This Week's News On Capitol Hill for PrayerGreetings!
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On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 30a
October 11 - 14, 2011
October 11 - 14, 2011
DOMESTIC ISSUES
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." ( Proverbs 4:23)
1. REID IMPLEMENTS "NUCLEAR OPTION" ON STIMULUS VOTE
2. HOUSE TO SUBPOENA HOLDER OVER HIS ROLE IN "FAST AND FURIOUS"
3. RON PAUL WINS VALUES VOTERS POLL?
4. WHITE HOUSE PRESSURE FOR A DONOR?
5. SECRET U.S. PANEL CAN PUT CITIZENS ON "KILL LIST"
6. OBAMA AND THE UN'S WAR AGAINST SMALL ARMS
7. MORE THAN 2,000 CHAPLAINS UNITE IN PROTEST AGAINST PENTAGON REGULATIONS
8. COMPUTER-BASED ATTACKS EMERGE AS THREAT OF FUTURE, GENERAL SAYS
9. NEARLY HALF OF U.S. LIVES IN HOUSEHOLD RECEIVING GOVERNMENT BENEFIT
10. GOVERNOR PERDUE: SUSPEND CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS FOR TWO YEARS
11. 28 SENATORS SEND LETTER TO HHS SECRETARY SEBELIUS
12. THE "VOICES" OF PRE-BORN CHILDREN WILL BE LOUDLY HEARD IN THE U.S. CAPITOL THIS WEEK
1. URGENT! REID IMPLEMENTS "NUCLEAR OPTION" ON STIMULUS VOTE
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) fundamentally weakened the United States Senate yesterday in a desperate attempt to block a vote on Obama's stimulus bill. Using a simple majority vote, Reid used the "Nuclear Option" to change the rules of the Senate so senators cannot offer amendments. In the future, senators will only be able to modify legislation if Harry Reid agrees to it.
Harry Reid changed the rules of the Senate because Republicans planned to force a vote on Obama's stimulus plan. The plan is so unpopular that it was going to be defeated by Republicans and Democrats when it came up for a vote. This would have embarrassed the president so Reid and the Democrats just changed the longstanding rules of the Senate to block it. You can learn more at RedState.com.
The Senate is supposed to be the "World's Greatest Deliberative Body". That means debating, amending, and voting on legislation - all things Harry Reid has sought to avoid during his tenure as Senate Majority Leader. . . . Folks, we're teetering on tyranny. (Statement by Senator Jim DeMint, R-SC)
- Tyrants are ruled by fear (of losing control) and pride (hence: not giving in). Ask our Lord to move upon the heart of Senator Harry Reid, releasing him from the bondage of fear and pride; and bringing him to the mindsets of faith and humility. Pray that this sudden move late last week in Senate protocol will be overturned, and the dialogue between opposing parties and opinions will be restored in that chamber. Pray!
- " . . . whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 18:18)
2. HOUSE TO SUBPOENA HOLDER OVER HIS ROLE IN "FAST AND FURIOUS"
Committee Calls for Special Counsel to Probe the Matter
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is planning to subpoena Attorney General Eric Holder this week to determine who in the Justice Department knew about "Operation Fast and Furious" -- the plan to let thousands of guns sold in the U.S. get into Mexican drug cartel hands -- and when they knew it. The subpoena targeting Holder aims to get at the heart of the authorization for the program, and when the people in charge decided the program was a problem.
When did they know it wasn't the right way to do it and why (did) they keep doing it?" asked committee chairman, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. Issa, who is also a member of the House Judiciary Committee where Holder testified in May that he'd only learned of the program a few weeks earlier, told "Fox News Sunday" that "people in the top" of the Justice Department knew about the operation, were "well-briefed about it, and seemed to be the command and control and funding for this program."
Issa said those officials, who may or may not include Holder, would have known that the program was facing objections from law enforcement personnel in the field, but appeared to continue to let guns "walk" across the border. "We didn't just have a few (guns) not be tracked. The whole program was about not tracking them until they were found in the scene of crimes. And they didn't just allow. They facilitated just one guy buy, one straw buy, over 700 weapons," Issa said. (Fox News) Read more.
- Inside sources have told us that this case is, in reality, a volcano, waiting to explode. Ask in prayer that every hidden piece of evidence will come to light regarding the DOJ's "Fast and Furious" program, and the degree of Eric Holder's involvement in its specifics. Let justice rule in our nation; and let true justice rule inside the Department of Justice!
- "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light." (Job 12:22)
3. RON PAUL WINS VALUES VOTERS POLL?
Well, not really. Ron Paul did top the list with 37% but Slate reported that one of his wealthy donors from Texas arranged to pay for 700 tickets. Ron Paul supporters showed up for his speech, voted in the straw poll and left. His actual vote count was 732 of nearly 2,000 cast. The real winner was Herman Cain with 23% and former Senator Rick Santorum with 16%. Receiving double the number of votes that Michele Bachmann received was a huge boost for the Santorum campaign. Michele secured first place in the Vice Presidential straw poll. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
Values Voter straw poll organizers suggest a fix in Ron Paul's win
Rep. Ron Paul scored a decisive victory Saturday in a mock presidential election at the Values Voter Summit, trouncing fellow Texan, Gov. Rick Perry, but an organizer of the straw poll suggested ballot-stuffing may have skewed the results. In a press conference following the announcement of the straw poll results at the annual Washington gathering of social conservatives, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins all but dismissed the results as irrelevant, citing 600 people who registered Saturday morning and, he said, "left after Ron Paul spoke." A total of 1,983 ballots were cast. "You do the math," Perkins said. (The Hill) Read more.
- We continue to cry out before our Lord for a "clean election" next year . . . from start to finish. Ron Paul must be held accountable for this stunt. Pray that justice will be served, and that the eyes of the voters will begin to discern the true character of each man or woman who is now running for the Office of the President of the United States.
- "Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it." (Job 4:7,8)
4. WHITE HOUSE PRESSURE FOR A DONOR?
The Pentagon has worried for months that a project backed by a prominent Democratic donor might interfere with military GPS. Now Congress wants to know if the White House pressured a general to change his testimony.
The four-star Air Force general who oversees Air Force Space Command walked into a highly secured room on Capitol Hill two weeks ago to give a classified briefing to lawmakers and staff, and dropped a surprise. Pressed by members, Gen. William Shelton said the White House tried to pressure him to change his testimony to make it more favorable to a company tied to a large Democratic donor. The episode . . . is the latest in a string of incidents that have given Republicans sudden fodder for questions about whether the Obama administration is politically interfering in routine government matters that affect donors or fundraisers . . . (The Investigative Project)
- Lord God, we know that worship of mammon, greed and lust of power have replaced You and become the driving forces for so many in our nation, even within churches and within personal lives. We fall before You to repent for our nation, Lord. Increasingly there are government contractors under pressure to 'contribute correctly' in order to keep their work. We seek You to expose all this darkness by shining Your Light and Glory into this situation, so that this evil cannot hide in the fog of questionable actions. Direct our prayers to break it down, Lord, so that these contractors do Your Will, not the enemy's evil. In the Name of Jesus, Our Lord and Savior, Amen and Amen.
- "Because from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even to the priest, everyone deals falsely. They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, 'Peace, peace!' when there is no peace." (Jeremiah 6:13-14)
5. SECRET U.S. PANEL CAN PUT CITIZENS ON "KILL LIST"
American militants like Anwar al-Awlaki are placed on a kill or capture list by a secretive panel of senior U.S. government officials, which then informs the president of its decisions, according to U.S. officials. There is no public record of the operations or decisions of the panel, which is a subset of the White House's National Security Council, several current and former officials said. Neither is there any law establishing its existence or setting out the rules by which it is supposed to operate. The panel was behind the decision to add Awlaki, a U.S.-born militant preacher with alleged al Qaeda connections, to the target list. He was killed by a CIA drone strike in Yemen late last month. The role of the president in ordering or ratifying a decision to target a U.S. citizen is fuzzy. White House spokesman Tommy Vietor declined to discuss anything about the process. (Reuters) Read more.
- Some may feel that the role of the president to order this "kill list" against American citizens is "fuzzy," but the Constitution is clear. Each of us -- no matter how vile our deeds -- is entitled to due process under law. Offer prayer that this "kill list" will itself be killed so that our nation can be governed by LAW rather than the whims of man, as our Founders intended. Pray!
- "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3) "When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; but the righteous shall see their fall." (Proverbs 29:16)
6. OBAMA AND THE UN'S WAR AGAINST SMALL ARMS
The United Nations wants to make all weapons come under the CONTROL of international law - and Obama is eager to give away our gun rights to them. The United Nations wants to pass a treaty banning and confiscating your guns, all in the name of "world peace." Doing that would obliterate the Second Amendment of our Constitution, and leave law-abiding American citizens unarmed while criminals and terrorists wreak havoc!
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution reads: ". . . the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed." But, Barack Obama doesn't care about the United States Constitution. He is willing to do anything to make sure his anti-gun agenda is implemented. Even if he has to bypass Congress, Mr. Obama will see to it that your gun rights will be severely restricted. In fact, he has a lot of well-financed organizations assisting him in his quest for a gun-less America, like the Brady Campaign. (Conservative Action Alerts) Read more the details of this action by going here.
- Father, America has a godly heritage. Our God is a covenant-making God who does not forsake or forget the covenants You have made with Your people. And we ask for Your divine protection over us and that you override and cast aside any attempt to force the American people from being protected by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Send forth Your heavenly warring angels to defend us from those who would destroy us by disarming us from the guns we use as protection. God You have predetermined that the United States will be one nation under God and we ask that You honor Your Name before the heathen. We declare that You are our shield and buckler and You will fight for us. We thank You, Lord, for Your mighty power. In Jesus' Name.
- "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. The Lord is my portion, says my soul; therefore will I hope in Him." (Lamentations 3:22-24)
7. MORE THAN 2,000 CHAPLAINS UNITE IN PROTEST AGAINST PENTAGON REGULATIONS
A national group representing more than 2,000 military chaplains from evangelical Christian and Orthodox backgrounds joined Catholic clerics last week to say that the Pentagon has launched a "direct assault" on marriage, and the chaplains they endorse will not be allowed to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies under any circumstances. (CNS News) Read more.
- Abba Father, we know that this is just another manifestation of escalating hatred from our enemy to enforce us to accept abominations and distortion of Your Ways, Lord. Strengthen these chaplains to withstand the abuse, threats, possible job loss and/ or punishment most likely to arise from this stand. In the name of Jesus, Amen and Amen!!
- "Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the wicked." (Proverbs 24:19)
8. COMPUTER-BASED ATTACKS EMERGE AS THREAT OF FUTURE, GENERAL SAYS
The general in charge of U.S. cyberwarfare forces said Tuesday that future computer-based combat likely will involve electronic strikes that cause widespread power outages and even physical destruction of thousand-ton machines. Army Gen. Keith Alexander, commander of the new U.S. Cyber Command, also said that massive losses of private and public data in recent years to computer criminals and spies represent the largest theft in history. Threats posed by cyber-attacks on computer networks and the Internet are escalating from large-scale theft of data and strikes designed to disrupt computer operations to more lethal attacks that destroy entire systems and physical equipment. (The Washington Times) Read more.
- Dear Heavenly Father, we bow before You in repentance for whatever sins, personal as well as national, that has allowed brilliant minds to utilize Your Gifts for such destructive purposes. Lord, enable those who need to hear this threat and to act upon it, to do as You would have them do, to protect vital data and operations; and have mercy on these 'hackers' who do these things, as they do not truly understand what they do. In Jesus Name, Amen!!
- "My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your foot from their path; For their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird; But they lie in wait for their own blood." (Proverbs 1:15 - 18)
9. NEARLY HALF OF U.S. LIVES IN HOUSEHOLD RECEIVING GOVERNMENT BENEFIT
Families were more dependent on government programs than ever last year. Nearly half, 48.5%, of the population lived in a household that received some type of government benefit in the first quarter of 2010, according to Census data. Those numbers have risen since the middle of the recession when 44.4% lived households receiving benefits in the third quarter of 2008. (CNS News)
- Ask forgiveness for those who are manipulating the system, for they know now what they do. It is written: "If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat." (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
- For those who are without work but who have been seeking employment, lift up a prayer that they would put their hope in our Lord, and not lose hope for their future. As we trust Him, He does take care of His own, and He will find a way in the wilderness of the unemployment market. Amen. It is written: "My God shall supply all of your need, according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19)
10. GOVERNOR PERDUE: SUSPEND CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS FOR TWO YEARS
Speaking to a Cary Rotary Club on Sept. 27, N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue suggested suspending Congressional elections for two years so that Congress can focus on economic recovery and not the next election. "I think we ought to suspend, perhaps, elections for Congress for two years and just tell them we won't hold it against them, whatever decisions they make, to just let them help this country recover. I really hope that someone can agree with me on that," Perdue said. "You want people who don't worry about the next election." The comment -- which came during a discussion of the economy -- perked more than a few ears. It's unclear whether Perdue, a Democrat, is serious -- but her tone was level and she asked others to support her on the idea. (Read more.)
- This is an idea that needs to die quickly, whether spoken in jest or not. Lay axe to the root of this concept and call forth godly government over our land. Continue to intercede over next year's election, perhaps using our own prayer guide as a resource. Pray!
- "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." (Prov. 14:34)
11. 28 SENATORS SEND LETTER TO HHS SECRETARY SEBELIUS
Ask that Coverage Guidelines Respect "Human Life, Individual Liberties, and Personal Conscience"
U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Mike Johanns (R-Nebraska), and 26 of their Senate colleagues have written to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to press her on the constitutional concerns associated with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) implementation of the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) recommendations for preventive health services mandates. The action is a follow-up to a letter Sebelius received in July on this issue in which she failed to sufficiently address the questions asked.
In July, IOM issued a report entitled "Clinical Preventive Services for Women: Closing the Gaps," which recommended which preventive services should be mandated for all health insurance plans. These mandates are an affront to the rights to life, religious liberty, and personal conscience.
In the letter, the Senators wrote that they are concerned "with the lack of due consideration given by [Sebelius] and your Department to the adverse impact that IOM's recommendations would have on our core constitutional value of religious liberty." The Senators added that "though the IFRs' 'religious exemption' purports to protect religious organizations, health care professionals, and health care plans, it is clear that this protection falls well short of securing this constitutional right."
- Pray for a change in these guidelines, as requested. As a nation, we must value life.
- "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." (Deut. 30:19)
12. THE "VOICES" OF PRE-BORN CHILDREN WILL BE LOUDLY HEARD IN THE U.S. CAPITOL THIS WEEK
According to a statement on their website, on October 13, 2011, "Voices from the Womb" will begin their national campaign by performing ultrasounds on pregnant women in the Congressional Auditorium at the United States Capitol in Washington, DC.
The message on their site goes on to say that "all 535 members of Congress will be personally invited to witness live ultrasounds on women who are in their first, second and third trimester of pregnancy. Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate will have the opportunity, for the first time, in the United States Capitol to 'hear' from the pre-born children of America."
"They will have the chance to see and hear the beating heart of a 10-week pre-born child. They will witness the miracle and beauty of an 18 week old child as they can clearly see their face, fingers and toes. . . Through the power of this amazing 'window to the womb' all pro-choice politics and arguments will melt away. Our nation's leaders will then be able to see firsthand the humanity of the child and the fact that we must do all that we can to protect the weakest members of our society and stand for human rights."
Says the "Voices" website: "Our message and goals are clear: listen to these 'voices from the womb' and let us all work together to end the violence of abortion and embrace justice for all." (Breaking Christian News) Read more.
- Offer praise that the Architect of the Capitol has given permission for this display to be shown, and ask our Lord to draw each one of the 435 members of Congress and the 100 members of the United States Senate to take time out of their busy schedules and to experience this exhibit. May the voice of the unborn be heard, and may life be protected once again in our land, from cradle to grave. Amen.
- "Furthermore, tell the people, 'This is what the LORD says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death." (Jer. 21:8)
Congressional Snapshots
1. CONGRESSMAN FORBES ON IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER
Congressman Forbes, on behalf of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, gave a speech on the House floor today to note the importance of prayer in our nation's founding and subsequent history. He read portions of a proclamation issued by John Hancock as Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Hancock issued the proclamation in 1791, declaring a day of public thanksgiving throughout Massachusetts. Watch the video here. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
2. CONGRESSMAN EXPOSES GROVER NORQUIST
In a speech on October 4th, Congressman Frank Wolf expressed concern about Grover Norquist's influence on the political process in Washington and his association with several individuals, groups and causes many would consider unsavory. Wolf questioned Norquist's relationship with convicted felon Jack Abramoff and terrorist financiers Abdurahman Alamoudi and Sami Al-Arian. He also raised the issue of Norquist's advocacy of moving Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States, including 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed. His representation of the Internet gambling industry and Fannie Mae as a consultant was also questioned. Although Grover Norquist's associations with radical Moslems and other questionable characters has been discussed online, this is the first time the evidence has been detailed by a congressman. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
3. THREE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS CALL FOR HEARINGS ON OBAMA'S AMNESTY SCHEME
Representative Steve King (R-IA), along with Rep. Allen West (R-FL) and Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI), are calling on Congress to initiate Congressional hearings into Obama's backdoor amnesty scheme King said: "Congress writes the laws and the Executive Branch enforces them. For the president to have his subordinates declare and announce they're not going to enforce the law is de facto amnesty. . . . This is the latest example of the Obama administration acting as if it does not have to enforce laws if it finds those laws to be inconvenient. I will be insisting on Congressional hearings so that Obama's appointees will have to answer questions under oath about their use of executive amnesty to reward immigration lawbreakers with the objective of their crime." (Conservative Action Alerts)
Occupy Wall Street
SPECIAL FOCUS:
God, we ask that America be saved from this unleashing destruction of these mobs. And Father, in the Name of Jesus, we ask that You demolish the stronghold of anarchy and this demonstration of evil in our country. We claim that what the devil meant for evil, God will turn things around for His good. This explosion of ungodliness is bound and broken by the power of the Lord. Push back this uprising by the mighty voice our God. May our country continually stand on the side of righteousness. We declare deliverance from this uprising and the God who made heaven and earth will stand up for America and lead us to victory. In God, we will prevail. In Jesus' Name.
"God has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, and has stretched out the heaven by His understanding. When He utters His voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; and He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth: He makes lightnings with rain, and brings forth the wind out of His treasures." (Jeremiah 51:15-16)
1. OBAMA SUPPORTS THOSE TRASHING WALL STREET
"I think it expresses the frustrations that the American people feel," Obama told NBC news. "People are frustrated and the protesters are giving voice to a more broad-based frustration about how our financial system works." The demonstrators, many whom have been arrested for trespassing and destruction of property, have trashed the small park near the financial center once enjoyed by children. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
2. OccupyWallStreet: There's Something Happening Here, Mr. Jones
America is about to experience the same youth-driven, hyper-networked wave of grassroots protests against economic inequality and political oligarchy that have been rocking countries as disparate as Tunisia, Egypt, Israel, Greece and Spain. The occupation of the Wisconsin state legislature last winter was a harbinger, but now all kinds of previously disconnected individuals, loosely centered on a core of beautiful-style troublemakers and inspired by events and methods honed overseas, are linking up and showing up to occupy symbolically important centers in their cities, from near Wall Street in downtown Manhattan 15 days ago, next to Chicago a week ago, to an explosion of events all over major cities across America this weekend, including at the Federal Reserve building in Boston,MacPherson Square in Washington, DC, to city hall in Los Angeles, plus more than 100 others. This thing is growing in Internet time and no wonder, for it is built on networked culture. Read more.
3. Egyptian Activist Goes 'From Liberation Square To Washington Square'
Thousands of Occupy Wall Street supporters gathered in Washington Square Park on Saturday afternoon for a General Assembly intended to spread the movement's message. After several introductory speakers, the crowd lit up when an Egyptian activist named Mohammed Ezzeldin explained what he saw was the connection between Occupy Wall Street and the protests against Hosni Mubarak.
"I am coming from there -- from the Arab Spring. From the Arab Spring to the fall of Wall Street," Ezzeldin said, his voice echoed by the crowd of thousands. "From Liberation Square to Washington Square, to the fall of Wall Street and market domination, and capitalist domination."
His passionate speech, which even included a reference to Karl Marx, made a startling comparison between what happened in Egypt earlier this year and what is now happening in the United States. Read more.
4. Occupy Atlanta Protesters Use 'Assembly' Rules to Prevent Rep. Lewis
From Speaking
Rep. John Lewis is one of 435 members of the House interminably frustrated by the arcane ways of the Senate. At an Occupy Atlanta protest, he encountered a process arguably worse.
A lengthy video posted online over the weekend showed what happened when the Democratic congressman tried to address an "assembly" of protesters in his home state. Instead of giving the floor to a man who is not just a longtime U.S. representative but a revered civil rights icon, the protesters employed a tangle of parliamentary procedures to ultimately prevent him from speaking.
A stunned Lewis could be seen watching the whole thing unfold before ambling away. (Fox News) Read more.
Editor's note:
Be sure to watch this video, showing the "new procedures" for the Occupy-style "democracy." This is not democracy at all, but rather a complete denial of free speech and a "zombie-like" repetition of what the leader speaks! Go here.
Many curious citizens and media outlets came to the first Occupy Atlanta event, and were visibly shocked and confused by the consistent Marxism employed by the group. People abandoned their individuality and liberty to be absorbed into a hypnotizing collective. The facilitator made it clear that he was not a "leader" and that everyone was completely equal; words often spoken by leftists, but in this case they actually applied their philosophy.
Into this surreal and oppressive environment, Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights hero and icon of American leftism, came to speak as has so often done at left-wing rallies and events in Atlanta. He is practically worshiped in Democrat circles, and was visibly stunned to see these Marxists turn him away. It was reminiscent of previous Marxist revolutions in history when those who ignorantly supported the revolutionaries are, over time, purged and rejected for the "good of the collective", when their usefulness has expired.
5. Occupy Movement Spreading to Major Cities Throughout US
Occupy Movement is spreading to major cities throughout the US, including Washington DC, Philadelphia, Sacramento, Portland, Seattle, Dallas, and Tampa. They say they are the 99%, and they are rising up against the corporate and banking greed on Wall Street that is ravaging and destroying the economy. They are calling for an End to the Fed. They say they are a people's movement, with no specific spokesman or leader, but that any /all of the people can speak for the movement. At the Occupy Wall Street web site , here is the stated creed:
Occupy Wall Street is leaderless resistance movement with people of many colors, genders and political persuasions. The one thing we all have in common is that We Are The 99% that will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of the 1%. We are using the revolutionary Arab Spring tactic to achieve our ends and encourage the use of nonviolence to maximize the safety of all participants.
6. A Commentary from Hebrew News Nation
What does it mean? We could very well be entering the period when the third seal is unsealed in Revelation 6:5-6:
"And when He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see." And I looked and saw a black horse, and he who sat on it holding a pair of scales in this hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A measure of wheat for a denarius, and three measures of barley for a denairus. And do not harm the oil and the wine."
This speaks of widespread economic collapse and severe hyperinflation. We are living in times when biblical prophesy is being fulfilled before our very eyes. As long as we stay connected to Yahweh, and walk in His ways, we need not fear. As we trust in Him, He will direct our path.
God, we pray that You will set up an effective barricade against all the onslaughts of the enemy and bring it down, that all their hype will be defused, disconnected and ineffectual. Bring down a powerful counterattack to this blazon lie that they can come into any country they please and take it down. God, send a mighty army of warring angels to counter everything they attempt to do. By the heavenly angels they are stopped in their tracks. Not in America, Lord. May the God of America defend us to continue to stand as the mighty light of righteousness in the world. These evil powers were defeated at the Cross of Christ and God is our refuge. In Jesus' Name.
"The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and He shall thrust out the enemy from before you; and shall say Destroy them." (Deuteronomy 33:27)
FOCUS ON LEGISLATION AND JUDICIARY
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. H.R. 2910: The Family Educational Records Privacy Extension Act
Rep. Randy Hultgren has introduced H.R. 2910, the Family Educational Records Privacy Extension Act, in an effort to extend the same privacy protections afforded to public and private schoolchildren to home schoolers. Currently, the law does not provide these protections. This bill will amend the General Education Provisions Act to require parental consent before educational agencies or institutions release the educational records of home-schooled students. This bill, forwarded to the Education and Workforce Committee, should receive bipartisan support and is a great opportunity to support home schoolers everywhere.
2. H.R. 2076: Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act
This act permits the Attorney General or the FBI to provide assistance to local law enforcement, when requested, for investigations of violent acts or shootings occurring at schools, colleges, universities, non-federal office buildings, malls and other public places.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 358-9.
-- Pray for passage in the Senate.
3. The Legal Workforce Act
The House Judiciary Committee passed this bill and sent it to the House floor for a vote by the full Congress, by a vote of 22-13. If passed into law, this bill that could open up millions of jobs for unemployed American workers by requiring all U.S. employers to use E-Verify.
Created 15 years ago, E-Verify allows employers to electronically verify that newly-hired employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. Specifically, the Social Security numbers of new hires are checked against Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security records in order to eliminate fraudulent numbers and help ensure that new hires are genuinely eligible to work. The program quickly confirms 99.5% of work-eligible employees.
Both businesses and the American people overwhelmingly support E-Verify. The Legal Workforce Act enjoys support from a broad coalition, including Numbers USA, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Restaurant Association, National Association of Home Builders, among many others.
-- Pray for passage by the full Congress, and the Senate.
4. H.R. 1904, the "Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act"
This bill would open up the third largest undeveloped copper resource in the world and provide 3,700 jobs and up to $1 billion annually in revenue over the life of the project.
It would do so by facilitating the creation of the largest copper mine in North America, by authorizing and directing an exchange of 2,400 acres of Federal land for more than 5,300 acres of high-value conservation land currently owned by Resolution Copper Mining. The transfer will protect the south end of a scenic escarpment above the Town of Superior, Arizona known as Apache Leap, and provide other environmentally significant parcels to the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.
-- H.R. 1904 is a real jobs bill, deserving of our support in prayer and in action.
5. S. 1245/H.R. 440 -- For Religious Freedom
The full title of this bill is: "the Near East and South Central Asia Religious Freedom Act of 2011."
Christians in this region have for many centuries practiced their faith in spite of tremendous cultural and societal obstacles. This bill gives the Secretary of State the authority to name a Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and Central Asia.
In light of the recent arrest of Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani in Iran, passage of this bill is more urgent than ever.
-- Pray that this bill has the full support of the Senate and the House and will move quickly towards passage in both chambers. Lift up the sponsor of this bill, Senator Roy Blunt, as he works to move this legislation forward towards passage. Pray!
BIlls Needing Special Attention
1. H.R. 358: THE PROTECT LIFE ACT
2. OBAMA RESTORES FUNDING OF UNFPA
3. H.R. 2059: ENDING FUNDING OF UNPFA
4. HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER SPONSORS ONLINE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE TO CUT SPENDING
1. H.R. 358: THE PROTECT LIFE ACT
Next week, H.R. 358, the Protect Life Act, will receive a vote on the House floor. The Protect Life Act, introduced by Rep. Joseph Pitts, will ensure that no government funds can be used for abortion services through health care reform. It also provides conscience protections against discrimination of health care professionals for seeking to act in accordance with their beliefs. This bill is the legislative descendent of the Stupak-Pitts amendment to health care reform in March 2010, and would provide an opportunity for the Administration to make good on their promise that federal funds will not be used to cover abortion. Urge your own Member of Congress to speak out on the House floor in support of passage when it comes up for debate next week. (The Senate companion is S. 877 and was introduced by Senator Hatch earlier this year.)
- Pray for passage of this important bill. The blood of the innocent cries out against this nation; may this bill be used by the Hand of God to reverse that curse against us, and to restore LIFE in its fullest measure to our land.
- I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19)
2. OBAMA RESTORES FUNDING OF UNFPA
HOUSE COMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING
Last week, Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) held a Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the abuses of China's "one-child policy" which gained recent attention when Vice President Joe Biden told Chinese students that he "fully understands" it. Testifying were three witnesses who spoke about having been forced by the government run "family planning commissions" to obtain abortions or pay excessive fines and lose their jobs. One witness testified behind closed doors out of fear of repercussions to her family in China, telling the Committee that she had been forced to have five abortions during the 1980s. Chai Ling, who helped lead the student uprising in Tiananmen Square, testified about being pressured to obtain three abortions. Because of government coercions, girls are routinely aborted in China, a new gendercide. In addition, women are also forcibly sterilized.
Other experts testified about a recent report highlighting multiple abuses, forced abortion, torture, and even violence against those who oppose the horrendous policy. Dr. Valerie Hudson, Ph.D. testified about how China's policy has created a massive demographic shift preventing 400 million births since 1979 and is leading to an abnormal sex ratio of men to women because there are not enough girls. She warned of the potential internal instability to China given its aging population is being replaced with young single men, which has resulted in increased crime, drugs, and gangs.
Despite these abuses, the Obama administration restored funding of $50 million a year to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the U.N. agency working with countries like China to implement "population control." A priority of Congress should be to pass Rep. Renee L. Ellmers's bill (H.R. 2059) to block taxpayer-funding of UNFPA. As international policy, the United States should support human rights--not fund the wanton slaughter and abuse of women. (Family Research Council)
- As the next article indicates, this committee did, indeed, vote to block the funding of UNFPA with our taxpayer money. That vote next must go to the full House chamber. Pray for passage in the full Congress.
- I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19)
3. HOUSE COMMITTEE SEEKS TO STRIP FUNDING OF UN ABORTION GROUP (UNPFA)
The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee voted last week to strip $50 million from a United Nations organization that provides women's health care overseas. The U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) is a 40-year-old group the U.S. helped create to deal with population issues in developing countries -- such as poverty, sexually transmitted diseases, safe pregnancies and infant survival rates. But in addition to sex education and contraceptive-distribution programs, the group also helps nations that have restrictive family-size policies enforce them through coerced abortions and sterilizations.
And that, legislators said, makes the prospect of continuing to give it $50 million of American taxpayers' money a year a nonstarter. "Why, when Americans face a struggling economy, skyrocketing deficits and crushing debt, should our taxpayer dollars go to an organization that supports coercive abortion and is flush with cash?" said Committee Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Florida Republican, citing the fact that the UNFPA has $500 million in unspent funds.
The 23-17 vote broke along party lines. The Kemp-Kasten provision of 1985 has allowed presidents to withhold funding from any organization supporting forced abortions -- and Republican administrations always have. Restoring UNFPA funding was one of President Obama's first executive orders upon taking office in January 2009, costing taxpayers $145 million so far.
The legislation -- H.R. 2059 -- was introduced by Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C. H.R. 2059 which will save $400 million over the next 10 years if it is approved by Congress. (CitizenLink)
- Please pray that every program that US dollars are supporting is in harmony and alignment with the Word of God and the heart of our country. Ask that America not be used for evil schemes and wicked plots. Intercede, since even a little waste is too much right now, that leaders following the heart of God be fully equipped to bring it forward and free to implement sound wisdom and true righteousness in our nation's dealings.
- Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes. (Ecclesiates 7:29)
4. HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER SPONSORS ONLINE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE TO CUT SPENDING
Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., created a program in 2010: Participating lawmakers propose budget-cutting measures, and grassroots voters decide through an online contest which should be put forth as legislation. Ellmer's plan
An online contest, called YouCut, now gives grassroots voters an opportunity to decide how to cut our natioal budget. Created in 2010 by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va, YouCut allows participating lawmakers to propose budget-cutting measures, and citizens then vote for the funding they favor most to eliminate.
Last week's decision by the House Foreign Affairs Committee to withhold funding from the UNFPA -- which if it is approved by Congress -- won the first week of the contest this year.
Now you, too, can help reduce federal expenditures by voting for potential legislation, by going here: (Citizen Link)
- Offer praise for this creative way for the public to become directly involved with the work of the Congress. We all want to see the federal government rein in its spending; now you can have a voice in this critical matter. Praise God!
- "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!" (Psalm 150:6)
Focus on States' Rights
1. H.R. 2514: The Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act or A-PLUS Act
This legislation would allow states to enter into a five-year performance agreement with the U.S. Secretary of Education, allowing states complete autonomy to improve and enhance their education system without federal interference. Sponsor: Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT)
2. H.R. 1585: The State Transportation Flexibility Act
This bill would give states the option to keep the funds they would otherwise be forced to contribute to the Federal-aid Highway Program and the Mass Transit Account (MTA). If a state chooses to opt-out of these programs, they would be able to collect, remit and manage their own gas tax dollars. Sponsor: Rep. James Lankford (R-OK)
3. H.R.1737 : The Surface Transportation and Taxation Equity Act or State Act
The STATE Act returns primary responsibility for transportation and infrastructure projects back to the states without any additional cost to the taxpayer. This legislation would increase the revenue available to States while enabling them to prioritize projects based on safety, traffic needs, and improved commerce without being subject to federal mandates. The STATE Act accomplishes this by granting states the ability to opt out of the federal transportation program through increasing their gas taxes while simultaneously reducing the federal gas tax by the same amount. Sponsor: Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ)
In the Judiciary
"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." (Ps. 96:13)
1. SUPREME COURT REFUSES TO TAKE CONTROVERSIAL
2. U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE DECLARES TWO PROVISIONS IN PATRIOT ACT AS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
3. SUPREME COURT TACKLES CHURCH-STATE CONFLICT INVOLVING SCHOOLS
4. SUPREME COURT OPENED NEW TERM ON MONDAY
5. RECOMMENDED READING . . .
6. COURT OK'S USE OF SECRET INFORMATION TO TARGET ISLAMIC GROUP
1. SUPREME COURT REFUSES TO TAKE CONTROVERSIAL RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION CASE
The U.S. Supreme Court elected Monday not to take up a controversial case revolving around allegations of religious discrimination. The case involves World Vision, a non-profit organization which asserts that it has the right to hire or dismiss employees based on their religious affiliation. Last August, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco agreed with World Vision.
Federal Way-based World Vision Inc. is one of the largest Christian humanitarian organizations in the world, employing a work force of 40,000 employees and screens job applicants to ensure they are practicing Christians. By electing not to take up the case, the Supreme Court leaves the lower court decision untouched.
Richard Stearns, U.S. President of World Vision released a statement today saying, in part, "our Christian faith has been the foundation of your work since the organization was established in 1950, and our hiring policy is vital to the integrity of our mission to serve the poor as followers of Jesus Christ." (Fox News) Read more.
- Almighty God, we rejoice with World Vision who just won a four- year court battle at the U.S. Supreme Court, defending the rights of religious organizations to hire Christian workers in their religious ministry, and fire three employees who lied about their disagreement with World Vision's statement of faith, then sued for discrimination when they were properly fired for harming the religious mission. Thank God the Supreme Court ruled that Christian organizations can fire heretics for religious reasons.
- "Honest scales and a just balance are from the Lord . . ." (Proverbs 16:11)
[Submitted by: Pray in Jesus' Name]
2. U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE DECLARES TWO PROVISIONS IN PATRIOT ACT AS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
According to a district judge, two provisions in the U.S. Patriot Act are unconstitutional since they allow search warrants without having to give any justified reason for it. The Patriot Act is an all encompassing law, passed only months after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. According to a district judge, two provisions in the U.S. Patriot Act are unconstitutional since they allow search warrants without having to give any justified reason for it.
The Patriot Act is an all encompassing law, passed only months after the terrorist attacks on the world trade center on Sept 11, 2001, and gives the government and the forces increased authority to conduct anti-terrorism surveillance and investigations in whichever manner they deem fit. District Judge Ann Aiken ruled that the Patriot Act, "now permits the executive branch of government to conduct surveillance and searches of American citizens without satisfying the probable cause requirements of the Fourth Amendment."
The act was passed and signed into law with little questioning due to the life- threatening atmosphere in the country at that time. The provision had been the subject of debate since then. Many civil liberty advocates have appreciated the move, while Mayfield's attorney praised Aiken's ruling saying that she "has upheld both the tradition of judicial independence, and our nation's most cherished principle of the right to be secure in one's own home." (Conservative Action Alerts) Read more.
3. SUPREME COURT TACKLES CHURCH-STATE CONFLICT INVOLVING SCHOOLS
The Supreme Court justices struggled Wednesday to resolve a profound church-state conflict concerning whether the nation's civil rights laws protect teachers at religious schools. It is an issue the high court has not ruled on before, and it left the justices divided and sounding uncertain about whether the Constitution's protection of religious liberty shields church schools from most or all anti-discrimination claims involving their employees. . . The case of Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church vs. EEOC has drawn wide notice among religious and civil rights groups, and the justices gave no strong clue as to how they will decide the question. (LA Times) Read more.
4. SUPREME COURT OPENED NEW TERM ON MONDAY
Two cases addressed of special interest
The Supreme Court began its new term on Monday, issuing a lengthy list of orders on cases it had been asked to consider. Of particular interest were the Court's orders on the following topics:
a) Ten Commandments courtroom display.
The Court declined to take up DeWeese v. ACLU, a case in which the Court was asked to consider the constitutionality of a Ten Commandments poster displayed by an Ohio Court of Common Pleas judge in his courtroom. The poster was called "Philosophies of Law in Conflict" and contrasted the Ten Commandments, labeled "Moral Absolutes", with excerpts from sources like the Humanist Manifesto, labeled "Moral Relatives". The display also contained the judge's statements of support for the Moral Absolutes: "I join the Founders in personally acknowledging the importance of Almighty God's fixed moral standards for restoring the moral fabric of this nation." The Sixth Circuit held that the poster violated the Establishment Clause, and Judge DeWeese petitioned the Supreme Court to reverse the circuit court's ruling.
b) Utah roadside cross memorials.
The Court neither denied nor granted certiorari in Davenport v. American Atheists, but instead held it over for further consideration. This means the Court could decide to take it up at a later date. The American Atheists sued the state of Utah challenging the constitutionality of crosses placed on Utah roadsides to honor fallen state troopers. With Utah's permission, a private nonprofit organization had placed the cross memorials at sites where state troopers had been killed in the line of duty. Twenty states joined Utah in asking the Supreme Court to hear the case after the Tenth Circuit held the crosses were unconstitutional because they caused a reasonable observer to believe the state was endorsing a specific religion.
5. RECOMMENDED READING . . .
Do Not Allow Obama To Impose Martial Law
Some people are predicting that there will be a major economic collapse, caused by unsustainable debts and other government intrusions into private economic matters, and by central banks' excessive money-printing.
In America, the Federal Reserve's continued irresponsible and reckless actions will result in further devaluing the currency and huge increases in price inflation, especially in food and energy prices. Some are predicting that there will be food shortages, looting, rioting, and civil unrest and violence in America.
There are some people who believe that such events will be followed by Obama imposing a nationwide martial law. . . .
But the subject of martial law needs to be discussed, because it's important that the people of the U.S. states have an understanding of this before Obama imposes martial law, which is essentially a presidential-military-rule dictatorship.
Obviously, any imposition of martial law by the U.S. government would be not only a gross violation of state sovereignty, thus making the states even further subservient to the authoritarian rule of the federal government, but martial law goes against the Founders' ideas of inalienable rights and liberty. (Conservative Action Alerts) Read more.
6. COURT OK'S USE OF SECRET INFORMATION TO TARGET ISLAMIC GROUP
The U.S. Treasury Department's use of classified information to designate a now defunct Oregon Islamic charity as a terrorist organization was upheld by a federal appeals court in San Francisco. While the Office of Foreign Assets Control violated Al- Haramain Islamic Foundation Inc.'s constitutional rights to due process by failing to give the charity a chance to respond or an unclassified summary of the information it was using, the designation as a terrorist group wouldn't have been altered, the court said today. "Those constitutional errors were harmless," a three-judge panel said . . . The foundation was a target of a Treasury Department program to track financing of terrorism activities and was designated as a "global terrorist" in 2004. The Treasury Department said the group had ties to Osama bin Laden and that funds donated to the group to support Chechen refugees "were diverted to support Mujahedeen as well as Chechen leaders affiliated with the al Qaeda network," according to the ruling. (International Project on Terrorism) Read more.
- Praise You, Lord, that our Constitutional laws were not twisted to be used against the US as has happened before. Thank You that it was the San Francisco Federal Appeals Court that upheld this action!. Lord, we ask that all other misuses of so called "charity" funds be uncovered.
- "For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
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: Vol. XVIII, No. 30c
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
1. PRESIDENT VS. CONGRESS ON AID TO PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
2. COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER PALESTINIAN UN BID AT RATIONAL PACE
3. ISRAEL WELCOMES QUARTET PEACE PROPOSAL
4. PALESTINIANS SET TO UNDERMINE THE OSLO AGREEMENTS
5. KNESSET TO VOTE ON ANNEXING JUDEA AND SAMARIA
6. HILLARY CLINTON TELLS SUPREME COURT NOT TO CALL JERUSALEM PART OF ISRAEL
7. UNESCO ACCEPTS P.A. AS A FULL MEMBER
8. TURKISH WARSHIPS HARASS ISRAELI FREIGHTERS
9. IRAN THREATENS TO SEND NAVY NEAR U.S. BORDERS
10. INTEL CHIEFS: AL QAEDA OFFSHOOTS MORE MENACING
11. CONGRESSMAN CALLS FOR GLOBAL PRESSUE TO STOP CHINA'S CYBER-ESPIONAGE
12. VOLCANIC ERUPTION ALERT ON SPANISH CANARY ISLAND
(Note: an asterisk in front of a headline indicates that our source for that item
is Bridges for Peace)
1. **OBAMA VS. CONGRESS ON AID TO PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
A confrontation between Obama and Congress is shaping up on the issue of halting funding to the Palestinian Authority [PA]. Members of both parties had threatened to halt US aid if the PA followed through on plans to seek UN membership, and last week, a British newspaper revealed that US $200 million earmarked for the PA had actually been halted.
The administration opposes the cutoff and is pressuring Congress to drop its opposition. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fl) is preventing the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which she chairs, from considering US $192 million in aid for the PA.
On Monday [October 3], a spokesman for the committee explained that the freeze was an "informational hold" that is "a tool of Congressional oversight." Bradley Goehner said the committee is looking at the full spectrum of the PA's activities, including "its activities at the UN, its arrangement with Hamas, and its failure to recognize Israel's right to exist as Jewish State."
The administration's position is that the aid benefits US policy and Israel as well. A spokesperson for the State Department said on Monday that funding is already "in the pipeline" so there is not yet a sense of urgency over the issue.
But Palestinian Economics Minister Hasan Abu-Libdeh said on Monday that USAID has already notified the PA that two projects totaling US $81 million have been placed on hold and a US $85 million grant to improve health care is in jeopardy. US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who is visiting the region, has raised the issue with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. (By The Media Line, October 5, 2011)
- Pray that the US Congress remains strong in its commitment to Israel and determination to use whatever means available to bring influence to bear on the PA.
"One ordinance shall be for you of the assembly and for the stranger who dwells with you, an ordinance forever throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. One law and one custom shall be for you and for the stranger who dwells with you." (Numbers 15:15-16)
2. **COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER PALESTINIAN UN BID AT RATIONAL PACE
The Palestinian application for United Nations membership looks to stay in the expert committee reviewing it for at least the next week if not longer, with a Security Council vote coming later. Nigerian Ambassador to the UN Joy Ogwu, the new monthly president of the Security Council, said in a press briefing on Tuesday [October 4], that the committee of experts considering the Palestinian bid would attempt to meet "at a rational pace."
Ogwu said the earliest the committee can meet this week is Friday, but that they had the opportunity to meet multiple days next week. The committee is comprised of representatives from all 15 nations on the Council.
"I want to assure you that we will neither be stalled nor be stampeded," Ogwu said. "This group will meet in a transparent manner, as much as possible in a cohesive manner, as much as possible at a rational pace . . . It's not a one-time meeting, so they will determine when to meet, but the chair [Nigeria] will be closely monitoring, and at a point, I'll have to brief the Council members." She said the number of meetings will be decided by the experts, and that the frequency of meetings will be "decided as the needs come up."
The United States has said they will veto the Palestinian bid if necessary, feeling it will prove detrimental to the peace process. The Palestinians need at least nine "yes" votes in order to force the US veto. Otherwise, the bid will fail on its own, which would appear to be a diplomatic blow to Palestinian plans. (By Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, October 4, 2011; excerpt)
- Pray that the Palestinian unilateral bid for statehood be rejected by the international community. Pray that the USA makes good on its promise to use its veto if necessary.
- "There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the LORD's counsel - that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21)
3. ** ISRAEL WELCOMES QUARTET PEACE PROPOSAL
Israel on Sunday [October 2] announced they welcomed the call to resume peace talks put forth by the Mideast Quartet and again called for negotiations with the Palestinians to resume without preconditions. The Quartet - comprised of the United States, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia - had proposed that discussions between Israel and the Palestinians resume within a month and that a timeframe for reaching a peace deal be no longer than the end of 2012.
The statement also noted that "while Israel has some concerns, it will raise them at the appropriate time. Israel calls on the Palestinian Authority to do the same and to enter into direct negotiations without delay."
An Israeli government official, speaking with The Mideast Update by phone, said that once negotiations actually begin they can set one-year as "a target date" for reaching a deal. So far, the Palestinians have refused to move forward until Israel meets their preconditions.
. . . He said the Palestinian perspective is "Let's do borders first, because that's the issue where Israel has to show flexibility. The idea that Israel show flexibility in a vacuum is just bad negotiating strategy. Israel will show flexibility when the Palestinians show flexibility . . . the core issues have to be put together on the table." (Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, October 3, 2011)
- Pray that the Lord Himself will direct any and all negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian leadership. Pray that Israel's rights and concerns be protected in any direct peace talks.
- "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil." (Proverbs 3:5-7)
4. **PALESTINIANS SET TO UNDERMINE THE OSLO AGREEMENTS
The Palestinians' first step after submitting an historic demand for an independent state to the United Nations was a call to amend the Paris Protocols. The Protocols constitute the economic agreements embedded in the Oslo Accords which govern the financial relations and mutual obligations outlined in the 1995 Interim Agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
The Protocols boil down to the simple fact that Israel and the Palestinian Authority are to share a customs framework, to have no economic boundaries, and for Israel to control and police all border crossings. Any change to the Protocols would undermine the very fabric of the Oslo Accords.
. . . the Palestinians are talking in terms of "changes" and not the "abrogation" of the Protocols. Actual "abrogation" may have international political repercussions on the Palestinians' statehood bid as it will present the nascent state as a country that do not respect its international obligations, as specified in Mahmoud Abbas's application letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
In addition, the Palestinians cannot afford to abrogate the Protocols because they do not enjoy a sustainable economy that is separate from the State of Israel. In fact, the Palestinians rely heavily on the Protocols for their revenues.
It is in Israel's interest that the Palestinians enjoy a thriving economy, whether or not it is tightly connected to its own. It is another issue altogether if the Palestinians care more about waging lawfare and boycotts against it, cynically using the economy and international agreements to attain their goals. (By Pinhas Inbari, World Jewish Congress, October 3, 2011)
- Pray that this political maneuvering on the part of Palestinian leadership will be unsuccessful and the Protocols remain intact.
- "Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." (Psalm 34:12-14)
5. KNESSET TO VOTE ON ANNEXING JUDEA AND SAMARIA
Deputy Speaker Danny Danon announced Tuesday that the Knesset will take up the bill, which he authored, at the end of October. The bill also nullifies any financial obligations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority that had been established by previous agreements, according to a statement from Danon's office.
"If the Palestinian Authority wishes to proceed on this reckless path and bring further instability to the region, Israel cannot continue to pour funds into this sinking ship of failed leadership," Danon said, referring to the PA's statehood bid at the United Nations last Friday. "The funding agreements with the PA were reached with the hope that their leaders would work to create an environment of lasting peace and security with Israel. Given that it is clear that the Palestinians have no such desire, Israel must no longer be required to stand by these arrangements."
The bill also nullifies the Oslo Accords, since it reads that "All obligations between the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority as established by international agreements . . . will be considered null and void." It was submitted in line with a similar initiative in the U.S. Congress offered by Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.), which calls for supporting Israel's rights to annex the West Bank should the Palestinian Authority move forward with its statehood bid without negotiating. (Israel Lives)
- Offer praise that, so far, the United Nations has not yet acted upon the petition by the P.A. to declare it a sovereign state. Offer praise, too, for the wisdom of the Israeli Knesset in making clear the results of such action, were it to occur. The land belongs to the Jews; including Judea and Samaria. May the nations recognize the true boundaries of Israel, by international law, established in 1922 with the San Remo accords. For more information on these accords, please see the 15minute video by going here.
- "The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2:3)
6. HILLARY CLINTON TELLS SUPREME COURT NOT TO CALL JERUSALEM PART OF ISRAEL
In a legal brief filed with the US Supreme Court, Hillary Clinton has urged the justices not to call Jerusalem part of Israel. At issue is the birthplace designation on passports given to US citizens born in Israel. The Administration's policy is to require those born in the Jewish capital to have their place of birth listed as Jerusalem rather than Israel. This rule applies to no other capital city on earth; its only purpose is to refuse to acknowledge that Jerusalem is the capital of the Jewish state.
The Supreme Court has agreed to take up the case of nine-year-old Menachem Zivotofsky, who was born in Jerusalem in 2002. His parents want his birthplace listed as Israel. Congress passed a law in 2004 requiring Israel be listed as the place of birth to those born in Jerusalem at their request, but the State Department headed by Hillary Clinton has refused. Truly there are powerful forces within our own government determined to divide the Holy City of Jerusalem. Will you stand in the gap for Israel today? The prophet Isaiah wrote of hearing God's question: "Whom shall I send and who will go for us?" Isaiah answered, "Here am I, send me." What will your answer be today? (Jerusalem Prayer Team)
- Father, in the authority and Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we decree failure to this unholy evil anti-Christ spirit that would seek to destroy and divide up Jerusalem from being a city within the state of Israel. This is the city where God, Himself, put His Name, and the state of Israel which God separated out of all other nations in the world as the Land designated to the Jewish people forever. This is an irrefutable truth of the Word of God.
Father, we ask that You bring disunity and confusion into any unholy alignment. And we declare that the Blood of Jesus has triumphed over and prevails against these wicked powers to bind their influence and to render their authority as null and void. We declare victory and prosperity over the state of Israel and over Jerusalem, the undivided capital of Israel. In the Name of Jesus and we seal this by His Blood.
- "And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:15)
7. UNESCO ACCEPTS P.A. AS A FULL MEMBER
FURIOUS CONGRESS THREATENS TO CUT FUNDS
Congressional leaders furious over the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) vote to accept the Palestinians as a full member are threatening to cut off funding to the world body. The move was widely and correctly seen as another step in an attempt to get the Palestinians what they want without negotiating with Israel.
Congresswoman Illeana Ros-Lehtinen, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives said, "Feeling that their efforts at the UN Security Council will fail, the Palestinian leadership is shopping around the UN system for recognition. This attempt to rig the process needs to be stopped dead in its tracks. Our contributions are our strongest leverage at the UN, and should be used to stand up for our interests and allies and stop this dangerous Palestinian scheme." (Jerusalem Prayer Team)
- Stand in the gap for Israel today, and offer praise to the LORD that this congressional committee is taking a stand on her behalf. Pray that UNESCO "gets the message" and relents on its decision. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
- "Let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just." (Psalm 7:9)
8. TURKISH WARSHIPS HARASS ISRAELI FREIGHTERS
ISRAELI MISSILE BOATS OFF CYPRUS
Increasingly assertive Turkey is setting the scene for clashes in the eastern Mediterranean. Since Thursday, Sept. 29, Turkish warships have been harassing Israeli merchant vessels in waters off Cyprus, debkafile's military sources report. They come close enough to establish wireless communication and caution the Israeli vessels they are in contravention of international law and ordering them to change course. The Israeli crews mostly ignore these "orders", treating them as Ankara's latest bid to assert Turkish naval mastery of the Eastern Mediterranean. But the situation is getting explosive enough to spark a major incident. (DEBKAfile; 10/2/11)
- Father, we ask that You will move with precision against the enemies of Israel. These nations are in the hands of God and we ask that You will stop the enemy wherever he may be found. God, uncover what is hidden. In the midst of all this tangled work of darkness, strengthen the Israeli forces that are led by God with miraculous precision and enable them to defeat their enemies. In Jesus' Name.
- "Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, says the Lord God. And you my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, says the Lord God." (Ezekiel 34:30-31)
9. **IRAN THREATENS TO SEND NAVY NEAR U.S. BORDERS
With ongoing tensions with the United States and Iran over the latter's nuclear program in the background, Tehran last week announced the intention to send a naval presence near US territory.
According to the Iranian Fars News Agency, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari was quoted as saying, "Like the arrogant powers that are present near our marine borders, we will also have a powerful presence close to the American marine borders." Iran in recent months sent naval vessels into the Mediterranean Sea through the Egyptian Suez Canal.
However, sending ships or submarines thousands of miles away to the US maritime borders would be a significant escalation in Iran's projection of naval power. Fars noted that Sayyari did not clarify what that presence would look like or when it could begin. The Iranian news service did recall Sayyari's comments in July regarding plans to send "a flotilla into the Atlantic." (By The Mideast Update, October 3, 2011)
- Pray that various events in the Middle East and around the world do not distract the international community from the dire need to protect Israel and the West by dealing with the Iranian threat. Pray that God will move on behalf of His people and bring this anti-Semitic Iranian regime to an end.
- "He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday." (Psalm 91:4-6)
10. INTEL CHIEFS: AL QAEDA OFFSHOOTS MORE MENACING
Al Qaeda-linked groups around the world are growing dangers, recruiting a new generation of terrorists, many with Western passports who can infiltrate the United States or Europe for deadly, small-scale attacks, U.S. intelligence chiefs warned Congress on Tuesday. Islamic extremists inspired by al Qaeda are well-established in Yemen and Somalia and are emerging in countries such as Nigeria, CIA Director David H. Petraeus told a joint hearing of the Senate and House intelligence committees.
"These affiliate groups "have their own command structures, resource bases and operational agendas, and they largely operate autonomously," he said. Many of their recruits have Western passports and backgrounds that "make them well-suited for targeting the United States and Europe," Mr. Petraeus said. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, based in Yemen, is the most dangerous of the affiliates, he said.
Political unrest in Yemen has helped the terrorists expand their territory and influence. Al-Shabab in southern Somalia is "large and well-funded," and the lawless East African nation is now "one of the world's most significant havens for terrorists," Mr. Petraeus said. His warnings were given weight by the weekend arrest of four men in Sweden, charged with plotting a terrorist attack in the city of Gothenburg. The suspects, three of whom are naturalized Swedish citizens, are linked to al-Shabab, according to Swedish media reports. (The Washington Times) Read more
-Our Loving God, we seek Your protection from the many terrorist groups that are springing up, especially in countries where there is turmoil, strife, and disorder. We ask that You dry up the source of this wickedness by drying up the funds flowing to these groups and that disunity fall upon them. We pray for America to turn wholeheartedly toward You and Your Son Jesus for wisdom about how to fight this menace. In Your Name, amen.
- "Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday." (Psalms 91:5-6)
11. U.S. LAWMAKER CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL PRESSUE TO STOP CHINA'S CYBER-ESPIONAGE
The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee spoke in unusually sharp terms Tuesday about China's alleged efforts to steal American commercial data online, saying Beijing's cyber-espionage campaign has "reached an intolerable level" that demands action. "Beijing is waging a massive trade war on us all, and we should band together to pressure them to stop," said Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) at a hearing on cyber-threats and national security. "Combined, the United States and our allies in Europe and Asia have significant diplomatic and economic leverage over China, and we should use this to our advantage to put an end to this scourge." (Washington Post) Read more.
- Dear Heavenly Father, we have slid down to being a debtor nation, rather than a lender nation, where much of what we owe is to another nation who does not wish us well. Instead, we see that China now wants to exploit the vulnerability of the internet and computer data for their advantage and drive for power. We so deeply repent for ourselves and our nation for allowing ourselves to be entrapped in this debtor position. As a nation we may not have the leverage assumed in this article because of our debt from the greed and sense of entitlement so evident in our nation. Help us Lord;
direct our ways, in the Name of Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen and Amen!!- "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." (Prov. 22:7)
12. VOLCANIC ERUPTION ALERT ON SPANISH CANARY ISLAND
The regional government of the Spanish Canary Island of El Hierro has issued a volcanic eruption alert following almost 10,000 small tremors recorded in the past three months. The government posted a yellow alert - second level in a scale of four - Sunday and closed some hillside roads and a tunnel to avoid possible injury by falling rocks.
The island's 11,000 residents have been told to monitor communications by the civil protection authority. The island was shaken late Saturday by a 4.3-magnitude quake. Seismic activity began in the area on July 17.
Like all the Canary Islands, El Hierro was formed by volcanic activity. It has some 500 volcanic cones. (Associated Press)
- Father, tonight in this season of shakings, we ask that You either place Your hand upon this volcano and cause it to settle down, or to bring the residents of the Canary Island safely through this eruption. We ask, too, that if a tsunami were to follow, heading across the Atlantic Ocean towards our coastland, that Your hand of mercy would ride with the wave, minimizing its impact. If we ask, we receive. Thank You Lord, in Your Name. Amen.
- [Call forth repentance upon our people.] "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Urgent News out of Iran
From Jay Sekulow, Lead Attorney American Center for Law and Justice
We have just received news reports today regarding the life of Christian pastor, Youcef Nadarkhani. The Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei will personally decide the fate of Pastor Nadarkhani.
The step to involve the most powerful leader in Iran is unusual and demonstrates that Iran is feeling pressure from the international community - pressure from you.
Keep the pressure on Iran by signing our petition immediately. There is still time to make a difference.
According to Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani's Iranian lawyer, the court delayed issuing a verdict and "has decided to ask the opinion of Mr. (Ali) Khamenei." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is an Islamic jurist and the final arbiter of questions of Shariah law.
Now that Iran's Supreme Leader will be considering the case, it is imperative that our top diplomat, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, personally intervenes in working for Pastor Youcef's unconditional release.
We are hand-delivering this petition to Secretary Clinton the moment the State Department opens its doors tomorrow morning. It is not too late to add your name to the list of over 127,000 people who have already signed this petition online. Pastor Youcef's life hangs in the balance; please sign today.
When you sign this petition or ask your friends to sign this petition, know that you will be joining Christian groups around the world, the White House, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, a large bi-partisan group of Congressman, and several presidential candidates for office in calling for Pastor Youcef's release.
Thank you for your continued support for Pastor Youcef. The ACLJ will continue to do everything we can to fight for Pastor Youcef's life.
Jordan Sekulow
ACLJ Executive Director
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
KING ETERNAL (Meh-lekh O-lahm)
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (I Timothy 1:17)
How thankful I am to know You, King Eternal. Even though You are invisible, You are nearer to me than my own breath. May I live this day in total thankfulness. May I live this day with a sense of Your closeness. I love You, dear Lord.
"And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved . . . " (Joel 2:32)
(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)
