On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XIX, Number 5

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for the Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net

On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XIX, Number 5
February 13 - 17, 2012

"Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding." (Job 28:28)


INTERNATIONAL ISSUES


1.    SENATE RESOLUTION WOULD RULE OUT CONTAINING NUCLEAR IRAN
2.    IRAN-HAMAS SUMMIT RENEWS JOINT AIM TO ELIMINATE ISRAEL
3.    IRAN TO UNVEIL "GREAT NUCLEAR ACHIEVEMENTS"
4.    RUSSIA TO LASH ISRAEL FOR WAR RHETORIC AGAINST IRAN
5.    ISRAEL EMBASSIES PREPARING FOR IRAN STRIKE?
6.    IRANIAN WARSHIPS DOCK AT SAUDI PORT OF JEDDAH
7.    IRAN'S UN ENVOY: "I DON'T THINK ISRAEL WILL ATTACK"
8.    HEZBOLLAH CHIEF BOASTS OF IRAN MILITARY SUPPORT
9.    GUNMEN ASSASSINATE ARMY GENERAL IN DAMASCUS
10.    SYRIA: IRAN'S ELITE QUDS FORCE "ADVISING ASSAD REGIME"
11.    U.S. BEGINS PLANS FOR MILITARY INTERVENTION IN SYRIA
12.    INTERNATIONAL "MILITARISATION" IN SYRIA GROWING CLOSER, WARNS U.S. OFFICIAL


1. SENATE RESOLUTION WOULD RULE OUT CONTAINING NUCLEAR IRAN


A bipartisan group of senators--Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.)--are circulating a draft resolution that would rule out the United States adopting a strategy of containment should Iran acquire nuclear weapons. "The attached bi-partisan resolution will put the Senate on record . . . It "will send a clear message to Iran's rulers that the United States is absolutely determined to stop them from getting nuclear weapons."


The resolution comes after President Obama said Sunday that while the United States is prepared to take military action should that become necessary, he still hopes to resolve the Iran nuclear crisis through diplomacy and tough new economic sanctions on Iran that the United States and Europe have recently passed. "The only way over the long term we can be assured that Iran does not get a nuclear weapon is by getting them to understand that it's not in their interest," Obama told NBC's Matt Lauer in an interview Sunday. (Yahoo News) Read more.


- Father, as these diplomatic efforts continue with Iran, help our leaders to consider the time factor. The longer we dialogue with Iran - they continue building their arsenal. Give a clear and direct plan of action in our dealings with Iran. Reveal hidden information that would help to solve this conflict.


- I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. (Proverbs 8: 12,15-16)


2. IRAN-HAMAS SUMMIT RENEWS JOINT AIM TO ELIMINATE ISRAEL


Khamenei pledges Iranian support to Palestinian 'resistance' against Israel


Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told Hamas' Ismail Haniyeh that Iran would always stand by the Palestinian "resistance" against Israel and warned him against "compromisers." President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for his part said it was Iran's "duty" to stand by the Palestinians.


The hardline remarks come as Iran watches with concern attempts by Hamas to move closer to wealthy Gulf Arab states. Widened support for Hamas in the Arab world may come with demands that the Islamist movements moderate and not embarrass its new patrons. (AP) Read more.
- When all nations and peoples turn against Israel, they will be free to turn to God, Elohim, as their true protector. Pray!


- "The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD." (Proverbs 21:31)


3. IRAN TO UNVEIL "GREAT NUCLEAR ACHIEVEMENTS"


Iran's President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, says "great" nuclear achievements will be announced in the next few days. He did not give any details, but insisted that Iran would never halt its programme to enrich uranium, which can be used to make a nuclear warhead. Mr Ahmadinejad was speaking at a rally in Tehran as Iranians marked the 33rd anniversary of the Islamic revolution. He also promised that Iran would never yield to the West if it continued to use "the language of force and insult". In a speech broadcast on state television, Mr Ahmadinejad told a large crowd in Tehran's Azadi Square that "all needs of the Iranian nation" would be met by its nuclear scientists in the near future. "God willing, the world will witness the inauguration of great achievements in the nuclear sphere in a few days," he added. Talks between Iran and six world powers - the US, UK, France, Germany, Russia and China - on the nuclear programme collapsed a year ago and show little sign of resuming, despite recent efforts to restart them by Turkey. (BBC) Read more.


- Offer praise to the LORD that He promises to fight for Israel! Only His angelic, heavenly host has the power to undo works of this magnitude that have been planned against the people of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Praise God! He ALWAYS keeps His covenant!

- But I will encamp at my temple to guard it against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch. (Zech. 9:8)


4. RUSSIA TO LASH ISRAEL FOR WAR RHETORIC AGAINST IRAN
Russia, China, Syria, Iran (New Axis) vs USA, Israel, England, France ( Allies forever)
The Russian foreign ministry rapped the Zionist regime for its war rhetoric against Iran, and cautioned that the approach will increase tensions and have dire consequences. On Wednesday, Mikhail Ulyanov, the head of Security and Disarmament Department at Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denounced government's hawkish rhetoric on Iran over its nuclear program and lashed out at Israel for inventing allegations that are raising the tension in the already tense Middle East. Russia warned such "fabrications" could encourage military solutions and could end up with catastrophic consequences.


The US and its close ally Israel have recently intensified their war rhetoric against Iran. The two arch enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran accuse Tehran government of seeking to build nuclear arsenal, while they have never presented any corroborative document to substantiate their allegations.


Iran vehemently denies the charges, insisting that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. The Tehran government points out that the country has always pursued a civilian path to provide power to the growing number of Iranian population, whose fossil fuel would eventually run dry. Iran has, in return, warned that it would target Israel and its worldwide interests in case it comes under attack by Tel Aviv in self-defense purposes.


Iran is challenging the US and Israel's war calls on every turn, attempting to show their defence industry is more than capable to thwart any kind of military operation launched against Iran. Iran has warned that in case of an attack by either the US or Israel, it will target 32 American bases in the Middle East and close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which is strategically and logistically a key point as an estimated 40 % of the world's oil supply passes through the important waterway. (Rapture Ready News; National Turk)


[Editor's note: We are copying the language in this text, as given on their site.]


- Lord, as the nations of the world line up to support or to come against the nation of Iran, we ask that events would unfold now only in your perfect timing. World War III certainly seems to be on the horizon, but only You, Father God, know the timing, and the sequence of events that must occur for Scripture to be fulfilled. Our hearts cry out to You for the unsaved in the Middle East, that You would in Your sovereign grace, break through to the hearts of multitudes -- who are now in the valley of decision -- to come to know You as their Savior, Lord and Messiah. Come, Lord Jesus, come . . .in Your Name, amen.

- "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision." (Joel 3:14)

5. ISRAEL EMBASSIES PREPARING FOR IRAN STRIKE?


Diplomats stationed in Israel request gas masks, prepare contingency plans in case of missile attacks; envoys fear that thousands of dual-citizenship Israelis will seek evacuation Preparing for Iran strike? Foreign embassies in Israel have recently started to formulate contingency plans to evacuate their citizens from the Jewish State in case of a missile attack on Israel.


Senior officials in Jerusalem said that several diplomatic missions have shown great interest in preparing for various emergency situations, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Tuesday, [February 7]. In the framework of the preparations for possible fallout in case of an Israeli strike on Iran, foreign diplomats stationed in Israel requested that the Foreign Ministry equip them and their family members with gas masks.


Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has provided foreign embassies in Israel with a list of public bomb shelters across the country, as well as an instructional pamphlet in English produced by the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] . . . (Ynetnews.com) [Reported by Bridges for Peace]


- Pray for the peace of Israel and that its enemies will be confounded and confused. Pray for the protection of all that live in the state of Israel and for all of her allies and supporters.


- "For you have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings." (Psalm 61:3-4)


6. IRANIAN WARSHIPS DOCK AT SAUDI PORT OF JEDDAH


Plan to "Counter Iranophobia"


An Iranian destroyer and a supply ship docked at the Saudi Arabian port of Jeddah on Saturday, a stop on a mission described by the state-run FARS News Agency as showing-off "the power of the Islamic republic on the open seas and to confront Iranophobia."


The Iranian naval commander was quoted as saying the mission would last up to 80 days but did not list any other ports the ships will be visiting. The high-profile visit belies the ongoing friction between Tehran and Riyadh. The Saudis are frequently portrayed as siding with the American-led opposition to Iran.


Iranian leadership was angered by the Saudi pledge to make up for any oil shortfalls caused by international sanctions on Iran. The US also accuses Tehran of being behind a 2011 plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States in Washington. (By The Media Line, February 6, 2012) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]


- As the tensions rise between Iran and her allies and Israel and her allies, pray for the leaders to have divine wisdom in their decisions and actions. Pray that the will of God will reign throughout.


- "Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom." (Psalm 51:6)


7. IRAN'S UN ENVOY: "I DON'T THINK ISRAEL WILL ATTACK"


"We hear some voices from the Israeli regime about attacking Iran, but I don't think that is going to happen, because first of all, Iran is (strong enough) to defend itself," said Tehran's ambassador to the United Nations. Speaking to National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" on Thursday [Feb 9], Mohammed Khazaee said, "The consequence (of an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities) would be devastating for them (Israel) and maybe for whoever helped them. So I do not believe that such a thing is going to happen. "Our strategy is not to initiate any strike against anybody. But if, God forbidden, someone wants to try any strike against Iran or Iranian nuclear facility or Iranian national interests and security, of course, (Iran) - like any other nation - will have the right to defend (itself)," he told NPR.


The ambassador denied any link between Israel's threats and Tehran's willingness to conduct negotiations over its nuclear program with the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany.


In response to NPR's question regarding a speech delivered by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in which he referred to Israel as a cancerous tumor, Khazaee said, "Just to refresh the memory of your audiences, I believe that if they listened to the Israeli authorities, you will find out that almost every day they threat Iran [sic] for attacking Iran, bombing Iran and doing so. So they're not in a position to talk about a civilized nation like Iran. "And also, you know, as long as the damage that we receive in the region from the Israelis - either nuclear program or killing people in Palestine and so on - they could be considered a cancer in the region," he said. The UN envoy added that "war is not something that [Iran is] looking for. And any confrontation between Iran and other countries in the region would be harmful for everybody." (Ynetnews) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]


- Through all the words and discussions of countries and political regimes, pray that the leaders of Israel speak with wisdom and seek the guidance of the Lord before they act. Pray that Israel's leadership will follow the path that God has for them and no other.

- "Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence." (Psalm 27:11-12)


8. HEZBOLLAH CHIEF BOASTS OF IRAN MILITARY SUPPORT


Lebanon's Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Tuesday acknowledged for the first time that his party was solely funded and equipped by Iran and denied allegations the group was involved in the drug trade or money laundering. "We have been receiving since 1982 all kinds of moral, political and material backing from the Islamic Republic of Iran," Nasrallah boasted in a television address on the occasion of the anniversary of the birth of Mohammed. His statement marked the first time he has openly admitted the source of the military and financial backing for his party. (Agence France Press) Read more.


- This statement verifies what we have heard all along: that Iran is, indeed, arming Hezbollah at Israel's northern border with Iran. Decree that all of these weapons, when launched, will misfire and be of no effect. Stand by Israel in prayer.


- "He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands cannot carry out their plans." (Job 5:12)


9. GUNMEN ASSASSINATE ARMY GENERAL IN DAMASCUS


Gunmen assassinated an army general in Damascus on Saturday in the first killing of a high ranking military officer in the Syrian capital since the uprising against President Bashar Assad's regime began in March, the state-run news agency said.


The attack is a sign that violence in Syria is reaching the tightly controlled capital, which has been relatively quiet compared to other cities. Though there was no immediate claim of responsibility, it could also indicate that rebel soldiers who have risen up in numerous cities and towns are trying to step up action in Damascus.


Violence in other parts of the country left at least 11 people dead as regime troops pushed into rebel-held neighborhoods in the restive central city of Homs and shelled the mountain town of Zabadani, north of Damascus.


The U.N. estimates that 5,400 people have been killed in Syria since the uprising began in March. But that figure is from January, when the U.N. stopped counting because the chaos in the country has made it all but impossible to check the figures. Hundreds are reported to have been killed since. (Associated Press) Read more.


- As the violence and the tension increase day by day in the land of Syria, continue to speak the SHALOM of our Messiah over the hearts of their people. Please see the article from Intercessors for Israel, further down this page, for more prayer points for Syria.


- "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)


10. SYRIA: IRAN'S ELITE QUDS FORCE "ADVISING ASSAD REGIME"


The head of Iran's elite Quds force is reportedly visiting Syria to advise the regime on repressing protests and the armed resistance, as consternation grew in Western capitals on Thursday about Iranian and Russian meddling in the crisis. The Quds, or Jerusalem, brigade, is a special unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responsible for external relations that reports directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Western and Arab experts and diplomats estimate that the number of troops and advisers from the Quds force in Syria to be in the high hundreds or low thousands. They have set up at least one base in Zabadani near the capital Damascus.


Help includes riot control equipment and technical advice on "how to quash dissent and how to flood areas with security forces." Iran is also said to be providing support to improve the regime's intelligence gathering and monitoring of protesters' use of the internet and mobile phone network, including text messaging.


Opposition fighters of the Free Syrian Army claim to have captured 29 Iranians during the uprising and last week posted a video of five captives with their passports. Reports in the Arab media have claimed that snipers from Iranian-backed Hizbollah forces have been brought in from Lebanon to support government forces fighting the FSA.


The rebels yesterday appealed for the United States to supply weapons, rocket launchers, body armour, night vision goggles and other equipment, but not boots on the ground. One spokesman stated: "The major point is logistical material support. We can do this ourselves, we're not asking for any troops," he said. (UK Daily Telegraph) Read more.


- Father, deploy an angelic army from heaven to surround the area in and around Damascus and render the enemy powerless. Bashar al-Assad has the spirit of Hazael as mentioned in II Kings 8:12. Elisha the prophet wept because God showed him Hazael was to be king and all the evil that he would do. And today the spirit of Hazael is over Syria and because of this insight, we declare in God this spirit will be destroyed by the power of the Word of God.


Speak destruction to that spirit, oh God, and command it to go back into the pit from whence it came. Send forth a mighty host of angels and drive out all the nations who are haphazardly dealing with Syria. Send forth Jesus, the redeemer, and save the souls of the Syrians by the power of the blood and Cross of Jesus. In the Name of Jesus.


- "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. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world: but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)


11. U.S. BEGINS PLANS FOR MILITARY INTERVENTION IN SYRIA


Other Nations Withdraw Ambassadors from Damascus


Pentagon officials have said contingency planning for US military involvement in Syria had begun.


Leaders in the US, Britain and France have supported the creation of a "Friends of Syria" group that would coordinate applying diplomatic and economic pressure on Bashar al-Assad's regimes outside the confines of the UN. Turkey, the most vocal regional critic of its neighbour, has proposed hosting a conference to build an "international platform" against Syria.


Britain and several other European states have temporarily withdrawn their ambassadors to Syria, while Germany yesterday expelled four members of the Syrian embassy in Berlin for spying on regime opponents. (UK Daily Telegraph) Read more.


Libya expelled Syria's top envoy and his staff from the country to protest Damascus' crackdown on dissent.


- Unlike Iran, Syria does not boast of having a nuclear weapon. Pray that the leaders of the Western world would clearly hear and know the will of the Lord for the nation of Syria, and respond accordingly. Pray!


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


12. INTERNATIONAL "MILITARIZATION" IN SYRIA GROWING CLOSER, WARNS U.S. OFFICIAL


The international community may be forced to 'militarise' the crisis in Syria unless president Bashar al-Assad stops the onsalught on his people, a senior US official warned on Wednesday.


The official from the State Department told The Daily Telegraph that while the White House wants to exhaust all its diplomatic options, the debate in Washington has shifted away from diplomacy and towards more robust action since Russia and China blocked a United Nations resolution condemning Syria.


The Pentagon's Central Command has begun a preliminary internal review of US military capabilities in the region, which one senior official called a "scoping exercise" that would provide options for the president if and when they were requested.


The White House said it was talking to allies about holding a "Friends of Syria" meeting in the near future and was considering delivering humanitarian aid to affected areas in the country.
"We are, of course, looking at humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people, and we have for some time. We're consulting with our international partners, and we anticipate this being one of the focuses of the discussions that we'll have," said Jay Carney, the White House press secretary. (UK Daily Telegraph) Read more.


- God, there is a patchwork of great deception here which creates mass confusion with no answers. Father, we ask that Your power surround the whole country of Syria and the people. God, set your eyes upon Bashar al-Assad and deal with his soul's salvation. Bind the forces of evil moving through this man by the power of the blood of Jesus and hold him back from destroying all of Syria. Pull him down from his position and render him powerless and replace him with a man who will listen to the dictates of the Lord God of heaven and save the Syrian people before they are ravaged, killed and starve to death.


God is the answer for Syria. Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ will redeem this people and this country. May the works of the Lord that has now commenced moving over them strike fear in the hearts of all the nations who are dawdling over finding a sound conclusion to help these people. Move mightily, Lord, and save all the Syrian people. In the Name of Jesus.


- "God sent His Word, and healed them and delivered them from their destructions. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He makes the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." (Psalm 107:20, 28, 29)


Announcement from Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
 
DOHA AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAMAS AND FATAH - A BARRIER TO PEACE
Hamas and Fatah, the ruling faction in the Palestinian Authority, signed an agreement in Doha, Qatar on 6 February 2012 to form an interim unity government. According to the agreement, Palestinian Authority President and leader of Fatah Mahmoud Abbas will head the government, replacing the current prime minister, Salam Fayyad, who is supported by the West. The move is a further step in implementation of the so-called reconciliation agreement that the two Palestinian factions signed in Cairo in May 2011.


Hamas is an unrepentant terrorist organization, supported by Iran and dedicated to the destruction of Israel. Its charter states that "Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it." The Hamas charter also makes clear the method of Israel's destruction: "There is no solution for the Palestinian question except through Jihad." . . . Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Mashaal made his goals clear when, upon signing the Doha agreement, he stated that it would create greater unity "in order to be free for confronting the enemy," referring to Israel. It now seems that Fatah, the main component of the Palestinian Authority, is the one rallying behind Hamas' extremist views.


Given Hamas' objective of destroying Israel, its rejection of the Quartet principles and its continuing terrorist activities, the Palestinian Authority faces a major decision. Will it choose negotiating peace or following Hamas? PA President Abbas cannot have it both ways, either he has a pact with Hamas or he has peace with Israel. If he implements the Doha agreement and joins forces with the enemies of peace, the PA would be abandoning the path of reconciliation with Israel.


Israel hopes that the Palestinian Authority will chose peace. In recent weeks, Israel and elements in the international community have made great efforts to advance that goal. It would be a terrible shame if the PA were to unite with the forces of terrorism, turning its back on the negotiating process which is the only means to achieving the peace that is Israel's greatest dream.


The international community can play a role in promoting peace. It must stand by the Quartet's three principles. By clarifying to the Palestinian Authority that impenitent terrorist organizations cannot be partners with those seeking peace, the world will be telling the Palestinians that terrorism will not be tolerated or rewarded. (By Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, February 8, 2012) Read more.


- Pray that the activities planned by the enemy to bring Hamas and Fatah together to strengthen their positions will be used of God to divide and weaken instead. Pray that a better avenue of peace is developed.


- "Do not take me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts . . . Because they do not regard the works of the Lord, nor the operation of His hands, He shall destroy them and not build them up." (Psalm 28: 3,5)
(Source: Bridges for Peace)


Focus on Syria


Update from Israeli Intercessor on the ground in Israel


"The increasing conflict and chaos in Syria make it more likely every day that Syria's weapons (conventional and non-conventional) will fall into the hands of Hezbollah and other terror organizations. According to IDF intelligence chief, Aviv Kochavi, there are currently 200,000 missiles pointed at Israel from various locations surrounding her. These missiles can reach any portion of the State of Israel. Additionally, they are so technologically advanced that their payload can be much heavier, and their guidance systems can be so much more accurate in hitting targets, than any previous missile threats.


It is well known that Syria has numerous chemical and biological weapons (and very likely weapons of mass destruction acquired from Sadam Hussein).


If al-Assad appears to be losing his position of power, he just might hand those weapons over to his international terror cronies to be used against Israel. This is very serious. Note: Gen. Benny Gantz, the IDF Chief of Staff announced this week that the two largest weapons depots (that he is aware of) are located in the Gaza Strip and in Lebanon. Russia and Iran have kept these depots well supplied with munitions, as well as supplying Syria daily. In the word of Gen. Gantz . . .


"The Middle East is currently the fastest arming region in the world. The less encouraging news is that we are the target of this arming process, and we need to keep that in mind."

PRAYER POINTS:


- Pray that Abba would destroy all Syrian weapons before they can be passed on to Hizbullah, Hamas, or anyone else. Pray that He would do the same with all the seized and stolen weapons, acquired through the Arab Spring overthrow operations.


- Pray that Iran and Russian would stop sending support armaments to Assad, as well as to Gaza and Lebanon.


- Pray that Israeli intelligence would be continually updated by the angels of the Lord; revealing to Israel's military the movement and location of each and every Syrian, Iranian, Libyan, Russian weapon.


- Pray that terrorist organizations, and any rogues within the Syrian army, would not gain access to the missile silos, launch codes, and controls, which currently stand ready to launch chemical or biological weapons against Israel.


- Pray that all the weapons, which have come into the hands of terrorist and terror organizations in any location (to be used against Israel), will be found to be defective and totally useless.
(Source: Intercessors for Israel)


- The LORD Almighty has sworn,


"Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen. I will crush the Assyrian in my land; on my mountains I will trample him down. His yoke will be taken from my people, and his burden removed from their shoulders." (Isaiah 14:24) 

On Capitol Hill This Week: Vol. XIX, No. 5b

DOMESTIC ISSUES

1.    U.S. BISHOPS: RESCIND THE OBAMA BIRTH-CONTROL RULE
2.    PLANNED PARENTHOOD AND THE GIRL SCOUTS
3.    OBAMACARE: BAD NEWS FOR SENIORS
4.    RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND OUR MILITARY
5.    AIR FORCE KICKS GOD OFF PATCH
6.    POST-SOLYNDRA REPORT CALLS FOR BETTER ENERGY LOAN PROGRAM
7.    HR 3785: AMENDING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT (NDAA)
8.    H.R. 3166: THE ENEMY EXPATRIATE ACT
9.    DRONES OVER U.S. GET OK BY CONGRESS
10.    LAWMAKERS PRESS HOMELAND SECURITY ON INTERNET MONITORING
11.    THE GRID ACT: PROTECTING THE NATION FROM AN EMP ATTACK
12.    IRAN PLANNINGTO STRIKE U.S. USING OPEN MEXICAN BORDER!
13.    ARE WE ALREADY LIVING UNDER MARTIAL LAW . . .?

1. U.S. BISHOPS: RESCIND THE OBAMA BIRTH-CONTROL RULE

U.S. Catholic Church leaders said they will fight President Barack Obama's controversial birth-control insurance coverage policy despite his compromise that religious employers would not have to offer free contraceptives for workers, shifting the responsibility to insurers.

In an abrupt policy shift aimed at trying to end a growing election-year firestorm, Obama on Friday announced the compromise. But the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said its concerns were not addressed and cited "serious moral concerns."

In a statement issued Friday evening, the bishops said Obama's proposal "continues to involve needless government intrusion in the internal governance of religious institutions, and to threaten government coercion of religious people and groups to violate their most deeply held convictions."

"We will therefore continue - with no less vigor, no less sense of urgency - our efforts to correct this problem through the other two branches of government," the bishops said in urging Congress to take action to overturn the rule. (Newsmax) Read more.

- As the Catholic church moves to take action in opposition of the administration's new ruling, under- gird those efforts in continuous prayer. Obama would like to pretend or believe that this fight is now over, while in reality, it has only begun. He will be facing at least one lawsuit over this ruling. Ask that the Court of Heaven overrule this travesty, and for the courts on earth to follow suit. Pray!

- "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne." (Psalm 89:14)

2. PLANNED PARENTHOOD AND THE GIRL SCOUTS

The victory for the Susan G. Komen Foundation was short lived in breaking away from the largest private and tax funded abortion business in America. Planned Parenthood's activist machine so bludgeoned Komen that they agreed to reverse their stand. The Girl Scouts, whose leadership has been collaborating with Planned Parenthood for years, have found out and their cookie sales are suffering. This is very sensitive for the Scouts. The Scouts had better confess their errors and make a clean break while they can. Yet Planned Parenthood doesn't let its captives go easily. (FRC Prayer Targets)

- May Congress expose and defund Planned Parenthood and may private organizations refuse to submit to shakedowns by Planned Parenthood and others in the abortion advocacy industry. May the Pro-life Majority grow in America until abortion has been abolished.

- "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise . . . " (Ephesians 5: 11-14)

3. OBAMACARE: WHAT WE'RE LEARNING ISN'T GOOD: ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS

The jury is still out on the legality of Obamacare, but while we wait for the courts to rule on the constitutional issues involved, the Obama administration is rapidly implementing the program. By the time the courts finally reach a decision, our healthcare system won't resemble what we had prior to March 2010 when Nancy Pelosi used her oversized gavel to pound Obamacare through the House over strenuous objections from most Americans.Our senior citizens are most at risk under Obamacare -- especially those over 70.

Rationing of services and death panels (only they're called "ethics panels" under Obamacare instead of death panels for obvious reasons) are now the rule, not the exception. Where Obamacare is concerned, we're beginning to be able to see through the fog, and what we're learning isn't good, especially for seniors, and it's just the tip of the iceberg. If Obama is re-elected and Democrats retain their majority in the Senate, those "ethics panels" will busily go about doing their job and senior citizens will die prematurely from maladies that are easily treatable, and for one reason: they are over 70. Read more (American Thinker)

- Once again, this administration is violating the precepts of the Word of God, which clearly states that seniors are to be given great honor (and therefore, to be cared for.) Obamacare will go before the Supreme Court next month, who will determine whether this law is constitutional. Pray that the nine justices of the U.S. Supreme Court will tear this plan down, decaring it null and void. Pray!

- "A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness." (Prov. 16:31)

4. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND OUR MILITARY

Recently, American war hero Lt. General William Boykin (USA, Ret.) was pressured to withdraw from speaking to Cadets at West Point about the importance of prayer in a leader's life. But a handful of atheist and Muslim cadets complained about Boykin's outspoken Christian beliefs. Now the Army Chief of Chaplains has ordered Catholic Army Chaplains not to read Archbishop Timothy Broglio's letter urging all priests to speak out in opposition to the Obama Administration demand that church organizations comply with edicts that violate Church teaching and conscience. The Archbishop oversees the Catholic Church's chaplain program.

While 168 Catholic Bishops (90% of the total number across the nation) have spoken out, calling parish priests to do likewise, the Catholic faithful on military bases and in the field did not hear the letter from their Archbishop. The Chaplain Chief has authorized a "new version" (censored) to be read this weekend. Tony Perkins, himself a Marine, said this "shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who's followed the seismic shifts in the military. . . [Chaplains] should consider the text of Acts 5:29 this coming weekend." The Obama administration has been chipping away at religious liberty since its beginning. If this stands, religious liberty has been greatly diminished in America. (FRC Prayer Targets)

- May these administration actions finally stir the outrage in all God-fearing Americans. May the sleeping giant of the Church, Catholic and Protestant, awaken to take a stand and begin to reverse the nationwide effort to silence God's people!

- "Arise, shine, for our light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you." (Isaiah 60:1-2)

5. AIR FORCE KICKS GOD OFF PATCH

The Air Force removed a Latin reference to "God" from the motto of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) after receiving complaints from the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (MAAF). Thirty-five Members of Congress joined Congressman Randy Forbes (R-VA) in sending a letter to the Air Force expressing concern over the decision. The RCO patch, previously displayed the Latin motto that translated into "Doing God's Work with Other People's Money"; however, the Air Force altered it to now read "Doing Miracles with Other People's Money." Especially troubling about the move is the Air Force's implication that the very presence of the word "God" on a military patch-regardless of its context or intent-is somehow unconstitutional.

Thirty-five Members of Congress joined Rep. Forbes in sending a letter to the Air Force expressing concern over the decision. The RCO patch, like many unit patches, included a line in Latin meant to be a clever pun understood by members of the unit. The patch previously displayed the Latin motto that translated into "Doing God's Work with Other People's Money"; however, the Air Force altered it to now read "Doing Miracles with Other People's Money." Especially troubling about the move is the Air Force's implication that the very presence of the word "God" on a military patch-regardless of its context or intent-is somehow unconstitutional. Watch the interview here. (Religious Freedom Coalition; Office of Congressman Randy Forbes)

- Precious Lord, we come to You asking that You would turn back the anti-Christian tide that is seeking out every small mention of God, even in a dead language! We thank you for members of Congress who will stand up against this affront to Your people. Lord, strengthen them and make the perpetrators aware that they will have to stand before You one day to account for their actions.

- "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." (Psalms 14:1)

6. POST-SOLYNDRA REPORT CALLS FOR BETTER ENERGY LOAN PROGRAM

Cuts Risk Estimate

An independent review of the Energy Department's loan program mandated by the White House recommends a series of steps aimed at better protecting the government's investments.

The review - led by Herb Allison, the former Treasury Department official who oversaw the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) - calls on the Energy Department to establish an "early warning system" to identify problems with the loans.

The "Management Information Reporting System," as the report calls it, would monitor market and regulatory trends that could affect the loans, as well as the status of "every loan, borrower, contractor and offtake party that can affect each project." (The Hill) Read more.

- Father, we ask that this report would be a true guide to correcting the deficiencies in these loan programs and not just a show of correcting something that has brought a lot of criticism to the White House in an election year. Lord, we ask that You would bring out the truth of this matter as only You can do.

- "These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:" (Zachariah 8:16)

7. HR 3785: AMENDING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT (NDAA)

Conservative Action Alerts had reported the dangers relating to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 in the last months of 2011 before it was signed into law by Barack Obama on New Years Eve.

Section 1021 of the NDAA contains language that endangers American citizens by nullifying essential liberties guaranteed by the Constitution -- rights to privacy and a fair trial.

HR 3785 -- which repeals section 1021 -- was introduced by Representative Ron Paul (R-TX) on January 18, 2012. [ Read the Official Bill Text by going here.]
A portion of Rep. Paul's statement is as follows:

"Section 1021 essentially codifies into law the very dubious claim of presidential authority under the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force to indefinitely detain American citizens without access to legal representation or due process of law. Section 1021 provides for the possibility of the US military acting as a kind of police force on US soil, apprehending terror suspects - including Americans - and whisking them off to an undisclosed location indefinitely. No right to attorney, no right to trial, no day in court."

PLEASE STAND WITH CONSERVATIVE ACTION ALERTS, YOUR FELLOW AMERICANS, AND THE CONSTITUTION AND SIGN THIS PETITION AND SEND YOUR MESSAGES TO CONGRESS DEMANDING THEY PASS THIS BILL -- SELECT HERE!

- As you write to your own member of Congress or senators, you may wish to see how they voted on the original NDAA bill (H.R. 1540).

To see how the HOUSE voted, go here.

To see how the Senate voted, go here.

- It is time to roll back the darkness over the deception that rests upon this wicked and dangerous piece of legislation. THIS IS AN ELECTION YEAR. Let your member know you are going to watch how he votes on Rep. Paul's bill to remove the dangerous provisions of NDAA. IT IS TIME TO ACT.

- "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death." (Rev. 12:11)

8. 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

9. DRONES OVER U.S. GET OK BY CONGRESS

Look! Up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It's ... a drone, and it's watching you. That's what privacy advocates fear from a bill Congress passed this week to make it easier for the government to fly unmanned spy planes in U.S. airspace. The FAA Reauthorization Act, which President Obama is expected to sign, also orders the Federal Aviation Administration to develop regulations for the testing and licensing of commercial drones by 2015.

Privacy advocates say the measure will lead to widespread use of drones for electronic surveillance by police agencies across the country and eventually by private companies as well."There are serious policy questions on the horizon about privacy and surveillance, by both government agencies and commercial entities," said Steven Aftergood, who heads the Project on Government Secrecy at the Federation of American Scientists.

According to some estimates, the commercial drone market in the United States could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars once the FAA clears their use. The agency projects that 30,000 drones could be in the nation's skies by 2020.(Washington Times) Read more.

- George Orwell's classic book, 1984, promised that "Big Brother is watching you." And now, some 25 or so years later, this has come true. In these increasingly dark days, let's turn to the only Source of help, our Lord. May He protect us, for truly it is He that is watching over all of us, in love.

- "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

10. LAWMAKERS PRESS HOMELAND SECURITY ON INTERNET MONITORING

Leaders of a congressional subcommittee are urging the Department of Homeland Security to extensively monitor social media sites like Twitter and Facebook to detect "current or emerging threats."

The top Republican and Democrat on a House counter-terrorism subcommittee last month sent a letter to Homeland Security's intelligence chief encouraging department analysts to pore over huge streams of social media traffic.

Representatives Patrick Meehan and Jackie Speier said in the letter to Caryn Wagner, undersecretary of homeland security for intelligence and analysis, that they "believe it would be advantageous for DHS and the broader Intelligence Community to carefully parse the massive streams of data from various social media outlets to identify current or emerging threats to our homeland security."

Meehan, a Republican, is chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee's counter-terrorism and intelligence subcommittee. Speier is the panel's ranking Democrat.

The two lawmakers said such monitoring raises "privacy and civil liberties concerns" and suggested that the department issue guidelines which balance citizens' rights with the ability of analysts to identify threats. . . (Reuters) Read more.

- Father God, we come before You concerned about the "thought police" in this Administration. We pray for protection for honest dissent from officials who are already trampling on our Constitutional liberties. Lord, we ask that Your people will be able to express themselves and bring others to You through these various media outlets. Where there is activity that is against the good of the country, we pray it will be detected, but not at the expense of patriotic Americans. We declare our country a free and Christian nation!

- "And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:" (Gal. 2:4)

11. THE GRID ACT: PROTECTING THE NATION FROM AN EMP ATTACK

In mid-2010, the House of Representatives in the US Congress unanimously passed a bill known as the GRID Act (H.R. 5026). The bill was intended: "To amend the Federal Power Act to protect the bulk-power system and electric infrastructure critical to the defense of the United States from cybersecurity and other threats and vulnerabilities".

Unfortunately, the bill subsequently stalled in the Senate and its future remains unclear, particularly after the Senate replaced it with a bill on "clean energy". This is of major concern, because the GRID Act would have done a lot to protect US infrastructure from dangerous electromagnetic events, including man-made E-bombs.

In part the intent of the bill was to introduce "hardening" of the infrastructure so that equipment and systems were capable of surviving the damage effects of solar storms, nuclear and non-nuclear EMP. . . The lack of support for the US GRID legislation shows there is little (if any) public, political or mass media understanding of the risks being taken with public safety by integrating increasing numbers of critical services into an infrastructure which is increasingly vulnerable to broad disruption. Such critical services include emergency services, health information services, financial data processing, water and sewage processing, but also retail distribution of food.

- This bill has been reintroduced under a new number: H.R. 2208 in the House, and S.1342 in the Senate. Please pray for quick passage of this legislation. Pray!

- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

12. IRAN PLANNING TO STRIKE U.S. USING OPEN MEXICAN BORDER!

Michael Braun, a former chief of operations at the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), recently testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee that Hezbollah has developed relationships with the powerful Mexican drug cartels to "move their agenda forward." The DEA just exposed a plot by an Iranian operative in Mexico to assassinate the Saudi ambassador in Washington, D.C. . . and according to experts, there is more danger on the way.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), chairwoman of the committee, says Iran is working on plans to attack the United States. Their friends in Latin America give Iran "a platform in the region to carry out attacks against the United States, our interests, and allies."

Democrats on the committee agreed that Iran is trying to exert influence in the Western Hemisphere. Representative Gary Ackerman (D-NY) conceded that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's recent trip to Venezuela, Cuba, Ecuador and Nicaragua, is proof that Iran is "up to no good." (Conservative Action Alerts) Read more.

- In these perilous times, praise God that He is our Strength and our Shield. Ask Him to dispatch His angels to help protect our borders, even as we bow in repentance before Him for our sins. May God yet grant us His mercy in the midst of judgment. Amen. - "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."(Psalm 18:2)

13. ARE WE ALREADY LIVING UNDER MARTIAL LAW . . .?

. . . AND WE JUST DON'T KNOW IT?

This is a HUGE question...and the answer to it has enormous ramifications. We can speculate on this question and opionionate and midrash on it all we want, but, together, let us dig into some hard facts/evidence to seek the truth. Let's take a look at the facts, and then I ask you, my dear reader, to come to your own conclusions. If, in fact, we conclude from those facts, that we are indeed under a rollout of an "undeclared" martial law in the US, this is a whole new MIND SET to wrap our thinking around...it is difficult to do. You may have a visceral/gut reaction against it. I did!

If you are seeking truth, and are willing to take a look at some facts that might upset you, challenge you, and turn things inside out, then continue reading. . .

(Note: after February 20, this article will be found in the Archives section of the Hebrew Nation News Alerts home page. Please do take the time to read this excellent and well-researched article. The writing is now on the wall . . )

- Prayer: I praise you, Abba, that our true citizenship is not in any nation or country on this earth. Our citizenship is in heaven, and we, by faith, who are Abraham's seed, have been "grafted in" to the commonwealth/citizenship of Israel.

- "For our citizenship is in the heavens, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Master Yeshuah Messiah." (Phil 3:20)

Laura Densmore, Editor, Hebrew Nation News

More News on the Hill

1.    CONTRACEPTION/ABORTION MANDATE IS STILL THE TOP ISSUE
2.    CONSCIENCE RIGHTS SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO THE OFFICIALLY RELIGIOUS
3.    CONSCIENCE RIGHTS HEARING THIS WEEK
4.    HEALTH CARE LAW GOING BEFORE SUPREME COURT IN MARCH
5.    MARCH ON WASHINGTON IN MARCH
6.    WHITE HOUSE FISCAL YEAR 2013 BUDGET RELEASED
1. CONTRACEPTION/ABORTION MANDATE IS STILL THE TOP ISSUE

The President is releasing his budget for the year today, and while it has a lot of material that will give a lot of folks plenty to talk about for at least a week, the most consequential issue still at hand is the contraception/abortion mandate that is part of the 2010 health care law. The budget is a proposed document for one year of spending that changes little, has no force of law, and becomes obsolete hours after it is published; the mandate is a clear step forward in our descent to tyranny.

Friday, the President gave a statement on the firestorm that was threatening to burn out of his control. While a lot of questions can be asked about his words, the bottom line came out three-and-a-half hours later in a document that twice stated that the rule would be adopted with the amendment as final "without change."

Before Friday's announcement, a group of senators filed Amendment #1520 to S. 1813, the Surface Transportation bill, which is the same as the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (S. 1467). Action is expected this week.

- Father, we ask for a vote on this legislation. We ask for legislation that would protect the rights of your people to do your will according to the dictates of the consciences you gave us. We ask for a resounding chorus of support for this urgently needed legislation in the United States Senate. We ask for favor in the House. We ask that this protection become law this year. We pray for our President and his heart to be softened to your people. We pray for Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Lord, we know she feels she is in a war, and that is true. We ask that she would fight for your will.

Father, we pray for the pastors in our country. We ask that they would awaken to the dangers lurking around the corner. We know that the fires of hell are licking at our path and seek to devour us. We ask that you would set our pulpits aflame with righteousness. We know that our laws are of daily relevance to every citizen. We ask for churches, preachers, and pastors relevant to all aspects of our lives in this nation. Lord, in your holy Name, we ask for prevention of the harm that is being done in the name of prevention. Open our eyes, Lord. Give us the will to act, to speak out, to not be silent, to hold fast to your Word.

- "Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:5-6)

2. CONSCIENCE RIGHTS SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO THE OFFICIALLY RELIGIOUS

Getting lost somewhere in between the individual mandate and the narrowness of the religious employer exemption was the fact that the "preventive care for women" mandate that included drugs that cause abortion is set to be applied to all employers. As if, the only people who have conscience objections to paying for insurance that covers abortion work at religious institutions. Business owners have rights, too.

While much can be said of how the statistics and numbers can be and have been manipulated over this issue, more should be said about the words. Hopefully we all know by now that surgical abortion and its evil cousins "emergency contraception" are not "health care." But what about this word "access"? When most people hear that, common sense would lead one to think that means (a) the product is available, and (b) someone is free to go purchase it, right? In Washington, "access" means the product is available to someone without limit at someone else's expense. Anything short of that and women are being "denied health care they need."
There is a possibility some of the conscience legislation to be brought up this week will broaden conscience rights for all job creators, and not just those who are doing religious work.

- Father, we ask for comprehensive protection of conscience rights in this country. We ask for freedom to worship you, and we know that our worship includes our work. We ask you to restore the freedom of job creators and employers in this nation to worship you in how we provide health care for those who work for us in providing useful services to society and your people. We ask you for clarity of definitions in terms. May people say what they mean, and may what people mean be heard.

- "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2)

3. CONSCIENCE RIGHTS HEARING THIS WEEK

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, chaired by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), will hold a hearing entitled, "Lines Crossed: Separation of Church and State. Has the Obama Administration Trampled on Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Conscience?" on Thursday, February 16th at 9:30AM in 2154 Rayburn House Office Building.

In the past, some legislators at hearings like these have portrayed conscience issues as going both ways and only applying to the individual and not the institution. That is, while some claim conscience rights to not perform abortion against their will, others invent a conscience right to perform an abortion against their employers will.

When it comes to taking action, conscience rights are not about doing something, but about the right to not do something. If people claim a moral obligation to kill another human being, they have no right to take their employers along with them.

When it comes to speaking, conscience rights are in fact about doing something--about being able to speak out.

Today's culture in America tends to get both reversed.

- Father, we pray that no one would be forced to do things against their conscience, and we pray that our rights to speak out against oppression are protected. We specifically ask that your way would be clear in this week's hearing, and that there would be no foothold by the enemy to confuse the issue, manipulate the argument, and make evil sound like good.

- "But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 4:2)

4. HEALTH CARE LAW GOING BEFORE SUPREME COURT NEXT MONTH

In just over a month, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments over the 2010 health care law. The headliner is the individual mandate. There's also the employer mandate. Conscience rights could come up as well. With the argument just weeks away now, briefs are being written and filed with the Court, and preparations are well under way for this historic week of arguments.

What is also important for which to begin preparations is a legislative response whichever way the Court rules in whole or in part. Though Congress often forgets this, Constitutionally the Court serves at the pleasure of Congress. It is not a coequal branch.

- Father, we ask for your will and your way to be clear as it relates to all of health care in America, and that this would be clear to the Justices, their clerks, the lawyers, the providers, and legislators in how they respond. We ask for your Justice in our legal system and in our health care system.

- "Close the book on Evil, GOD, but publish your mandate for us. You get us ready for life: you probe for our soft spots, you knock off our rough edges." (Psalm 7:9)

5. MARCH ON WASHINGTON IN MARCH

After the 2010 shellacking in the mid-term elections, the Administration adopted a strategy of silence on the 2010 health care law. If it was out of sight and out of ear, it would be out of mind. It's better to talk about science fairs and medals than the record of the last three years.

On March 24, 2010, two days before the Supreme Court oral arguments begin on the health care law, a group of patriotic Americans are planning a visit to Washington. It is expected to be a large group. It needs to be a very large group as there are very large issues in a very large country at stake.

- Father, we thank you for a country in which we are free to express ourselves, and in which we are still free to worship you. We ask that you would prepare the message and the hearts of those bringing their message to Washington. We pray that you would raise up many both near and far to make it known to all that you are the God we serve in all areas of our lives, including our health care, and including the exercising of our rights of conscience. We pray for the counterprotestors and that you would keep their numbers, their message, and their effects small. We saw the destruction in Greece this weekend over the austerity vote, and we know that but for your amazing grace for us, there go we. We ask for humility as a people, as your Church to be your messengers, and to do your will.

- "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city." (Acts 18:9-10)

6. WHITE HOUSE FISCAL YEAR 2013 BUDGET RELEASED

While it is not the biggest story or issue of the year so far, it is by no means inconsequential.  The White House has proposed a $3.7 trillion budget.  The executive branch is planning on spending $1.3 trillion more than it takes in during 2012 and $0.9 trillion in 2013.

Last year the total national debt of the United States exceeded its gross domestic product.  It seems this year no one wants to look at the total debt number, and so we're just looking at the publicly held portion of that number (currently more than two thirds of the total).  The 10-year outlook for the United States has even that lower number reaching 100 percent of GDP in 10 years.

To put this in a little perspective, the eyes of the world were on Greece this weekend, and whether or not their legislative body would cut spending (austerity) to decrease their debt-to-GTP ratio from 160 percent to 120 percent. Greece's total GDP is about a third the size of one year's budget deficit for us.

The eyes of the world, and specifically credit rating agencies, are also on the United States. This budget projects a national debt north of $21 trillion by 2022.

- Father, we know that more important than anyone else, your eyes are on our nation, and they are filled with tears. We ask for humble clean hearts. We ask for humility, even when unreciprocated, for our leaders. We thank you for your great mercy on our nation. We ask for faith to believe you can heal our land. We ask for faith that the heart of the king is like water in your hands. Lord, turn our hearts like water in your hand. Lord, dissolve our distractions and focus our eyes on your great will for your people here on earth. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

- "If you do not carefully follow all the words of this law, which are written in this book, and do not revere this glorious and awesome name-the LORD your God-the LORD will send fearful plagues on you and your descendants, harsh and prolonged disasters, and severe and lingering illnesses." (Deuteronomy 28:58-59) 


This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .


THE ANGEL OF HIS PRESENCE (Meh-lekh Pah- nav)


"In all their distress He too was distressed, and the angel of His presence saved them." (Isaiah 63:9)


Thank You, father, for the Angel of Your Presence that is there always to protect me. May I never stray from Your ever-watchful eye. Thank You for all of the dangers from which You have protected me, many of which I shall never be aware. How I praise the Angel of his Presence! Amen.

"I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints." (Psalm 52:9)


(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)