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On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XIX, Number 2a
January 16 - 20, 2012
January 16 - 20, 2012
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
On Capitol Hill This Week, Vol. XIX, No. 2a
1. URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR NIGERIA
2. EGYPT: THE BROTHERHOOD WINS PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS
3. IRANIAN OFFICIALS IN A RAGE OVER SCIENTIST'S ASSASSINATION
4. U.S. DECLARES IT WILL STAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
5. ERIC CANTOR: "SAUDIS HAVE ENOUGH OIL TO MAKE UP FOR IRAN"
6. U.S. NERVOUS; SENDS ARMY GENERAL TO CALM DOWN ISRAEL
7. ISRAEL, P.A. AMMAN MEETING YIELDS NO RESULTS
8. IDF: FOUR ATTEMPTS TO ABDUCT SOLDIERS IN 12 DAYS
9. IDF UPDATES ABDUCTION ALERT TO INCLUDE NAVY
10. TOP SENATOR: AN ATTACK ON ISRAEL IS AN ATTACK ON THE U.S.
11. PANETTA: IRAN WILL BE STOPPED IF IT PURSUES NUCLEAR PATH
12. SHARANSKY: OBAMA'S NEW CHIEF OF STAFF "STAUNCH ISRAEL SUPPORTER"
13. IDF: "INTERNET HAS BECOME A REAL BATTLEFIELD"
14. U.S., ISRAEL CANCEL JOINT MILITARY DRILL
PLEASE NOTE:
Items below marked with an asterisk are taken from the weekly prayer alert produced by Bridges for Peace.
1. URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR NIGERIA
Submitted by the End-Time Handmaidens and Servants; January 13, 2012
We have an urgent phone call for a prayer request from Nigeria today, Friday January 13, from Blessing Jibuike. Her father-in-law who also lives in Nigeria, is Brother Emmanuel Jibuike who is a long-time End-Time Servant and one of the ministry's directors.
The Moslems in Nigeria have declared a JIHAD against the Christians and have determined to wipe them out so that Nigeria is free of Christianity. They are bombing churches and have said that they are going to kill all the Christians.
The borders of the nation have been shut and the airport shut down so that nobody can get out. It has been reported that a Jihad group specially trained in Somalia has returned to Nigeria for this Holy War.
Blessing asked that we pray that the Lord of Hosts, Himself, will deliver His people in Nigeria. Pray that the church in Nigeria will be faithful and not be intimidated and for the Blood of Jesus Christ to cover His people. Pray for faith and courage to arise in God's people that a spirit of fear will not overtake them and that the "peace of God which passeth understanding will keep (their) hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)
[Please note that our office has received other, unconfirmed reports, that the banks in Nigeria have closed their doors, so that citizens cannot withdraw their funds.)
- "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (I Peter 3:12)
2. EGYPT: THE BROTHERHOOD WINS PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS
In late November 2011, Egyptians began voting in the first parliamentary elections since Mr. Mubarak's fall. The Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party was the clear winner in the first round of voting, and by the final round in January 2012 it appeared possible that the party would win a majority of seats.
The election results set up a potential confrontation between the new Parliament and Egypt's military rulers. How far or how fast the Brotherhood might push to make Egypt more Islamic is one of the biggest questions hovering over the country, and thereby the region.
Another is whether the current maneuvering between the Brotherhood and Egypt's military rulers will end in an accommodation or in conflict. As the military has taken a harder line on hanging on to a preeminent role, the Brotherhood has zigged and zagged in response.
Jan. 11 - Former President Jimmy Carter said that after meeting with Egypt's military rulers, including Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, he doubted they would fully submit to the authority of the civilian democracy they had promised to install. Mr. Carter was in Egypt with a team from his human rights organization, the Carter Center, to help monitor the final round of the parliamentary elections. He is highly respected in Egypt because of his role in the Camp David accords.
Jan. 4 - The strong showing by the Muslim Brotherhood in parliamentary elections has led the Obama administration to begin to reverse decades of mistrust and hostility, seeking to forge closer ties with an organization once viewed as irreconcilably opposed to United States interests. Also, the Egyptian prosecutor in the trial of former president Mubarak accused the military-led government's internal security forces of obstructing his case, suggesting internal divisions among law enforcement officials over whether to defend or turn against their former boss. (New York Times) Read more.
- Oh Heavenly Father, this appears to be a lot of wolves in sheep's clothing -- plotting and scheming destruction while promising good. We see the fruit from previous actions by these people and groups, and we fall before You and ask that Your people be protected! May the false fruit be cut down and thrown into the fire, according to Your Word, so that only Your fruit remains in the nation of Egypt. Amen.
- "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruit. . . . every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." (Matthew 7:15-20)
3. IRANIAN OFFICIALS IN A RAGE OVER SCIENTIST'S ASSASSINATION
Iranian officials were in rare form on Wednesday, lashing out at Israel, the US, the UK and various other Western powers for the assassination earlier in the day of prominent nuclear scientist Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan. Iran's parliament erupted with cries of "Death to Israel" and "Death to America" after news of the attack was announced, and Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi angrily declared in a televised statement that "They [Israel and the US] should know that Iranian scientists are more determined than ever in striding towards Iran's progress." A laconic White House statement denied any involvement in the bombing attack which killed Roshan and the driver of his vehicle. Several other US government agencies issued similar statements. Meanwhile, IDF spokesperson Yoav Mordechai said on his Facebook page "I don't know who settled the score with the Iranian scientist, but I am definitely not shedding any tears."
Roshan was a deputy director at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, as well as being a member of the Basij militia, an auxilery of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps which is responsible for foreign terrorist operations as well as quelling internal dissent. Reports in the Iranian media broadly hinted that his assasins received information which led to his death from the International Atomic Energy Agency, leading to speculation that the Islamic Republic's already uneasy relationship with the IAEA might be about to become toxic. For its part, the Iranian nuclear agency issued a defiant statement that "the futile actions by the criminal Israeli regime and America will not disrupt the path the Iranian people have chosen." (ICEJ News)
- Lord we bind the spirit of murder in this situation, and cover the angry exchanges with the Blood of Jesus. We declare Your Lordship over both Israel and Iran and pray for truth to be revealed against Your enemies.
- "So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified." (Esther 7:10)
4. U.S. DECLARES IT WILL STAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
US Navy Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert told a Center for a New American Security forum on Wednesday that the US has no intention of leaving the Persian Gulf, despite an Iranian threat to close the Strait of Hormuz if another aircraft carrier attempts to enter it. Briefing reporters at the Pentagon, Press Secretary George Little said the United States has been very clear "that we seek to lower the temperature on tensions with Iran, and we think that things have calmed down a bit in recent days." He was joined by Navy Capt. John Kirby, who gave a background briefing which included assurances that the current deployment of naval assets to the region was nothing unusual. "I don't want to leave anybody with the impression that ... we're somehow 'zorching' two carriers over there because we're concerned about what happened ... today in Iran," he said. "It's just not the case. The US Navy has and will continue to remain a force in that region to help protect the free flow of commerce in international waters." (ICEJ News)
- Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You asking for discernment and wisdom of how we, Your remanent bride, are to pray over such an intense web of deceit, power plotting, and arrogance, swirling in an ever increasing whirlpool of nuclear threats, oil needs, and movement to major warfare in this region, the Middle East. We intensely repent for our nation's governmental leaders who push their views and destructive agendas in this whirlpool. Have mercy Lord, forgive us and our nation, and direct us, Lord, to where You want us to be, Amen and Amen!
- "To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom. The fear of the wicked will come upon him, and the desire of the righteous will be granted. When the whirlpool passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation." (Proverbs 10:23 -25)
5. ERIC CANTOR: "SAUDIS HAVE ENOUGH OIL TO MAKE UP FOR IRAN"
US House Majority Leader Cantor meets Middle East officials, says oil producers ready, able to meet demands. Saudi Arabia says it has enough oil output capacity to meet global customers' needs if new sanctions keep Iran from exporting oil, a top US Republican lawmaker said on Friday. Cantor is the number two Republican in the Republican-majority House of Representatives, after Speaker John Boehner.
House of Representatives Majority Leader Eric Cantor spoke to Reuters by telephone from Europe after several days of meetings in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia. Saudi oil minister Ali al-Naimi was among the officials he met. "The Saudi government indicated that it was ready and able to meet needs of its customers," Cantor told Reuters. Saudi Arabia is the world's largest oil exporter. Its top customers include the United States, Japan, China and South Korea.
The goal of the West's increased pressure on Tehran is to stop the Islamic republic from building a nuclear weapon. Iran says its nuclear work is for peaceful purposes. (Jerusalem Post) Read more.
- Offer praise unto the Lord for this good report! The bullying tactics of Iran may just fail, after all. Pray that the world's leaders may yet be granted "wisdom from above" to know how to respond to the danger of a nuclear Iran. Pray!
- [Regarding our supply of oil.] "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19)
6. U.S. NERVOUS; SENDS ARMY GENERAL TO CALM DOWN ISRAEL
The Obama administration is sending the head of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey to Israel this Thursday to try to change what it sees as Israel's increasing readiness to attack Iran. Both Israel and the United States have stated they would not rule out a military strike on Tehran to prevent the Islamic Republic from reaching the capability of attacking Israel, or elsewhere, with a nuclear weapon. However, American officials are worried that Israel is closer to concluding that the "point of no return" is at hand, after which it may be too late to stop Iran.
With 15,000 soldiers, diplomats and contractors in Iraq, Iran's neighbor, Washington is worried that an Israeli strike would place them in danger, The Wall Street Journal reported. Israel is concerned that Iranian nuclear capability would give it leverage to achieve its dream of dominating the Muslim world and "wiping Israel off the map" in the words of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Dempsey will meet his counterpart in Israel, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz, as well as Defense Minister Ehud Barak and possibly Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. President Barack Obama telephoned the Prime Minister last Thursday and expressed his "unshakeable" commitment to Israel's security, but the White House declined to describe the content of the conversation.
The head of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, on his first official visit to Israel, will try to convince Israel that new sanctions on Iran and the deployment of thousands of U.S. soldiers in Kuwait demonstrate its intention to deter Iran. The United States also has sent a second aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf and underscored its vow to prevent Iran from holding the Western world hostage by closing the passage of oil tankers. (Israel National News) Read more.
- Although no one wants war, in the matter of Iran (and taking out its nuclear weapons), it may have to come to that. Even as our government is sending General Dempsey to calm things down, pray that the Israelis will not bow to undue pressure but will know that they must act, first of all, to protect their own people. Even as Neville Chamberlain learned his own bitter lesson in 1941, negotiations are fine, to a point; but eventually, truth will win out. Evil men must be confronted and stopped. Amen.
- "There is a time for peace, and a time for war . . ." (Ecclesiastes 3:8)
** 7. ISRAEL, P.A. AMMAN MEETING YIELDS NO RESULTS
A meeting held Monday [January 9] between Israeli envoy Yitzhak Molko and chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat in Jordan concluded with no significant progress, Palestinian sources told Ynet. The first round of Amman-based talks in the latest effort to restart the peace process took place last week and was mediated by the Mideast Quartet and Jordanian diplomats.
According to the London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Hayat, the Palestinians presented Israel with their response to a 22-article document given to them at the end of the first round of talks. The document is said to address various issues including Jerusalem, refugees, borders, security arrangements and water. The paper said that Israel's draft of the document was "too general" and was ambiguous on many of its stands on those issues.
The Palestinians had apparently presented the Israeli team with data on settlement activity in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria], claiming it was "destroying" the two-state solution. They further demanded that Israel present its stand on the future questions of borders in writing.
At this time, it seems that the Palestinians are willing to continue the talks only until January 26, which is when the Quartet's deadline to both parties will elapse. The Palestinians have already submitted their brief on the future Israeli-Palestinian peace talks to the Quartet and are demanding Israel do so as well.
A senior Palestinian source said that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had agreed to the talks in Amman, but conditioned actual negotiations with a settlement freeze. Abbas, the source added, agreed to the talks out of appreciation to Jordan's efforts in the matter, but "he does not believe they will mature into true negotiations." (Ynetnews)
- Pray that the Lord will continue to direct these discussions, protecting Israel from unnecessary international pressure to accept preconditions.
- "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:6)
8. IDF: FOUR ATTEMPTS TO ABDUCT SOLDIERS IN 12 DAYS
Unknown people tried to abduct soldiers four times in less than two weeks since the year 2012 began, the IDF said Thursday. In the course of the year 2011, the IDF verified 11 complaints about attempts to abduct soldiers. Other complaints were found to be false. The IDF has decided to launch a consciousness-raising campaign among soldiers and parents to alert them to the danger of abduction. Once a month, for a week, military police in disguise will offer soldiers rides to see if they are willing to climb aboard. Those who do so will be punished. In addition, parents will be alerted to the dangers of hitchhiking. (Israel National News) Read more.
- Please continue to pray for the safety of the IDF. Please pray against Hamas kidnappers, and that all attempts to kidnap soldiers would not succeed.
- "When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you, understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things, from those who leave the path of uprightness and walk in the ways of darkness." (Proverbs 2:10-13)
** 9. IDF UPDATES ABDUCTION ALERT TO INCLUDE NAVY
IDF [Israel Defense Forces] Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Benny Gantz ordered the military's Hannibal Protocol expanded to include Israel's naval forces, Ynet learned on Monday [January 9]. The Hannibal Protocol, first introduced in the late 1980s, is designed to prevent soldiers from being kidnapped by enemy forces and effectively allows commanders to take any action necessary to foil such abduction attempts. The Hannibal Protocol is part of the daily security briefing given to all Ground Forces. As part of the IDF's efforts to thwart such marine attacks, the Military Industries and the INF [Israeli Naval Forces] are currently developing an advanced missile defense system, similar to the Ground Forces' Windbreaker. Over the past few months, INF forces have also been trained in riot control, as detailed by procedures introduced during last summer's Operation Summer Seeds, whose purpose was to prepare the troops for the possibility of confrontations with Palestinians following the Palestinian Authority's bid in the UN. (Israel National News)
- Pray for the protection of the Israeli Naval Forces, for the development of the missile defense system and for God's protection of Israel's coastline.
- "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation." (Psalm 91:14-16)
10. TOP SENATOR: AN ATTACK ON ISRAEL IS AN ATTACK ON THE U.S.
An Iranian attack on Israel would be tantamount to attacking the United States, US Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) told an auditorium full of high school students in Jerusalem on Monday.
Inouye, introduced to the students by former AIPAC president Robert Asher as the best friend Israel has in Congress, said he discussed the Iranian threat in a meeting earlier in the day with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
"We in the US are deeply concerned with the activities in Iran," said Inouye, who is America's senior senator, having served continuously since 1963. "If the Iranians should ever develop a nuclear device or bomb, that could mean the end of the world as we know it in the Middle East. It would have an impact on all countries, not just Israel. As a result, our position is that if you attack Israel, you are attacking the United States."
Inouye is the president pro tempore of the US Senate, making him third in line to succeed the US president, following the vice president and speaker of the house. He is also chairman of the powerful senate appropriations committee, and is here leading a delegation from that committee that also includes Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD).
Asked to explain the close US-Israel relationship, Inouye said that "if one looks at most of this world, especially the Middle East, one country stands out as a foundation of stability and as a pillar of democracy. And at a time like this, when you have revolution in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia and Jordan, thank God we have Israel." (Jerusalem Post)
- Abba Father, thank You for this man's words and beliefs in Your chosen people and nation! Our world needs desperately to hear clearly and understand his words as opposed to the twisted lies promoted by so many of the world's leaders and media. Those who encourage these evil distortions reflect no understanding of what they are supporting or Whom they are confronting. Have mercy Lord and confront them, Lord Jesus! If they will accept, bring them to You, Amen and Amen.
- "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten; the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever. Arise, O Lord, do not let man prevail, let the nations be judged in Your sight. Put them in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah." (Psalm 9:17-20)
** 11. PANETTA: IRAN WILL BE STOPPED IF IT PURSUES NUCLEAR PATH
Days after Obama's official announcement on major budget cutbacks to the US defense budget, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is trying to send a massage of deterrence to Iran and the US' other enemies.
In an interview given by Panetta and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey to CBS News, Panetta made it clear that "our red line to Iran is to not develop a nuclear weapon. That's a red line for us."
General Martin Dempsey tried to avoid answering how hard it would be for the US to take out Iran's nuclear capability but eventually answered, saying: "I'd rather not discuss the degree of difficulty and in any way encourage them to read anything into that."
"But I will say that our - my - responsibility is to encourage the right degree of planning to understand the risks associated with any kind of military option . . . in some cases to position assets, to provide those options . . . in a timely fashion. And all those activities are going on."
When pressed whether the US could "take out their nuclear capability" without using nuclear weapons, Dempsey said this: "I certainly want them to believe that that's the case."
Panetta added: "I think they need to know that...if they take that step, that they're going to get stopped." Dempsey also declared that while the Iranians have the capability to block the Hormuz Straits [between Iran on the east and the Arabian Peninsula on the west] for a time, the US would also be able to "defeat" them if it happened.
As for the possibility of an Israeli strike against Iran and the US' response to such a strike, Panetta said the US would protect its forces in the region. "If the Israelis made that decision, we would have to be prepared to protect our forces in that situation. And that's what we'd be concerned about."
- Pray that the Lord will give great wisdom to international leaders, and particularly Israeli officials, in deciding how to deal with the very real threat of a nuclear Iran.
- "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6)
**12. SHARANSKY: OBAMA'S NEW CHIEF OF STAFF "STAUNCH ISRAEL SUPPORTER"
"Jacob Lew is an Orthodox Jew who treats his religion very seriously. It is important for him that his children are raised as Jews," Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky said of the new White House chief of staff.
Sharansky was still a Prisoner of Zion in the former Soviet Union when he first heard of Lew, who had just received his bachelor's degree from Harvard. "He worked as a senior policy adviser to House Speaker Tip O'Neill and was one of the most influential people in Washington, and every negotiation between the White House and Congress passed through him," Sharansky recalled.
"My wife would travel to Washington to promote the struggle for my release, and he and the current director of the Rothschild Foundation in Jerusalem were the ones who fought for us in Congress," he said.
"Lew is a great Israel supporter and has always taken upon himself to help us. The question is not whether he'll be loyal to his boss; he will be. The question is whether Israel is only an abstract thing for him - another one of the players on the field that must be organized according to the boss's wishes - or whether it's more than that," he added. (Ynetnews; excerpt)
- Pray for Jacob Lew as he takes over this highly influential post, that he will be an advocate for Israel in a White House that has not always been faithful to its commitments to the Jewish nation.
- "Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I [wisdom] am understanding, I have strength. By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me." (Proverbs 8:14-17)
**13. IDF: "INTERNET HAS BECOME A REAL BATTLEFIELD"
"In the past year, the cyber domain has become another battlefront, in addition to the ground, sea and air," said the head of the Computer Service Directorate's Cyber Defense Department at a conference last week. "The Iinternet has become a real battlefield."
"Our job is to make sure that the entire IDF [Israel Defense Forces] is prepared in this area," said the senior officer. He noted that the IDF is establishing a unit to monitor cyber incidents online, as part of the building of forces for this new arena.
The official said that the cyber issue has an operational and real influence beyond cyberspace, which can harm organizations and even countries.
"Terrorist groups understand that there is a huge potential for causing harm to countries or entities, damage that could change the balance," he said. "Our job is to prevent this from happening. In contrast to other battle fronts, time and space have no meaning in the cyber realm. It can be a single hacker or a large group."
The official estimated that the bodies operating against Israel include terrorist groups, organized crime syndicates, enemy countries, professional and amateur hackers, companies, corporations and internal entities.
"Viruses, Trojans and worms have been around for years, yet something has changed," he said. "The entire fabric of our lives, from when we wake up to when we fall asleep, depends on the computer."
According to the official, the IDF is currently developing defensive cyber measures, with an emphasis on operational responses to cyber incidents. (By The Israel Defense Force, January 8, 2012)
- Pray for the IDF as they work to develop defensive cyber measures and operational responses to cyber incidents. Pray that the Lord will bless their efforts with great success in protecting Israel's military infrastructure and operations.
- 'For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, "Fear not, I will help you. Fear not, you worm Jacob, You men of Israel! I will help you," says the LORD and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." (Isaiah 41:13-14)
14. U.S., ISRAEL CANCEL JOINT MILITARY DRILL
US-Israeli discord over action against Iran went into overdrive Sunday, Jan. 15 when the White House called off Austere Challenge 12, the biggest joint war game the US and Israel have every staged, ready to go in spring, in reprisal for a comment by Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon in an early morning radio interview. He said the United States was hesitant over sanctions against Iran's central bank and oil for fear of a spike in oil prices.
The row between Washington and Jerusalem is now in the open, undoubtedly causing celebration in Tehran. (Debakfile) Read more.
- Scripture is very clear about Israel looking only to the Holy One of Israel for their protection, and never seek protection from Egypt, America, or any other nation. By the grace of God, the Lord has raised up a Prime Minister in Israel who has chosen to place his trust in the Holy One of Israel, rather than the empty promises of man.
- " . . . under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark." (Psalm 91:3,4)
On Capitol Hill This Week, Vol. XIX, No. 2b
1. OBAMA TO GIVE 4tH STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS ON JAN. 24th
2. PRESIDENT, CONGRESS PLACE SANCTIONS ON IRAN
3. OBAMA SEEKS TO CONSOLIDATE SIX GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
4. OBAMA ASKS FOR ADDITIONAL $1.2 MILLION DEBT
5. RAND PAUL RETURNS $500,000 IN OFFICE BUDGET TO TREASURY
6. REP. JOHNSON TO INTRODUCE PART-TIME CONGRESS PROPOSAL
7. SUPREME COURT RULING LANDMARK FOR RELIGION
8. REID PUSHES ONLINE PIRACY BILL DESPITE WHITE HOUSE CONCERNS
9. LAWMAKERS QUESTION DHS SOCIAL MEDIA MONITORING PROGRAM
10. SENATORS WARN NEW EPA RULES WOULD RAISE GAS PRICES
11. H.R. 3166: THE ENEMY EXPATRIATE ACT
12. AMERICANS PLAN NATIONWIDE PROTEST OF NDAA ACT
1. OBAMA TO GIVE FOURTH STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS ON JAN. 24th
The President will deliver his fourth State of the Union address to Congress next week on Tuesday evening, January 24th. As always, the top leaders of the entire federal government will be assembled inside the chamber of the House of Representatives that night. These include: the President, the Vice-President, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, every member of Congress and the Senate, the President's cabinet, and the nine Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. And, as always, one sole cabinet member will be assigned to "stand down" during this address, and will be situated elsewhere as a security precaution.
We will have more information for you for prayer next week, including the topics that Mr. Obama will be expected to cover during his speech. In the meantime, please begin to pray from now through next Tuesday night so that all who are in authority, keeping our Capitol safe, will be able to perform their duties with excellence. Thank you.
- "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me," Says the LORD." (Isiaiah 54:17)
2. CONGRESS PLACES SANCTIONS ON IRAN
The United States has long embargoed Iranian crude, but has just approved new sanctions targeting Iran's Central Bank, the main conduit for its oil revenues. The European Union, which collectively buys about 500,000 bpd of Iranian oil, is expected to soon impose an embargo halting imports.
As soon as the central bank sanctions passed Congress in December, the US House of Representatives passed another piece of legislation that would close some loopholes in existing sanctions and further choke off trade with Tehran. The House bill included a provision that would deny entry to the United States of any ship that has recently visited a port in Iran, North Korea or Syria.
Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate. A bipartisan sanctions bill could be considered in committee soon after senators return to work from a winter recess later this month, a Senate aide said on Friday.
House of Representatives Majority Leader Eric Cantor said some officials in the Middle East shared his sense of urgency about the need to stop Iran from getting the capacity to build nuclear weapons. "I think that the consensus is, no one wants Iran to be a nuclear power," Cantor said. (Jerusalem Post) Read more.
- Pray that all of these sanctions will take effect, causing Iran to stand down and to comply with international monitoring of its nuclear sites. If Iran cries "uncle," we may be able to yet avert this war in the Middle East.
- "O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; For the righteous God tries the hearts and minds." (Psalm 7:9)
3. OBAMA SEEKS TO CONSOLIDATE SIX GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Obama, looking to make the federal government "leaner, smarter and more consumer-friendly," asked Congress Friday for the authority to merge six trade and commerce agencies as part of a broader effort to rebuild the government for a "21st century economy." His proposal would be to merge six major operations that focus on business and trade: Commerce Department's core business and trade functions, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Export-Import Bank, the Overseas Private Investments and the Trade and Development Agency. Obama is looking to have all of those operations merge into one agency.
Speaking at the White House before a crowd of small-business owners, Obama pledged to streamline and reform the executive branch, and asked Congress to reinstate an authority - last used by former President Reagan - to put his proposal in action. Obama is asking lawmakers to grant him a re-organizational power that would let him propose mergers that would save the government money. The House and Senate would then decide whether to approve his ideas in an up-or-down vote in 90 days.
The president's proposal is an attempt to put Republicans on the defensive in an election year by forcing them to choose whether to support something they have long stood for - reducing the size of government and cutting spending. The plan could help Obama counter charges from the GOP that he is a big-government liberal who has tried to expand the bureaucracy during his term in office. (The Hill)
- Father God, we bind up all ulterior motives in this action. Since this man is saying that businesses would not allow duplication of this kind, we pray that he will follow through and streamline ALL government bureaucracies and downsize government itself and its regulations and red tape. We pray this does not make him more efficient at taking away freedoms and centralizing our government, which is an unconstitutional goal.
- "A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame." (Proverbs 13:5)
4. OBAMA ASKS FOR ADDITIONAL $1.2 MILLION DEBT
You don't have to be superstitious to realize that Friday the 13th is shaping up to be particularly horrific for the U.S. economy. Yesterday, President Obama asked for another $1.2 trillion in borrowing power, cashing in his third and largest increase under the debt deal struck last August. Nothing about the request should come as a surprise. The Treasury Department had predicted the government would be bumping up against the $15.2 trillion limit when they raised it last summer. And since neither party seems willing to draw a line in the sand over real spending cuts, a bigger credit line is the only way to keep Washington's excess afloat.
Under the Budget Control Act, Congress has 15 days to object to the hike. In reality, there's not much leaders can do to stop it from taking effect. Even if the House and Senate passed a bill to oppose the bump, President Obama would simply veto it. Only a two-thirds majority could override him. When the House passes a resolution of disapproval next week, it will be a symbolic rejection of a problem they helped create! Most of them voted for the bill that gave Obama the power to raise the ceiling. If Republicans are outraged by that, they have only themselves to blame.
Rather than holding firm and demanding a reduction in out-of-control spending when they had the leverage last summer, they started playing political games. Now, as Investors' Business Daily argues, members will try to leverage the manufactured crisis as opportunity to score political points. "Both parties in Washington [are playing] the rest of us out here in the audience," writes Andrew Malcolm, "building politically profitable conflict into everyday life, even by the President who's loving travel into the countryside to denounce Washington's gridlocked partisan ways that he helps prolong." While the House can't fix Washington on its own, it can (and should) serve as the biggest obstacle between the Left and financial ruin. That's what voters expect, and given the promises of this leadership, it's what they deserve. (Family Research Council)
- Dear Lord, we bind up reckless actions and the evil motives behind them. We bind up greed for both money and power. We loose a spirit of restraint and ask that You would arrange for pressures to be brought from outside the Oval Office to control this unending borrowing. Cause disfavor to rise up because of it. Father, please do a miracle!
- "The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." (Proverbs 22:7)
5. RAND PAUL RETURNS $500,000 IN OFFICE BUDGET TO TREASURY
Freshman Sen. Rand Paul is making good on his promise to cut federal spending. The Kentucky Republican and tea-party favorite said Thursday he's returning $500,000 to the U.S. Treasury - money from his operating budget that his office never spent. The half million dollars represents about 16 percent of Paul's annual budget. He contended no senator had returned as much to taxpayers, though at least two senators disputed that claim. An aide to Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) said his office returned $636,036 in unspent money to the Treasury in Fiscal Year 2010 and another $503,161 in 2011.
"I ran to stop the reckless spending. And I ran to end the damaging process of elected officials acting as errand boys, competing to see who could bring back the biggest check and the most amount of pork," Paul said at a news conference in Louisville, where he presented taxpayers with a massive mock check for $500,000.
"I hope this sets an example for the rest of government - at all levels," he added. "We can carry out our duties in a fiscally responsible way. Government can be both smart and efficient. We are proving that - and trying to convince the rest of Washington."
Paul is the son of GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul and co-founded the Senate tea party caucus. As the younger Paul stumped for his father in Iowa and New Hampshire, there's been plenty of speculation that Rand Paul could launch a presidential bid of his own in 2016.
- Lord, we praise You for placing in our government a man such as Rand Paul whose actions align with his words. We pray he will be an example for others to follow. Where there has been waste and extravagance in the past, we pray for temperance and restraint. We ask that you bless this country with more like-minded law-makers.
- "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Ephesians 5:22-23)
6. REP. JOHNSON TO INTRODUCE PART-TIME CONGRESS PROPOSAL
Texas Gov. Rick Perry's part-time Congress proposal has become the blueprint for a bill Rep. Timothy Johnson, an Illinois Republican, will introduce next week.
The Citizen Legislators Act would limit the days Congress works to five per month, or 60 business days per session.
It also would cut the salaries of representatives and senators in half. But like Perry's plan, Johnson's bill allows members to have jobs outside of Congress. The caveat is that their income cannot be earned as "a result of the privilege of their office, such as speaking tours, lobbying and consulting."
-We thank You, our Loving God, that a candidate's good idea is being considered in this bill. We pray this gets good consideration as arrogance and self-serving is rampant. Take away the imperialness and put in place humility in our legislative bodies.
- "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit ; serving the Lord . . . " (Romans 12:11)
7. SUPREME COURT RULING LANDMARK FOR RELIGION
Justices allow firing of teacher by church in bias case brought by government
Religious organizations won a landmark victory Wednesday as the Supreme Court held that churches have the right to make employment decisions free from government interference over discrimination laws. In a 9-0 decision, the Supreme Court endorsed for the first time the "ministerial exception" to state and federal employment discrimination laws while rejecting the Obama administration's argument that churches should be treated no differently than other employers.
"The interest of society in the enforcement of employment discrimination statutes is undoubtedly important. But so too is the interest of religious groups in choosing who will preach their beliefs, teach their faith, and carry out their mission," said Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who wrote the court's 39-page opinion.
"When a minister who has been fired sues her church alleging that her termination was discriminatory, the First Amendment has struck the balance for us," Chief Justice Roberts said. "The church must be free to choose those who will guide it on its way." (The Washington Times)
- Lord thank You for this victory against attempts to undermine religious freedom in America. We ask for more decisions which will solidify our freedoms against those who would destroy them.
- "These are the things that you shall do; speak every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates." (Zechariah 8:16)
8. REID PUSHES ONLINE PIRACY BILL DESPITE WHITE HOUSE CONCERNS
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) vowed to move forward with a controversial online piracy bill on Sunday, despite the White House expressing concern with the measure. "It's important that we try to do this on a fair basis, and I'm going to do everything I can to get that done," Reid said.
He acknowledged that the bill has come under intense fire from consumer groups and Web companies including Google and Facebook, who say it would stifle innovation and censor free speech. "I think they're right, I think it could create some problems," Reid admitted, but he expressed confidence that an amended version of the bill could be a "winner for everyone, not just for the content people."
The Senate's Protect IP Act and its House counterpart, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), are designed to go after foreign websites that offer illegal copies of music, movies and TV shows with impunity. The bills would empower the Justice Department and copyright holders to demand that search engines delete links to sites "dedicated" to copyright infringement. Ad networks and payment processors would be prohibited from doing business with the sites.
In a statement on Saturday, senior White House officials said they would oppose any piracy law that "reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurity risk, or undermines the dynamic, innovative global Internet." In particular, the officials criticized a provision that would require Internet service providers to block infringing websites through a process known as Domain Name System filtering.
The Senate is scheduled to vote on Protect IP on Jan. 24. The status of SOPA (the House bill) is unclear. Rep. Smith, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, has promised to push ahead with the bill, but Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) said Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) has promised him the House will not vote on it unless there is a "consensus" on the bill. (The Hill) Read more.
- Lord, we thank You for the many watchmen on the wall who have expressed their very real concerns that these two companion bills will be used to shut down our freedom of speech online. We thank You, too, that it seems that the White House is now listening to these concerns. We pray that this administration will hold to its words and (unlike in the case of the NDAA) continue to refuse to sign this bill in its present form. Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayer. Amen.
- "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)
9. LAWMAKERS QUESTION DHS SOCIAL MEDIA MONITORING PROGRAM
Members of Congress are pressing the Department of Homeland Security to provide more information about a controversial social-media monitoring program, citing "privacy and civil liberties concerns."
The lawmakers, the Republican and Democratic heads of a House counterterrorism panel, expressed support for the goal of the program, calling social media a "crucial source" of intelligence around the world. They said in a letter last month that it is "advantageous" for DHS to draw out information to "identify current or emerging threats to our homeland security."
But they also urged the department to "be mindful of the rights" of citizens to "express themselves online."
"Although there are clear advantages to monitoring social media to identify possible threats to our security, there are also privacy and civil liberties concerns implicit in this activity," wrote Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., chairman of the House Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, and Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., ranking Democrat on the panel.
"Not only should any guidance issued by the department permit analysts to do their jobs identifying threats, but it should also be stringent enough to protect the rights of our citizens," they wrote. (Fox News)
- Offer praise that Congress is questioning this policy, even though this procedure is not really new. Come against every effort of this government to deprive us of our civil rights, and to be able to freely engage in debates and discussions questioning federal policy. To do less would be to lead us all down the path to tyranny, which we abhor. Pray!
- "For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the righteous . . ." (Psalm 125:3)
10. SENATORS WARN NEW EPA RULES WOULD RAISE GAS PRICES
Senators from both sides of the aisle are warning that looming EPA regulations on gasoline could impose billions of dollars in additional costs on the industry and end up adding up to 25 cents to every gallon of gas.
The senators, in a letter this week to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, urged the agency to back off the yet-to-be-released regulations. Though the EPA has not yet issued any proposal, they claimed the agency is planning to call for a new requirement to reduce the sulfur content in gasoline.
The lawmakers on the letter were: Sens. James Inhofe, R-Okla.; Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; John Barrasso, R-Wyo.; Mary Landrieu, D-La.; David Vitter, R-La.; and Mark Begich, D-Alaska.
The EPA did not comment on the senators' complaints. (Fox News) Read more.
- Again, thank the Lord that Congress is doing its job in this case, and is asking the questions that need to be raised before these oppressive regulations are put into place. Let the Obama administration take heed that this IS an election year, so that policies now being put in place will be judged by the voting public this fall. Pray.
- "So then, you will know them by their fruits." (Matthew 7:20)
11. H.R. 3166: THE ENEMY EXPATRIATE ACT
The computer hacker group called Anonymous that recently shut down over 40 hard core child pornography websites, has its sights now set on the "Enemy Expatriation Act" (H.R. 3166) which it claims is another "Treasonous bill similar to the National Defense Authorization Act that was signed into law by President Obama on New Years' Eve."
The group has released a statement saying the media refused to cover (until it was too late) the NDAA act, which authorizes the indefinite detention of American citizens on U.S. soil, and now the same thing is happening with The Enemy Expatriation Act, it alleges.
"The Enemy Expatriation Act has been introduced in the House, and again, the media refuses to cover it. The American public have the right to know about a bill that could revoke their United States citizenship, and the continuing media blackout poses a serious threat to the freedoms this country pledges to provide its citizens," says the group's statement. The group claims H.R. 3166 is just as dangerous to individual liberty as is the NDAA act and is urging all Americans to rise up and stop it in its tracks. (Sky Valley Chronicle)
- Father we bind the spirit of witchcraft that is trying to destroy our freedoms by legislation that seeks to control the people.
- "This is why the law is ineffective and justice never emerges. For the wicked restrict the righteous; therefore justice comes out perverted." [Habakkuk 1:4 ]Holman Christian Standard Bible
READ MORE ABOUT THIS BILL HERE.
12. AMERICANS PLAN NATIONWIDE PROTEST OF NDAA ACT
Across the country Americans plan to protest the recent passage of the NDAA bill and signing on New Year's Eve by President Obama. Citizens will gather outside congressional offices (including in their home districts) Feb. 3rd from noon to 7 p.m. to protest NDAA 2012 (H.R. 1540), the controversial National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012.
Many Americans were shocked when it was signed quietly by President Obama New Year's eve for it gives the U.S. Military and other agencies in the government Egyptian military style powers of arrest and detention of Americans anywhere, anytime and for any reason.
The act also allows them to be indefinitely detained without access to an attorney or a trial by jury. Indefinite means they could be held for life.
Amendments to exclude American citizens were rejected by the Obama administration and senate vote.
Some say this is one of the worst pieces of legislation regarding the constitutional rights of Americans to ever be signed into law.
Organizers say the objective of the February demonstration is to force congressional representatives into repealing Section 1021 and 1022, which could lead to the indefinite military detention of Americans without due process of law.
The protest is not affiliated with any particular political or grassroots organizations and organizers say they are uniting as individuals who want to "stop this tyranny before it gets worse."
On its website the group says, "Congress and President Obama have declared war on Americans. The last time America was declared a military zone President Roosevelt authorized the internment of Americans with Executive Order 9066, issued February 19, 1942.
Senator Graham has said that America is part of the battlefield, and as such, Americans can be captured, interrogated, and killed with no due process.
NDAA 2012 repeals the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th amendments to the Constitution. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land and declares our right to due process. No law shall supersede it. We have a right to our day in court with a jury of our peers." (Sky Valley Chronicle)
Read more.
- Lord, it appears all of our leaders have gone mad. Have mercy on us Lord!! We ask You to forgive them for giving permanent authority to the president to order the military to imprison without charge or trial. God of heaven, we know that dark days are upon us, but we are also assured that all good gifts are from You. Protect us Lord, in mercy, amen.
- (Prayer strategy) Ask that this law be appealed quickly before the United States Supreme Court, who will then judge whether this legislation is legal, according to the Constitution of the United States. Pray!
- "For the Lord will not cast off His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance." (Psalm 94:14)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
THE LORD IS MY BANNER (Adoni Neesee)
"And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner . . . " (Exodus 17:15)
Father, thank You that in this imperfect world, You are my banner, my Standard. Your perfection is my goal, and I thank You, Lord, that I have You to look up to - through it all.
(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)
