes to the wicked instead." (Proverbs11:8)
3. $600 MILLION PAID TO DEAD FEDERAL WORKERS
Dead federal retirees rake in millions of dollars each year from the government, a new report reveals. The Office of Personnel Management has shelled out over $600 million in benefit payments to dead federal workers in the past five years, the Washington Post reported. The amount of post-death payments ranged between $100 million and $150 million annually, OPM inspector general Patrick McFarland wrote in his report. "It is time to stop, once and for all, this waste of taxpayer money," McFarland wrote.
Payments to dead federal retirees have dramatically increased in the past five years, shooting up 70 percent compared to the 19 percent rise in total annuity payments. McFarland wrote that although OPM has made certain improvements in recent years - such as matching its annuity roll with the Social Security Administration's death records and improving its death reporting - "there remains a high probability that egregious loss of monies" will continue. He said OPM must implement stronger steps to identify and recover improper payments, offering an example of one dead federal worker's son receiving a total of over half a million dollars in the 37 years after his father's death. OPM never recovered the money. (Conservative Action Alerts) Read more.
- Intercede that all out-going government monies be checked on the "weights and scales" of the Most High God. Ask that His people be placed strategically, be given wisdom and insight into every kind of fraud, and recoup and recover a clean, godly, well-ordered budget, with discipline and competence.
- "You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a heavy and a light. You shall not have in your house differing measures, a large and a small. You shall have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure, that your days may be lengthened in the land which the Lord your God is giving you. For all who do such things, all who behave unrighteously, are an abomination to the Lord your God." (Deuteronomy 25:13-16)
4. REP. YOUNG: ROLL BACK ALL FEDERAL REGS FOR PAST 20 YEARS
Alaska's sole congressman says he wants to eliminate every federal regulation issued since 1991 - a proposal that could touch everything from food and drug safety to banking to health care to oil drilling. Republican Rep. Don Young told the Anchorage Downtown Rotary Club on Tuesday that he drew the line at 20 years ago "because it crossed party lines and also we were prosperous at that time," The Anchorage Daily News reported. "And no new regulations until they can justify them."
Since Republicans took control of the House this year, they have put a spotlight on what they view as excessive regulations that are harming profits and killing jobs. Democrats counter that regulations are necessary to protect the public from greed, irresponsibility and recklessness. Young said at the luncheon that he knew it was unlikely that he could get his legislation past the Democratic-controlled Senate or the veto pen of Obama.
Young believes it's wrong that the "thousands of rules that Congress never intended and has not approved" are costing American taxpayers more than $1.75 trillion per year -- a figure based on a 2008 study by the Small Business Administration. "While there are certainly regulations that are essential for public health and safety, the amount of regulations coming from the federal government and the extent to how they affect everyday life in America is outrageous," said an aide to the Congressman. (Fox News) Read more.
- This is a very clever idea to help us escape the strangling effects of the bloated bureaucracy we are living under now. Pray that Congress will grant this legislation the attention it deserves. it's time to return to a simpler, more efficient way of living and of doing business than we have now. Amen.
- "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)
5. CHAPLAINS ALLOWED TO PERFORM SAME-SEX MARRIAGESOn Friday the Defense Department decided to allow military chaplains to perform same-sex unions, whether on or off a military installation, but only in states that have already legally recognized gay marriage. The ruling, announced by the Pentagon's personnel chief, follows the recent repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." "It is outrageous that only 10 days after repeal of the law against homosexuality in the Armed Forces, the Defense Department is already pushing the military further down the slippery slope," said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, in a statement.
The Pentagon issued guidelines on the proceedings, but said military chaplains are not required to perform a ceremony if doing so goes against their religious or personal beliefs. Military Chaplains Association's spokesman Gary Pollitt told The Washington Post, "Regardless of the Pentagon guidance, military chaplains will still need to take cues from their religious order." (WORLDmag.com) Read more.
- Our merciful Lord, we ask for forgiveness for having a military that flaunts Your laws for families. We bind up the promotion of same-sex unions by this Administration. We bind up the possibility of this order being expanded to MAKE Chaplains perform these ungodly ceremonies. We ask that the performing of these ceremonies be hindered because of the possibility of conflict with local laws and with the Chaplains' consciences. We pray that any confusion this policy causes be used to hinder same-sex marriages. Thank you, Lord, for deliverance for those seeking this kind of thing and protection of those who follow Your laws.
- "The statues of the Lord, are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes." (Psalm 19:8)
6. CONGRESS AUTHORIZES EXTENSION OF USCIRF
For several weeks I have been urging readers to contact Senators to urge them to pass legislation, already passed in the House, to extend the life of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). On September 28th, Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid finally relented and funding was extended. The USCIRF is a valuable tool to those promoting religious freedom because it issues official reports about the abuses of religious minorities in Communist and Islamic nations. (Wiliam Murray, Religious Freedom Coalition)
- Offer praise for this action. Praise God!
- "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise Ye the Lord." (Psalm 150:6)
7. "AMERICAN JOBS ACT" - REDUCES TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR CHARITABLE GIVING
Obama has proposed paying for his jobs plan partially by reducing the tax deductions for charitable giving from 35% to 28% for individuals with adjusted gross incomes of at least $200,000 and couples with adjusted gross incomes of at least $250,000. The action would hurt faith-based charities at a time when many individuals rely on the crucial services they provide. (The Heritage Foundation) Read more.
- Pray that this widked ruling will be contested quickly in court and thrown out.
- "O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just." (Psalm 7:9)
• Bills to Support in Prayer
• SUPPORT H.R. 2829
• Focus on States' Rights
• Supreme Court Opens Today
• A Valuable Tool for Research
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 29b
FOCUS ON LEGISLATION
Bills to Support in Prayer
Please lift up the members of Congress or the Senate who are sponsoring these bills, with the promise of Scripture, below.
"He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers." (Psalm 1:3)
1. HR 2168: Geolocational Privacy and Surveillance Act
Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), have co-sponsored the Geolocational Privacy and Surveillance Act (GPS Act) that will require law enforcement officials to obtain a warrant from a judge before they can access citizens' location information that is obtained from cell phones and GPS tracking devices.
"I take the Fourth Amendment very seriously," Rep. Chaffetz said. "The law enforcement community is going too far [and] I happen to think that's wrong."
HR 2168 and S 1212 are companion bills.
-- Pray for passage in both chambers.
2. H.R. 2924: The 414 Plan
A Strategy to Create Jobs and Build Roads & Bridges
Congressman Forbes introduced the 414 Plan, H.R. 2924, a bill that cuts through red-tape to expedite road and bridge construction, creating jobs and providing much needed improvements to our nation's aging infrastructure. The 414 Plan seeks to mirror the process that allowed the efficient reconstruction of the Minneapolis bridge, which collapsed in 2007, by suspending for five years all federal regulations that do not pertain to the safety or durability of highway facilities, or of public and workplace safety. . . To learn more about the 414 Plan, read Congressman Forbes' weekly column here.
3. H.R. 2401: The TRAIN Act
H.R. 2401 is the Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation (TRAIN Act). This legislation ensures that new federal regulations are analyzed for their economic impact to our nation's energy and manufacturing industries. At a time when millions of Americans are out of work, it is irresponsible to ignore the impact of federal regulations to our nation's employers and the overall economy.
Additionally, this bill would temporarily postpone the implementation of certain proposed Environmental Protection Agency rules that would have forced electric plants to meet unreasonable emissions standards that, in many cases, could prove to be prohibitively expensive.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 249-160. On Sept. 26, this bill was received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Pray for passage in the Senate.
4. H.R. 2829, the United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act
Our ministry joins many others in urging you to support this bill in prayer and in action. Please see the alert on this legislation, which follows, published by CIPAC: the Christians' Israel Public Action Campaign.
SUPPORT H.R. 2829
The United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act of 2011
CIPAC URGES ALL HOUSE MEMBERS CO-SPONSOR H. R. 2829 TO CUT AID, TO PROMOTE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND TO REFORM THE U.N.
CIPAC urges all Americans to ask their U.S. representatives to co-sponsor House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL-18)'s H.R. 2829, the United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act of 2011, that she introduced August 30.
This bill would cut off U.S. funding for any U.N. agency that treats the Palestinian Arabs as an independent state outside of an agreement in the Israeli-Palestinian negotiating process in which such outstanding issues, as borders, Jerusalem, refugees, "right of return" and Israel as a Jewish State, all agreed upon by both parties, to end the Arab-Israeli conflict.
The bill would cut the flow of U.S. aid to UNRWA (the U.N. Relief and Works Agency) and the UNHRC, the U. N. Human Rights Council, thus also cutting funds for the "Durban III Conference Against Racism", a successor to the previous two "Durban" Bash-Israel fests.
Unfortunately, Obama, at a time of significant budget concerns here at home, seems dedicated to continued funding of U.N. agencies hostile to the U.S. and Israeli interests. The Administration's unwarranted positive view of the U.N. deprives us of a proven tool to dampen the anti-Semitic, anti-Israel, and financially nontransparent culture at the United Nations.
In 1989, Yasser Arafat's PLO pushed for membership of a "Palestinian state" in the U.N. The PLO's strategy looked unstoppable until the George H.W. Bush administration made clear that the U.S. would cut off funding to any U.N. entity that upgraded the status of the Palestinian observer mission. This stopped the PLO's attempted end-run around the peace process.
We must help the Congress convince the Administration to take similar steps today; if Obama will not step up to the plate the Congress must!
Urge your House Members to co-sponsor Chairman Ros-Lehtinen's H.R. 2829; and urge your Senators to introduce a companion bill in the Senate. Do this by going to http://www.capwiz.com/cipaconline/issues/alert/?alertid=53835756&type=CO or our web site www.cipaconline.org and using the links to email your Representative and your two Senators today and tell them that time is short. We must stop the current anti-America and anti-Israel activities at the U.N. now!
Focus on States' Rights
1. H.R.1683: State Flexibility Act
The bill would repeal federal Maintenance of Effort (MOE) laws - first established in the Stimulus law of 2009 - that prevent states from making changes to their Medicaid programs, effectively tying the hands of Governors during tough economic times. Sponsor: Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA)
2. H.R. 2917: Restoration of State Sovereignty Act
Empowers States by giving them the opportunity to accept or reject federal grant money. Grant money rejected by State legislatures would be dedicated to paying off our outstanding national debt and deficit. Sponsor: Rep. John A. Culberson
(R-TX)
3. H.R. 2916: Tenth Amendment Enforcement Act
Reaffirms each State's autonomous sovereign police powers under the Tenth Amendment to preserve and protect the safety, security, and property of its citizens without interference from Federal authorities. Sponsor: Rep. John A. Culberson (R-TX)
4. H.R.455: 10th Amendment Regulatory Reform Act
Provides State officials with special standing to challenge proposed federal agency rules and regulations, and for other purposes. Further, the legislation calls for expedited review of district court rulings in the US Court of Appeals. Sponsor: Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)
5. H.R.1047: The State Right to Vote Act
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to clarify that State-approved legislation or Constitutional amendments insuring secret union ballots are appropriate exercises of State's congressionally approved authority. The legislation also prohibits federal agencies from bringing a challenge against a State statute or constitutional provision which protects the right of employees to choose labor organization representatives through secret ballot elections. Sponsor: Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC)
Supreme Court Opens Today
Heading into an Historic Year on the Court
1. U.S. SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE MAJOR LEGAL ISSUES
2. 26 STATES FILE SUPREME COURT HEALTH CARE APPEAL
3. DEMOCRATS WANT PROBE OF JUSTICE THOMAS
4. REPUBLICANS WANT PROBE OF ELENA KAGAN
5. SUPREME COURT TO REVIEW ARIZONA IMMIGRATION LAW
6. U.S. SUPREME COURT: ALSO ON THE DOCKET
1. U.S. SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE MAJOR LEGAL ISSUES
The U.S. Supreme Court, in the 2011-12 term that starts Monday, will examine . . . two issues the justices are likely to add to their docket in the next few months: a state's authority to regulate immigration and the federal government's authority to regulate health insurance. Also awaiting review is a case that could enable the court's conservative majority to reconsider a 5-4 ruling in 2003 that upheld a limited form of race-based affirmative action at public universities.
In other words, the court is in a position to leave a giant footprint on public policy in the coming year.
The term is shaping up as historic, said Thomas Goldstein, a veteran Supreme Court litigator and founder of the influential Scotusblog.com website. "The only thing that would be missing from the most incredible term in the history of the court would be gay marriage," which is at least a year away from the docket, he said. But the court could address gay rights in a case awaiting review involving Louisiana's refusal to recognize a same-sex adoption from New York. (San Francisco Chronicle)
- Please pray that the Supreme Court will serve our country without a trace of deceit or a mis-step of any kind. Intercede that no private interpretation in any legislation will stand, and that our freedoms will remain intact. Pray that God would search the heart of every single Justice to root out everything but truth. Ask for cohesive unity in our country and for unprecedented discernment on State and Federal matters, and that the Court's descisions will result in peace.
- "Is it not destruction for the wicked, and disaster for the workers of iniquity? Does He not see my ways, and count all my steps? If I have walked with falsehood, or if my foot has hastened to deceit, let me be weighed on honest scales, that God may know my integrity." (Job 31:3-6)
2. 26 STATES FILE SUPREME COURT HEALTH CARE APPEAL
States and a business group opposed to Obama's health care overhaul asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday for a speedy ruling that puts an end to the law aimed at extending insurance coverage to more than 30 million people. (Washington Times)
The Supreme Court has affirmed the government's broad power over commerce - most recently in a 2005 California case upholding a ban on medical marijuana that had neither been sold commercially nor crossed state lines - but has given little indication of how it would view the health care law. "I don't think it's possible for anyone to predict," said Erwin Chemerinsky, the law school dean at UC Irvine, who argues that the law is a valid exercise of government authority over the economy but is uncertain that the court will agree. (San Francisco Chronicle)
- Father in heaven, it was You who turned this health care bill to sawdust many months ago, and it is You who declared its defeat. All the activity around it since then has been the enemy's fight to keep alive what was destroyed by the God of heaven. Now we declare with the authority given us by our God, this bill is forever defeated and nothing done by man can resurrect it. It is a dead issue. In Jesus' Name.
- "For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower thereof falls away: but the Word of the Lord endures forever." (I Peter 1:24-25)
3. DEMOCRATS WANT PROBE OF JUSTICE THOMAS AS HEALTH LAW RULING LOOMS
The lawmakers on Thursday asked the U.S. Judicial Conference to formally request that the Department of Justice look into Thomas's failure to disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars his wife has received from groups that want the healthcare law repealed. Their letter comes after 75 House Democrats in February asked Thomas to recuse himself from the case following reports that he'd failed to report his wife Virginia's income since he joined the bench in 1991. (The Hill)
To read the letter, go here.
- Dear Abba Father, we know all too well that this accusatory tone in our society arises from our sins as persons as well as a nation. We fall and repent before You, requesting that all darkness and evil plotting come to be exposed. Shine Your Light and Truth upon all involved here, the accusers as well as the accused and let the truth be revealed for all to hear and see. Amen and Amen.
- "But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." (John 3:21)
4. REPUBLICANS WANT PROBE OF ELENA KAGAN
The Supreme Court hasn't even agreed yet to take the case questioning the constitutionality of the individual mandate -- the centerpiece of Obama's corrupt health care law -- but already arguments are lined up to remove justices from trying to weigh in on deliberations.
Justice Elena Kagan's role in the Obama administration as it was formulating the legal defense for the health care law disqualifies her from participating in the decision, say groups who call the former solicitor general incapable of being objective. Kagan says she was not involved in developing the legal strategy of the Affordable Care Act, but opponents of the law have requested records of the administration's deliberation process to see who participated.
On Thursday, the Obama administration requested the court take up the case and deliver its verdict by June 2012, as Obama and his Republican opponent gear up for the fall campaign. That request got the backing of retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, suggesting that the court could be inclined to take it. (Fox News) Read more.
- Lord God, let justice reign on this Court, and let a true verdict be rendered as to whether Elena Kagan does, indeed, need to recuse herself from judging this critical case. Amen.
- "They will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth." (Psalm 96:13)
5. SUPREME COURT TO REVIEW ARIZONA IMMIGRATION LAW
On another issue, the court majority suggested this year that it is skeptical of federal government claims of exclusive authority over immigration, the key to the dispute over a bellwether Arizona law awaiting the justices' review. The law, a model for legislation passed by three other states, requires police to demand immigration papers from people they lawfully detain and reasonably suspect of being present illegally.
In a suit by the Obama administration, the federal appeals court in San Francisco blocked the law's central provisions in April, saying the state was turning its police into immigration officers and interfering with federal immigration authority.
In May, however, the Supreme Court upheld another Arizona law allowing the state to revoke the licenses of businesses that repeatedly hire illegal immigrants. The case involved a different issue - the scope of a federal law allowing states to act against the licenses of offending businesses - but arguments that Arizona was intruding on federal turf failed to sway the majority led by Chief Justice John Roberts.
Before that ruling, said Goldstein of Scotusblog.com, the court seemed virtually certain to strike down Arizona's "show us your papers" law. Now, he said, it's a toss-up. (San Francisco Chronicle)
- Dear Lord Jesus, we bow before You in repentance, crying forth from our souls, as we know we are a people and a nation who have fallen deeper and deeper in a dark wickedness. We see this being confirmed in the evil being manifested all around us but so often nothing is done to change what is happening. We thank You that various states in our nation have risen up to protect their citizens from an invasion of illegal aliens who are often extremely violent and lawless.
But Lord, the federal government fights against these states and this protection instead of standing with them. Shine Your light Lord into the souls of our federal leaders, confronting them with Your Glory! Forgive us and have mercy on all involved, Lord Jesus. Amen and Amen.
- "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan unto God. That they receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me." (Acts 26:18)
6. U.S. SUPREME COURT: ALSO ON THE DOCKET
Here are a few of the cases the court will take up this term:
a) GPS: Whether police need a warrant from a judge to attach a GPS device to a car to track its movements for extended periods.
b) Strip search: Whether jails can strip-search all newly booked inmates without evidence that they are concealing contraband.
c) Profanity: Whether the Federal Communications Commission's rules on indecency, which prohibit radio and television stations from broadcasting patently offensive words and depictions of sexual activities, are unconstitutionally vague. (The San Francisco Chronicle) Read more.
- Oh Lord Jesus, We know the lawlessness of our nation has evoked these actions, such as GPS tracking, cell phone tracking, strip searching of inmates or invasive searches of ordinary citizens at airports, all without evidence that it is needed. The distortion of the 'free speech' amendment of our constitution has arisen from the same sinfulness and falling away from Your ways, Lord.
We fall in repentance Lord before You as we know we have sinned, as persons, groups and a nation, enabling all of this to occur. Have mercy, Lord. Lead our Supreme Court justices to discern the constitutional truth in this maze of distortion, In Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.
- "I said to the Lord: 'You are my God; Hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord. O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation. You have covered my head in the day of battle. Do not grant, O God, the desires of the wicked; Do not further his wicked scheme. Lest they be exalted.' Selah" (Psalm 140:6-8)
A Valuable Tool for Research
Browse Congress by State
After praying through the bills listed above, you may wish in addition to call your own member of Congress, or Senator, and ask him or her to lend their support to these bills.
To learn how to contact your own member of Congress or the two Senators from your state, go here.
On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XVIII, Number 29c
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
Update: United Nations
1. NETANYAHU TO ABBAS: "LET'S MEET TODAY"
2. ISRAEL CAUTIOUSLY WELCOMES MIDEAST TALKS PLAN WITH PALESTINIANS
3. U.N. PANEL'S REPORT ON PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD BID DUE IN TWO WEEKS
4. CONGRESS BLOCKS $200 MILLION IN AID TO PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
5. EU SAYS IT WON'T CUT AID TO P.A. OVER STATEHOOD BID
6. ERDOGAN URGES U.N. SANCTIONS ON ISRAEL
(Note: an asterisk in front of a headline indicates that our source for that news is from Bridges for Peace)
** 1. NETANYAHU TO ABBAS: "LET'S MEET TODAY"
United Nations - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday [September 23] called on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to meet with him immediately in the United Nations - an offer delivered minutes after Abbas gave a harsh, distorted, hate-filled address to the U.N. General Assembly.
"I continue to hope that President Abbas will be my partner for peace," the Israeli prime minister said, after Abbas presented a bid for full membership in the United Nations. "We have to stop negotiating about the negotiations. Let's just get on with it. Let's negotiate peace."
"Now we're in the same city. We're in the same building. So let's meet here today, in the United Nations. Who's there to stop us? What is there to stop us? Let's listen to one another. I'll tell you my concerns. You'll tell me yours, and with God's help we'll find a common ground for peace. I cannot make peace alone. I cannot make peace without you."
At the end of an eventful day, the Mideast Quartet of the United States, Russia, European Union and United Nations issued a joint statement calling on the parties to return to negotiations without preconditions and to reach peace quickly. It proposed convening a preparatory meeting within a month to lay out the agenda and timeframe for a final agreement, which would be not later than the end of 2012.
"The Quartet expects the parties to come forward with comprehensive proposals within three months on territory and security, and to have made substantial progress within six months. To that end, the Quartet will convene an international conference in Moscow, in consultation with the parties, at the appropriate time," the statement said.
Earlier Friday, Abbas submitted his application for U.N. membership knowing that he lacked the votes to bring the matter to the Security Council. He said he was armed with only their hopes and dreams - which brought a quick response from Netanyahu. "Yes, hopes and dreams and 10,000 missiles and Grad rockets supplied by Iran," Netanyahu said, referring to the vast arsenal of weapons built up by Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza and frequently fired at Israeli civilians.
The speeches of the two leaders presented a stark contrast. Abbas blamed the failure of the peace process entirely on Israel. He said he would not return to negotiations unless Israel froze building in the territories. Israel is ready to renew negotiations immediately - without preconditions.
Abbas shocked many observers with the harshness of his speech. He stated that the future Palestine should include East Jerusalem, including the city's Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. And he called for a return to the 1967 lines - which security experts say are impossible to defend. Abbas also mentioned that he came from the Holy Land, a place holy to Muslims and Christians. He totally omitted any mention of Jewish links to the land of the Bible. (By The Israel Project, September 23, 2011; excerpt)
- Pray for the ongoing UN discussions regarding Palestinian statehood. Pray that the contrast between the two speeches will enlighten the international community as to Israel's true security situation and desire for a sustainable peace.
- "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise . . .There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health . . . Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy." (Proverbs 12:15, 18, 20)
2. ISRAEL CAUTIOUSLY WELCOMES MIDEAST TALKS PLAN WITH PALESTINIANS
Israel's government welcomed on Sunday parts of an international proposal to resume long-stalled peace talks with the Palestinians but said it had concerns about the plan. The plan by Mideast mediators, known as the Quartet, calls for a peace deal in a year and asks both sides to produce comprehensive proposals on territory and security within three months.
The Quartet presented the latest timetable after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas asked the U.N. late last month to recognize a state of Palestine in the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast War.
The Palestinian request has put the U.S. and other countries in a diplomatically awkward position, forcing them to take sides for or against, and has stepped up pressure on the international community to chart out a resolution of the conflict. The Israeli government would not say Sunday what its concerns were, saying only that it would raise them "at the appropriate time." However, Israeli officials have expressed reservations about the Quartet's timetable for the discussion of specific issues.
A senior Palestinian official, Saeb Erekat, dismissed the Israeli government's statement as disingenuous, noting that Israel has previously rejected key provisions of the Quartet proposal, including a freeze of Israeli settlement building on occupied land.
The Quartet plan calls for a speedy resumption of peace talks, with the goal of reaching a comprehensive agreement by the end of 2012. In the meantime, it urges both sides to avoid "provocative actions." (Associated Press) Read more.
- Continue to pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu as he responds to the latest offer of a negotiated peace. Pray that he will continue to stand strong against world pressures to cede "land for peace" and to otherwise move to delegitmatize Israel's sovereignty. As the kings of the earth take their stand against the land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, offer praise to the Lord that He will watch over His land. Amen.
- "Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? . . .He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision." (Psalm 2:1-4)
3. U.N. PANEL'S REPORT ON PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD BID DUE IN TWO WEEKS
The U.N. Security Council's admissions committee is set to review the Palestinian application for statehood Friday, (today). It's the first meeting of that committee, which includes all 15 members of the council.The debate is expected to be largely symbolic in the face of a promised U.S. veto. But the permanent observer of the Palestinian Authority to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, held out hope this week that the application would be accepted. The United States did not raise an objection to the referral to the committee. (CNN) Read more
PA: We are one vote shy of a majority in Security Council
Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki said Thursday that the Palestinians have received approval from eight members of the UN Security Council in support of their bid for full membership to the United Nations. (Jerusalem Post)
- Please pray specifically that Bosnia, Colombia and Portugal will NOT vote for a Palestinian state.
- O Lord God of Israel, the Covenant Keeping God, we come to You, asking firstly for forgiveness that our ambassador to the UN, was not instructed to block this referral. We ask You to show mercy to Your people here in the U.S., and especially in Israel. We know You are a just God, Who loves mercy, but You are also true to Your Word, and watch over it to perform it. We ask, Abba, that this committee would experience the "fear of the Lord", and know that if they come against Israel, they are coming against You and will pay an awful price. We ask that You would give them a clear revelation of that fact, to the point where this will fail in committee, and not be recommended to the whole council. We stand with our precious Israeli brethren against this evil plot of the enemy! Amen!
- " I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; they have also divided up My land." (Joel 3:2)
4. CONGRESS BLOCKS $200 MILLION IN AID TO PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
Funding stopped by three congressional committees in response to UN statehood bid
The United States Congress has blocked nearly $200m in aid to the Palestinians, the U.K's Independent newspaper reported on Saturday. The aid, which was destined for projects related to food aid, health care, and state building efforts, was to have been transferred to the Palestinian Authority during the U.S. fiscal year that ends today, according to the report. However, following what the Independent described as an "unpublicized block" imposed on funding to the Palestinians since August this year, in response to the Palestinian bid for statehood at the UN, the remainder of the aid allocated to the Palestinian Authority for the current financial year will not be transferred. Obama's administration is unable to commit further funding to the Palestinian Authority unless it persuades Congress to lift the freeze, according to the report.
There have been demands in Congress throughout the year to withhold funding to the Palestinian Authority if it pursues the UN route to statehood. Rep. Gary Ackerman, member of the House Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, said on Monday at a gathering of Congressmen and leaders of Jewish organizations outside the United Nations headquarters in New York that "there may need to be a total cutoff of all aid to the Palestinians for pursuing this course of action which is very dangerous and ill advised." (Haaretz) Read more.
- Offer a great chorus of praise for this report, for Congress is doing its job, and has held the P.A. accountable for their actions in refusing to negotiate with Israel, but demanding instead a unilateral decree of statehood at the United Nations. Pray for protection for the heads of the three committees that have drawn a line in the sand against Palestinian aggression, and pray against all forms of retaliation against the U.S. in response to this move by Congress. Amen.
- "Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the LORD is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed. He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail." (1 Samuel 2:3,9)
5. EU SAYS IT WON'T CUT AID TO P.A. OVER STATEHOOD BID
The European Union will not cut aid to the Palestinian Authority in response to the PA's UN bid, EU foreign policy chief Catherin Ashton told PA President Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian news agency Ma'an reported on Monday.
The United States Congress announced last week that it was holding up $200 million of its aid to the PA in response to the bid for UN membership, which the US opposes.
On Sunday, Ma'an reported, PA Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki said the PA has not received any "official confirmation" that he US aid money was being blocked. (Jerusalem Post)
- Unfortunately, this latest move by the EU goes right along with their policy of delegitimizing Israel and pushing a Palestinian state. Stand in the gap for the people of the European nations, for they are sure to be visited soon by the mighty Hand of God in judgment. Ask, too, that the righteous remnant in the coming move of God be spared.
- "It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured." (Zech. 12:3)
**6. ERDOGAN URGES U.N. SANCTIONS ON ISRAEL
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is advocating imposing UN sanctions on Israel. In an interview with Time magazine, the Turkish leader said that had prospective UN sanctions been imposed on Israel "the Palestine-Israel conflict would have been resolved a long time ago."
Appearing at the UN General Assembly, Erdogan claimed that the US approach towards the Middle East peace process had failed. Asked what he would have done differently, Erdogan said: "Do we really want to resolve this issue or not? Unfortunately, I do not even see traces of this within the Quartet. Because, if the Quartet was so willing to resolve this issue, they would have imposed certain issues on Israel today.
"Until today, the UN Security Council has issued more than 89 resolutions on prospective sanctions related to Israel, but they've never been executed. And furthermore, there were about 200 resolutions issued by the General Assembly and neither have those been complied with."
He further added: "One might wonder why no sanctions have been imposed on Israel. When it's Iran in question, you impose sanctions. Similarly with Sudan. What happens with Israel then?" (By Ynetnews, September 27, 2011)
- Pray that Prime Minister Erdogan will be unsuccessful in his attempts to further incite the UN and the world against Israel. Pray that no such sanctions will be imposed.
- "Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; and those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones." (Psalm 83:1-3)
On Capitol Hill This Week: Vol. XVIII, No. 29c
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
1. SYRIAN OPPOSITION LAUNCHES NATIONAL COUNCIL TO OVERTHROW ASSAD
2. IRAN THREATENS THE U.S. EAST COAST
3. IRANIAN PASTOR FACING EXECUTION FOR RAPE, NOT RELIGION
4. AL QAEDA INFIGHTING LED TO AWKALI KILLING IN YEMEN
5. SENATOR: HOPING FOR RETURN OF RETIRED FBI AGENT FROM IRAN
6. ISRAEL: TWO KILLED IN CAR CRASH APPARENTLY CAUSED BY ROCK ATTACK
7. HILLARY CLINTON DENOUNCES NEW CONSTRUCTION IN JERUSALEM
8. SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE CASE REGARDING PASSPORT LAW AND JERUSALEM
1. SYRIAN OPPOSITION LAUNCHES NATIONAL COUNCIL TO OVERTHROW ASSAD
Syrian dissidents meeting in Turkey have formally announced the creation of a council designed to overthrow President Bashar Assad's regime. A group of Syrian opposition activists had announced the creation of the Syrian National Council last month. The structure and aims of this council were announced Sunday at a news conference in Istanbul. Opposition figure Burhan Ghalioun read out the founding statement of the council, which was signed by major Syrian opposition figures. He said the aims of the council were to present a united opposition front and overthrow Assad's regime. He rejected any foreign interference in Syria and urged the international community to recognize the legitimacy of the group. (Fox News) Read more.
- Pray for protection for opposition leader Burhan Ghalioun, the other members of this Council, and their families and staff. This is a major turn of events for Syria, and for the opposition movement that has been building over the past year. Pray that the Lord would use this initiative to soften the heart of Bashar Assad, that he would loosen his grip upon the nation. Pray that he would now see the writing on the wall, relent and finally stand down. Pray for the end of bloodshed and violence in this land; and for the protection of the Christians who still are living in Syria. Pray!
- "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." (Proverbs 21:1)
2. IRAN THREATENS THE U.S. EAST COAST
Iran is threatening to send war ships to the East Coast of the United States in a major escalation with America. The threat comes barely a week after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was welcomed at the podium of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Iranian Navy head Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari declared, "Like the arrogant powers that are present near our marine borders, we will also have a power presence close to American marine borders." Sayyari made his remarks at a ceremony marking the 31st anniversary of the start of the Iran-Iraq war, which lasted from 1980 to 1988, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.
Periodically Iran shows off the latest missiles and other military hardware currently in development, and parades its military prowess to the general public.
The Islamic Republic's Yunis submarine returned to Tehran in July after a 66-day international mission, carried out largely in the Red Sea, together with Iran's 14th Fleet.
Earlier in the year, a flotilla of two Iranian vessels traveled to the Syrian port of Lazeqiyya on a mission of "peace and friendship" following the fall of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo's Tahrir Square Revolution. Both Israel and the United States expressed "grave concern" about the vessels and their presence in the Mediterranean at the time. (A7 Israeli News)
- This may be the greatest threat facing the USA. Could it be that the ship Iran has sent up the Atlantic was to strongarm the USA into acquiescing to the Palestinian vote at the UN? Iran must take care of the 'big Satan' so that all of the middle east can attack 'little satan' without fear of the USA.
Pray against this tactic by Iran, to strike fear into the hearts of our leaders. Pray that their plan is totally found out and dismantled. If not, and if the USA is compliant in any way at all in dividing GOD's land, then while people are saying 'peace and safety' sudden destruction will fall!
Time is almost up. Cry out for souls while we still can. "The night approaches and soon no man can work." (John 9:4)
3. IRANIAN PASTOR FACING EXECUTION FOR RAPE, NOT RELIGION
Iran state media put out a stunning report Saturday claiming that imprisoned Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is facing the death sentence for rape and extortion, not for apostasy and refusing to renounce his religion, as his lawyer, human rights groups and Western news media have reported.
"His crime is not, as some claim, converting others to Christianity," the deputy governor of the Gilan province, Gholomali Rezvani, told Fars, the semi-official state news agency. "He is guilty of security-related crimes."
The Fars comments were part of a larger Iranian media push to counter reports that Nadarkhani was facing execution for refusing to recant his Christian faith. "We're trying to determine if this is the state-controlled media throwing it out there," said Jordan Sekulow, Executive Director of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ). "There's been no mention of any other charges than apostasy in trial documents." (Fox News) Read more.
- Like you, we continue to monitor news of Pastor Nadarkhani's situation very carefully. Clearly, the charges of rape are "trumped up" to allow Iran to escape the pressure of the international community for the clear violation of his human rights. Continue to cry out for the life of this very good man. May the angels of mercy yet guard him and set him free!
- "Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church." (Acts 12:5) [Please note all of verses 5 - 11 to see how God's angels rescued Peter from prison. As it was then, so it can be now . . .]
4. AL QAEDA INFIGHTING LED TO AWKALI KILLING IN YEMEN
Ayman Zawhiri is in Yemen
The tip-off which enabled two Hellfire missiles fired by US drones to locate and kill the US-born Anwar al-Awkali reached US intelligence as a result of a power struggle within Al Qaeda's leadership in Yemen. Killed too was a second US-born al Qaeda operative. debkafile's counter-terror sources disclose that the internal strife was sharpened by the recent arrival in Yemen of the new Al Qaeda leader Ayman Zuwahiri, who determined to purge AQAP ranks of its American element ahead of his next plans. (DEBKAfile) Read more
- Father, we thank You for the intelligence-capability of our nation in locating this one who wished to harm his own people, here in America, and also Your people, Israel. We thank You for the precision with which they were able to locate him, and carry out the mission. We pray that somehow his
relatives here will be brought into a saving knowledge of You, and be able to forgive him. Amen. - "The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. The LORD is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands." (Psalm 9:15,16)
5. SENATOR NELSON: HOPING FOR RETURN OF RETIRED FBI AGENT FROM IRAN
A Florida lawmaker hopes the release of two American hikers from an Iranian prison last week will spur the return of a retired FBI agent missed since 2007. Robert Levinson, a married father of seven from Florida, has been missing since March 9, 2007, after checking out of a hotel on Kish Island, a Persian Gulf resort off the southern coast of Iran. Levinson, who retired from the FBI in 1998, had traveled there to meet an American fugitive accused of murdering a former Iranian official in Maryland in 1980. He was last seen checking out of the Maryam Hotel for the meeting. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Sept. 22 asking her to press the issue during last week's opening of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Read more.
- Let's agree in prayer with the hearts' desire of Senator Nelson. Amen.
- "Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life." (Isaiah 43:4)
6. ISRAEL: TWO KILLED IN CAR CRASH APPARENTLY CAUSED BY ROCK ATTACK
A father and his one-and-a-half-year-old-son were killed on Friday {September 23] in a car crash in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] that the Israeli Police believe was caused by a Palestinian stone-throwing incident, according to police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld. The ongoing police investigation so far has determined that the tragedy occurred when a sharp object, apparently a stone, struck the father in the head, causing the car to lose control. The police know no Israelis were throwing stones or "involved in any disturbances" in the area of the road at the time, leading the police to believe it was a Palestinian attack.
At the moment, the incident is considered a nationalistic attack. Rosenfeld, speaking with The Mideast Update by phone, said that at the same time other stone-throwing incidents on a lot of the roads in the West Bank occur all year. "Unfortunately this one ended tragically," he said. (Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, September 26, 2011)
- Pray that the Lord will console the family of these victims of terror. Pray that He will move mightily to protect the Land and the people during this highly volatile time, during the Jewish High Holy Days.
- "The LORD is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. The LORD preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy." (Psalm 145:17-20)
[Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
7. HILLARY CLINTON DENOUNCES NEW CONSTRUCTION IN JERUSALEM
At a press conference with the Egyptian Foreign Minister on Wednesday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on the rest of the world to "put pressure" on Israel to give in to the demands of the Obama Administration and the Quartet for Middle East Peace and make the concessions needed to restart peace talks. "There is no alternative," she declared.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair also complained about the Israeli decision to build 1,000 apartment units in the city of Jerusalem. He called building homes for Jewish people in Israel's capital city, a "provocative action" and a "cause for concern." It could not possibly be clearer that the powers of the world intend to divide the Holy City. We must not let that happen! We must stand for Israel now. We must speak out to warn the world of the danger of cursing God's Chosen People and we must do what we can to meet the needs of the poor and suffering in Israel. (The Jerusalem Prayer Team)
- Secretary Clinton's declaration could serve as a damper for the Jewish High Holidays. As Christians grafted into the Israel of God we see these holidays as part of our legacy also and continue to find the world's attempt to deny Israel their covenant rights to their homeland deeply offensive. The ten days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur are the Days of Awe or repentance.
These are days when God's people are to take stock of where they are with God. It would be wise to also take stock of where we are with men. For example there is, as we speak, a movement called "Occupy Wall Street" that is drawing thousands in protest of corporate greed to Wall Street in lower Manhattan. But it is a mixed protest. One sign said, "End financial aid to Israel - end occupation of Gaza." Sooner or later these protests are going to be personalized and a scapegoat will be focused on. Historically, the scapegoat of choice has been the Jews for the cause de jour.
Do not be surprised if the Jews are scapegoated for all the corporate greed and the economic recession we are now experiencing. Anti-Zionionism, the mask for anti-Semitism has long been imbedded in secular academia. With the "Occupy Wall Street" movement it has reached the American streets in what some are calling our "Arab Spring." (The Jerusalem Connection)
- In this High Holiday season however, we can be encouraged by Jesus' words, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me." . . . "Yahweh has established His throne in heaven and His kingdom rules over all." (Matthew 28:18; Psalm 103:190)
8. SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE CASE REGARDING PASSPORT LAW AND JERUSALEM
On the docket for the Supreme Court this year will be an issue related to the U.S. recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The Court must decide whether a federal passport law declaring that Jerusalem is part of Israel is binding on passport designations issued by the State Department, which says the United States has no position on whether Israel has sovereignty over Jerusalem. (San Francisco Chronicle)
- Pray that the justices of the Supreme Court will fully acknowledge that Israel does, indeed, have sovereignty over Jerusalem, which is its capital city. Appeal to the High Court of Heaven, asking mercy for our land. There should be no doubt on this issue. None.
- "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, May my right hand forget her skill." (Psalm 137:5)
Ten Days of Awe
Ten Days of Awe: The Lord's Feasts Begin
Rosh HaShanah - this year beginning Wednesday evening, September 28 through Friday, September 30 - is the first of the three fall (autumn) feasts, also called the High Holy Days. Rosh HaShana means "head of the year" and is the Jewish New Year, even though the Bible calls it the seventh month.
The Jewish world has two calendars, a civil one and a religious one. The civil year begins at Passover (around April). The religious year begins on Rosh HaShana, and all Jewish calendars start in September.
Biblically, Rosh HaShanah is called "Yom Teruah" (the day of the sounding of trumpets). The Bible tells us very little about it (see Lev. 23:23-25), so most of today's practices are based on tradition. Because it is the first of the fall (autumn) feasts, rabbis saw it as a spiritual new year and began to call it Rosh HaShanah.
This is the day of the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn). It is a wake-up call to the nation concerning personal repentance so that the new year can begin with a clean slate. Restitution is made and all wrongs are made right because it is believed that it is on this day that God judges every man as to whether or not his name will be written in the Book of Life for another year.
There are no fireworks or rowdy parties like the world's New Year's Eve on December 31; instead Jewish people look inward and get their lives in order. This goes far beyond writing down a list of resolutions.
Beginning 30 days ahead, the shofar is blown up to 100 times. The last trumpet sounded is called the great "tekiah," one long blast blown for as long as the trumpeter can do so. Since the shofar is blown at the beginning of each of the seven feast months and this trumpet blast is blown on the seventh month, it is known as the "last trump."
As with all Jewish holidays, there are special foods eaten on this day. The foods eaten on Rosh Hashanah are symbolic. Sweet foods are eaten, usually apples dipped in honey, to indicate the desire for a sweet year. Round foods are eaten to symbolize the cycle of the year, and there is always an abundance of food, symbolizing hope for fruitfulness and prosperity. Fish, cooked with the head left on, is often the main course, symbolizing the head of the year.
The ten days following Rosh HaShanah until Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), are called the Ten Days of Awe. These ten days are a time of further introspection - a time of searching the soul and making everything right between you and your God, as well as your fellow man.
We greet all our friends, Christians and Jews alike, with the traditional greeting for the new year: "L'shanah tovah tichatevu" (May you be inscribed for a good year), a desire for our names to be written in the Book of Life.
Hag Same'ach (Happy Holiday) from Bridges for Peace!
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
GOD OF MY PRAISE
(Ehlohay T'hee-lah-tee)
"Do not keep silent, O God of my praise!" (Psalm 109:1 NKJV)
O God, how I praise You for the answers that You give to my prayers. Sometimes, yes, there is silence and I want to ask why. At these times, help me to hang onto Your every promise, and help me believe in my heart that You will never leave me, You will never forsake me, and You will answer my prayers. I will wait on You, O God of my praise. 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)
